Food, Drinks & Dining — FAQ
Onboard dining
Is food included in a crewed yacht charter in Croatia?
Food and drinks are funded from the APA, the running-cost budget of about 30 to 40 percent of the charter fee, not the base price. You set the style and budget through a preference sheet and the crew provisions accordingly, then accounts for every spend during the trip. It is fully personalised rather than a fixed menu.
Is there a private chef on board?
On most crewed yachts above roughly 20 metres, yes. A dedicated chef prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner to your tastes, often using fresh local produce, fish and Croatian wines. Smaller yachts may have a host who cooks. Dining is one of the highlights crews tailor most closely to each guest group.
What kind of food does the yacht chef prepare?
Anything you like, within reason — from light Mediterranean breakfasts and fresh seafood lunches to multi-course dinners. Chefs lean on local Dalmatian ingredients: grilled fish, olive oil, seasonal vegetables, prosciutto, cheese and regional wines. Tell the chef your favourites and they build menus around them for the week.
Can the chef cook fresh local fish and Croatian specialities?
Yes, and it is a highlight. Crews source fish and produce locally along the route, so you might enjoy fish caught that morning, octopus salad, black risotto or a slow-cooked peka. Croatian wines from Pelješac, Hvar and Korčula pair beautifully. Authentic Dalmatian cooking aboard is one of the joys of a crewed charter.
Is breakfast included every morning?
Yes. On a crewed charter the chef prepares breakfast daily, from fresh fruit, pastries, eggs and local cheeses to anything you request. As with all meals, the food is funded from the APA and shaped by your preference sheet, so breakfast matches your routine — early and light, or a long, lazy spread at anchor.
Provisioning & drinks
What is a provisioning preference sheet?
It is a form you complete before the charter listing your favourite foods, drinks, allergies, dietary needs and any special requests. The crew uses it to provision the yacht to your exact tastes before you board. Completing it thoughtfully is the single best way to make the onboard catering feel truly personal.
Are drinks and alcohol included on a charter?
Drinks, including wine, beer and spirits, are provisioned to your preference sheet and paid from the APA. You choose the brands and quantities in advance and the crew stocks the bar and fridges accordingly. The crew can also restock along the route, so favourites never run out during the week.
What does all-inclusive mean for a Croatia yacht charter?
On smaller or skippered Croatian charters, all-inclusive can mean a set rate bundling skipper, hostess, fuel, food and port fees. On larger crewed motor yachts the model is base fee plus APA, which gives you full control over the food, drink and experience level. The team explains exactly what each quote covers.
How much should we budget for food and drinks?
Food, drinks, fuel, mooring and other running costs together come from the APA, typically 30 to 40 percent of the charter fee. How much of that goes to dining depends on your tastes — modest provisioning or fine dining with premium wines. The crew tracks spending and returns any unused balance at the end.
Can we bring our own food and drinks aboard?
Yes. You are welcome to bring a special bottle, favourite snacks or anything that matters to you, and the crew will happily store and serve it. Most guests, though, find it easier to list everything on the preference sheet so the yacht is fully stocked before they arrive.
Do you cater for special diets and allergies?
Absolutely. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, low-sugar and allergy-safe cooking are all routine — you simply note them on the preference sheet and the chef provisions and prepares accordingly. Tell the team about any serious allergy early so the galley can take extra care throughout the week.
Can you cater children meals on board?
Yes. Chefs happily prepare simpler, child-friendly meals and snacks alongside the adult menus, and adjust timings to suit little ones. Note ages and preferences on the preference sheet and the galley will have everything from familiar favourites to fresh fruit ready for younger guests.
Dining ashore
Can we eat at restaurants ashore during the charter?
Of course. Many guests mix chef-prepared meals on board with dinners ashore in island towns. The crew knows the best waterfront restaurants and konobas along the route, books tables and arranges the tender to shore. It is a lovely way to combine private dining with the buzz of Dalmatian harbour towns.
What is a konoba and should we try one?
A konoba is a traditional Dalmatian tavern serving rustic, home-style local food — grilled fish, lamb, peka, local wine — often family-run and tucked into island villages. They are a highlight of any Croatia charter, and your crew can recommend and book the most authentic ones along your route.
Can the crew arrange a special celebration dinner on board?
Yes. Whether it is an anniversary, birthday or a simple sunset dinner, the chef and crew create something memorable — a themed menu, a decorated table on deck, a cake and chilled champagne. Mention the occasion when planning and the crew will make the evening feel genuinely special.
Can you arrange wine tastings or a food experience ashore?
Yes. Dalmatia is rich in wine and food experiences — Pelješac and Korčula vineyards, oyster tasting in Mali Ston, olive-oil and truffle producers in Istria. The crew can build tastings and producer visits into your route so the charter becomes a relaxed food and wine journey as much as a sea holiday.
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