Cost of crewed Yacht Charter

APA in Yacht Charters Explained

APA yacht charter explained: The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a standard part of most luxury yacht charters, typically set at 25–40% of the base fee of your base charter fee, the APA ensures your captain and crew have the funds needed to deliver a seamless experience—covering everything from fuel and food to docking fees and local taxes.

What APA Covers

• Fuel for the yacht and tenders
• Food and beverages
• Harbor and marina fees
• Customs and immigration fees
• Communications
• Local taxes
• Special requests (e.g., premium wines or activities)
• Dockage fees

How APA Works

• Paid in advance with your charter fee
• Managed by the captain for transparency
• Detailed expense tracking and reporting
• Regular updates provided during your trip
• Unused APA refunded after the charter
• Additional funds requested if necessary

👉For a full overview of the booking process, including contracts and payments, see our Yacht Charter Booking Guide

Budgeting Tips

• Higher fuel use = higher APA (motor yachts usually > sailing yachts)
• Long cruising distances and island-hopping increase costs
• Menu choices (premium dining, fine wines) can raise the budget
• Special activities, water toys, and excursions add to expenses

👉 APA is one part of your overall charter expenses. To understand all costs, deposits, and inclusions, visit our Yacht Charter Costs Explained FAQ

Regional Variations

Mediterranean:

• Most charters operate on a “plus expenses” basis with APA
• Higher port fees, dockage, and fuel costs
• Expensive during high season

Caribbean:

Mix of all-inclusive and plus expenses charters

• APA common for larger yachts
• Lower port fees, more flexible anchoring options

💡At the end of your charter, any unused APA funds may be refunded to you or applied toward the crew. Learn more about gratuity guidelines in our Yacht Charter Gratuity Guide

On an APA yacht charter, you pay a separate allowance—typically 10–40% of the charter fee—to cover variable costs like fuel, food, and port fees. This makes expenses flexible but less predictable. An all-inclusive yacht charter bundles meals, beverages, and most expenses into one fixed rate, offering more cost certainty.

For a full explanation, see our APA in Yacht Charters Explained Guideand our Half-Board vs Full-Board Yacht Charter Guide
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Virgin Islands Yacht Charter Travel Guide: Flights, Ferries & Early Arrival Tips

Planning your Virgin Islands yacht charter travel is more than just booking a flight—it’s about making the journey as seamless as your time on the water. From flights and ferry services to private water taxis and early arrival options, here’s everything you need to know for a smooth start to your charter.

1. Getting to Your Charter Destination

St Thomas Travel Options

• Daily flights from the U.S. mainland into St Thomas (STT)
• Ferry service from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie to Tortola (approx. $200 roundtrip per person, taxi included)
• No overnight ferry service available

Private Water Taxi Benefits

• Direct transport from St Thomas to your yacht
• Flexible departure times on your schedule
• Door-to-dock convenience
• Maximum privacy and comfort
• Ideal for groups, families, or those seeking premium service

2. Benefits of Early Arrival

• Recover from flight fatigue before boarding
• Handle customs and immigration with ease
• Avoid delays with luggage or paperwork
• Explore St Thomas or Tortola before your charter
• Start your vacation refreshed and stress-free

3. “Sleep Aboard” the Night Before

Many yachts offer a sleep aboard option, allowing you to board from 5 PM the evening before departure.

• Welcome cocktail and crew introduction
• Settle into your stateroom overnight
• Wake up already at your charter dock
• Immediate departure the next morning

4. Alternative Accommodation Options

If you prefer to arrive earlier, consider:

• Luxury waterfront hotels
• Boutique island inns
• Beach resorts and private villas
• Properties located close to marinas for easy boarding
• 5. Pre-Charter Planning Tips

Pre-book all transfers in advance

• Monitor weather conditions before arrival
• Allow time for customs clearance and paperwork
• Meet your crew early in a relaxed setting
• Familiarize yourself with the yacht before departure
• Begin your charter vacation immediately, stress-free

💡 Expert Tip: Arriving early gives you a buffer against flight delays or travel disruptions that could impact your charter schedule. Whether you choose a sleep aboard, luxury resort stay, or private transfer, planning ahead ensures your Virgin Islands yacht charter begins effortlessly.

👉 Need personalized travel planning? Contact Epic Yacht Charters for tailored guidance on flights, ferries, water taxis, and accommodations for your Virgin Islands yacht charter.

Ready to set sail? Contact Epic Yacht Charters today to start planning your perfect escape.

Yes — at the end of your yacht charter, the captain provides a full expense report. Any unused APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) funds are refunded to you. In some cases, guests choose to apply a portion of the remaining balance toward crew gratuities.

