Crewed Motor Yacht Charters
in Greece & Beyond

Booking a crewed yacht charter with Istion is designed to be simple, transparent, and fully supported. From the moment you contact us, one of our experienced charter consultants will guide you through every step - helping you select the right yacht, plan a tailor-made itinerary, and coordinate all the details before, during, and after your charter.

To secure your booking, we use the MYBA Charter Agreement, the internationally recognized standard contract in the luxury yachting industry. MYBA (The Worldwide Yachting Association) sets the benchmark for professionalism and transparency, ensuring that both the yacht owner and the charterer are fully protected. The agreement clearly outlines what is included in your charter, the payment schedule, cancellation terms, and the responsibilities of all parties.

By working with Istion, a trusted MYBA member company, you can be confident that your booking is backed by the highest industry standards - giving you peace of mind as you prepare for your bespoke yachting experience.

The charter fee is the base cost of your crewed yacht charter. It covers the hire of the yacht itself, use of all standard equipment, and the professional services of the crew who will be on board throughout your journey.

Certain expenses are not included in the charter fee. These variable costs depend on your chosen itinerary and personal preferences, and typically include:

• Fuel for the yacht and tenders

• Food and beverages

• Port, marina, and canal fees

• Local taxes and VAT

• Delivery or redelivery charges if you embark or disembark away from the yacht’s home port

• Any special requests for equipment or services beyond the yacht’s normal setup

Payment terms follow MYBA standards:

A deposit of 50% of the charter fee is due upon signing the agreement.

The remaining 50% of the charter fee plus VAT, your Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), and any delivery/redelivery charges is payable no later than one month before your charter begins.

The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a standard practice in crewed yacht charters. It functions as a dedicated expense account, arranged before your charter begins, to cover all variable costs during your trip.

The APA is collected with your final balance (typically 25–40% of the charter fee) and is passed directly to the yacht’s captain. From there, it is used to pay for expenses such as:
Fuel for the yacht and tenders

• Food and beverage provisions tailored to your preferences

• Dockage and canal fees

• Local taxes and other operating costs

The captain manages the APA with complete transparency and can provide updates throughout the voyage. At the end of your charter, you will receive a detailed account of all expenditures. Any funds that remain unused are promptly refunded, while any additional costs beyond the initial APA can be topped up seamlessly during the trip or settled at the conclusion.

This system allows every aspect of your charter - from provisioning to itinerary flexibility - to be personalized to your wishes, while ensuring you have full clarity and control over your expenses.

Gratuities are never mandatory, but they are customary as a way to recognize the exceptional service of the crew. The internationally accepted guideline, as set out by MYBA, is 10–15% of the base charter fee.

The established etiquette is to present the gratuity to the captain at the end of your charter. The captain will then distribute it fairly among all crew members, ensuring that everyone who contributed to your experience - from the stewardesses and deck crew to the chef and engineer - is acknowledged.

Gratuities can be given in cash, deducted from any remaining APA balance, or arranged in advance through your broker. However you choose to handle it, the gesture is deeply appreciated and serves as a meaningful thank-you to the team who has worked tirelessly to create your memorable onboard experiences.

A private crewed yacht charter is designed to be completely bespoke, shaped entirely around your tastes, interests, and lifestyle. In the weeks leading up to your trip, you’ll receive a Preference Questionnaire — a detailed form that allows you to share information such as:
Dietary requirements, allergies, and favorite foods

• Beverage selections, from wines and spirits to soft drinks

• Any special occasions you would like to celebrate onboard, such as birthdays or anniversaries

• Your preferences for activities and entertainment, whether that means diving, watersports, or simply enjoying relaxed days at anchor

This information allows the chef to prepare a fully customized menu and the crew to anticipate your needs from the moment you step on board.

Your itinerary is equally flexible. While your charter broker and captain will suggest routes based on your interests, chosen cruising area and the prevailing weather. You might linger longer in a harbor you love, swap a busy port for a quiet bay, or add a last-minute island stop — the experience is always adapted to your wishes.

From dining and activities to the daily rhythm of your trip, every detail is personalized so that your time on board feels effortless, private, and uniquely your own.

Every yacht in our fleet is equipped to provide both comfort and entertainment, with a wide range of onboard amenities and water toys. While the exact selection varies, you can often expect options such as jet skis, Seabobs, paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and more. Many yachts also feature additional lifestyle highlights such as jacuzzis, gyms, or cinema rooms.

You’ll find a comprehensive overview of each yacht’s main features and equipment on our website. For any specific requirements, your charter consultant will be happy to confirm details and make recommendations to ensure the yacht you choose fully matches your expectations.
There are a few important usage notes to keep in mind:

• In many countries, operating jet skis or other motorized watercraft requires a valid license.

• Certain cruising areas restrict or prohibit the use of motorized water toys altogether.

• To use scuba diving equipment, you must hold a recognized certification such as PADI; if you are not certified, we can often arrange for a licensed instructor to join you on board.

The crew will always be on hand to guide you, ensuring every activity is carried out safely and enjoyably.

Privacy and discretion are at the heart of the luxury yachting experience. From the moment you step on board, you can expect an environment where your time with family, friends, or colleagues remains entirely your own.

All crew are carefully selected and professionally trained, not only for their technical expertise but also for their discretion. Confidentiality clauses are included in standard MYBA Charter Agreements, legally safeguarding your identity, itinerary, and all onboard activities. This obligation extends beyond the charter itself, ensuring that your privacy is respected at all times.

For guests who require an additional layer of protection, it is possible to bring personal security staff. Many larger yachts are designed with extra cabins for this purpose, and crews are accustomed to working seamlessly with external teams to ensure security protocols are maintained without disrupting your experience.

Digital security is also a priority. Sensitive personal information, guest lists, and itineraries are handled with care, with communications routed through designated channels to minimize exposure.

Whether your concern is discretion, compliance, or safety, Istion and the crew work together to provide complete peace of mind — allowing you to relax fully and enjoy your charter with confidence.

Yes. In accordance with international regulations, Istion follows Know Your Client (KYC) procedures for all bookings. This process takes place before the charter contract is signed and involves verifying client identity in line with global anti–money laundering and sanctions rules.

The procedure is simple and handled discreetly by our team. While it is a legal requirement, it is also an important safeguard that protects both guests and yacht owners, ensuring the highest standards of integrity within the luxury charter industry. Our consultants will guide you through each step, making the process smooth, professional, and secure.

While the yacht and crew are fully insured by the owner, we strongly recommend that all guests take out personal travel insurance for additional peace of mind. This ensures that you are protected against circumstances beyond anyone’s control, such as trip cancellation, curtailment, or medical emergencies.

Specialist Charter Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance can be particularly valuable, as it safeguards your financial commitment if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from traveling or require you to end your charter early. In addition, personal medical insurance with coverage for overseas treatment and medical evacuation is advisable.

Please note that travel insurance, cancellation/curtailment insurance, and charterer’s liability insurance are not included in the charter price and are not arranged by Istion. It is highly recommended that these policies are sourced directly by the charterer through a trusted insurance agent in their home country.

Having the right cover in place ensures you can step on board with complete peace of mind, knowing that every detail - from the yacht itself to your personal protection - is taken care of.