The Pinnacle of Maritime Opulence: Discovering the MOONRAKER Charter Experience
In the exclusive world of superyacht charter, a name often whispered with reverence for its blend of Turkish craftsmanship, cutting-edge design, and unparalleled luxury is MOONRAKER. This magnificent 47.4-meter (155-foot) vessel, built by the revered Turkish shipyard Bilgin Yachts, represents the ultimate expression of the charter lifestyle. For the discerning few seeking an escape that transcends the ordinary—a floating sanctuary equipped with every imaginable amenity—MOONRAKER offers a gateway to the world's most glamorous and secluded destinations. This definitive article will explore the full spectrum of the MOONRAKER charter experience, from the critical discussion of her weekly price and associated costs to a deep-dive into the architectural brilliance, technological capabilities, and bespoke service that define this spectacular luxury yacht. If you are searching for the zenith of crewed yacht holidays, understanding the charter ecosystem surrounding MOONRAKER is the first step toward reserving your dream voyage.
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The allure of a vessel like MOONRAKER lies not just in its formidable presence or its high-speed tenders but in the promise of complete bespoke control over your environment. This is more than transportation; it is a meticulously curated world floating upon the waves, capable of taking you from the vibrant social scene of St. Barts to the tranquil, uninhabited cays of the Exumas. As a successful charter yacht, MOONRAKER provides consistency across seasons, offering an investment in privacy, comfort, and unmatched adventure, ensuring that every cent of the charter price translates directly into an unforgettable journey.
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The Price of Privilege: Understanding the MOONRAKER Charter Rate
The cost of chartering a world-class superyacht is the central element for potential guests. The MOONRAKER yacht charter price sits squarely in the upper echelon of the market, reflecting her modern build date (2019), her sub-500 Gross Tonnage (GT) volume, and her flawless maintenance program, which recently included a comprehensive 5-year survey and refit.
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Core Charter Rates and Seasonal Variations
For guests aspiring to book this exceptional Bilgin 156 series yacht, the primary charter rate is consistently set at $325,000 USD per week, plus expenses.
| Season | Destination | Weekly Base Rate (USD) | Notes |
High Season | Mediterranean (Summer) / Caribbean (Holidays) | $325,000 | Prime booking periods, often coinciding with events or peak travel times. |
Low Season | Caribbean (Winter) / Mediterranean (Shoulder) | $325,000 | The rate consistency reflects the high demand and quality of the vessel year-round. |
While some yachts adjust their pricing significantly between high and low seasons, MOONRAKER's stable price of $325,000 USD per week underscores her premium status and continuous demand, especially when operating in the sought-after cruising grounds of the Caribbean and Bahamas during the winter months. It is essential to note that this figure represents the base charter fee and does not constitute the total cost of the voyage.
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Decoding the Charter Expenses: APA and VAT
When planning a luxury yacht charter, the final invoice extends beyond the weekly rate and includes two crucial elements: the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) and Value Added Tax (VAT).
1. Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)
The APA is the standard mechanism in the industry used to cover all variable operating expenses incurred during the charter. It is typically calculated as 30% to 35% of the base charter fee. For MOONRAKER, this means an initial APA deposit of approximately $97,500 to $113,750 USD.
What the APA Covers:
Fuel: For the yacht, tenders, and water toys. This is the single largest variable cost, highly dependent on the itinerary's distance.
Provisions: All food and beverages, including premium wines, spirits, and bespoke culinary requests.
Port & Docking Fees: Costs for mooring in marinas or securing premium anchorages.
Communications: Satellite communications and high-speed Wi-Fi beyond the basic package.
Local Taxes: Cruising taxes, national park fees, and customs duties.
The APA functions as an escrow account managed by the Captain. If expenses exceed the deposit, the charterer must replenish the fund; conversely, any unused balance is fully refunded at the end of the trip.
2. Value Added Tax (VAT)
The VAT, or regional tax, is mandatory in many cruising areas and is applied to the base charter fee. The percentage is determined by the flag state of the yacht and the territorial waters in which the charter takes place. For charters in the Mediterranean, for example, VAT can range significantly, but Caribbean and Bahamian charters often offer advantageous tax structures. A professional yacht broker will provide the precise, legally required VAT rate based on the intended itinerary.