For a full breakdown of how APA works, see our APA in Yacht Charters Explained Guide
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On most yacht charters, the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) is set at 10–40% of the base charter fee, depending on the yacht type and cruising area. These funds cover operating expenses like fuel, food, beverages, and dockage.

Learn more about budgeting and cost ranges in our full APA in Yacht Charters Explained Guide
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The APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) on a yacht charter covers the running expenses of your trip. This typically includes fuel, food and beverages, harbor and marina fees, customs, communications, and local taxes.

For a deeper breakdown of costs, see our full APA in Yacht Charters Explained Guide
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What does APA mean in yacht charters?

The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a fund collected in advance to cover expenses like fuel, food, beverages, dockage fees, and taxes during your yacht charter. Typically set at 25–40% of the charter fee, it ensures the captain has funds to manage your trip smoothly.
Want the full details? See our APA in Yacht Charters Explained Guide

Half board vs full board yacht charters comes down to flexibility and dining style. Half board (also called “partial board”) includes some meals on the yacht, leaving room to enjoy restaurants ashore. Full board covers all meals onboard with a set menu and service. Half board offers variety and slightly lower base costs, while full board ensures all-inclusive convenience.

Read our full guide on half vs full board yacht charters »

Yacht Charter Booking | Epic Yacht Charters

Booking a luxury yacht charter is a straightforward process when you understand the steps involved. Our yacht charter booking guide explains everything from destination selection and yacht choice to contracts, deposits, and final payments. Whether it’s your first time booking or you’re a seasoned charter guest, these details will help you plan with confidence.

1. Yacht Charter Booking Process
Initial Steps

• The first stage of yacht charter booking is deciding where and when you want to travel:
• Destination selection – Choose from popular regions such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, or Greece.
• Yacht choice – Decide between motor yachts, catamarans, trimarans, or sailing yachts, depending on your group’s preferences.
• Personal consultation – Work with an experienced charter specialist who can recommend the best yachts based on your budget, group size, and preferred style of travel.
• Preliminary itinerary planning – Discuss possible routes, anchorages, and highlights to ensure the yacht matches your desired experience.

Timing Guidelines

• Booking early is always recommended:
• Peak season (Caribbean holidays, Mediterranean summers): Reserve 6–12 months in advance.
• Holiday bookings (Christmas & New Year’s): Book 12+ months ahead, as prime yachts fill up quickly.
• Off-season: Booking 3–6 months ahead is usually sufficient.
• Last-minute bookings: Sometimes possible depending on yacht and crew availability.

2. Financial Terms & Payments
Deposit Requirements

• A 50% deposit is required at the time of signing your yacht charter contract.
• For Caribbean all-inclusive charters, sometimes 25% is accepted if booking more than six months in advance.
• The remaining balance is due 60 days before the charter.

APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)

• For yachts operating under MYBA or Mediterranean terms, an APA (usually 30–40% of the charter fee) is collected in advance to cover expenses such as fuel, food, beverages, and dockage. Any unused funds are refunded at the end of your charter.

What’s Included & Excluded

• Included: The yacht, crew services, onboard amenities, and insurance for the vessel.
• Excluded: Food, beverages, fuel, dockage fees, communication charges, and crew gratuity (typically 15–20% of the base charter fee).

3. Yacht Charter Contracts

• Charters are secured with industry-standard contracts such as:
• MYBA Contract – Used for most Mediterranean charters.
• CYBA or AYCA Contracts – Often used in the Caribbean and North America.

These contracts clearly outline:

• Charter dates and location
• Payment schedule and cancellation terms
• Insurance requirements
• Crew responsibilities and guest obligations
• Your charter broker will review all contract details with you to ensure clarity before you sign.

4. Why Book Early?

Booking your yacht charter early provides several benefits:

• Greater yacht selection – Prime yachts and best crews are reserved quickly.
• Better itinerary planning – Early bookings secure dockage in popular marinas.
• Peace of mind – Time to finalize preferences, travel logistics, and insurance.

5. Insurance & Cancellation Protection

• Because yacht charters are a significant investment, we strongly recommend travel insurance:
• Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage – Gives maximum flexibility.
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance – Protects against illness, weather disruptions, or other emergencies.
• Medical and evacuation coverage – Important for international travel.
• 6. Working with a Yacht Charter Specialist

A professional broker ensures that every aspect of your booking is handled with care:

• Yacht recommendations based on personal inspections and industry connections.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
• Preference sheet guidance to match food, drink, and activity options to your group.
• Ongoing support before, during, and after your trip.

Final Thoughts on Yacht Charter Booking

The yacht charter booking process is designed to make your vacation seamless. From choosing the right yacht and destination to securing contracts, deposits, and provisioning, our team at Epic Yacht Charters is here to guide you through every step.

