The brochure says: "60m superyacht, €200,000 per week." You book the week. The invoice arrives: €50k APA (provisions), €5k extra fuel, €30k crew gratuity, €10k activities (submarine, helicopter). True total: €295k. Nobody warns you beforehand because it's standard: the advertised price is charter hull only. Everything else is à la carte. This guide breaks down what you really pay, line by line.
Table of Contents
- Advertised price vs. real cost
- Mandatory extras
- Optional extras (that cost plenty)
- Full cost table by yacht size
- FAQ
Advertised price vs. real cost
What you read on the broker's website (May 2026):
"Superyacht 60m Mediterranean: starting at €200,000/week."
What you actually pay:
| Line item | Fixed | Variable | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yacht charter (base) | Yes | — | €200,000 |
| APA (Advance Provisioning) | No | Yes | €50,000 |
| Extra fuel (navigation) | No | Yes | €5,000 |
| Crew gratuity (15%) | No | Yes | €30,000 |
| Activities (diving, extras) | No | Yes | €5–15,000 |
| Actual week total | — | — | €290–310k |
Charter base is 65–70% of total cost. Extras consume 30–35%.
Mandatory extras
APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) — €50k typical for 60m
APA is an escrow deposit for onboard expenses. The chef uses it for fresh provisions, drinks, seafood, wine, groceries. Leftover money is refunded (rare); overages you pay.
- 60m yacht, 12 guests, one week: €40–60k.
- 80m yacht, 14 guests, one week: €60–80k.
- 100m+ yacht, 16+ guests, one week: €80–120k.
Food quality varies: some chefs source Norwegian salmon and caviar; others plan simple meals. Specify preferences to your broker beforehand.
Extra fuel — €3–15k per week
Charter base assumes fuel for typical navigation (100–150 nautical miles/day). Long itineraries (Saint-Tropez to Ibiza = 400+ nm) incur fuel overage.
Crew gratuity (15% of charter) — €30k for €200k
Global standard: 15% of total charter fee, split among captain, chef, deckhands, stewardess. Technically optional, but expected—skip it and future brokers note it poorly.
- Captain: ~30–40% (~€10k for €200k).
- Chef: ~25–30%.
- Crew (2–3 deckhands): ~35–40%.
Optional extras (that cost plenty)
Helicopter day trip: €15–25k (aircraft + pilot rental).
Submarine dive visit: €2–5k per person (2–3 hour descent). 8 guests = €16–40k total.
Water sports (jet ski, parasailing, technical diving): €500–2,000/person/activity. Intensive week = €10–20k.
Personal trainer onboard: €3–5k/week.
Guest chef (renowned): €5–10k/week.
Private event (DJ, band): €5–15k.
Added together, optional extras can add €30–50k to the week.
Full cost table by yacht size
| Size | Base (May 2026) | APA typical | Fuel | Gratuity (15%) | Subtotal | With 2 activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60m | €200k | €50k | €5k | €30k | €285k | €305–325k |
| 80m | €280k | €70k | €8k | €42k | €400k | €430–460k |
| 100m | €350k | €100k | €12k | €52k | €514k | €550–600k |
| 120m+ | €450k | €120k | €15k | €67k | €652k | €710–780k |
Note: Prices reflect May–June 2026. July–August can be 30% higher.
FAQ
1. Is APA always 25% of charter?
No, varies 20–35%. Premium companies charge 25–35%. Ask upfront. Special diets (vegan, kosher) may increase APA (chef sources premium ingredients).
2. Can I negotiate the gratuity?
Technically yes, but not recommended. 15% is global standard. Less is seen as disrespectful and damages your reputation with future brokers. Pay in full.
3. Is fuel always included or extra?
Confusing. Charter base assumes fuel for "typical" navigation (100–150 nm/day). Longer distances (200+ nm/day) or distant destinations incur overage. Clarify in contract.
4. Can I bring my own chef or sommelier?
Possible but complex. Onboard chef is safety authority (food handling). Negotiate beforehand; manager may decline. Guest sommelier is easier (~€2–3k/week).
