What is included in the cost of a private yacht charter?

Short answer

The charter price normally covers use of the yacht and its crew for the agreed charter period, but the exact inclusions depend on the yacht, charter contract and destination. Additional expenses commonly include food and beverages, fuel in some circumstances, port fees, cruising permits, VAT or local taxes, and other charter-related expenses.

Answer

A yacht charter price is not always an all-inclusive figure, so it is important to understand exactly what is included before comparing yachts.

For many luxury yacht charters, the principal charter fee covers:

Exclusive use of the yacht. –

The professional crew. –

Accommodation aboard the yacht. –

Use of the yacht's standard onboard facilities and equipment. –

Water toys and recreational equipment, subject to the yacht's terms and local regulations. –

The yacht's normal operating costs as defined by the applicable charter agreement.

Depending on the yacht and charter region, additional costs may include food and beverages, fuel, dockage, cruising permits, communications, transfers, special requests and applicable taxes.

The most important point is that two yachts with apparently similar weekly prices may have materially different total charter costs once the applicable expenses are considered.

Analysis

The correct comparison is therefore not simply the advertised weekly charter rate. A broker should establish the likely total cost based on the itinerary, number of guests, cruising distance, dining expectations, port calls and special requirements.

Broker comment

Ask for an indicative total charter budget, not just the yacht's weekly rate.