Planning · Brazil
A grill on board is equipment, not a service: having one doesn't mean meat, ice, drinks or someone to cook are included in the rental. Before comparing quotes with the generic question "what's included," separate what's part of the boat's physical structure from what's an actual food service you've booked.
Read the Price as a Bundle of Services
An advertised price is just the starting point for comparison. To understand the total, ask the quote to describe the date, the period of use, the departure point, the group and the route. Only then should you check what's included.
In Voguer's FAQ, crew information varies by boat. That same caution applies to every other item: the fact that one boat offers a certain service doesn't mean you can assume every boat follows the same rule.
| Item | What to check | Possible charge |
|---|---|---|
| Boat | Period and purpose of use | Base price |
| Crew | Who's part of the operation | Included or itemized in the quote |
| Fuel | Route covered and how it's calculated | Included, capped, or charged by consumption |
| Food and drinks | Menu, quantity and service | Package or billed separately |
| Ice and cooling | Cooler, fridge and restocking | Equipment and supplies can be billed differently |
| Barbecue | Equipment, cooking and cleanup | Separate services or a package |
| Fees | Boarding, access and other applicable fees | Confirm who's responsible for paying |
| Security deposit | Amount, purpose and refund terms | A potentially refundable outlay |
Available Equipment Doesn't Mean Full Service
Having a grill on board doesn't tell you who brings the food or cooks lunch. The same logic applies to the cooler, the galley, the sound system and any leisure equipment. Ask what can be used, how, and by whom.
Avoid bringing large items without checking first. An extra cooler, for example, takes up walking space and may be unnecessary if the boat already has enough of its own. Sharing that information ahead of time helps everyone plan the space.
Fuel Needs to Be Tied to the Route
If the quote includes fuel, ask for a description of the route it covers. If deviations are allowed, confirm how they're approved and whether they can trigger an extra charge. If it's billed by consumption, ask for the measurement rule and the price.
Keeping time spent aboard separate from engine running time avoids confusion. Hours spent swimming, resting or eating don't automatically count as hours of continuous cruising.
A Security Deposit and the Final Cost Aren't the Same Thing
A security deposit, when required, may need to be paid upfront or held temporarily. Include it in your financial planning and check the refund terms. Don't add it to the final price as if it were always a spent expense.
Likewise, a down payment may just be one installment of the total, not an extra fee. Read the payment schedule carefully so you don't count the same amount twice.
An Example to Organize Your Comparison
Imagine two quotes for the same group and route. The first shows a base price and bills fuel separately; the second bundles those items into one package. You can only compare them once you know the fuel amount or rule in the first quote.
Build three lines: mandatory expenses, extras you choose, and refundable amounts. The total cost of the experience adds up the first two. The third line shows the extra cash you'll need to set aside, based on your booking's terms.
Before You Finalize the Booking
Check who receives each payment, what happens if the group changes, and what terms apply if you need to change the date or the tour can't run. Keep all this information in one updated quote, instead of relying on scattered messages.
With the inclusions spelled out, the group can choose what it actually wants to book and arrive at boarding knowing exactly what to bring.
Frequently asked questions
Does an included skipper mean fuel is included too?
No. They're different items and both need to appear in the quote, even when they're part of a single package.
Can I bring my own drinks?
Confirm the boat's policy, the storage space available and any restrictions. Don't assume it's allowed, or that a fee applies, without asking first.
Is the security deposit part of the tour price?
It can be a refundable amount or a guarantee, depending on the contract. Track that outlay separately and check the terms that apply.
