Guaranteed flexibility with our "Flexible Booking" service, you can change the dates of your charter without giving a reason.

Frequently asked questions

  • Why choose GlobeSailor for your yacht charter or cabin cruise?
    Our teams have worked in the sailing industry since 2008, and GlobeSailor is one of Europe’s leading agencies in this sector. We are the only company to bring together sailing experts and travel professionals within our teams. This allows us to support our customers throughout their cruise plans, whatever their sailing experience, budget or holiday preferences.

  • Which type of boat should you charter: a sailing yacht or a catamaran?
    A monohull sailing yacht is generally the more affordable option and offers a more exhilarating sailing experience at the helm. Catamarans are popular for their spacious living areas, stability and roomy cabins. They are ideal for larger crews, families with children or groups of friends. Their shallower draught also allows them to anchor closer to beaches, although they do not sail upwind as efficiently as monohulls.

  • How far in advance should you book a yacht charter?
    For the high season, particularly July and August in the Mediterranean, we recommend booking three to six months in advance, as yacht availability decreases quickly. It is also advisable to book early if you would like to charter a yacht for two or three consecutive weeks.

    Last-minute availability can sometimes be found outside the high season, occasionally at more attractive prices. However, you will have less choice of yacht models and departure bases, so flexibility is essential when booking at the last minute.

  • Which yacht charter destinations are available through GlobeSailor?
    GlobeSailor offers more than 180 destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean, with Corsica, Greece, Croatia, Italy, the Balearic Islands and Turkey, as well as the Caribbean, the West Indies, the Seychelles, French Polynesia and French coastal regions such as Brittany, Corsica and the French Riviera. We also offer more secluded destinations, including Norway, Senegal, the Andaman Sea and Panama.

    Our agency gives you access to carefully selected fleets from professional charter companies on every continent. Ask our experts for advice on choosing the best departure base and sailing area for your budget, experience and holiday preferences. Would you like advice on choosing a destination based on your sailing experience or preferred holiday style?

  • Can you charter a yacht without any experience?
    Yes, provided you book a professional skipper. This is the recommended option for anyone without a boating licence or offshore sailing experience. The skipper takes care of the manoeuvres and the crew’s safety, leaving you free to enjoy the cruise. Skippers will also often share their knowledge with the crew and introduce you to the basics of sailing.

  • How much does a yacht charter really cost?
    The price of a yacht charter depends on the destination, the yacht’s model, year of construction and size, the charter period, including whether you travel in the high or low season, and its equipment, such as air conditioning, electric winches or a watermaker.

    As a guide, expect to pay an average of €1,750 to €2,500 per week for a monohull sailing yacht for six people in the low season, and from €3,000 per week for a catamaran for eight people.

    The charter price usually includes the yacht, its electronic, safety and comfort equipment, and the tender. It also generally includes the check-in briefing, sailing guides and charts, and technical assistance from the base seven days a week during your cruise.

    Depending on the yacht and charter company, compulsory extras may be added to the charter price. These can include final cleaning, administration fees charged by the base or consumables such as gas, batteries and tea towels. All compulsory extras are listed in your quotation. Allow an average of €150 to €350 in addition to the charter price.

    Other services may be available as optional extras, including a skipper, paddleboard, outboard engine for the tender, bed linen, shower towels or a barbecue. Some yachts and charter companies include these services in the charter price.

    You should also budget for local expenses, particularly fuel, which averages around €100 per week for a 35-foot sailing yacht and up to €400 for a catamaran, marina or mooring fees, which vary according to the season and yacht size, food, possible tourist taxes and transport to the charter base.

    Your GlobeSailor adviser can help you estimate the total budget for your cruise. You can also read our dedicated guide: What it really costs to charter a Yacht Would you like a simple sample budget showing the total weekly cost for a monohull or a catamaran?

  • Do you need a boating licence to charter abroad?
    Unlike France, all other countries require a boating licence to charter a cruising yacht, whether you plan to sail at sea, on lakes or on rivers.

    Some countries require a national or international boating licence, while others also require a VHF radio certificate. This is the case in Croatia and Turkey, for example, where both a boating licence and a radio certificate are compulsory.

    Each country has its own regulations, which may change in line with government decisions or the requirements of local port authorities. There is no single international recreational boating licence, so it is essential to check the exact requirements for your chosen destination with your adviser before booking a bareboat charter.