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The Value Proposition: What $325,000 Buys
The
A 499 GT Displacement Yacht: This GT volume provides expansive interior space comparable to much longer yachts, ensuring ultimate comfort and stability.
State-of-the-Art Stabilization: Both underway and at anchor, the advanced stabilization system minimizes roll, transforming rough seas into smooth sailing.
A Professional Crew of Nine (9): A dedicated, professional team, including a world-class chef, deck crew, and stewardesses, whose ratio of nearly one crew member per guest ensures personalized, five-star service around the clock.
An Extensively Maintained Vessel: The 2024 service updates, including hull and mechanical refreshes, mean guests are cruising on a yacht maintained to the highest contemporary standards.
In comparison to similar 45-50m displacement yachts in her class, MOONRAKER offers an extremely competitive and justifiable price point, given her modern amenities and the exceptional quality synonymous with Bilgin Yachts.
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Anatomy of an Icon: Design, Naval Architecture, and Engineering
To truly appreciate the MOONRAKER charter price, one must understand the yacht's DNA—the collaboration of Turkish yacht building excellence and visionary design. Launched in 2019, MOONRAKER is the second hull of the highly successful Bilgin 156 series.
Bilgin Yachts: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Bilgin Yachts, based in Istanbul, Turkey, has a long-standing reputation for constructing sophisticated, high-quality steel and aluminum yachts. They combine traditional shipbuilding techniques with modern technology, creating vessels renowned for their robust performance and exquisite finishes. The 156 series is a testament to this philosophy, designed to maximize both volume and seakeeping ability.
Exterior Styling by Unique Yacht Design
The exterior profile of MOONRAKER is the work of Istanbul-based Unique Yacht Design. The styling is distinctly modern, characterized by sleek, flowing lines, a vertically raked bow, and expansive windows that integrate the natural light and sea views into the interior spaces.
The most defining features include:
The Silhouette: A clean, slightly aggressive profile that conveys speed and power, despite her displacement hull.
Hull Color: A distinctive light grey hull contrasts beautifully with the white superstructure, giving her an instantly recognizable, contemporary look in any marina.
Expansive Deck Spaces: The four-deck layout ensures ample outdoor living, crucial for the charter experience. This includes a massive sundeck, a sheltered upper deck, and the all-important Portuguese deck seating area forward.
MOONRAKER yacht charter price
Robust Performance and Range
MOONRAKER is not merely a static luxury apartment; she is a capable ocean-going vessel built for reliable, far-reaching cruising.
| Specification | Detail | Charter Benefit |
Length Overall (LOA) | 47.4 meters (155'6") | Superyacht status, commanding presence. |
Gross Tonnage (GT) | 499 GT | Maximized internal volume while adhering to yachting regulations. |
Hull/Superstructure | Steel Hull / Aluminum Superstructure | Enhanced stability and robust build quality. |
Engines | 2 x MTU 12V 2000 M72 (approx. 1,448 hp each) | Reliable and proven power source. |
Cruising Speed | 11–12 knots | Optimal speed for quiet, fuel-efficient transit between anchorages. |
Maximum Speed | 16 knots | Ability to outrun weather or adhere to a tight itinerary. |
Range | Approximately 3,500 nautical miles | True transoceanic capability, minimizing refueling stops. |
Stabilization | Zero Speed (At Anchor) & Underway | Exceptional comfort whether sailing or moored in a secluded bay. |
The combination of the steel displacement hull and the advanced zero-speed stabilizers ensures that guests experience the smoothest possible journey, whether dining alfresco in the Caribbean or relaxing while moored off the Amalfi Coast.
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The Interior Sanctum: A Study in Refined Turkish Elegance
The interior of MOONRAKER, developed by the Bilgin Design Team (specifically İlkay Dovan), is a masterful symphony of light, texture, and sophisticated design that elevates the charter experience into a realm of serene luxury. The design philosophy centers on creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere that connects guests visually to the surrounding marine environment.
The Ambience: Light, Natural Materials, and Bespoke Accents
The dominant aesthetic theme is one of contemporary elegance, utilizing a palette of light, natural materials—predominantly pristine white and cream tones—beautifully complemented by subtle, warm golden accents and brass elements.
Materials: Polished marble (especially in the bathrooms), rich lacquered woods, and soft, custom-designed Tencel and Nylon carpets create a tactile and luxurious environment.