Whether you are planning a family yacht charter in the Caribbean, a luxury motor yacht in the Mediterranean, or a catamaran sailing adventure in Greece, early planning and expert guidance ensure the best experience.

📞 Contact Epic Yacht Charters today to begin planning your yacht charter booking and enjoy a stress-free journey to your dream vacation at sea.

Yacht Crew Gratuity Guide: How Much Should I Tip the Crew?

Understanding yacht crew gratuity is an important part of chartering a yacht. Your crew is at the heart of your experience — planning itineraries, preparing gourmet meals, ensuring safety, and delivering exceptional service throughout your vacation. Gratuity is not just a thank-you, but a significant portion of their income. While tipping is always at the client’s discretion, there are widely accepted industry standards by region and yacht type that can help guide you.

Caribbean Yacht Charter Gratuity Standards

In the Caribbean, gratuity is considered a standard part of charter culture, particularly in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and surrounding waters.

• Typical gratuity rate: 15-20% of the charter fee
• How it’s calculated: Based on the total charter rate for fully crewed, all-inclusive charters
• Flexibility: Can be adjusted slightly higher or lower depending on service quality and guest satisfaction
• Caribbean yacht crews often go above and beyond, creating tailored itineraries, cooking custom meals, and providing hands-on water sports instruction. Because of this service-intensive experience, gratuities in the Caribbean are generally on the higher side compared to other regions.

Greek & Mediterranean Yacht Charter Gratuity Standards

In Greece and the Mediterranean, tipping culture is slightly different from the Caribbean.

• Typical gratuity rate: 15% of the charter fee adjusted as to how you feel the service you received was.
• Base rate vs. APA: Gratuity is calculated on the base charter fee, not on the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
• Regional norm: Applies primarily to catamarans and sailing yachts operating in the Mediterranean

Greek yacht charters often provide incredible itineraries through the Cyclades or Ionian Islands, with professional crews delivering attentive service. While 15% is considered standard, some guests may choose to give more when service has exceeded expectations.

Motor Yacht Gratuity Standards (Worldwide)

Luxury motor yachts often have larger crews and operate under slightly different gratuity structures.

• Recommended gratuity rate: 10–20% of the charter fee
• What’s excluded: APA costs (fuel, dockage, provisions) are not included in the gratuity calculation
• Variation: The gratuity amount can depend on yacht size and the number of crew
• International practice: These guidelines are recognized across popular destinations including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, and beyond

Because motor yacht crews can be much larger, gratuity is pooled and distributed evenly, ensuring everyone from the captain to the stewardess is acknowledged for their role in making the charter seamless.

How Gratuity is Distributed

Guests often wonder how their gratuity is divided. The captain is typically responsible for allocating gratuity fairly among the crew. Distribution is based on each crew member’s position, responsibilities, and contribution during the charter. This ensures that all team members — from chefs and deckhands to engineers and stews — are recognized for their hard work. It is common on most charters for the gratuity to be split evenly among all crew members.

Attentive crew service is a cornerstone of every luxury yacht charter experience — gratuities recognize the professionalism and care shown throughout your voyage.

Payment Options for Yacht Crew Gratuity

Gratuity can be given in several ways, depending on what is most convenient for the guests and crew:

• Cash – Preferred by most crews for immediate distribution
• Wire transfer – Can be arranged through your charter broker
• PayPal or Venmo – Accepted in some cases, depending on the country your crew has banking
• Credit card – Sometimes processed through the broker or clearinghouse or even onboard.
• Pre-arranged payment – Organized in advance, especially for larger motor yachts

Your broker can assist in arranging the most suitable payment method before or at the end of your charter.

Key Takeaways

• Caribbean: 15-20% of charter fee
• Greece/Mediterranean: 15% of charter fee (base rate only)
• Motor Yachts: 10–20% of charter fee (excluding APA)
• Distribution: Handled by the captain, shared fairly among all crew
• Payment Options: Cash, wire, or broker-facilitated

Caribbean & Bahamas

• 15–20% of charter fee
• Often higher due to highly personalized service & custom itineraries

Greece & Mediterranean

• 10–20% of charter fee
• Calculated on base rate (not APA); common for catamarans & sailboats

Luxury Motor Yachts

• 10–20% of charter fee
• Excludes APA; gratuity pooled & shared among larger crews

Worldwide (General)

• 10–20% of charter fee
• Standards recognized globally, with variation by region & service

Final Note

While gratuity is never mandatory, it remains the most meaningful way to recognize your crew’s dedication, hospitality, and professionalism. A thoughtful gratuity ensures the team feels valued for creating your unforgettable charter experience.

If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, our brokers are happy to guide you before your trip so you feel confident about gratuity practices worldwide.