Yacht charters allow you to experience a dream vacation in distant locales where the waters are crystal-blue and the excitement of an endless summer awaits. Though enjoying a vacation aboard a luxury yacht is no hard task, planning a charter experience can be.
Though working with a yacht broker can take away all the guesswork and make planning smooth sailing, knowing what’s included in a typical private yacht charter can help vacationers decide whether this type of dream vacation is right for them.
Are Yacht Charters All Inclusive?
That depends on what kind of charter experience you choose.
For crewed yacht charters (the type of luxury yacht experience where a fully-staffed vessel is waiting to welcome you aboard) there are two types of vacations you can expect: ones that are “all inclusive” and ones that are “plus expenses.” 
All inclusive luxury yacht charters will include all food and drink, fuel costs, and other types of fees and provisioning in the base fee.
Your charter price will vary depending on the number of guests you bring along. It might also be affected by other factors like taxes and dockage fees (which aren’t usually included). But once that quote is set, you should expect that the charter price you’re quoted will be the charter price you pay.
For “plus expenses” experiences—the more common option when you’re chartering a luxury yacht—you should expect to pay for food, alcohol, port taxes, fuel, and any excursions on top of the base charter fee. Any water toys on board will be at your disposal for use, but those and the crew are typically the only things included all-out.
How Do “Plus Expenses” Luxury Charters Work?
There’s a reason why “plus expenses” is the most popular way to book a luxury yacht charter.
When you go “all inclusive,” you’re less likely to be able to tailor all aspects of your dream vacation to your preferences and tastes. Luxury yacht charters are a chance for you to experience every luxury, satisfy every craving, and enjoy the endless summer in a deep relaxation frame of mind.
When you’re able to control your own budget—and how much of it is set aside for experiences and provisions chosen by you—you’re able to cater every moment of your vacation to your own wants.
That’s why you’ll be asked to provide an “Advanced Provisioning Allowance” (or APA) before you embark on a “plus expenses” voyage.
Your APA represents a percentage of your luxury charter’s base price, and is held in a separate account throughout your vacation. Any provisioning, fuel, or excursion expenses are taken out of that pot, one that your Captain keeps track of throughout your trip (and can chat with you about at any time).
You can be clear about your budget and expectations in your preference sheet, which is the easiest way to tell your Captain how much of your APA you’re willing to spend on food, beverages, and experiences while you’re aboard.
What Other Costs Should I Expect When Chartering a Yacht?
Certain other expenses (like different insurances to cover any accidental damage on the part of you or your travel guests) are fully optional, but preferred by some vacationers. Your yacht broker can help you decide whether these are good options for you.
Though your chosen charter locations can affect what’s considered a “good” tip, you should expect to say thanks to your yacht crew with a tip that’s about 15% of the base charter fee (depending on the quality of service, of course!).
What’s the Best Way to Book a Yacht to Charter?
There’s a reason why going at it alone isn’t the best option when choosing a charter to book. An experienced yacht broker will know how to ask questions, hear your requests, and help connect you to a crewed yacht charter experience that matches your wants and needs.
They’ll help you search available yachts for charter, decide what size, model, and yacht type most interests you, and figure out what charter locations match your interests.
They’ll also help match you to a vessel that fits your budget. Since everything from fuel costs, locations, and seasons can affect the base fee of your charter, working with someone who has decades of experience in the industry can set your mind at ease and set you aboard yacht charters that will offer an unrivaled vacation.
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