A week aboard a superyacht

On this page, you can read about what to expect in practice from a week on board a superyacht. This will give you a quick and realistic insight into the experience, how the price is structured and the charter process. If you’d like a specific day-by-day example, take a look at the 7-day itinerary along the Côte d’Azur.

What is a week on board a superyacht like?

Most superyachts in this segment are chartered on a weekly basis. You are not just chartering the yacht, but a fully crewed private charter for your own group of guests. This means you have exclusive use of the yacht’s facilities, whilst a professional crew takes care of navigation, service and the day-to-day running of the yacht.

A weekly itinerary is always tailor-made, but often follows a pleasant rhythm. During the day, you’ll sail to bays, islands or coastal towns, with time to swim, relax and go ashore. In the evening, the yacht will be moored in a quiet bay or a harbour, depending on the route and your preferences. For realistic daily distances when planning a weekly itinerary, please read ‘How far can you sail in a day?’.

It is precisely this combination of privacy and flexibility that makes a week on board so special. Rather than staying in a succession of hotels, you take your own luxury accommodation with you from destination to destination. The atmosphere on board is usually intimate, peaceful and entirely tailored to your own pace.

What’s included in a weekly charter

The charter price essentially covers the yacht and the professional crew. You are therefore not booking individual nights’ accommodation, but a complete private charter per week. The layout, facilities and capacity that are suitable vary from yacht to yacht. Reading more about what is included in a superyacht charter will help you understand this better.

When selecting a suitable superyacht, the following factors are usually taken into account, amongst others:

• Yacht size – to suit your group and preferred style of travel
• Number of suites – tailored to the number of guests and the desired level of privacy
• Crew – on hand to ensure service and comfort on board
• Route and cruising area – for example, the Mediterranean or the Caribbean
• Atmosphere and layout – from modern and sleek to warm and classic

At Global Yacht Charter, your quote will include suitable options with specifications, floor plans, sample itineraries and the weekly rate. This allows you to compare more effectively which yacht best suits your travel requirements.

How much does a week on board a superyacht cost?

The price of a week on board depends heavily on the type of yacht, its length, the season, the destination and the level of service on board. The charter price varies by season: a fixed price in the low season and a fixed price in the high season.

As a general guide, superyacht charters for vessels ranging from approximately twenty-four to thirty meters often start at between €70,000 and €110,000 per week. On the Global Yacht Charter website, you will also find examples of larger and smaller yachts across a range of price points, such as a meters yacht for eight guests with four crew members, starting from €85,000 per week, excluding additional costs.

In addition to the charter fee, there are usually additional costs that you should take into account in advance:

• VAT – subject to the cruising area and tax regulations
• APA – an advance payment for variable expenses during the trip
• Any tips – customary in this sector, but separate from the charter price

The total cost of the trip is therefore determined not only by the yacht’s weekly rate, but also by your itinerary, fuel consumption and preferences on board.

What is APA and why is it important?

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. This is an advance payment used to cover variable costs during the charter, such as fuel, food, drinks and harbour fees. The amount of the APA is stated in advance, so that you can better estimate what total budget is appropriate.

For many guests, this is a key part of the planning process, as two identical yachts can, in practice, result in different total costs. An intensive itinerary with more sailing hours, for example, requires a different budget to a relaxed week with short distances. Global Yacht Charter offers support in estimating fuel costs based on the route and cruising speed, so that you can get a more realistic picture of the expected expenditure in advance. Catering and provisioning on board also play a part in this.

Who might be interested in a week on board?

A week aboard a superyacht is particularly suited to travellers who value privacy, personalised service and comfort. Instead of fixed itineraries, shared facilities and logistical transfers, you opt for tranquillity, flexibility and your own pace. This makes this form of travel appealing to families, couples and groups who wish to enjoy an exclusive stay in a completely private setting.

Even if you wish to combine several preferences, such as visiting different destinations in a single trip or following a very specific itinerary, a private charter offers more freedom than a holiday on land. You don’t set off on a standard itinerary, but one tailored to your preferences.

How to book a superyacht on a weekly basis

The booking process usually begins with your travel requirements: destination, dates, number of guests and preferred style of yacht. Suitable yachts are then selected based on this information. You will subsequently receive a proposal containing practical information, including the yacht’s specifications, floor plans, suggested itineraries and the weekly rate.

Once you have made your choice, the charter is finalised via a MYBA charter agreement. This provides structure and clarity regarding the terms and conditions of the trip. For many guests, it is precisely this guided approach that they appreciate, as a superyacht charter is much more specific than booking a hotel or villa. Those wishing to prepare practically can also consult the packing list for a superyacht charter.

FAQ

What does a superyacht cost per day?

Superyachts are usually chartered by the week, not by the day. A daily rate is therefore often used merely as an illustrative example and does not accurately reflect the actual booking structure. For a realistic picture, it is better to look at the weekly rate, plus VAT and APA.

Is a week on board always completely private?

With a private charter, the yacht is reserved exclusively for your own party. You will therefore not be sharing the yacht with strangers. The crew will, however, be on board to look after your charter, in accordance with clear yacht charter etiquette for guests.

Are the facilities the same on every superyacht?

No, facilities vary from yacht to yacht. The layout, number of suites and atmosphere on board also differ. That’s why it’s important to choose carefully when looking for a yacht that truly suits your travel style. Don’t forget to consider water toys and jet skis on board too.

How far in advance should you plan a week on board?

That depends on the time of year, destination and availability of suitable yachts. Particularly in popular cruising areas, it is wise to plan well in advance, not because of the charter price, but to have more choice in terms of yacht type and travel dates. Furthermore, ensuring the safety of guests on board is a logical part of the preparations.