How Much Does a Charter on Below Deck Cost?
How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Luxury Yacht?
Understanding the Basics of Yacht Charter Pricing
A luxury yacht charter cost varies dramatically based on factors like vessel size, destination, crew expertise, and onboard amenities. Below Deck, the American reality TV series that debuted in 2013, showcases glamorous charters, but real-world pricing depends on tangible elements. For example, a week on a 100-foot motor yacht in the Mediterranean might cost between €50,000 and €200,000+, while smaller sailboats in Croatia start around €10,000.
The price of a luxury boat charter depends on many things, such as the size of the yacht, where it’s going, the skills of the crew, and the amenities on board. The American reality TV show Below Deck, which premiered in 2013, shows fancy yachts, but prices in real life depend on real things. In the Mediterranean, a week on a 100-foot motor yacht could cost anywhere from €50,000 to €200,000 or more. In Croatia, smaller ships start at €10,000.
Key influencers include:
- Yacht Type: Catamarans vs. monohulls vs. superyachts.
- Season: Prices are higher in Croatia during the busy summer months.
- Crew: A seasoned crew (like those on Below Deck) adds 20–40% to the base fee.
Do charter guests have to pay to be on TV show “Below Deck”?
Yes, but there’s a catch. On Below Deck, guests pay less ($15,000 to $40,000 for two to three days) to cover the costs of making the show. In fact, luxury charters work with “APA” (Advance Provisioning Allowance), which pays for things like fuel, food, and docking fees. Read our guide to yacht provisioning to learn more about APA.
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The Most Expensive Yacht on Below Deck
The most expensive boat on the show is the M/Y St. David, which was shown in Season 11 of Below Deck. It costs about $325,000 per week to rent. Similar boats in real life, like the Sunreef 80, give the same level of luxury for €150,000 to €250,000 per week.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht Price
For about $140,000 a week, you can rent the 177-foot sailing boat Parsifal III from Below Deck Sailing boat. In Greece or Croatia, smaller sailing boats like the Lagoon 51 start at €15,000 per week.
Comparing Croatia vs. Greece Charter Costs
Destination has a big effect on prices:
- Croatia: €10,000–€150,000/week. Ideal for mid-budget travelers.
- Greece: €20,000–€300,000/week. Offers more secluded, high-end routes.
Our Croatia vs. Greece cost breakdown dives deeper.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
Costs you didn’t expect can make your budget go up:
- Fuel Surcharges: Longer itineraries, like exploring the Saronic Gulf, increase fuel use.
- Premium Alcohol: Dom Pérignon vs. local prosecco.
- Docking Fees: Marinas like Dubrovnik charge €500–€1,000/night.
Read our hidden fees guide to avoid shocks.
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Crew Fees, Seasonal Trends & Cost-Saving Strategies
Crew Fees and Gratuities: Breaking Down the Costs
The cost of a Below Deck crew (captain, cook, stewardesses, and deckhands) goes up by 20–40%. Crew costs for a €100,000 boat, for instance, could be €20,000 to €40,000. 10–15% of the base fee is usually left as a tip, which is split between the team. Find out more in our crew tipping guide.
Seasonal Pricing: High vs. Low Season Rates
Prices go up by 30–50% during busy times, like summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean, when Below Deck shoots. As an example:
- July in Croatia: €25,000/week for a 50ft catamaran.
- October in Croatia: €15,000/week for the same yacht.
Our best time to charter guide explains regional peak/off-peak windows.
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How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Luxury
- Book Off-Peak: Save 30% by chartering in May or September.
- Smaller Yachts: A Lagoon 46 costs €12,000/week vs. €80,000 for a superyacht.
- Bareboat Charters: Skipping crew saves 25%, but requires a license. Compare options in our bareboat vs. crewed guide.
Fuel, Food, and “Extras”: The APA Explained
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) covers all the costs:
- Fuel: €2,000–€10,000/week, depending on itinerary (e.g., Sailing the Ionian Islands).
- Food/Drink: €150–€300/person/day.
- Docking Fees: Up to €1,500/night in premium marinas like Mykonos.
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Insurance, Negotiation & Final Pricing Breakdown
Insurance Costs and Requirements
Damages, liability, and medical situations are covered by charter insurance, which costs about 1% to 3% of the yacht’s value. Guests must also get travel insurance in case they get sick or have to stop their trip.
How to Negotiate Your Charter Rate
- Last-Minute Bookings: Save 20–30% by booking 4–6 weeks pre-departure.
- Longer Durations: Weekly charters often include a “free day” for 10-day bookings.
- Off-Peak Discounts: Negotiate 15% off shoulder-season trips to Greece.
Always review cancellation policies before committing.
Final Pricing Table: Below Deck vs. Real-World Charters
| Yacht Type | Below Deck Cost (3 days) | Real-World Weekly Cost (Croatia/Greece) |
|---|---|---|
| 100ft Motor Yacht | $30,000–$50,000 | €80,000–€250,000 |
| 50ft Catamaran | $15,000–$25,000 | €12,000–€30,000 |
| 177ft Sailing Yacht | $50,000–$70,000 | €140,000–€325,000 |
Preparing for Your Charter: Final Checklist
- Review Contracts: Confirm inclusions like water toys.
- Plan Menus: Work with the chef to align with dietary needs.
- Confirm Crew Roles: Ensure the hostess’s duties match expectations (see hostess responsibilities).
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About the Author: Europe Yachts Charter
