Advance payment tip

Regardless of the agency's terms and conditions as to the percentage demanded there is no harm in trying to negotiate a lower one. After all, you are entrusting them with a large sum of money with the expectation of receiving a first class vessel and excellent service overall.

Try to be reasonable in such negotiation. You can not really expect to pay a 10% deposit, but to try and get 40% against a demand for 50% is not out of the question.