💬 “How Do Refunds Work on a Yacht Charter?”
It’s one of the most common questions I get—and for good reason. When you’re spending thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) on a luxury yacht vacation, you want to know where you stand if something goes wrong. 🛥️
In this video, I’m breaking down refund policies under the MYBA charter contract, the industry standard for nearly all charters in Europe and the Mediterranean.
📜 What Is the MYBA Charter Contract?
The MYBA contract (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) is a professional, internationally recognized agreement used for most crewed charters in the Med. It outlines your rights, the yacht owner’s obligations, and refund terms—but here’s the key:
🚫 Refunds are not automatically guaranteed unless specific conditions are met.
❌ Canceling Your Trip? Read This First.
If you decide to cancel for personal reasons:
- You will forfeit any payments made up to that point
- No refund is guaranteed
- ✅ This is where travel insurance becomes essential
💡 Pro tip: Look for a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy if you want extra flexibility.
⚙️ What If the Yacht Becomes Unusable?
If the yacht suffers a mechanical failure, accident, or becomes otherwise unusable, the MYBA contract offers:
✅ A replacement yacht of similar or better quality
✅ A pro-rata refund for any days lost
✅ A full refund only if a replacement cannot be arranged
This ensures you’re not left stranded, but it depends on the specific situation and availability of similar yachts.
🌦️ What About Bad Weather?
Yacht charters are a rain-or-shine experience.
🧭 Itinerary changes are common
🛑 Cancellations only happen if the captain deems it unsafe
💨 Light rain, wind, or cloud cover? Expect to keep sailing with an adjusted route
⚠️ Force Majeure Events (Natural Disasters, Pandemics, Political Unrest)
Events outside of everyone’s control fall under the “Force Majeure” clause. In these cases:
- ❌ Refunds are not guaranteed
- 🤝 You may be able to reschedule your trip
- ✅ Again, travel insurance can protect you in these situations
💡 Bottom Line: Know Before You Book
Yacht charters are an unforgettable experience—but they come with firm policies that protect both guests and owners.
Before you commit, make sure to:
- ✅ Understand your charter contract (especially under MYBA)
- ✅ Ask your broker about refund terms
- ✅ Buy travel insurance—it’s worth every penny for peace of mind
📲 Questions? I’m Here to Help.
If you’re planning a charter and want to make sure you’re covered, reach out.
And if you found this helpful, like, follow, or subscribe for more insider tips from the world of luxury yacht charters. 🛥️💬