Understanding APA, Crew Gratuities & Extra Charter Costs

One of the most common questions first-time charter guests ask is, "What costs are included in the charter price?"

The answer depends on the type of yacht you book. While many catamarans in the US Virgin Islands are offered on an all-inclusive basis, most motor yachts and superyachts operate on a plus-expenses model.

Here's what you need to know before booking.

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance.

It is a fund paid before your charter that covers the operating expenses of your trip. Rather than including everything in the charter fee, these costs are paid from the APA as they occur.

APA typically covers:

Fuel

Food and beverages

Alcohol

Marina and dockage fees

Customs and clearance fees (if applicable)

Other requested expenses during your charter

The captain keeps detailed records throughout the trip. If your actual expenses are lower than the APA, the remaining balance is refunded. If you exceed the allowance, you'll simply pay the difference at the end of the charter.

Most motor yachts require an APA of around 30-35% of the base charter fee.

Many luxury catamarans and sailing yachts in the US Virgin Islands offer all-inclusive pricing.

Although inclusions vary by yacht, the charter fee typically includes:

Professional captain and crew

Private chef

Meals and snacks

Standard beverages

Fuel for the planned itinerary

Water toys

Bed linen and towels

Always confirm exactly what is included before booking, as premium wines, fine spirits, or special requests may incur additional charges.

Crew gratuity is not included in the charter price and is given at the guests' discretion as a thank-you for exceptional service.

The industry standard is 15-20% of the base charter fee, although the final amount is entirely up to you and should reflect your experience.

Gratuities are normally presented to the captain at the end of the charter, who distributes them among the crew.

Depending on the yacht and itinerary, local taxes may apply.

For charters that take place in the US Virgin Islands, guests should generally expect a 12.5% US Virgin Islands hotel tax where applicable. Additional government or customs fees may apply if your itinerary includes the British Virgin Islands.

Your charter broker will explain all mandatory charges before you confirm your booking, so there are no surprises.

Yes.

Before your charter begins, you'll receive a detailed quotation outlining:

Base charter fee

APA (if applicable)

Taxes

Estimated fees

Any optional extras

This allows you to understand the total cost of your charter before making your final payment.

Understanding how yacht charter pricing works makes planning your vacation much easier.

If you're booking an all-inclusive catamaran, most of your holiday expenses are covered in a single price. If you're chartering a motor yacht or superyacht, you'll also need to budget for the APA, applicable taxes, and an optional crew gratuity.

A reputable charter broker will explain every cost upfront, ensuring complete transparency and helping you choose the yacht that best fits both your expectations and your budget.