Lighting: Lighting is used as an art form. The main foyer features a striking staircase where natural light streams down from the sundeck Jacuzzi above, filtered through a glass bottom. The main salon and guest areas feature bespoke, nature-inspired "Caviar lights" with gold and silver accents that add a touch of glamour without being ostentatious.
Recent Refinements: The 2024 refit added custom soft furnishings, including new Tencel carpets and bespoke bed linens (such as Matouk and Yves Delorme), ensuring the accommodation remains fresh and luxurious.
MOONRAKER yacht charter price
Luxury Accommodation: A Five-Star Floating Hotel
MOONRAKER is configured to comfortably accommodate 10 guests in 5 meticulously designed cabins, a layout perfect for two families or a group of friends who value privacy and space.
1. The Main Deck Master Suite
The Master Suite is the crowning jewel of the accommodation deck, positioned forward on the main deck where it benefits from maximized beam width and expansive panoramic views through large hull windows.
Privacy and Space: The suite occupies the full beam of the yacht, creating a vast, private apartment at sea.
Features: It includes a king-sized bed, a private lounge/office area, custom headboards with integrated ambient lighting, and extensive walk-in closet space.
En-Suite: The Master bathroom is an opulent oasis, featuring vast marble surfaces, dual sinks, and a generous shower, maintaining the yacht's signature blend of pristine white stone with metallic accents.
2. Lower Deck Guest Cabins
The four remaining guest cabins are situated on the lower deck, ensuring quiet separation from the main living areas and crew activity. The arrangement includes:
Three VIP Staterooms: Equipped with queen or double beds.
One Twin/Convertible Cabin: Offering flexibility for families traveling with children or single guests.
Each guest cabin is a sanctuary unto itself, featuring its own unique, subtle design details—such as distinct floral headboards and integrated lighting features—and, crucially, private en-suite bathroom facilities finished in high-quality marble and fittings.
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A Playground on the Water: Decks, Amenities, and Water Toys
A superyacht charter experience is defined by the ability to transition seamlessly between relaxation, socializing, and adrenaline-fueled adventure. MOONRAKER is engineered to excel at all three, boasting deck spaces and a toy inventory that rival vessels of a much larger class.
The Sundeck and Al-Fresco Living
The sundeck is the social nexus of the yacht, covering a vast area designed for both daytime lounging and evening entertainment.
Dual Jacuzzis: MOONRAKER famously features two Jacuzzis. The primary one is the glass-sided Jacuzzi on the sundeck forward, providing spectacular 360-degree views. A second, more private Jacuzzi is located on the Portuguese Deck (foredeck), offering a secluded spot for guests to relax while underway or at anchor.
Entertainment Zone: The sundeck also hosts a sheltered area beneath the hardtop with a custom wet bar (refitted with Carrara marble) and a C-shaped sofa and dining table—the perfect setting for sunset cocktails and casual alfresco meals prepared on the BBQ.
Alfresco Cinema: For cozy movie nights under the stars, an alfresco cinema set-up can be deployed, turning the upper deck into a magical, open-air theatre.
MOONRAKER yacht charter price
The Beach Club and Wellness
The modern yachting standard demands a close connection to the water, and MOONRAKER's beach club is a masterclass in waterfront living.
Waterside Access: Located at the stern, the transom folds down to create a massive platform just inches above the waves, furnished with sun loungers and easy access to the water.
Gymnasium: Adjacent to the beach club is a fully equipped gym featuring high-end equipment, including a Peloton bike, a Row ERG rower, and an Assault Fitness Watt bike, ensuring fitness routines are never compromised at sea.
Seaside Service: The beach club is serviced by a dedicated bar/pantry area (recently equipped with a Siemens fridge and ice machine), allowing the crew to provide continuous drink and towel service.
MOONRAKER yacht charter price
The Ultimate Toy Chest
The diversity of the water toy armada dramatically increases the value of the $325,000 weekly charter price. MOONRAKER's inventory is designed to satisfy every age and appetite for adventure.
Tenders: A large, high-performance 37-foot (11.28m) Axopar Tender is available for high-speed transfers, watersports, and exploring remote coastlines in style.
High-Speed Thrills: Two Yamaha Waverunner Jetblasters and a stand-up Waverunner.
