A Moveable Feast: Understanding Food and Beverage on Your Yacht Charter
The culinary experience is at the very heart of any great holiday, and a private yacht charter is no exception. In fact, dining at sea is one of its most magical and memorable aspects. Imagine waking up to a fresh, leisurely breakfast on a quiet deck, enjoying a vibrant lunch of Mediterranean mezes after a morning swim, and toasting to a spectacular sunset with a cool drink in hand before a delicious dinner under the stars. These moments are what transform a great trip into an unforgettable one. However, for first-time charterers, the question of yacht charter food and drinks can be a source of confusion. What's included? What's extra? How does it all work?
This comprehensive yacht provisioning guide is designed to demystify the entire process. We will walk you through the different dining options, explain what is typically included in your charter fee, and help you understand how to budget for the extras. A clear understanding of your culinary options is the key to a seamless, stress-free, and utterly delicious holiday. It ensures your boat trip dining experience is perfectly tailored to your tastes, your budget, and your vision for the perfect getaway on the Turkish coast.
Decoding the Menu: What's Typically Included in the Charter Price?
The first thing to understand is that the base charter fee you see advertised is almost always for the hire of the yacht and its crew. The cost of food and drink for your party is a separate, additional expense. How this expense is managed depends on the type of charter you choose.
The Crew's Sustenance: Crew Meals and Basic Provisions
Regardless of the meal plan you choose for your own party, the charter fee always covers the cost of the crew's food and their basic provisions. This is a standard industry practice. You are not responsible for buying or budgeting for what the captain, chef, and deckhands eat during your voyage. The fee also covers basic operational provisions for the yacht itself, such as fresh water for washing and basic cleaning supplies.
Your Culinary Choices: Full Board vs. Half Board vs. Self-Catering
This is where you, the charterer, have the power to choose an option that best suits your style and budget. The most common arrangements on crewed charters in Turkey are:
Full Board Yacht Charter: This is the most popular, traditional, and hassle-free option, especially on a Turkish gulet. You pay a set price per person, per day, which covers three delicious meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It often includes soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee as well. This option offers excellent value and complete budget predictability. You know the total cost of your food for the week upfront.
Half Board: This option typically includes breakfast and lunch. It's a great choice for guests who want the flexibility to dine ashore in the evenings, exploring the charming waterfront restaurants in towns like
Gocek or Marmaris.
Self-Catering (via APA): This model is standard on most motor yachts. You pay an **Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA)**, which is a deposit (usually 25-35% of the charter fee) paid before your trip. The crew uses this fund as your personal expense account to buy the exact food, drinks, and provisions you have requested on your preference sheet. The captain manages this fund with complete transparency, providing you with a running tally of expenses. Any unspent money is refunded to you at the end of the charter. This offers the ultimate in customization but less budget predictability than a fixed full-board price.
Budgeting for Bliss: Commonly Excluded Items to Plan For
Even with a full board package, there are a few items that are almost always considered extra costs. Being aware of these helps you create a complete and realistic budget for your yacht food costs.
Toasts on the Turquoise Coast: Alcoholic Beverages
Unless specifically stated otherwise, alcoholic beverages are not included in the standard menu packages. You have a few options for this:
Purchase Your Own: You are welcome to buy your own beer, wine, and spirits on shore and bring them on board. The crew will be happy to store and serve them for you.
Use the APA: If you are on an APA plan, the crew will purchase your preferred alcoholic drinks on your behalf from this fund.
Onboard Bar: Some yachts operate a 'bar tab' system, where you can purchase drinks from the boat's own stock and settle the bill at the end of the charter.
The Epicurean's Dream: Gourmet or Special Requests
The standard menus offered on Turkish gulets are fantastic, focusing on fresh, local, and healthy Mediterranean cuisine. However, if you have requests for specific premium or imported items-such as French champagne, high-end spirits, specific cuts of meat, or out-of-season luxury foods-these will typically be sourced at an additional cost. Always communicate these special requests in advance so your charter company can provide you with an accurate price.
From Wishlist to Galley: How Meal Planning Works Before Your Trip
The key to a perfect culinary experience at sea is communication. Weeks before your departure, your charter company will send you a detailed **Preference Sheet**. This is your most important tool for planning. This document is your direct line to the chef, and the more detail you provide, the better. It will cover:
Dietary Restrictions & Allergies: This is the most critical section. Clearly list any and all allergies (e.g., nuts, shellfish, gluten) or dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, diabetic).
Your Likes and Dislikes: Be specific. Do you love seafood? Do you dislike spicy food? Are there any vegetables your children won't eat?
Meal Style: Do you prefer light, healthy lunches or more substantial meals?
Snacks and Drinks: List your favourite snacks, soft drinks, and the types of coffee or tea you enjoy.
Special Occasions: Are you celebrating a birthday or anniversary? Let them know so the chef can prepare a special cake or celebratory meal.
A Taste of the Turkish Riviera: Sample Menus and Dining Styles at Sea
To give you a real taste of what to expect, here is a sample menu for a day on a full board yacht charter. The style is typically fresh, flavourful, and beautifully presented.
Breakfast: A classic Turkish breakfast spread featuring local cheeses, olives, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, honey from the hills of Marmaris, homemade preserves, and eggs cooked to your liking.
Lunch: A colourful and vibrant meze-style meal. Expect a variety of salads, dishes made with olive oil-braised vegetables (zeytinyağlılar), stuffed peppers, hummus, and a light main course like grilled chicken skewers or baked fish.
Dinner: The main event. Often centered around the onboard grill, you might enjoy freshly caught local sea bass, grilled lamb chops, or succulent kebabs, served with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and delicious side dishes, followed by a light dessert of fresh fruit or a traditional Turkish sweet.
Smart Bites: How to Plan and Save on Your Yacht Meals
A few smart choices can help you manage your budget without compromising on quality.
Choose the Full Board Package: For predictable budgeting, the fixed per-person price of a full board menu on a gulet is unbeatable.
Enjoy Local Drinks: Turkish wines and beers are excellent and much more affordable than imported brands. Embrace the local flavours!
Dine Ashore Occasionally: Even on a full board plan, you might choose to have one or two dinners ashore. The charming local tavernas in seaside villages often offer fantastic food at very reasonable prices.
Your Culinary Journey, Curated: How Göcek Yachting Can Help
Navigating your food and beverage options should be an exciting part of your holiday planning, not a stressful one. At Göcek Yachting, we believe in complete transparency and personalization. We provide clear, detailed menu options and work with you to understand your preferences, ensuring a seamless and delicious culinary experience that perfectly matches your expectations and budget. Our team can guide you through the pros and cons of different meal plans and assist in creating a provisioning list that caters to your every desire. This is a core part of the yachting lifestyle we are proud to offer.
For a complete overview of all the costs involved in a charter, we invite you to explore our full series of guides on boat rental costs and procedures. When you are ready to start planning your bespoke culinary adventure on the Turkish coast, please contact us.
