What does it actually cost?

The base rate is only part of the number. Here is the full, honest breakdown — everything that goes into the real all-in cost of a superyacht charter.

The base rate

Charter yachts are priced by the week. The rate you see first — in a listing, a broker proposal, or a comparison table — is always the base rate. This covers the yacht itself and the professional crew. It does not cover everything.

Rates vary significantly by region and season. Mediterranean high season (July–August) commands a 15–25% premium. Caribbean peak season (December–April) is similarly elevated. Shoulder seasons can offer genuinely good value on the same vessels.

The APA — what it is and how to budget for it

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. It is an additional deposit — typically 30–35% of the base rate — paid at the start of the charter to cover running expenses: fuel, food and drink, marina fees, harbour dues, and water toys consumables.

The captain holds the APA funds and spends from them during the charter. At the end of the week, you receive a full itemised account. If you spend less than the APA, the balance is refunded. If you spend more — which can happen on fuel-intensive itineraries or with a very generous group — you pay the difference.

A 50m yacht at €100,000/wk base rate will carry an APA of €30,000–€35,000. The all-in cost before gratuity and flights is therefore €130,000–€135,000.

Gratuity

Gratuity for the crew is not included in the base rate or the APA. The industry standard is 10–20% of the base rate, paid in cash at the end of the charter. For a €100,000/wk charter, the crew gratuity would typically be €10,000–€20,000.

Gratuity is not obligatory in the strictest sense, but it is standard practice. A crew that has delivered an exceptional charter will typically receive 15–20%. A gratuity below 10% signals genuine dissatisfaction.

What the APA covers

• Fuel — the largest variable. A 50m motor yacht burns roughly 250 litres per hour at cruising speed. Discuss the itinerary with the captain at the outset.
• Food and drink — everything consumed on board. The chef will provision for all meals, snacks, alcohol, and soft drinks. You will specify preferences in advance.
• Marina fees — docking in popular ports (Monaco, Porto Cervo, Mykonos) can cost €5,000–€15,000 per night for larger yachts. Anchoring is free. The captain will plan accordingly.
• Harbour dues and port taxes — varies significantly by destination and yacht size.
• Water toys and equipment — fuel for jet skis, compressor costs for diving, excursion charges.

The real all-in number

For a 44m motor yacht at €55,000/wk base rate, chartering for one week with a group of 8:

Split across 8 guests for a week, this is roughly €11,000–€12,000 per person — comparable to a high-end safari, a premium ski chalet rental, or a suite at a top-tier resort, with considerably more privacy and flexibility.

What's included vs what isn't

Included in a standard crewed charter contract:

• Use of the yacht and all water toys listed in the inventory
• Full professional crew (captain, chef, steward/esses, deck crew)
• All meals prepared by the onboard chef
• All soft drinks, juices, and standard alcohol stocked from the APA
• Fuel for the vessel (drawn from APA)
• Marina fees and harbour dues (drawn from APA)

Not included (must be arranged separately):

• Flights and transfers to the embarkation port
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Premium spirits, wine cellar selections beyond standard stocking
• Shore excursions (entrance fees, restaurant bills)
• Crew gratuity

The single most common budgeting mistake is forgetting the APA. When planning your charter budget, always add 35% to the base rate as a minimum APA estimate, then add gratuity and flights on top.