All-inclusive: one fixed price, total budget certainty, rare above 30m. Plus expenses (MYBA standard): lower base rate + APA for running costs, unused APA refunded. Most superyacht charters are plus expenses. Neither includes crew gratuity.
All-Inclusive vs Plus Expenses Charter — What's the Difference?
The most common confusion in yacht charter pricing: seeing a base charter rate and wondering why the final cost is so much higher. The answer is the plus expenses structure — the industry standard for crewed superyacht charters. This guide explains both models clearly, when each applies, and which is better value for different charter styles.
Side-by-side comparison
All-Inclusive
Best for: first-timers, strict budgets, shorter passages
Plus Expenses (MYBA)
Best for: experienced charterers, superyachts, longer itineraries
Where APA actually goes — typical motor yacht
Fuel & lubricants
45–55%Largest single cost. A 50m motor yacht burns 300–500L/hour at cruising speed. Varies enormously with route length.
Food & provisioning
20–30%Chef's grocery shopping — quality provisions for a week. Premium wines and spirits can significantly increase this line.
Marina & port fees
10–20%Marina berths in Portofino, St Tropez, or Monaco can be €2,000–€8,000/night. Anchoring dramatically reduces this.
Water toys & activities
3–8%Diving, water sports instruction, equipment hire. If your vessel has its own toys, this is lower.
Customs & clearance
1–3%Border crossing fees, pilot fees in some ports, transit log fees.
Real cost example — 40m motor yacht, 7 nights, Med
Same vessel, same week — all-inclusive pricing vs plus expenses MYBA structure.
All-Inclusive Quote
Plus Expenses (MYBA)
All-inclusive vs plus expenses — FAQ
What is the difference between all-inclusive and plus expenses charter?
An all-inclusive charter has one fixed price covering everything: base rate, fuel, provisions, port fees, and typically crew gratuity. A plus expenses charter (the MYBA standard) has a base charter rate plus an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) held by the captain to cover running costs — fuel, food, port fees — with unused APA refunded at charter end. The vast majority of crewed superyacht charters are plus expenses. True all-inclusive charters are rare above 30m and typically offered by budget-end charter companies on smaller vessels.
Which is better — all-inclusive or plus expenses?
It depends on your priority. All-inclusive gives you budget certainty — no surprises. Plus expenses typically costs less if you are an economic operator: short passages, local provisions, anchoring rather than marina berths. But plus expenses can exceed the all-inclusive equivalent if you cruise extensively, eat elaborate menus, or stay in expensive marinas. For first-time charterers who want simplicity, all-inclusive removes anxiety. For experienced charterers who know their patterns, plus expenses is generally better value.
What does APA cover in a plus expenses charter?
APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) covers: fuel and lubricants (largest single cost — 40–60% of APA on a motor yacht), food and beverages including all meals and drinks, port and marina fees, mooring buoys, pilot fees, customs clearance charges, and any paid activities (diving, water sports instruction, specialised excursions) pre-agreed with the captain. It does not cover crew gratuity (paid separately at charter end) or personal items such as clothing, private phone calls, or items purchased ashore.
How do I know if a charter listing is all-inclusive or plus expenses?
Plus expenses charters list a 'base charter rate' (BCR) — the price without APA. All-inclusive charters list a single 'charter price' that includes everything. On listing platforms and broker quotes, look for '+expenses', '+APA', or 'MYBA terms' — these all indicate plus expenses. 'All-inclusive' is explicitly stated when offered. If the listing shows a significantly lower per-person price than you expect, confirm whether the quote includes or excludes APA, fuel, and provisions.
What percentage of APA is typically returned unused?
APA surplus varies significantly by itinerary and vessel type. On a sailing catamaran with modest fuel consumption, a light provisions itinerary, and anchoring rather than marina berths, 15–25% of APA may be returned. On a large motor yacht with aggressive cruising, full provisioning, and marina stops, APA may be fully consumed or require a top-up. A realistic planning assumption: budget to spend 80–90% of APA with 10–20% surplus. If you want conservative budgeting, assume APA is fully consumed.
Are crew gratuity and charter insurance included in all-inclusive charters?
Rarely. Even on all-inclusive charters, crew gratuity (10–20% of BCR) is typically additional and expected in cash at charter end — the 'all-inclusive' label rarely covers this. Charter insurance is always the charterer's own responsibility (4–6% of charter value) and is never included. Read the charter contract carefully: what exactly is included in the 'all-inclusive' rate must be explicitly defined. Common exclusions: champagne and premium spirits, water toys beyond basic kit, and any activities with external operators.
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