Private Cruise Ship Price Explained: Budget to Luxury Costs

Private Cruise Ship Price

Chartering a private cruise ship involves renting the entire vessel—whether it be a small yacht or a standard cruise ship—exclusively for your own private group. In contrast to conventional public cruises, you have the freedom to determine the itinerary, amenities, and overall guest experience, ensuring that it is both private and tailored to your preferences.

Alternatives are:

• Small yacht or catamaran: Accommodates 6–12 guests—intimate, flexible, affordable.
• Motor yacht or superyacht: Suitable for 12–36 guests, complete with expert crew and luxuries.
• Mega-yacht: Extremely luxurious boats for 40–100 individuals with spas, water sports, cinemas, etc.
• Full cruise ship: Large cruise ships with hundreds of thousands of individuals—ideal for weddings, company parties, or special personal functions.

Fees are charged based on boat size, location, travel duration, length of stay, onboard amenities, and add-ons.

Budget Tier: Small Yachts & Catamarans

For couples or small parties, small yacht charters are lowest-priced private charters.

Average price:

• US $3,500–4,500 per week in high-season venues such as the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
• UK cabin-based charters in British waters begin at £1,300 per individual for a week.
• Basic crew and meals are included in seven-day cabin charters, but extras start with harbor fees, fuel.

Such charters offer price-shopped private cruising under the price of an entire yacht with personalized service and uncluttered itineraries to accommodate small groups.

Mid-Range Options: Motor & Sailing Yachts

Mid-range yacht charters offer luxury at compromise prices—good for corporate retreats or small groups.

Pricing overview:

• Prices will probably range from $10,000 to $150,000 per week based on size of yacht, age, and luxury amenities.
• A 62-foot catamaran would be $4,000–9,000 per person, per week, with crew service, water toys, and provisioning.

Treat yourself to:

• Catamarans—best stability and space.
• Motor yachts—faster travel between destinations.
• Crewed charters—with captain, chef, and stewardess for high-end service.

Include extra fees of 20–40% over base rates for fuel, taxes, port fees, provisioning (alcohol, food), and insurance.

Luxury Tier: Superyachts & Mega-Yachts

For ultimate luxury, privacy, and excess, superyachts are the solution.

Price ranges:

• Weekly rates of $45,000 to $550,000+, megasailing $1 million+ weekly.
• Iconic yachts such as Maltese Falcon cost approximately $500,000–566,000 per week.
• Most superyachts feature a complete crew on board, gourmet food, water toys, and opulent interior design.

Look forward to these luxuries:

• Private chef, masseur, scuba diving instructor, and perhaps a butler.
• Comfortable accommodations—a handful of staterooms, suites, panoramic salons.
• Dashboard of extravagance: pools, gyms, cinema rooms, tenders, jet skis.

Again, add a 30–40% Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) and a 10–20% gratuity for crew.

Full Cruise Ship Charters

Chartering the entire cruise ship is perfect when entertaining large groups—such as conferences, weddings, or themed affairs—within a customized setting.

Overview:

• Typical cost: $140–180 per passenger per day, covering meals, entertainment, crew, and housekeeping.
• On a 3,500-passenger ship for four days, you’d expect to spend roughly $1.96 million.
• Price scale varies based on vessel capacity, amenities, travel itinerary, and guest number.

Benefits are:

• Uniqueness unlike any other—entertainment, event planning, food, and guest experience are yours to command.
• Exclusive ports of call not on the typical run-of-the-mill agendas.
• The luxury to theme or brand the event across the ship.

Similar to yachts, there are add-ons—specialty events, alcoholic beverage packages, shore excursions—which will be charged over and above the base price.

Key Price Drivers Described

Itinerary and Destination

• Typical itineraries (Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean): lower fares due to oversupplied providers.
• Remote areas (Alaska, Galápagos, Antarctica): are eligible for luxury pricing and short-season scheduling.
• Speed of itinerary and ports of call directly affect fuel cost.

Ship Size and Type

• Small ships = lower fixed fees plus APA.
• Superyachts and cruise ships have higher fixed fees, crew wages, maintenance, overhead, and fuel.

Seasonality and Duration

• Peek season (European summer, Caribbean winter): 15–25% rate boost.
• Shoulder-season spring and autumn deals typically see charterers save 10–20%.
• Longer charters—10+ days—get better rates per day than short 3–5-day cruises.

