What is included in a superyacht charter
A superyacht charter includes more than just the yacht itself, but it is rarely fully all-inclusive. The charter price usually includes the superyacht, the professional crew and various fixed components of onboard accommodation. Variable costs such as fuel, food and drinks, port fees and VAT are usually outside the basic price and are charged separately.
For many guests, that very distinction is important. That way YOU know in advance what is standard part of the charter experience and which items depend on YOUR itinerary, wishes and usage during the trip.
What is usually included in the charter price
With a superyacht charter through Global Yacht Charter, the charter price basically includes the use of the yacht and professional crew. In addition, there are several fixed components that are normally part of the charter.
- The superyacht itself - fully available for the agreed charter period
- Professional crew - such as captain and crew for service, safety and daily operation
- Insurance - for the yacht and usual operational cover within the charter
- Standard onboard equipment - safety equipment and fixed facilities on board
- Available water sports gear - as far as available on the yacht in question
- Bed and bath linen - for stays in the suites
- Basic toiletries - the usual guest amenities on board
- Use of suites and common areas - such as lounge, decks and outdoor areas
- Route planning and concierge support - guidance on charter preparation
Exactly which water sports gear, facilities and guest amenities are included varies from yacht to yacht. It is therefore wise to check what is available on board as standard for each selection.
What is usually not included
In addition to the charter price, there are almost always variable costs. These depend on YOUR travel style, route, sailing speed, ports and personal preferences on board.
- APA - the advance for variable costs during the charter
- Fuel - for the yacht and often for support use such as tender transfers
- Provisions and drinks - including groceries, wines and special requests
- Port, anchor and pilotage fees - depending on destination and route
- Local taxes and VAT - according to applicable rules of sailing area and charter structure
- Crew gratuity - common but not included in the charter price
This is exactly why a superyacht charter is not the same as a fixed all-inclusive package. The basics are clear, but part of the total cost moves with YOUR choices during the trip.
What exactly is the APA?
The APA, or Advance Provisioning Allowance, is an advance on variable expenses during the charter. From it, things like fuel, food and drink, port charges and other itinerary-related expenses are normally paid.
The captain or management on board keeps track of these expenses. Afterwards, You will receive an overview of the expenses incurred. If there is any budget left over, it will be refunded. If the expenditure exceeds the advance, the difference is settled additionally.
Especially with a luxury charter, this gives flexibility. After all, you decide not only where you sail, but also how much you sail, how often you are in port and what culinary wishes you have on board. Read how APA works here.
What to expect on board?
A superyacht charter is not just about transport or accommodation, but a fully catered experience on the water. Included in the basics is that YOU stay on a professionally crewed yacht with access to the suites and living spaces on board. Depending on the yacht, this can be supplemented by sun decks, lounge areas and watersports gear.
Service is also an important part of what guests perceive as included. The crew takes care of daily operations, assists in planning and makes the stay on board smooth and comfortable. Preparation of itinerary and preferences in advance helps to better tailor the experience to YOUR needs.
Which does not automatically mean that everything is unlimited in the price. Luxury service and customisation are part of the charter experience, but consumption and personal expenses are usually handled separately through the APA or other additional items.
Why it may vary by yacht and itinerary
Although the basic structure of a superyacht charter is fairly fixed, the exact details vary by yacht, destination and sailing programme. Not every yacht has the same watersports gear, layout or facilities on board. Also, local rules and taxes may differ from one sailing area to another.
Therefore, it is important to look not only at the weekly price, but also at the specification of what is included on that specific yacht and what costs are expected to be additional. Global Yacht Charter supports this with clear explanations and with estimating fuel costs based on route and cruising speed, so that YOU can determine a more realistic budget in advance. Please use our sample budgeting tool.
Included and not included in one overview
| Usually included | Usually not included |
|---|---|
| Superyacht for the charter period | APA for variable costs |
| Professional crew | Fuel |
| Insurance | Food and drink on board |
| Standard onboard equipment | Port, anchor and pilotage fees |
| Available water sports gear on board | Local taxes and VAT |
| Bed and bath linen | Crew tip |
| Basic toiletries | Special requests and additional consumption |
| Use of suites and common areas | – |
| Route planning and concierge support | – |
FAQ
Is a superyacht charter all-inclusive?
Mostly not. The charter price basically covers the yacht, crew and fixed elements of onboard accommodation, but variable costs such as fuel, provisions, port charges and VAT are usually added. For those who first want to understand exactly what a superyacht charter is, that distinction is extra relevant.
Is fuel included in a superyacht charter?
In most cases, no. Fuel is normally charged separately through the APA, as consumption depends heavily on route, cruising speed and usage during the charter. You can read more about whether fuel is included here.
Are food and drinks included?
Food and drinks on board are usually not included within the basic charter price. These costs are usually paid from the APA, so supplies can be tailored to YOUR preferences and special requests. Also check out the explanation on APA, VAT and gratuities.
Is crew included with a superyacht charter?
Yes. In a superyacht charter with crew, the professional crew is part of the charter price. This is precisely one of the main differences from charters without crew. Read more about what it costs to charter a yacht with crew.
What is the average cost of chartering a superyacht?
Charter prices typically start from around €85,000 per week and can go up to €375,000 or more per week, excluding VAT and APA. The charter price is seasonal: a fixed price in low season and a fixed price in high season. Want to know more about the VAT rate for yacht charter with crew?