    Read our blog for further information about the rules for sailing abroad.

  • Does the skipper sleep on board, and do they need their own cabin?
    Yes, your skipper sleeps on board throughout the cruise. You must therefore provide a private cabin or a forepeak berth and include their meals when planning provisions for the crew. These points should be considered when booking, as they affect the choice and capacity of the yacht.

    In French Polynesia, for example, and with certain charter companies, the skipper must have a private cabin with an en-suite bathroom. Please check the requirements with your GlobeSailor adviser. The aim is to provide suitable working and living conditions for the crew. Further information is available in our article: Yacht charter with a skipper

  • Does the skipper speak English?
    Professional skippers working abroad speak at least English, making it possible to communicate safety and sailing instructions and discuss stopovers with the crew. Skippers are often provided by our partner charter bases. Alternatively, you can book one through a specialist crewing platform.

  • Yacht charter with or without a skipper: what is the difference?
    With a skippered charter, a qualified professional handles the sailing, safety and manoeuvres, allowing you to enjoy the experience without needing sailing skills. With a bareboat charter, you sail independently and must demonstrate sufficient experience and, in some destinations, hold the required licence. Your choice will depend on your sailing experience, the number of people on board and the budget available for a skipper.

  • Who is responsible for the yacht during a skippered charter?
    Even when a skipper is on board, the customer remains the yacht’s legal charterer and retains contractual responsibility for damage caused by a member of the crew, such as broken or lost equipment. The skipper is responsible for manoeuvring and operating the vessel. It is important to understand this distinction before departure. Further information is available in our article: Chartering with a Skipper and Crew: Who is responsible on board?

  • How much does a skipper cost?
    A professional skipper generally costs between €180 and €350 per day, depending on the destination, season and type of yacht. Rates are often higher on catamarans and during particularly busy periods, such as Christmas in the West Indies. This fee is added to the yacht charter price and does not include the skipper’s meals, which must be covered as part of your provisioning. You can also read our dedicated guide: What it really costs to charter a yacht

  • Should you take out security deposit insurance?
    Security deposit insurance is strongly recommended and may be compulsory with some charter companies, particularly for crewed yachts. It costs approximately 4% to 5% of the yacht charter price and protects your deposit in the event of a marine incident. Some charter companies require customers to purchase their own deposit insurance. In such cases, they generally collect a reduced deposit, which is refunded at the end of the holiday if no damage has occurred.

  • What are the terms of the cancellation insurance?
    Cancellation insurance is available for 3.5% of the insured amount. It can cover the cancellation of your holiday for certain medical or professional reasons, as well as other circumstances specified in the policy terms.

    The cancellation insurance must be purchased within 14 days of booking with GlobeSailor. After this deadline, it cannot be added to your booking. Please contact your adviser for further information or visit our insurance page.

  • What is the difference between a skippered charter and a crewed cruise?
    With a skippered charter, you add a professional skipper to your crew and pay for their services, regardless of the yacht you choose. The skipper does not have a specific contractual relationship with either your agency or the charter company. You remain contractually responsible for the vessel in relation to the charter base managing the yacht. A crewed cruise includes a permanent crew on board, such as a skipper, host or hostess and sometimes a chef. Under this type of charter agreement, you are considered a passenger and do not have the same responsibilities for the vessel.

  • What is the difference between a cabin cruise and a private cruise?
    On a cabin cruise, you share the yacht with other travellers and book only one cabin, which makes the trip more affordable. On a private cruise, you charter the entire yacht and its crew exclusively for you and your companions. This offers greater privacy but comes with a considerably higher price, often several thousand euros per week. You will also have more flexibility regarding the itinerary and menus on board. Read our dedicated article for further information: What is a cabin cruise?

  • Do you need a boating licence or sailing experience for a cabin cruise?
    No. You do not need a boating licence or any sailing experience. Cabin cruises are suitable for everyone. The professional crew takes full responsibility for sailing and safety. This option is ideal for both beginners and experienced sailors who simply want to enjoy the journey. You may be able to help with certain manoeuvres if you wish and the captain agrees, but this is never compulsory.

