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, it is precisely this distinction that is important. This way, you know in advance what is included as standard in the charter experience and which items depend on your itinerary, preferences 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 style of travel, route, cruising speed, ports of call 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 precisely why a superyacht charter is not the same as a fixed all-inclusive package. The basics are clear, but part of the total cost varies depending on the choices you make 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 the on-board management will keep track of these expenses. At the end of the charter, you will receive a breakdown of the costs incurred. If there is any budget left over, this will be refunded. If the expenses exceed the deposit, the difference will be settled separately.
It is precisely this flexibility that makes a luxury charter so special. After all, you decide not only where you sail, but also how far you sail, how often you dock in port and what culinary preferences you have on board. Read here to find out how APA works.
What can you expect on board?
A superyacht charter is not just about transport or accommodation, but about a fully catered-for experience on the water. Included as standard is your stay on a professionally crewed yacht with access to the suites and living areas on board. Depending on the yacht, this may be supplemented with sun decks, lounge areas and water sports equipment.
Service is also a key part of what guests perceive as being included. The crew takes care of day-to-day operations, assists with planning and ensures your stay on board is smooth and comfortable. Discussing your itinerary and preferences in advance helps to tailor the experience more closely to your wishes.
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.
That is why it is important not only to look at the weekly rate, but also to check the details of what is included on that particular yacht and what additional costs are likely to arise. Global Yacht Charter can assist with clear explanations and by estimating fuel costs based on the route and cruising speed, so that you can set a more realistic budget in advance. Please use our sample budget template for this purpose.
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, it is not. Fuel is normally charged separately via the APA, as consumption depends heavily on the route, speed and usage during the charter. You can read more here about whether fuel is included.
Are food and drinks included?
Food and drink on board are not usually included in the basic charter price. These costs are typically paid from the APA, so that provisions can be tailored to your preferences and special requests. Please also see the explanation of the APA, VAT and tips.
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?
