You’ve done it. You’ve booked the dream yacht in Dubai—the sun is setting, the bubbly is chilling, and the skyline is putting on a show just for you. It’s the ultimate VIP experience!
Now comes the one awkward question that pops up when the cruise is winding down: “How much should I tip the crew?”
Let’s be honest, figuring out gratuity on a luxury yacht charter isn’t as simple as leaving a few notes on a restaurant table. Tipping in Dubai’s high-end yachting world is a genuine nod to the amazing people who make the magic happen.
This friendly, no-stress guide is here to spill the beans, cut through the confusion, and make sure you show your appreciation the right way—making your Captain and crew feel valued for their non-stop hustle.
Why We Tip: It’s More Than Just Extra Cash
When you’re lounging on the sun deck, sipping a cocktail, remember that your crew is working hard. This isn’t just a 9-to-5 job; it’s a lifestyle of dedication.
Think about what they handle:
- The Captain is literally responsible for everyone’s safety and navigating around multi-million dollar vessels. No pressure!
- The Deckhands are the cleaning, maintenance, and water sports pros, ensuring the yacht is spotless and you don’t wipe out on the wakeboard.
- The Stewards/Stewardesses are your onboard hosts, managing the catering, refilling your glass before you even realize it’s empty, and keeping the interiors looking like a magazine shoot.
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s the gold standard way to say, “You guys crushed it!” It acknowledges their long hours, specialized skills, and the exceptional service that turned your charter from “good” to “unforgettable.”
The Big Question: What’s the Magic Number in Dubai?
The good news is that the tipping guidelines in Dubai are pretty straightforward and follow global luxury yachting standards. It’s generally based on a percentage of the charter fee, focusing on the quality of service.
Here’s the breakdown we recommend for our discerning guests:
| Your Experience | Recommended Tip Range (of Net Charter Fee) | How it Feels to the Crew |
| Fantastic Service | 10% to 15% | This is the standard “thank you” for a smooth, professional cruise where they truly looked after you. |
| “Mind-Blowing” Service | 15% to 20% | Reserved for crews that went completely above and beyond—maybe they secured a last-minute booking at a top restaurant, or handled a special surprise flawlessly. |
| Just Okay Service | 5% to 10% | If everything was fine but not exceptional. Be aware: A tip under 10% can signal clear disappointment. |
A Quick Math Note (Don’t Worry, It’s Easy!)
Remember to calculate the tip on the net base charter fee. You should ignore the extra costs like fuel (APA), catering, taxes, or other fees.
For Example: If your base charter fee was AED 8,000, a generous 15% tip would be AED 1,200. Easy peasy!
The Nitty-Gritty: How to Deliver the Gratuity Like a Pro
Discretion is the name of the game in luxury service. You want the moment to feel classy, not awkward.
1. When to Tip: The Farewell Moment
Wait until the very end of your cruise, just before you step off the yacht. This ensures the tip covers the entire journey.
2. How to Deliver: Hand it to the Captain (In an Envelope!)
This is the industry custom: Place the cash (preferably in AED) in a sealed envelope and discreetly hand it directly to the Captain as you shake their hand goodbye.
Why the Captain? Because they are the Boss! The Captain will manage the tip pool and ensure every single crew member—from the engineer below deck to the stewardess—gets their fair share. This system works best because the entire experience is a team effort.
Pro Tip: While cash is king, especially in local currency (AED), if you are chartering a large superyacht, the charter company can often arrange a credit card or wire transfer for a large sum. Just ask your charter broker ahead of time!
What If Things Went Wrong?
Look, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. If you genuinely felt the service was poor, what do you do?
- Adjust the Percentage: You are absolutely within your rights to reduce the tip percentage (even down to zero). However, this is a strong signal of dissatisfaction.
- Talk to Your Charter Company: The most helpful action is to contact us or your charter broker immediately after the cruise. We rely on your feedback to maintain the highest standards. A professional complaint helps us address specific issues and makes sure the next guest has a perfect cruise.
Ultimately, your tip is a simple, powerful way to say “Thank You” for the memory. It’s the final detail that wraps up your incredible time on the beautiful Dubai.
