What is Included in the Yacht Charter Fee?

Many crewed charters, in Croatia included, follow a ‘plus-expenses’ pricing structure. This base charter fee typically includes the cost of the yacht rental for the agreed period, the full crew, and access to all water sports toys and equipment onboard.

However, additional expenses such as food, drinks, fuel, crew tips, and docking fees are not included in the base price. These extra costs are covered through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), which is a deposit paid before the trip to cover these additional expenses.

For a more detailed breakdown of how the APA works and what you can expect to pay, continue reading below.

Check Out Top 5 Yacht Deals in the Med Presented by Charter Expert William Mc Nally

What About Charter Taxes?

When planning a private yacht charter, there are two main options to consider: APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) yacht charters and All-Inclusive yacht charters. This makes a big difference between the initial charter price and the overall charter cost at the end of it all.

When choosing between an APA yacht charter and an all-inclusive yacht charter, you should consider your desired level of customization, budget flexibility, and overall vacation experience.

Let’s have a look:

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Fuel Consumption & Old vs New Yachts

Transfers To & From the Charter

The cost of transfers to and from a yacht charter depends on several factors, mainly how far and in what style. It ranges from simple taxi fares or private cars to arrival by limo or private jet.

There is also the scenario of your yacht charter starting from an Island where flights might be limited or non-existent, in which case boat taxis or a private speedboat pickup will be arranged.

In Croatia, the proximity of major airports like those in Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar to prime yacht charter locations significantly eases the transfer process. Many guests fly into these airports and use taxis or private car services, often arranged by the yacht charter, for a quick transfer to the marinas. It is pretty straightforward.

Shore Excursions

When planning a yacht charter vacation, any shore-based or additional excursions you choose to include, such as wine tours, restaurant bookings, or diving trips, will typically incur additional costs. These activities offer enriched experiences that complement the yacht charter but require separate planning and budgeting.

Here’s how you can manage these extra costs and activities:

• Pre-Arrangement: These activities can often be pre-arranged either through your charter broker or directly with the yacht’s crew. This planning ensures that your preferred activities are booked and scheduled according to your itinerary.

• Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA): The costs for these excursions can be covered through the APA, which is a budget set aside in advance for expenses that are not included in the charter fee. The APA typically covers fuel, food, beverages, and harbor fees, but it can also be used for booking external activities. Normally, the APA is around 30% of the charter fee, but this can vary.

• Payment and Budgeting: When you use the APA to pay for activities, the captain will keep a detailed account of all expenditures and provide receipts. If the cost of activities exceeds the APA, additional funds will need to be provided during the charter. Conversely, any unused funds from the APA are returned to you at the end of the trip.

• Planning Ahead: To ensure availability and synchronization with your charter itinerary, it’s wise to plan these activities well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Your broker or the yacht’s crew can assist in making reservations and recommendations based on your interests and the charter route.

Crew Gratuity

When it comes to tipping crew members on a yacht charter, the general guideline is to offer a gratuity that reflects the quality of service provided.

Typically, tips range from 5% to 15% of the total charter fee, depending on the location and the customary practices there. For example, in the Mediterranean, it’s common to tip towards the lower end of this range, while in the US and Caribbean, gratuities at the higher end are more typical.

All crew members usually share in the gratuity, regardless of their specific roles, as they all contribute to the overall experience of the charter. It’s customary to hand the total tip to the captain, who will distribute it among the crew.

Payment is generally made at the end of the charter, and while cash is often preferred, other arrangements can sometimes be made through your charter broker or by other means agreed upon.

The expected tip can also be influenced by the type of yacht and the level of luxury and service provided. High-end luxury yacht experiences may see higher expectations in terms of percentage, reaching up to 30%, reflecting the elevated service level.

Tip for Budgeting Your Yacht Charter

Limit the Distance You Travel Between Places

As I touched on earlier, fuel consumption is a major factor in the overall charter cost. It is, therefore, wise to choose an Itinerary in a place with Islands located in close proximity. Fx, the Saronic Islands in Greece, over the popular long stint from Athens to Santorini in the Cyclades (over 100 nautical miles).

Apart from generally being one of the most stunning destinations in the Mediterranean, with the best infrastructure for luxury yachts, Croatia is a great pick for those looking to budget smartly.

First of all, you have the Dalmatian coast dotted with prime locations, within small jumps of each other, and then you have the Dalmatian Islands, nicely spread along the coast, allowing for easy and swift sails out.

Also Read How Much Does a Yacht Charter in Greece Cost?

Get More for Your Money with a Split Bill

A really smart way to get a nice-sized luxury charter yacht with a smaller budget is with a large group charter (12+). Get your family or friends together and go bitter with a split bill.

Croatia happens to be one of the absolute best places for large-group charters. Why? Because, in general, the EU has strict rules limiting more than 12 people on charter yachts unless they have licenses and safety parameters of the same standard as large cruise ships. But not Croatia, well, and Turkey, which means there are tons of nice big luxury yachts set up to accommodate large groups. We are talking up to 71 people. Like Variety Voyager here!

Check Out 10 BEST Large Group Charters in 2024

Take advantage of Off-Season Discounts?

The high season for Croatia yacht charters spans from July and August. This is by far the busiest time as well as the hottest.

If this does not appeal, you can opt for a pre-season or post-season yacht charter. The Croatian climate is warm enough, with mild winters, too, giving you a bigger window during which to find the perfect motor yacht for your Croatia yacht charter.

The months of May-June and September-October are quieter and less crowded as far as anchorages and routes are concerned. During this time, the motor charter rates are considerably cheaper than during the high season, especially for popular destinations such as Dubrovnik.

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