What a Yacht Vacation Costs

Type of Yacht 

Generally, a motor yacht will cost more than a sailing yacht, mainly because of the cost of fuel.  Charter yachts fall into these categories:

Sail | Catamaran | Motor | Power Catamaran | Motor Sail (Gulet) | Expedition

Charter Rates – Seasons, Terms, etc.

Generally speaking, High Season rates can vary significantly from Low Season rates, no matter where you travel.  Just a few weeks’ difference can really affect the pricing and availability of yachts that meet your needs, plans and desired world region.  Always check to see if you are planning to charter a yacht during High Season, and adjust your expectations accordingly.

Term Charters 

A Term Charter is typically based on a 7night/8day schedule, with boarding and return times typically at noon.  Some countries and yachts can be flexible about the schedule (any day of the week).  Croatia and Greece tend to have a set schedule for Saturday to Saturday.  While our firm typically engages clients for a Term Charter of 7 nights or longer, some regions like New England (our home) offer short-term charters, typically a minimum of 3 nights/4 days or 4 nights/5 days.  Always contact us for special requests in any region of the world.

All-Inclusive Rates

When you see an “all-inclusive” charter price, you can usually interpret this price to include your crew, all food (customized breakfast, lunch, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner) and beverages, as well as standard bar, water toys, fuel, and cruising taxes, unless otherwise stated by the yacht.  All-inclusive charter arrangements are quite common in the Caribbean region.

Captain Only 

Try out the adventure with less frills and more of a hands-on experience.  You cook, you clean but you have a Captain doing all the navigation.  Click here for more Captain Only information.

Plus Expenses (“Plus all”)

This pricing arrangement usually means that your yacht, amenities, crew (plus food), and water toys are covered in the charter fee. Everything else is covered by a “Plus All” or “Plus Expenses” financial arrangement, where those additional expenses are covered by an “APA” (Advanced Provisioning Allowance), discussed below.

APA – Advanced Provisioning Allowance Covered Expenses

Think of an APA as a sort of expense account, pre-funded by you before you embark.  This arrangement conveniently takes the day-to-day expenses and provisioning out of your hands, so you can enjoy your journey and not have to carry a wallet on deck. It makes the yacht captain your purser, handling any customized requests and other likely or planned expenses such as food and beverages, fuel, marina fees, and any special requests you may have during your charter.  The Captain reconciles your expenses at the end of your charter and generally returns any unused funds back to you.

Types of APA-Covered Expenses 

What types of expenses might cost more (or less) than expected?  Consider items like specialty food and drink, fuel usage for yachts and tenders, harbor fees and dockage fees, communications (internet, satellite, etc.) delivery fees (if not home port), special personal laundry items, etc.

Other Factors 

Yacht charter pricing may also differ based on special features and offerings. For example: Top Yacht Chefs, amount and types of water toys, scuba diving, number of crew, Jacuzzi on deck, and unique yacht designs are just a few of items that can affect your charter price.

If you plan to add onto your yacht vacation experience with land excursions, private massage services and other specialty services to enhance your vacation memories for yourself and your guests, those may also be financed by adding funds to your Escrow account.

Now the fun begins!  When you engage with our 30+ years of award-winning expertise, we go to work for you and research the options and available vessels to find yachts that fit your budget, destination, interests, preferences, travelling party and occasion.