• Length of charter - The base charter rates quoted in this book are for the use of the yacht for one week. You can book multiple weeks, however - charters lasting a fortnight are not uncommon. Many yachts are also available at daily rates. Booking a yacht for a long weekend is a great way to "test the waters" and determine if a longer charter is for you. Some yachts even offer special rates for three-night-minimum getaways.

• Dates of charter - It's best to plan ahead and have several dates in mind. Be aware that holidays and special events are in high demand and are often booked more than a season in advance.

• Number in your party - This is a key variable in selecting a yacht. Be sure to let your broker know if you have a nanny or other personal staff you wish to take along.

• Number of separate cabins required - Most yacht staterooms have en suite heads to ensure privacy. Many yachts offer cabins with beds that convert from doubles to singles or have an extra Pullman berth.

• Destinations - There is a huge variety of cruising areas to choose from, depending on the season. A prearranged but flexible itinerary will allow for weather surprises. Be aware that the number of ports you can visit may be affected by the yacht's speed. Whether or not you can enter certain ports also may be dictated by the size of the yacht or its flag.
 
• Type of yacht - Do you prefer to sail or cruise under power? Do you want a classic or contemporary yacht?

• Communications - Will you need Internet access and SatCom communications to stay in touch with shore? Do you plan to hold a business meeting while on board? Do you or your children have entertainment preferences, such as video games? Many yachts have extensive video and music libraries, but will stock favorites if requested in advance.

*Activities - Do you snorkel or scuba dive? Are you an avid fisherman? Do you like to kayak or water ski? Different yachts specialize in different pastimes.

• Privacy - The charter industry has long experience in catering to celebrities. Its brokers and crews are noted for their discretion. If you prefer, you can discuss a nondisclosure contract with your broker.

• Special accommodations - Make your broker aware of any physical limitations you or your guests may have.

• Special dietary needs - Having a chef on board is one of the perks of a charter vacation. Ask about the chef's areas of expertise before you begin menu-planning. Most chefs can accommodate most diets and taste preferences. South Beach? Kosher? Vegetarian? Local cuisine? Surprise us? It's up to you.

• The Charter Contract - The majority of yachts now operate under a standardized agreement sponsored by the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association and adopted by the American Yacht Charter Association, although some yachts use slight variations. Although at first you may be surprised by the contract's length, it makes sense once you consider that you are being given the keys to some¬one's multimillion-dollar investment. The charter contract protects and clearly defines the rights and obligations of each party.

• Budget - How much will you spend, including gratuities? Charter costs range widely depending on the yacht, location, number of guests in your party, distance cruised, days spent in port, food and activities. You can assume that provisioning expenses and gratuities will add approximately 25 to 50 percent of the base charter rate to the cost of the vacation. Here are some guidelines to help you estimate your budget:

Some yachts - generally smaller ones and sailboats - quote charter rates that are "inclusive," meaning the rate includes the use of the yacht, crew, food, basic bar and fuel. Some expenses such as dockage, communications charges and local cruising taxes are additional.
The rates for larger luxury yachts are generally quoted as "exclusive" or "plus expenses," due to the customized nature of the services they offer. The base charter rate covers the use of the yacht and the salary of the crew for the duration of the charter. Food, bar, fuel and other consumables, dockage and communications charges are billed to you at cost. These charges are deducted as they occur from an account that is opened with the captain called an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). The APA usually amounts to 25 to 30 percent of the charter fee. When you charter on a plus-expenses basis, the captain will give you financial updates during your charter and a detailed accounting at the end of the cruise.
Once you accept a charter contract, you will be asked to provide a deposit, which is usually 50 percent of the charter fee. This is separate from the APA, which generally is due a minimum of two weeks prior to boarding, so the crew can stock and provision the yacht according to your preferences. The balance of the charter fee itself is due prior to departure.

• Tipping - It is customary for the charter party to leave a gratuity, usually 10 to 20 percent of the charter fee, with the captain at the end of the charter. The captain should be made aware of any special services provided to you or your party by members of the crew. However, even crewmembers you've rarely seen - engineers, deckhands, a laundress - have contributed to the success of your vacation. The captain is best qualified to determine how your tip should be distributed.

Now that you have read the fine print, it's time to get out on the water and enjoy all a charter yacht vacation has to offer.