What should a family office approve before releasing the deposit?

Before-the-deposit approval checklist

• Guest fit: everyone has an acceptable assigned berth and the required access arrangements.
• Permitted operation: the operator has explained the relevant passenger and charter permissions.
• Availability: exact dates, ports and outstanding conditions are recorded.
• Service: current crew information supports the essential requirements.
• Budget: expected spend, higher-spend exposure and cash timing are distinct.
• Taxes: calculation and responsibility for adjustments are explained.
• Route: the captain has reviewed feasibility and alternatives.
• Contract: cancellation, breakdown, payment and material promises have been reviewed.
• Insurance: advice has been obtained and uninsured exposure understood.
• Payment: beneficiary instructions have been independently checked.
• Privacy: document recipients and sharing arrangements are appropriate.
• Authority: the principal or authorized approver has accepted any remaining compromise.

Use three possible decisions: approve, approve subject to named conditions, or do not approve yet. Give every condition an owner and a deadline.

The aim is not to remove every uncertainty from a holiday at sea. It is to make sure the family knowingly accepts the important ones—and that nobody mistakes an appealing proposal for a verified commitment.