All-Inclusive Yacht Charter: What’s Included and What’s Not?

When booking a private yacht charter, the term “all-inclusive” can be both inviting and a little misleading. While many luxury charters are designed to provide a seamless, stress-free experience, not everything is always covered under that umbrella. Knowing exactly what’s included, and what isn’t, can help you budget more accurately and avoid surprises once you’re on board.

In this post, we’ll clarify what “all-inclusive” typically means in the world of private yacht charters and help you understand the difference between the base charter price and additional costs that may apply.

What’s Included in an All-Inclusive Yacht Charter

A private yacht charter includes much more than just access to a boat. The base price often covers the essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable journey along the coast or among the islands.

Private Use of the Yacht

The yacht is exclusively reserved for your group. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with family, or as a large group, the yacht is yours for the duration of the charter.

Professional Crew

Every charter comes with a professional crew that typically includes a captain, chef, steward or hostess, and additional deckhands or engineers depending on the yacht’s size. Their goal is to ensure safety, comfort, and service throughout your trip.

Cruising Fuel

Fuel costs for standard daily cruising (usually up to four hours per day) are commonly included in the charter rate. This allows for flexible, scenic itineraries without worrying about fuel surcharges, unless you request extensive cruising or detours.

Linens, Towels, and Basic Toiletries

Cabins come fully prepared with fresh linens, towels, basic toiletries, and beach towels. Cabins are cleaned regularly, and the crew maintains common areas throughout the trip.

Wi-Fi and Air Conditioning

Internet access is generally available on board, allowing you to stay connected if needed. Air conditioning, whether from onboard systems or generators, is often included; however, in some cases, it may be limited to specific hours.

Basic Consumables

Some charters provide a welcome package or daily fresh fruit and light snacks. While this varies by yacht, it’s a small touch that enhances the onboard experience.

What’s Not Included in the Charter Rate

Though much is included, there are important items not typically covered in the base charter price. These additional costs can be estimated ahead of time and are often based on your personal preferences.

Food and Meal Packages

Yacht charters generally offer several catering options, such as half-board (usually breakfast and lunch) or full-board (all three meals per day). These packages are charged per person, per week, and vary in cost based on menu type.

Additional meals or à la carte dining can also be arranged but will be billed separately. Guests should discuss dietary preferences, allergies, and expectations well in advance to allow the chef to customize menus accordingly.

Beverage Packages

All-inclusive drink packages are available but typically not included in the base price. You can choose from non-alcoholic, local alcohol, or premium international drink packages, priced per person per week.

Alternatively, you may bring your alcohol onboard, but this often incurs a corkage fee, which covers service and handling by the crew.

Port Fees and Mooring Charges

While anchoring in bays may be free, overnight stays in marinas or specific ports involve extra fees. These vary depending on location, yacht size, and itinerary. Some charters require clients to pay port and tourist taxes on the spot, usually in local currency.

These charges are typically not included and are paid as you go or managed through a pre-agreed expense allowance.

Additional Fuel Costs

If your itinerary requires more than the standard daily cruising hours, or if you request extra use of the onboard generator or water toys that consume fuel, these costs are added to your final bill.

This applies especially to longer passages, island-hopping itineraries, or one-way routes with distant embarkation and disembarkation points.

One-Way Fees or Repositioning

Some guests choose to start and end their charter in different ports. If the yacht needs to travel without guests to reach or return from your embarkation point, a one-way or repositioning fee may apply. This cost covers fuel, crew time, and other logistical expenses.

Optional Services and Activities

Many charters offer optional extras such as:

• Watersports instructors
• Guided land excursions
• Wellness services (e.g., onboard massage)
• Vehicle or bike rentals at destination stops

These are arranged upon request and charged separately.

Gratuities

While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary to leave a gratuity of 10 - 15% of the charter rate. This is given to the captain at the end of the trip and distributed among the crew.

Transparency Is Key

The term “all-inclusive” in private yacht charters doesn’t always mean everything is covered. Instead, it refers to a thoughtfully packaged experience where major components - vessel, crew, and basic operations are bundled together, and all additional costs are outlined upfront.

Before booking, it's important to review:

• What’s included in the base price
• The cost of food and drink packages
• Estimated port, fuel, and delivery charges
• Any additional services you plan to use

By understanding these details in advance, you can budget accurately and focus on enjoying your time at sea surrounded by crystal waters, personalized service, and unforgettable destinations.