The charter rate for all-inclusive charters typically covers a comprehensive range of services and amenities, ensuring that guests can enjoy a worry-free experience throughout their voyage.

1. Yacht Rental – The primary component of the charter rate is the rental of the yacht itself. This includes access to the vessel, its cabins, and all communal spaces.
2. Full-Time Professional Crew – The cost covers the compensation for a full-time professional crew, which may include a captain, deckhands, stewards or stewardesses, and a chef. These skilled individuals are dedicated to ensuring the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of the guests.
3. Customized Itinerary – All-inclusive charters often allow guests to tailor their itinerary. The charter rate includes the flexibility to choose destinations, activities, and the duration of the voyage, providing a personalized and unique experience.
4. Gourmet Dining – The services of a professional chef are typically included, offering a culinary journey tailored to the preferences and dietary requirements of the guests. From daily meals to special celebrations, the chef ensures a gastronomic delight throughout the charter.
5. Beverages – The charter rate may cover a selection of beverages, including soft drinks, water, and often a standard supply of alcoholic beverages. Some charters may offer premium wine and spirits as part of the all-inclusive package.
6. Water Toys and Activities – Many charters include access to a variety of water toys and recreational equipment, such as snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and sometimes even scuba diving equipment. This adds an adventurous element to the journey.
7. Fuel and Port Fees – The charter rate typically includes the cost of fuel for the yacht’s operation and port fees for docking at various destinations.

While all-inclusive charter rates cover a wide array of services and amenities, there are certain elements that are commonly excluded from the standard package. It’s important for charter guests to be aware of these exclusions to avoid any surprises during their luxurious voyage. Here are some typical items that may not be included in the all-inclusive charter rates:

1. Crew Gratuity – It is customary to tip the crew for their exceptional service. Gratuity is not included in the charter rate and is at the discretion of the guests (however not optional). Standard for the Caribbean ranges from min. 15 – 20%, and for the Mediterranean it’s min. 10%.
2. Specialty Alcoholic Beverages – While standard alcoholic beverages may be included, premium wines, champagne, and top-shelf spirits may come at an additional cost.
3. Off-Boat Excursions – Activities and excursions on land, such as guided tours, entrance fees to attractions, or dining at restaurants ashore, are not part of the all-inclusive package and may require an extra expenses
4. Special Requests and Provisioning – Certain special requests, such as premium or specific food items, extravagant decorations, or customized amenities, may incur additional charges.
5. Fuel Surcharge – While standard fuel usage is included, excessive fuel consumption, often due to extended cruising or the use of water toys, may result in a fuel surcharge.
6. Additional Dockage and Mooring Fees – While port fees are typically covered, some exclusive marinas or specific docking locations may incur additional charges.
7. Government Taxes and Fees – Depending on the cruising region, there may be local taxes, customs fees, or permits that are not included in the charter rate. Some yachts do not include BVI fees in their rate.
8. Transportation to and from the Yacht – Guests are generally responsible for their transportation to and from the yacht. This includes flights, ground transportation, and any associated costs.

The distinction between bareboat and crewed yacht charters lies in the level of service and responsibilities. In a bareboat charter, you rent the yacht without a crew, necessitating someone in your group to have the sailing skills to operate the vessel. This option offers flexibility and cost savings as you take charge of the navigation and itinerary. On the other hand, crewed yacht charters come with a professional team, including a captain and often a chef, providing a luxurious and stress-free experience. The increased cost of crewed charters reflects the personalized service, convenience, and expertise offered by the crew, making it a choice for those seeking a more indulgent and hands-off sailing adventure. The crew is typically contracted for the entire year, living on the vessel full-time. This means they intimately know the yacht, its quirks, and are well-versed in handling any issues that may arise. In contrast, bareboat fleets may offer the option to charter a yacht with a crew, but this crew is often hired just before the charter and may not possess the same depth of experience or knowledge about the specific yacht.

APA stands for “Advance Provisioning Allowance” and it is a standard term used in the context of yacht charters. When you see plus APA or “plus expenses”, it refers to an additional cost that covers various expenses incurred during the charter period, beyond the base charter fee. This way of expensing the charter is typical for charters in the Mediterranean and large power yachts in the Caribbean. It means that that rate includes only yacht and the price of food, fuel, dockage, is added on top.

The APA is typically calculated as a percentage (often around 25-35%) of the base charter fee. At the beginning of the charter, the charterer provides the APA to the yacht captain or central agent. Throughout the charter, the captain manages the expenses within the APA, providing a detailed account of how the funds are used. At the end of the charter, any unused funds are refunded to the charterer, or if the expenses exceed the APA, the charterer is responsible for covering the additional costs.

In essence, “APA plus expenses” ensures that you have the freedom to customize your charter experience while maintaining transparency and accountability for the associated costs. It’s important to carefully review the charter agreement to understand the specific details and terms related to the APA for your chosen yacht charter.