Well, it looks like you are considering an idea or have already decided to spend your next vacation on a yacht. Anyway, as with every travel, you need to make preparations carefully. Planning this uncommon and unforgettable journey is an exciting, yet quite a challenging task. There are plenty of things to pay attention and numerous issues to solve.
For example, choosing a vessel type, its size, desired itinerary, departure and arrival dates, number of crew members, provided services, amenities etc.. All these aspects influence the trip’s cost. As the water traveling is developed enough, a chartered yacht can be either simple or luxury according to your preferences. In any case, it would be your best vacation ever.
Types of private yachts
Among all mentioned aspects of planning a trip, the initial one is to choose your best type of yacht. All private vessels serve a limited amount of guests, commonly no more than 12 people. There are exceptions, but there are only a few of them and the total number of passengers does not exceed 30.
Superyacht
A superyacht is a vessel that offers its guests graceful exclusiveness. It is the largest type of yachts, which provides alfresco areas and impeccable service. This type of private yachts has access to particularly all places on earth, which is ultimately appealing for globetrotters. For example, Ragnar yacht (https://ragnaryacht.com/) has access to Arctic and Antarctic continents, where not every transport can reach.
Superyachts charters operate plus expenses rates, so the crew has enough time to carefully prepare for the voyage and fulfil all wishes of guests at the highest level. A cost to charter such a luxury boat starts from $400,000, and it can reach more than $1,500,000 per week plus expenses.
Motor yacht
Motor yachts, previously called mega-yachts, charters also operate at plus expenses rates. The reason it is not all-inclusive is that the boat itself is more expensive than most common types of yachts. As a result, maintaining a motor yacht, its insurance and fuel is pricey. Moreover, it is faster, so you may visit more locations during the week. In addition, a motor yacht is more stable when underway, so the possibility of motion sickness decreases and enables you to enjoy the journey wholeheartedly.
The starting weekly vessel (under 80ft) charter rate is around $20,000. Middle-sized motor yachts charter rates vary between $80,000 and $150,000 per week. Chartering an enormous yacht (over 150ft) may cost from $200,000 to over half a million dollars.
Catamaran
The most common type of private yachts is a catamaran. This vessel is also famous for its eco-friendly plastic analogue. The lower end of the weekly charter under 50ft boat rate usually $10,000 – $25,000. It is the most affordable option for this size of a catamaran. If you want to have more luxury options, then the starting price instantly increases to $25,000. Those who desire to have a high-exclusive vacation should prepare to pay at least $40,000.
With increasing yacht size, a charter rate also rises. For instance, chartering a yacht under 65ft approximately $10,000 per week more compared with 50ft vessels. Catamarans which are over 80ft are the most spacious and luxurious. The lower end of these boats chartering rates are $50,000, yet the price of $100,000 is not the limit.
Sailing yacht
This type of vessel is also all-inclusive. The main difference between a sailboat and a catamaran is their sizes. However, costs for chartering both yachts are quite similar. The smallest sailboat (80ft – 120ft) weekly charter rate ranges from $10,000 to $50,000.
Bigger and more extravagant options can cost up to $150,000 weekly. A rate of the largest sailboats, the size of which is exceeded 150ft, can reach $300,000 per week. As the number of guests are limited, be rest assured that the crew would meet all your needs, so you wouldn’t be disappointed during your trip.
What is included in the charter price?
All-inclusive charter
It is easy to guess that an all-inclusive charter means that the rate includes the yacht itself, crew, all meals, snacks and beverages available in an open standard bar. The fee also enables you to use all aboard watersports gear, taxes and related expenses. However, requesting additional services like extraordinary alcohol and specific equipment are charged separately.
Plus expenses charter
Compared with all-inclusive rates, plus expenses ones means that along with the standard price that includes chartering the yacht, its insurance and crew there are additional costs, which are payable in advance and are about 30% – 35% of the vessel charter fee. It means that no operating expenses such as your food and drinks, used fuel, port fees, taxes etc. are included in the initial rate.
The main reason to have such a rate is that consumed resources drastically vary according to charterers preferences of picked itinerary (use of different amounts of fuel), ordered meals and beverages, entertainment and leisure activities, and so on. In conclusion, the captain provides a receipt of all expenses. If your balance remains, then it is returned, otherwise the arrears must be settled.