Category:
Booking
Understanding the difference between these two pricing models helps you choose the right option for your vacation style.
Plus-Expenses Charter (APA Model)
How it works:
- Pay charter fee plus APA upfront
- Captain tracks actual expenses
- Receive accounting and any refund at charter end
Best for:
- Guests who want transparency in expenses
- Variable itineraries with flexible plans
- Groups with specific preferences or special requests
- Longer charters where expenses may fluctuate
- Destinations with diverse provisioning options
Advantages:
- Complete transparency—see exactly where money goes
- Flexibility to adjust preferences during charter
- Pay only for what you actually consume
- Unused funds returned to you
- Premium provisions and experiences available
Considerations:
- Requires APA payment upfront (larger initial outlay)
- Final cost unknown until charter ends
- Need to discuss preferences and budget with captain
All-Inclusive Charter
How it works:
- Single price covers charter fee AND typical operating expenses
- Specific inclusions outlined in contract
- No additional charges unless you exceed package terms
Best for:
- Budget-conscious guests wanting no surprises
- Simpler vacation planning with fixed costs
- Shorter charters (4-7 days) where expenses are predictable
- Groups comfortable with standard provisioning
- First-time charterers seeking simplicity
Advantages:
- Know total cost upfront
- Simplified budgeting and planning
- No APA payment or final accounting
- Often includes standard bar and provisions
Considerations:
- Premium or special requests may incur extra charges
- Less flexibility for custom experiences
- Includes budget limitations on provisions
- Still need to pay crew gratuity separately
Typical All-Inclusive Coverage:
- Standard fuel allowance (limited cruising hours)
- House wine, beer, and basic spirits
- Three meals daily with standard provisions
- Standard water toys and equipment
- Local cruising within specified area
Common All-Inclusive Exclusions:
- Premium wines and all champagnes
- Top-shelf spirits or specialty cocktails
- Excessive fuel use (extended cruising or high speeds)
- Shore dining at restaurants
- Special activities (scuba diving, guided tours)
- Crew gratuity
Which Model is Right for You?
Choose APA (Plus-Expenses) if you:
- Want complete control over your provisions and experiences
- Plan diverse activities or premium dining
- Prefer transparency and detailed accounting
- Are comfortable with variable final costs
- Value flexibility during your charter
Choose All-Inclusive if you:
- Want a fixed, predictable total cost
- Prefer simplicity in vacation planning
- Are comfortable with standard provisions
- Plan relatively straightforward cruising
- Want to avoid final accounting process
Most luxury crewed charters in prime destinations like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Bahamas operate on the APA model because it provides the flexibility and transparency that discerning charterers expect. All-inclusive options are more common for budget-friendly or charters in the Virgin Islands.
