The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) is a shipboard provision. On a crewed charter, you set up a float that the captain uses during the week for the boat’s and crew’s day-to-day expenses.
Stayinto does not charge the APA. It does not appear as a Stayinto “charter” debit. It is generally paid at embarkation, according to the contract (often MYBA).
What the APA is for
The captain pays from this envelope, against receipts:
- fuel and engine consumables;
- ports, moorings and harbour dues for the week;
- food and drinks (food & beverage) if they are not already included;
- small local expenses tied to the cruise (water, ice, last-minute shopping).
At the end of the charter, the captain gives you the statement. Unused balance is returned to you. If money runs short, a top-up can be asked — which is why you keep the receipts.
How much and how
The amount is set by the contract, often as a percentage of the charter price (a frequent ballpark on Mediterranean crewed boats is around 20% — this is not a Stayinto rule, it is contract practice). It appears on the listing or summary when the partner provides it.
- Payment: often cash, transfer or card to the captain, not through the Stayinto checkout.
- Currency: have the currency stated in the contract (often EUR in the Mediterranean).
- Receipts: keep a copy or a photo of the end-of-week statement.
The APA is not VAT and is not the catalogue-price taxes. A mandatory “APA” extra on the listing is not a Stayinto service fee.
On Stayinto
Checkout details the charter, extras prepaid online and Stayinto service fees. The APA is shown as an item to pay on board when it is known. If the exact amount is not yet priced, it will be on the contract (MYBA) before embarkation.
Before you leave, reread the contract: who pays “alongside” ports vs mooring, and what sits outside the APA (premium alcohol, restaurants ashore, activities). Those items stay on you beyond the provision.