The yacht host or private chef placement fee covers the host's or chef's labour during the placement. It does not cover the food and beverage budget for guests. Those are separate items.
What's included in the placement fee
The standard placement fee covers, during the active charter or assignment:
The host's or chef's own meals onboard (they eat what the boat eats)
The host's or chef's onboard accommodation (typically a shared crew cabin on yachts; on-site arrangement on villa or chalet placements)
Their working time across the assignment
Liaison with the skipper, the broader crew, and Quarterdeck throughout the placement
What's not included
Guest food and beverage provisioning. The client provides the budget for groceries, drinks, and any specialist items. The host or chef typically does the shopping and provisioning logistics on the client's behalf, but the cost of the food itself is the client's.
Pre-assignment and post-assignment accommodation. The host's or chef's own nights ashore before and after the assignment are their own arrangement, not a client expense.
Travel to and from the location. For standard weekly placements, travel is the staff member's responsibility. For last-minute cover or long-term placements, travel may be included or shared as part of the deal. This is decided case by case.
Taxes, duties, permit costs, visa costs, work permit administration, marina fees, yacht operating expenses, or other third-party costs.
Full inclusions and exclusions for your specific assignment are confirmed in your booking confirmation.
Gratuities
Gratuities are not included in the placement fee and are not automatically expected on top. Whether a gratuity is customary depends on the local norm in the country of operation and on what your guests find appropriate. Gratuities are less common on smaller yachts, group or flotilla operations, and chalet-style stays at lower price points; more common on larger yachts and higher-tier service.
Always at the guest's discretion, never assumed.