Booking, Deposit & Cancellation — FAQ
How booking works
How do I book a crewed motor yacht charter in Croatia?
You begin by telling us your dates, party size and budget, and our brokers shortlist suitable crewed motor yachts based in Sibenik at D-Marin Mandalina. Once you choose a yacht, we draft a written charter contract, you sign it and pay the deposit, and the booking is confirmed for your chosen week.
How far in advance should I reserve a yacht for the summer season?
Popular crewed yachts for July and August are often reserved six to twelve months ahead, so the earliest enquiries secure the widest choice of vessels and crew. Last-minute weeks can still appear, but booking by late winter gives you the best selection and time to plan your itinerary calmly.
What is a preference sheet and why do you send one before the trip?
A preference sheet is a short questionnaire the crew uses to tailor your week. It captures dietary needs, favourite dishes, drinks, allergies, celebrations and the destinations you hope to visit. The captain and chef plan provisioning and a draft route from your answers, so completing it early makes the charter feel personal.
What happens during embarkation and check-in on a crewed charter?
Check-in is typically from 12:00 on Saturday, when the crew welcomes you aboard, gives a safety briefing and a tour of the yacht, and reviews your planned route. Check-out is usually by 12:00 on the final day. Exact times are confirmed in your charter contract before departure.
Can I hold a yacht on option before paying a deposit?
Yes. Splendid Yachting can place a short courtesy option on an available yacht, holding the dates while you decide, typically for a few days. The booking is only confirmed once the contract is signed and the deposit is paid. Options are useful during the busy summer season.
How quickly will my charter booking be confirmed?
Once you approve the yacht and dates, the team issues a MYBA agreement and your booking is confirmed as soon as the signed contract and deposit are received, often within a day or two. Until then the dates are not guaranteed. Early confirmation secures the best yachts for peak weeks.
Can you arrange transfers and flights to the yacht?
The team can organise airport transfers, private cars and concierge extras to get you to the home port at Šibenik, and advise on the nearest airports of Split and Zadar. Flights are usually booked by guests, but the crew coordinates timing so embarkation around 12:00 runs smoothly.
Payments & contract
How much deposit do I need to pay to confirm a yacht charter?
A confirmation deposit of around 50 percent of the charter fee is standard practice and is due when you sign the contract. The remaining balance is generally settled before embarkation. These figures are indicative, as exact amounts and dates are set out in your individual charter agreement.
When is the balance of the charter fee due before departure?
After the deposit confirms your booking, the balance is typically payable a set number of weeks before embarkation, often around four to six weeks ahead. The precise deadline is written into your charter contract, and your broker reminds you in advance so the payment schedule stays clear and stress free.
What is the MYBA charter agreement and why is a written contract used?
The MYBA agreement is an industry-standard charter contract widely used in crewed yachting. It records the yacht, dates, fee, deposit, what is included and the cancellation terms, protecting both you and the owner. Signing a written contract before paying means every detail of your charter is agreed clearly in advance.
What is the APA and when do I pay it?
The APA, or Advance Provisioning Allowance, is a running fund for variable costs such as fuel, food, drinks and mooring fees. It is usually paid before boarding, commonly around 30 percent of the charter fee as an indicative figure, and the captain accounts for spending and refunds any unused balance at the end.
What currency are charter payments made in?
Croatian charters are normally priced and paid in euros, including the deposit, balance and APA. The MYBA agreement states the exact amounts and dates. International guests simply transfer euros, and your bank handles any conversion. Confirm all figures on the contract before sending payment.
Is my deposit protected if something goes wrong?
The MYBA charter agreement sets out the obligations of both sides, and reputable brokers use established payment terms and client accounts. Travel and charter cancellation insurance is strongly recommended to protect your money against illness or unforeseen events. Always keep the signed contract and payment records.
Changes, weather & cancellation
What is the cancellation policy if I have to call off my charter?
Cancellation terms are defined in the charter contract you sign, and they usually depend on how close to the start date you cancel, with sums already paid often retained. Because conditions vary by yacht and agreement, we recommend reading the cancellation clause carefully before signing and asking us about anything unclear.
Do I need travel and cancellation insurance for a yacht charter?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance. Because the deposit and balance commit a large sum, a policy that covers cancellation, medical costs and trip interruption protects your investment if illness or unforeseen events prevent you from sailing. Arrange cover as soon as you sign the contract for the broadest protection.
What happens to my itinerary if the weather turns bad during the week?
Your captain monitors forecasts daily and adjusts the route for safety and comfort, choosing sheltered bays or rescheduling open crossings when wind or sea conditions demand. The Sibenik archipelago offers many protected anchorages, so a flexible plan usually means you still enjoy beautiful spots even when the weather shifts.
Can I change my embarkation date after booking?
Date changes depend on availability and the terms in your MYBA agreement. If the yacht is free for the new week the team will try to move you, though changes close to departure may carry conditions. Contact your broker as early as possible to discuss the options.
What if one guest cancels but the charter still goes ahead?
The charter fee is for the whole yacht, not per person, so it does not change if a guest drops out and your group simply has more space. Only the shared running costs in the APA, such as food, flex slightly with guest numbers. Travel insurance can cover an individual cancellation.
Ready to plan your charter?
Tell Sara your dates and she'll put together a personalised proposal — itinerary, provisioning, crew briefing, airport transfers. No commitment, just a conversation.
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