  • How many passengers usually travel on a cabin cruise?
    The number varies according to the yacht and its capacity. Catamarans and sailing yachts used for cabin cruises generally accommodate eight to twelve passengers, in addition to the crew. This creates a friendly atmosphere on smaller vessels and makes it easy to meet other travellers. Some larger cruise yachts and ocean-going sailing vessels, such as clippers, offer several dozen cabins in different categories and price ranges.

  • How much does a cabin cruise cost?
    Prices vary widely. They generally start at around €900 to €1,000 per person in the low season and may exceed €2,500 per person in the peak season, depending on the destination, duration, services on board and comfort of the yacht. As a general guide, expect to pay €900 to €2,500 per person per week.

  • What is included in the price of a cabin cruise?
    The price includes your private cabin with a bathroom, meals on board on a half-board or full-board basis, the services of the skipper or crew and often water sports activities such as snorkelling or paddleboarding.

    The following are generally not included in our cabin cruise offers:

    • the ship’s cash fund, usually between €20 and €50 per day depending on the cruise
    • travel and transfers to the yacht
    • insurance
    • excursions
    • tips

    Each cabin cruise offer provides a detailed price breakdown and clearly states what is and is not included.

  • What is the ship’s cash fund?
    The ship’s cash fund is a cash reserve managed by the captain and used to cover day-to-day expenses that are not included in the original cruise price. These may include:

    • marina and mooring fees
    • customs fees in certain sailing areas
    • fuel
    • water
    • any other expenses required for the operation of the yacht and the cruise

    The ship’s cash fund is usually not included in the cruise price. Allow approximately €200 per person, although the amount may vary according to the length of the cruise, yacht type and itinerary. It does not cover personal expenses or activities ashore.

  • What meals are served on board?
    Meals are prepared by the crew, a chef or a cook using fresh, varied and local ingredients. Local cuisine is often showcased through traditional dishes from the region, frequently featuring fish, vegetables and exotic fruit. The complexity of the menus depends on the cruise, the yacht and its comfort level, as galley size and equipment are limited. Typical meals may include:

    • mixed salads
    • pasta and other filling dishes
    • risotto
    • vegetable carpaccio
    • tabbouleh
    • large platters of local cheese and cured meats
    • grilled sausages
    • filled wraps
    • skewers of fresh fruit with fromage frais

    Special dietary requirements, including allergies and vegetarian diets, can be accommodated when requested in advance. A small supplement may apply.

  • How long do the cruises last?
    Most cabin cruises last between seven and ten days, although shorter and longer options are also available. Some destinations offer cruises from four or five days. The duration and itinerary are generally designed to introduce you to the most beautiful places and stopovers in the sailing area. Ask a GlobeSailor adviser for guidance.

  • Do the cabins have private bathrooms?
    This depends on the yacht and the cruise. Many catamarans used for cabin cruises offer double cabins with private bathrooms for greater comfort and privacy. We recommend checking this point when booking, as some yachts have bathroom facilities shared with the crew or other passengers.

  • Can I book flights or an additional stay with my cruise?
    Yes. As a travel agency, we can also arrange flights and accommodation ashore before or after your cruise. Our destination specialists will send you their best suggestions for a completely relaxing holiday.

  • I need to cancel my cruise. What happens next?
    If you need to cancel, contact your GlobeSailor adviser as soon as possible. Regardless of the reason, the following cancellation fees will apply:

    • up to 90 days before departure: 30%
    • from 89 to 60 days before departure: 50%
    • from 59 to 30 days before departure: 75%
    • from 29 days before departure until the departure date: 100% of the booking amount

    Specific cancellation terms may apply to certain destinations. The exact fees are stated in your booking confirmation or contract.

    We always recommend taking out cancellation insurance through our partner Ouest Assurance. Please discuss this with your adviser.

  • Can you book a skipper for only part of the cruise?
    Yes. You can hire a skipper for only part of your holiday, such as the first two days. This allows you to become familiar with the yacht and gain confidence before continuing independently. It is a good option if you have sailing experience and the required licence but have not sailed recently.

  • Can the skipper adapt the itinerary during the cruise?
    Yes. The skipper can remain flexible and adjust the itinerary according to your preferences, the weather, the crew’s experience and the sailing conditions. They often know quieter anchorages, coves and restaurants that they can recommend during the cruise.