Inclusions vs Exclusions

Base charter fees typically do not include:

Fuel charges (usage-based)

• APA—food, beverages, port charges, incidentals.
• Taxes, insurance, dock fees.
• Crew gratuities (typically 10–20%).
• Crew air, airport transfers, shuttle, liquor packages.

Cost Control Strategies

1. Charter shoulder seasons—April–May or Sept.–Oct. to cut daily charter expense.
2. Join cabin charters if traveling alone or with friend—same experience at a fraction of full-ship expense.
3. Obtain detailed quotations with APA included to avoid surprise add-ons.
4. Book charters with more days—at seven nights instead of four—for lower per-day rates.
5. Use a broker—professional negotiators spot hidden bargains and negotiate contract inducements like onboard credit.
6. Add-on packages—shore excursions, spirits packages, spa treatments—to reduce per-unit cost.
7. Cancel duplicative inclusions—if provisioning on your own, institute self-provisioning to avoid API fee.

Real-World Cost Examples

Consider these typical examples of cost:

• Small Caribbean sailboat: $3,500–4,500/person/week, plus 30% APA, with 1–2 staterooms aboard.
• Mid-market Mediterranean motor yacht: $60,000/week with full crew and 30% APA.
• Superyacht (150-ft) in British Virgin Islands: $250,000–350,000/week, full crew, equipment, gourmet cuisine.
• Mega-yacht in Mediterranean: $500,000+ per week, large guest capacity, full amenities and tenders.
• Full cruise ship (1,500 passengers) for 5 days: around $175 per person per day, all inclusive.

These are some of the various budgets: from couple to corporate getaway and wedding.

FAQs (Voice-Search Friendly)

How much does a private cruise ship cost per person?

• Small yacht staterooms: $3,500–4,500 per person per week.
• Full-yacht charters: $10,000–150,000+ per week.
• Superyachts: $45,000–550,000+ per week.
• Cruise ship charters: ~$140–180 per person per day.

Are charter prices all-inclusive?
No. APA is 30–40% plus 10–20% gratuity for staff. Fuel, taxes, docking, excursions additional.

Is charter cheaper than owning?
Yes. You don’t have long-term expenses—maintenance, crew wages, insurance, and mooring—and only pay for usage.

Can I charter an entire cruise ship for a party?
Yes. From $140–180 per person per day, including event space, catering, and entertainment.

What is APA and how much do you need?
APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) for tax, dock fees, fuel, drinks, provisions. Typically 30% of base charter rate.

When is the cheapest time to charter a yacht?
Shoulder season is ideal—10–20% discount off-season rates for spring and autumn.

Featured Snippet Summary

• Budget mini-yachts/room accommodations: $3,500–4,500 per person/week.
• Yachts in the mid-range: $10,000–150,000+ per week.
• Superyachts: $45,000–550,000+/week (some over $1 million).
• Whole cruise ship: $140–180 per guest/day.
• Add-ons: Add 30–40% APA and 10–20% gratuity for the crew.

Why These Prices Matter

• Transparency prevents surprise charges, making your private cruise hassle-free.
• Boat type and itinerary comparison enables intelligent budgeting with your group size, wishes, and best experience.
• Working with experienced brokers ensures boat quality, crew skill, and contract fairness.

Insider Planning Secrets

• Get instant prices from multiple brokers for comparison.
• Ask for sample itinerary and packages of service.
• Ask if liquor, watersports, and spas are included.
• Check itinerary flexibility—re-routing, weather back-up, or tender service policy.
• Check insurance, cancellation policy, and force majeure terms.

Final Thoughts

Organize shore excursions with operators that are typically featured in itineraries—however, be sure to verify any additional fees.

Private cruise ship charters offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the ocean—from intimate yacht retreats to grand cruise ship adventures. By comprehending and evaluating actual expenses, preparing for additional costs, and making informed choices about your vessel, you will find an ideal equilibrium between budget and luxury. Whether exploring Caribbean bays, Mediterranean harbors, or celebrating a significant event at sea, a thoughtfully arranged charter guarantees unforgettable journeys customized to your aspirations and financial plan.

Begin by selecting your destination, the number of guests, and the level of experience. Next, obtain quotes, check inclusions and APA, and book your desired ship or yacht for an unforgettable private cruise.