5. What if I don't use all the APA?
You get refunded, usually via bank transfer 30–60 days post-charter. Some companies charge 2–3% reprocessing fee. Check contract.
6. Can I bring extra guests if I pay more?
No, typically. 60m holds 12; 80m holds 14 (capacity limits and safety regulations). Exceeding is legal risk. Rare exceptions—ask broker.
7. What's the absolute minimum real cost for a superyacht week (economy)?
60m superyacht, June 2026, no extras: - Base charter: €130k (shoulder season, not peak). - Minimum APA: €30k. - Base fuel: €3k. - Gratuity: €19k. - Total: ~€182k. Possible but uncommon; realistic is €285–320k.
8. What if I cancel? Do I lose everything?
Cancellation policy varies. 6+ months: no penalty. 3–6 months: 25–50%. Under 3 months: 100%. Travel insurance may cover cancellation if purchased early.
9. Should I buy travel insurance or charter-specific insurance?
Both. Travel insurance covers you (accident, illness). Charter damage insurance (~2–3% of value) reduces your yacht-damage liability (deductible €5k → €1k). Worth it.
10. How to save on a superyacht week?
- Book shoulder season (May–June, September): 20–30% cheaper.
- Choose 60m over 80m (€200k vs. €280k base).
- Skip expensive activities (helicopter, submarine).
- Larger group: 12 guests split APA 4 ways per person, not 2.
- Hunt last-minute: brokers discount 10–20% if yacht is unbooked next week.
11. Can I request a chef with Michelin experience?
Yes, but it costs extra. Standard superyacht chef is trained and competent. Michelin-starred or celebrity chef runs €5–15k/week premium, or hire as guest chef (separate fee). Ask broker for references and food philosophy before booking.
12. What if the yacht has mechanical issues mid-week?
Broker is responsible for seaworthiness before charter starts. If issues arise during your week, broker arranges repair (usually in nearest port, which adds travel). Mechanical failures rarely happen on well-maintained superyachts, but insurance and clause in contract protect you. Ask for mechanical guarantee in writing.
Seasonal pricing variations (June 2026)
Superyacht prices peak July–August. May, June, and September are 20–30% cheaper. October–April drop another 20–30% below shoulder season. If you have flexibility in dates, savings are dramatic:
- June charter: €200k (60m) vs. €260k peak. Save €60k for same yacht and crew.
- September charter: €180k. Save €80k vs. peak season. Weather is still excellent (28–30°C, calm seas).
- October charter: €150k. Save €110k, but waters cool to 20–22°C and Meltemi winds ease.
- Winter charter: €100–130k, but fewer Mediterranean destinations available (better for Caribbean or SE Asia). Works for sun-seeking; not ideal for exploring Mediterranean archaeology.
Pro tip: Book April–May or September–October for value. Charter quality doesn't drop; only demand (and pricing) does. Same professional crew, same beautiful yachts, lower fees.
Managing expectations: what luxury really means
A superyacht week is luxury, but it's transactional luxury. You're renting a floating hotel with staff. Expectations matter:
What you get: - Professional crew (trained, multilingual). - Impeccable vessel condition (cleaned daily). - Chef-prepared meals. - Access to unique locations. - Flexibility and privacy.
What you don't get: - Customized itineraries beyond fuel range. - Last-minute changes (crew has limited flexibility). - Unlimited water sports (some destinations restrict). - Guarantee of perfect weather. - Confidentiality beyond professional discretion (yacht is business, not fortress).
Understand the boundary between "we will accommodate you" and "we have operational limits," and the week is seamless.
Conclusion
Superyacht weeks have visible cost (charter base) and hidden costs (APA, fuel, gratuity). Real budget is 40–50% above advertised price. A €200k/week superyacht totals ~€285–320k all-in. For 12 guests, that's ~€24–27k per person/week—comparable to a 5-star resort. Understand these costs beforehand, and you enjoy the experience without unpleasant surprises.
See also: Buying vs. Chartering a Yacht: Ten-Year Maths, Yacht vs. Superyacht, What's Included in a Charter Week. Browse yachts at voguer.yachts.
