Is Food Included When You Charter a Yacht?

Setting Sail for Culinary Adventures

Chartering a yacht is the epitome of luxury and freedom, offering you the opportunity to explore exotic destinations while enjoying the comforts of a private boat. This article will go over the ins and outs of dining on a chartered yacht, so you know what to expect and how to make the most of your culinary adventure at sea.

Understanding the Yacht Charter Experience

Before going into whether food is included, it's important to understand the nature of a yacht charter experience. Unlike traditional cruises, where meals are usually included, yacht charters allow for greater customization.

When you charter a yacht, you are renting the entire boat, including the crew. This means you have the freedom to personalize many aspects of your journey, including the dining arrangements.

Is Food Included?

The inclusion of food on a chartered yacht depends on several factors, the most important of which is the type of yacht charter you select. Here are two types of yacht charters and their typical food arrangements:

Bareboat Charters:

• In a bareboat charter, you rent the yacht without a crew.
• You are responsible for provisioning and preparing your meals or hiring a chef separately.
• Food is not included, giving you full control over your culinary experience.

Crewed Charters:

• In a crewed charter, the yacht comes with a professional crew, including a captain, chef, and steward/stewardess.
• Some charters offer mandatory food packages, either half-board or full-board. These are charged separately from the weekly base rate. 
• If your charter contract includes an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), your food and provisioning expenses will typically be deducted from this amount.
• The onboard chef will create a menu for the week to suit your tastes and preferences.
• You can discuss dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences with the chef before your trip.

Choosing Your Yacht Charter Dining Package

When it comes to meals, half-board and full-board food packages on a yacht charter provide varying levels of inclusion. Here's the key difference between the two:

Half-Board: 

Breakfast and lunch are usually included in a half-board package, but dinner is not. Dinner typically gets eaten ashore at local restaurants or eateries. This option gives you more freedom to explore local cuisine and dining experiences at different ports of call.

Full-Board: 

Full-board, on the other hand, includes all meals while on the yacht. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included. Full-board offers the convenience of having all of your meals prepared and served onboard by the yacht's chef, providing a more inclusive and hassle-free dining experience during your charter.

The decision between half-board and full-board is based on your preferences and how you want to enjoy the culinary aspect of your yacht charter. Some travelers prefer half-board to dine at local restaurants and sample regional specialties, while others prefer full-board for the convenience of onboard dining and a more curated culinary experience.

What is an APA?

An Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a predetermined percentage of the base charter fee that charterers provide in addition when booking a yacht charter. The APA is intended to cover a variety of expenses incurred during the charter, such as food and beverages, fuel, docking fees, communication costs, and other general expenses.

It provides a convenient way for charterers to take care of these expenses while on board. Any unused funds from the APA are typically returned to the charterer at the end of the charter, or if additional expenses were incurred, the charterer would be required to cover the difference.

Choosing the Right Charter Type for Your Culinary Experience

The type of charter you choose should correspond to your culinary preferences, budget, and level of involvement in meal planning and preparation. Here's a breakdown of each charter type:

Bareboat Charters:

• Ideal for experienced sailors who enjoy preparing their meals or exploring local restaurants.
• Allows for complete flexibility but requires self-catering arrangements.
• Suited for travelers who want to curate their culinary experiences.

Crewed Charters:

• Provides a balance between autonomy and luxury.
• Includes meals prepared by a professional chef based on your preferences.
• Offers a stress-free dining experience with the convenience of an onboard crew.

Customizing Your Dining Experience

Here are some ideas for personalizing your meals:

Dietary Preferences and Allergies

• Communicate any dietary restrictions, preferences, or allergies to the yacht's chef in advance.
• Professional chefs are adept at accommodating various dietary needs, from vegetarian and vegan to gluten-free and more.

Provisioning

• On bareboat charters, you can supply your own food and beverages.
• Plan your provisioning list in advance to ensure you have the ingredients you need for your preferred meals.

Special Occasions

If you're celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, inform the crew in advance.

They can arrange for a special meal or celebration to make your charter even more memorable.

Final Thoughts

Depending on the type of charter you choose, you can find out if food is included. Crewed charters often include meals prepared by an expert chef, whereas bareboat charters put you in charge of provisioning and meal preparation. Gourmet dining experiences are included in all-inclusive charters, providing the ultimate culinary convenience.

Whatever option you choose, you can be confident that dining aboard a chartered yacht will be an unforgettable culinary experience, allowing you to savor delectable dishes while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the open sea.