APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) is an upfront reserve for meals, beverages, smaller ports, and yacht-provisioning costs during your charter. It ranges from EUR 5,000 to EUR 10,000 weekly depending on yacht size and guest count. You pay the broker's estimate at contract signing and receive an adjustment (refund or additional charge) one week after the charter ends. Current as of January 2026.
Table of Contents
- What APA covers and what it doesn't
- Typical APA range by yacht size
- How APA is calculated
- Expenses covered by APA
- Expenses NOT covered by APA
- How to control APA costs
- FAQ
What APA covers and what it doesn't
APA is a "meals, beverages, and minor ports" fund. It includes:
- All onboard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
- Beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks, juice, water)
- Fuel (in certain cases, when the yacht navigates to smaller ports)
- Public port-entry fees (not premium marinas)
- Yacht services while cruising (fresh water, ice)
Does NOT include:
- Premium marina fees (Port Hercule in Monaco, Porto Cervo in Italy, Hvar in Croatia)
- Land activities (museums, restaurants, spas, shore excursions)
- Tender fuel (beyond standard use)
- National park entry fees (e.g., Cinque Terre, Posidonia in Greece)
- Crew gratuities (15–20% of charter total, paid separately at the end)
- Cancellation or extension insurance
Typical APA range by yacht size
APA is not a table figure. It is set as a percentage of the charter fee and written into the contract, which has two practical consequences: the larger the yacht, the larger the APA in absolute terms, because the fee is larger; and two yachts of the same size can carry different APAs, because the percentage is negotiated case by case.
The exact percentage varies by broker, contract and itinerary. This publication does not print a range, because no source we use carries a verified figure — ask your broker for the percentage before signing, and ask for it in writing.
What can be anchored is the base the percentage applies to. Mediterranean reference fees in January 2026 start from around EUR 80,000 per week in France and comparable levels in Italy, from about EUR 15,000 in Greece and Croatia, with mid-size crewed yachts from around EUR 30,000 and large superyachts running past EUR 300,000. The APA is calculated on that figure — which is where any realistic budget has to start.
What drives APA up on the same vessel:
| Factor | Effect on spend |
|---|---|
| Peak season (July–August) | Food, beverage and port fees rise across European ports |
| How much you actually cruise | Fuel is the most elastic line: a week at anchor and a week covering distance are not comparable |
| Menu profile | A chef menu built on premium produce consumes far more than simple meals aboard |
| Choice of ports | A berth in a destination marina costs more than anchoring in the bay beside it |
| Guest count | Provisioning and consumption scale with how many people are aboard, not with hull length |
APA is higher in peak season because (1) food and beverage prices in European ports surge during summer, (2) chefs typically serve refined menus in July–August, (3) beverage consumption tends to increase on shorter navigation days with better weather.
How APA is calculated
Your broker estimates APA as follows:
- Yacht size: larger yachts have bigger galleys and larger crew
- Guest count: more people = more food
- Culinary profile: "gourmet" charter with Michelin-trained chef versus "casual" charter with competent chef
- Destination: APA in Monaco is 20–30% higher than in Croatia
- Season: July–August costs 20–40% more than May
Your broker sends the estimate 4–6 weeks before charter. You pay 100% of the estimate when signing the contract (included in your final 50% payment). One week post-charter, your broker sends a detailed statement showing:
- Fuel consumed
- Meals and beverages used
- Port fees
- Remaining balance (EUR 0 = exact; positive = refund; negative = additional charge)
In most cases, the balance falls between EUR –500 and EUR +1,500.
Expenses covered by APA
Meals: - Breakfast: typical EUR 8–12 per person (bread, cheeses, meats, fruits, coffee/tea) - Lunch: EUR 25–40 per person (appetizer, main course, dessert) - Dinner: EUR 50–100 per person on chef's menu (appetizer, main, dessert, selected wine) - Snacks: EUR 3–8 per item (nuts, chocolates, fruits, sandwiches)
Beverages: - Wine: selection of 5–15 labels per yacht class, EUR 20–150 per bottle - Beer/soft drinks: EUR 2–5 per unit - Sparkling wine/Champagne: EUR 30–100 per bottle - Spirits: EUR 40–150 per bottle
Ports and cruising: - Anchoring fee in public ports (e.g., Portofino, Paros): EUR 30–200 per day - Fresh water and ice: EUR 50–150 per week - Fuel when applicable: EUR 1,500–2,000 per week (some yachts include this in charter price)
Expenses NOT covered by APA
Premium marinas: - Port Hercule (Monaco): EUR 1,000–2,000 per day - Porto Cervo (Sardinia): EUR 1,200–1,500 per day - Hvar (Croatia): EUR 300–500 per day
These are negotiated separately and charged directly to the yacht. Your broker includes an estimate in the initial cost breakdown, but outside of APA.
