The practice of leaving a tip is a common one in the traditional hospitality industry. However, the concept becomes clouded when it comes to luxury yacht charter vacations.
Questions like these highlight the controversy over whether a charter yacht crew should be tipped. The topic is further skewed by the fact that many charterers come from cultures where tipping is not commonplace.
Many solutions have been suggested by yacht crews and charter brokers. Some feel a customary tip should be “built in” to the charter rate, but others worry that the addition of a 10-20% bump could price a yacht out of the market.
Industry maven Jana Sheeder, President of The SailAway Group believes the solution lies in effective communication between the client, the charter broker, and the crew.
“Our brokers are in the best position to explain to clients the customary practice of offering a gratuity to the yacht crew if services meet or exceed expectations,” says Sheeder.
“Rarely do we encounter a situation where a crew does not receive a tip, and we attribute this to the communication process.”
Whether or not a client tips, Sheeder points out that the final decision is beyond debate.
“Ultimately, any gratuity given is at the sole discretion of the charterer. We are in the customer service business and must remember that we, both brokers and yacht crews, are here to meet the customer’s needs. We are paid for the work we perform – anything extra is just that – extra.”
What do you think? Should yacht charter crews receive a tip?
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged Jana Sheeder, 1800yachtcharters, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, gratuity, crew gratuity, how to tip on yacht charter, Do you tip the owner of a restaurant, Do you tip the crew on a yacht
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Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack?
Most importantly, remember that you need to pack in soft-sided luggage (duffel bag) since space is at a premium on sail boat charters.
Since you’ll be enjoying fun in the sun and a tropical environment, the most important essentials to bring are:
The Bahamas are very casual and tropical! Some finer establishments require jackets for the men, so use common sense when planning your “dining out attire,” and don’t wear blue jeans, should you choose to to go nicer restaurants.
Chefs on yacht charter boats are amazing. You may always want to dine and stay onboard and not even worry about bringing dressy casual clothing!
Most charter guests are barefoot for the majority of their vacation time onboard, but if you choose to wear shoes, pack and wear soft-soled shoes without black soles (that can scuff the deck) for above deck.
You don’t want to get sunburned on day 1 of your trip, then spend the rest of your vacation in pain or peeling. Don’t forget to pack a protective sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, oversized beach towel (not supplied by most yachts), and anything that you like to wear or have with you when spending time on the beach. If you DO get sunburned, you’ll want to have aloe or burn cream with you (it’s expensive in the islands, and some primitive islands don’t not sell it at all) for protection.
To leave a gratuity for the crew at the end of your charter, most charter guests pack and bring an envelope to put on the Captain’s navigation station upon disembarking. (Customary gratuity for the crew is 10-15% of your yacht charter fee)
Bottom line – do not worry about what you pack for your vacation. Rule of thumb is that you only use half of what you pack, anyway, so you’ll surely have enough with you. Soft-sided luggage is the key to convenient storage on Bahama yacht charters. If there is anything else that you need on your trip, you can surely get it during your charter.
Sail boat charters in the Bahamas are relaxing, casual, and stress-free. (Remember, STRESSED is DESSERTS spelled backwards. Since you are enjoying the total opposite of “stress” on this vacation, enjoy all of the gourmet desserts that you can!) Boat chefs are amazing!
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged Yacht Charter Fashion, Bahamas yacht charter, sailboat charter, fashion, how to pack, duffel, luggage, shoes, yacht charter education, travel tips, sunscreen, gratuity, dress code, what kind of luggage can i bring on a yacht charter?, what to pack for a, how much to tip, is tip included?
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