How much does a private yacht charter cost? A detailed breakdown from the CharterWorld experts

Its that time of year when thoughts turn to summer vacations and few experiences can rival that of a private luxury yacht charter. The thrill of the open sea, the charm of a Mediterranean harbour or privacy of a secluded Caribbean beach, plus unparalleled and bespoke service on board combine to create a truly unique vacation. But how much does it cost to rent a yacht with a crew?

Welcome aboard | M/Y ROCK.IT | image from Yachting image

Working with an experienced charter broker is a must when planning a crewed yacht charter vacation, but some understanding of the fees and expenses will help you sail through the process.

What is a private yacht charter?

• Chartering a yacht is an exclusive yacht rental where you are paying a fee to the owner in exchange for use of the yacht for a specified period
• Crewed yacht charters come with an onboard crew including a captain, deck team, stewardesses and a chef who will cater to your every need based on your preferences
• During the charter you will have access to all the yacht’s amenities which might include on board water toys such as jet skis, paddleboards and water slides or a jacuzzi, beach club and spa

Superyacht REVERIE | The choice of amenities helps determines the base charter fee

How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

The ‘base charter fee’ is determined by a few factors but will be quoted as a ‘per week’ amount and have two basic rates covering high and low season.

Factors determining the base charter fee:

• The age of the yacht or how recently it has been refitted
• The amenities on board and the quality of the fixtures and fittings
• Whether it is a motor yacht, sailing yacht or catamaran
• The size of the crew and inclusion of a chef or spa treatments
• The season and special local events like the Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival or Olympics

Monaco Grand Prix – Monte Carlo | special events can affect the charter fee

The dates of high season will differ depending on the destination but will include the most popular weeks of the year, often winter in the Caribbean and July and August in the Mediterranean plus school holidays.

What is included in a crew yacht charter?

The base charter fee will cover the crew’s wages and food and all listed amenities – although there may occasionally be an additional charge for jet ski hire and fuel or specially requested toys like an inflatable water park. Your charter broker will outline all inclusions in the contract which should be industry standard like MYBA (Worldwide Yachting Association) or Standard Caribbean Terms (SCT) – usually more or all-inclusive.

What are the additional costs?

Once the base charter rate has been established, it is important to consider what costs will be applicable in addition.

Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA)?

The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) is usually advertised as ‘+ expenses’ and includes costs for food, beverages, internet access, fuel, harbour fees and dockage.

• The APA is typically up to 30% of the weekly charter rate and must be paid before departure
• The captain will then keep a detailed record of expenses and present the final amount to you or your broker on completion of the charter
• Any unused funds will be returned in cash but if the balance runs low, guests are expected to provide sufficient funds for the remainder of their time on board
• Your charter broker can manage these funds on your behalf to avoid the need to carry quantities of cash
• Having an APA allows guests complete control over how much is spent depending on how extravagant the catering, the variety and amount of drink on board and the itinerary.
• Fuel is only charged when it is used – including for the tender and jet skis – and dockage can vary greatly from premium berths at the Monaco Grand Prix to nothing at all in some areas

Rock It al fresco dining credit Yachting Image | APA covers costs for food and beverages

Tax and Insurance

Yacht charter can be complicated so working with a professional charter broker is invaluable for determining which local taxes are applicable and ensuring they are paid promptly to the correct authorities

The base charter fee will include insurance to cover risk and third-party liability like accidental damage, personal injury and use of the yacht’s toys and equipment – bear in mind that some countries require a license to use jet skis and insurance will be invalidated without the correct paperwork. Taking out cancellation and curtailment insurance is vital and covers charterers for unforeseen circumstances that may alter or cancel their travel plans. The experience of a reputable charter broker and appropriate insurance policy will give you peace of mind and is a wise investment.

Five star service  and luxury experiences from a dedicated crew

Crew Gratuity

A gratuity is entirely at the guests’ discretion and should reflect their appreciation for quality service from the crew while on board.

• If you choose to leave a tip, between 10 and 20% of the base charter rate is customary. When chartering in the Mediterranean, crew tips typically range from 5% to 15% of the basic charter fee, whereas tips on American-owned and based yachts often start at 15% or higher. (More details on crew gratuity.)
• The crew should be considered as one and the tip must be presented to the captain at the end of the charter who will distribute the money to ensure every crew member is recognised
• Everyone contributes to the success of your charter, so remember for every client-facing stewardess or deckhand there is a hard-working sous chef in the galley or interior stewardess in the laundry or preparing the cabins.

A luxury yacht charter adventure – motor sailer NAVILUX

Having helped you unpack the true cost of a luxury yacht charter vacation; we highly recommend that you plan carefully and work with a knowledgeable charter broker. They will be your trusted guide, ensuring a seamless journey from the initial planning stages to the moment you disembark – so all you have to think about is making lasting memories.