Land activities and dining: Cinque Terre tours, museum entry, Santorini jeep tours, wine tastings. Ranges EUR 30–200 per person, paid locally.
Park and conservation fees: - Posidonia Marine Park (Greece): EUR 10–20 per day - Cinque Terre National Park (Italy): EUR 8–12 per person for landing
Gratuities (tipping): 15–20% of charter fee, not included in any calculation. Paid on the last day in cash or bank transfer.
How to control APA costs
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Negotiate menu in advance: Tell your chef your preferences (diet, allergies, favorite dishes). Chef can source cheaper ingredients in smaller ports versus Monaco premium supermarkets.
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Choose local wine: Instead of French Champagne (EUR 80–150 per bottle), select local wine (EUR 15–30 per bottle). Quality is excellent; APA drops EUR 500–1,500.
-
Anchor meals over shoreside: Meals at anchor are always cheaper than waterfront restaurants. Reserve 1–2 shoreside meals as "experience"; cook the rest onboard.
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Book shoulder season: June and September have APA 20–35% lower than July–August without sacrificing food quality.
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Bareboat with private meals: If you hold a Yacht Captain diploma, you can rent bareboat + private cook for much less. Requires captain certification.
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Negotiate "APA flat": Some yachts offer "flat APA" (e.g., EUR 6,000/week, no settlement after). You don't recover unused funds, but get budget certainty.
FAQ
What is the average APA for a couple on a 40m yacht?
EUR 5,500–7,000 per week in July–August; EUR 4,000–5,500 in June/September; EUR 3,000–4,000 in winter. For a couple without children on a mid-size yacht, chef works with simpler menus; APA is lower than for groups of 10–12 guests.
Does APA include lunches and dinners at shoreside restaurants?
No. APA covers onboard meals only. Restaurants ashore are paid separately (credit card, cash). The chef can arrange reservations, but you pay the restaurant directly. Bills typically range EUR 50–200 per person per meal at Mediterranean premium establishments.
Is unused APA refundable?
Yes. If you estimate EUR 7,000 in APA and spend only EUR 5,500, you receive EUR 1,500 back one week after the charter ends. If you spend EUR 8,500, you pay an additional EUR 1,500.
Can the chef prepare special meals (wedding, birthday)?
Yes. Notify the broker 3–4 weeks prior. Chef sources special ingredients and prepares a custom menu. This may cost EUR 200–500 more than standard menus, charged as an APA difference.
Is fuel included in APA?
Generally no. Fuel is a separate line item (EUR 1,500–2,500 per week) negotiated alongside the charter price. Some yachts fold it into APA; always confirm with your broker in the initial contact.
How does APA work when chartering to premium marinas (Monaco, Porto Cervo)?
Premium marina is always a separate invoice, outside of APA. Your broker estimates marina + APA separately and includes both in the total cost. It's not a "surprise"; it's itemized in the contract (MYBA for international charter).
Is crew gratuity included in APA?
No. Gratuity is 15–20% of the charter fee (not APA), paid separately on the last day. It comes from outside your APA. If the charter costs EUR 150,000, gratuity is EUR 22,500–30,000, separate from all other costs.
What is the best way to monitor APA spending?
Ask the captain for a daily consumption report. Most well-run yachts provide one. This lets you track and adjust (e.g., reduce premium beverage consumption if you're running over budget).
CTA — Clarify costs with your broker
When requesting a quote from Voguer Yachts, ask for a clear breakdown: charter fee + estimated APA + marina + suggested gratuity + VAT. This shows you the true all-in cost before you commit.
Continue exploring: How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in the Mediterranean in 2026 · The MYBA Charter Agreement: What Every Charterer Should Understand · Boat for 10, 20, 30 or 50 People: What Changes the Price
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