Is fuel included in the base yacht charter price?

No. Fuel is a variable cost paid from the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance). A yacht cruising at high speed will consume significantly more fuel than one at anchor.

What is the APA on a yacht charter?

APA stands for Advanced Provisioning Allowance. It is an expense account, typically 30-35% of the base charter fee, used to cover fuel, food, dockage, and other variable costs.

How much should I tip the yacht crew?

The industry standard for crew gratuity is between 15% and 20% of the base charter fee, distributed by the Captain to all crew members.

The Real Cost of Chartering a Superyacht (No Surprises)

For many first-time clients, the most confusing aspect of booking a luxury yacht is understanding the pricing structure. Unlike booking a hotel room or a cruise ship cabin, where the price is generally “all-inclusive,” a private yacht charter is typically broken down into separate financial components.

At EJ Yachts, we believe that complete financial transparency is the foundation of a stress-free experience. Unexpected costs are the fastest way to ruin a luxury vacation. This guide will walk you through exactly what you are paying for, ensuring there are no surprises when you step aboard.

Key Takeaways: Charter Costs at a Glance

Base Charter Fee: Covers the hire of the yacht, crew wages, and insurance
APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance): An expense account (typically 30–35%) for fuel, food, and dockage.
VAT: Local taxes vary by destination (e.g., 20% in parts of the Med).
Gratuity: Customary crew tip is 15–20% of the base fee.

The Base Charter Fee: What Is Included?

When you see a listed price for a yacht—for example, “$150,000 per week plus expenses”—that figure is the Base Charter Fee.

Think of this as the cost to hire the asset itself. Generally, the base charter fee includes:

The exclusive use of the yacht and all its onboard equipment (water toys, tenders, gym, cinema, etc.).
The wages and food for the professional crew for the duration of the charter.
The yacht’s comprehensive insurance and marine taxes.

Crucially, on most standard charters (often called “MYBA terms”), the base fee does not include variable expenses related to your specific usage of the vessel.

Demystifying the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance)

This is the concept that causes the most confusion, but it is quite simple once explained. Because the base fee doesn’t cover consumables—like the fuel used to get to a secluded island, the vintage champagne you order, or dockage at a premium marina—these must be paid for separately.

Rather than presenting you with a massive bill at the end of the trip, these expenses are covered by the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA).

What it is: The APA is an expense account that you fund prior to embarkation. It is typically calculated at 30% to 35% of the Base Charter Fee.
How it is used: The Captain uses these funds to run the yacht during your trip. This covers fuel for the engines and generators, dockage fees, harbor pilot fees, all food and beverages for your party, and communication costs.
Your Money, Transparently Managed: It is vital to remember that the APA is your money. The Captain keeps meticulous, transparent accounts of every dollar spent, usually viewable by you at any time during the charter.
The End of the Charter: At the end of your trip, the Captain provides a final detailed account. If you have spent less than the APA, the remaining balance is refunded to you in full.

VAT and Local Taxes

Just like a hotel room, governments levy taxes on yacht charters. Value Added Tax (VAT) varies significantly depending on the country where you embark and cruise.

Mediterranean: VAT can range from roughly 10% to 22% of the charter fee, depending on the country (France, Italy, Spain) and whether your itinerary includes international waters.
Caribbean/Bahamas: Taxes are generally lower here. The Bahamas, for instance, currently charges a 4% tax plus a 10% VAT on charter fees.

The Etiquette of Crew Gratuity

The final component of your charter budget is crew gratuity. The crew on a luxury superyacht works incredibly hard, often 16+ hour days, to deliver 7-star service. While gratuity is technically discretionary, it is customary in the industry.

How Much to Tip: The industry standard range for excellent service is between 15% and 20% of the Base Charter Fee.
How to Pay: Gratuity is usually handed to the Captain in cash or via wire transfer on the very last day of the charter.
Distribution: You do not need to tip individual staff. You give the lump sum to the Captain, who distributes it fairly among the entire crew (including the unseen engineers and chefs).

FAQ: Pricing Logistics

Is fuel included in the base price?

No. Fuel consumption is one of the largest variables and is paid from the APA. A yacht that cruises at 20 knots for 6 hours a day will burn significantly more APA than one that sits at anchor in a beautiful bay for three days.

What happens if we spend all our APA mid-charter?

The Captain monitors the spend closely. If funds are getting low, they will advise you in advance. You would then need to top up the APA account via wire transfer or cash to the Captain to ensure continued service.

Are dockage fees expensive?

They vary wildly. Anchoring out in a stunning natural harbor is usually free. However, securing a prime slip in Monaco during the Grand Prix or in Ibiza during high season can cost thousands of dollars per night.

Get a Clear Estimate

Navigating charter costs doesn’t have to be confusing. Contact an EJ Yachts specialist today for a personalized, transparent cost estimate based on your specific dream itinerary. Request a quote.

About the Author

Captain Elizabeth Andrews is the owner, luxury yacht charter expert, and superyacht Captain at EJ Yachts, specializing in creating bespoke itineraries for clients worldwide. With deep industry knowledge and a passion for the ocean, she helps first-time charterers navigate the process with ease.