Underwater Exploration: Two Seabobs FS5 allow guests to glide effortlessly above and below the surface, exploring vibrant reefs.
Inflatables: The fun continues with an Inflatable Water Toy Swimming Pool (creating a safe, jellyfish-free swimming zone) and an Inflatable Trampoline.
Board Sports: The inventory includes a Foiling Board, Surf Board, Water-Skis, and multiple Wake Boards for both adults and children.
Land Exploration: The yacht even carries three specialized bikes (two for kids, one for an adult) for exploring local port towns and island paths.
MOONRAKER yacht charter price
The Silent Service: Crew and Culinary Excellence
The most intangible yet critical component of a luxury yacht charter is the service, and the professional crew of nine (9) aboard MOONRAKER are the engine of this five-star operation. Their purpose is to predict and fulfill every guest desire with discretion and warmth.
A Bespoke Approach to Hospitality
The high crew-to-guest ratio (9:10) allows for hyper-personalized service. From the Captain, who charts personalized routes based on weather and guest interests, to the Chief Stewardess, who curates every interior detail, the service is flawless.
The Chef: A truly exceptional culinary experience is mandatory. MOONRAKER's chef is capable of delivering bespoke menus tailored to dietary requirements, preferences, and desires, from complex tasting menus to casual beach BBQs. The provision of multiple high-quality coffee machines and bespoke appliances underscores the focus on gourmet standards.
Itinerary Curators: The crew acts as local experts, transforming a printed itinerary into a living document of exploration, seamlessly arranging last-minute restaurant reservations, private tours, or accessing secluded anchorages.
Attention to Detail: The constant attention to the yacht's operational elements—from the state-of-the-art navigation systems to the new hot water circulation pumps and overhauled plumbing—ensures that the guest experience is always smooth, comfortable, and stress-free.
MOONRAKER yacht charter price
The Voyage: Prime Charter Destinations and Itineraries
MOONRAKER's impressive 3,500-nautical-mile range and shallow draft (2.8 meters or 9'2") make her versatile, capable of exploring destinations inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels. Her typical schedule sees her moving between two of the world's premier charter regions.
Winter Wonders: Cruising the Caribbean and Bahamas
MOONRAKER is frequently based in the Caribbean and Bahamas during the winter season (October through April), making her a highly sought-after platform for holiday charters.
Bahamas Itinerary Focus:
The shallow draft is a major asset in the Bahamas, allowing her to anchor close to the pristine, white-sand cays of the Exumas, exploring Thunderball Grotto, or finding the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. The Axopar tender is essential here for accessing the ultra-shallow banks.
Caribbean Gems:
From the glamour of St. Barts and the nightlife of St. Maarten to the volcanic majesty of the Grenadines, MOONRAKER offers itineraries that can blend social scene with total seclusion. The stabilized ride ensures comfortable passage between islands, while the sundeck and beach club become the center of daytime activity in the warm Caribbean sun.
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Summer Splendor: Mediterranean Adventures
During the European summer (May through September), MOONRAKER often transitions to the Western Mediterranean, offering charters across the French Riviera, the Italian Coast, and the Balearic Islands.
Mediterranean Itinerary Focus:
The French Riviera: Mooring off Cannes or St. Tropez, the yacht is perfectly positioned to deliver the quintessential Med glam experience, using the high-speed tender for quick jaunts to shore.
The Italian Coast & Islands: From the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast and Capri to the rustic charm of Sardinia and Sicily, MOONRAKER provides a sophisticated platform for exploring historic ports and enjoying world-class Mediterranean cuisine. The ability to anchor stabilizer-free near scenic spots enhances the overall immersion.
A Seamless Journey
Regardless of the destination, the freedom of a superyacht charter means every aspect of the voyage is personalized. The captain works directly with the charterer to define anchorages, restaurant bookings, activity schedules, and cruising speeds, guaranteeing a tailor-made experience that justifies the premium MOONRAKER yacht charter price.
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Conclusion: The MOONRAKER Legacy
The MOONRAKER yacht charter price of $325,000 USD per week, plus expenses, is the investment required for a charter experience that truly sits in a class of its own. It is the cost of absolute freedom, ultimate privacy, and access to a floating, five-star luxury resort crafted by the master shipbuilders at Bilgin Yachts.
From the striking, Unique Yacht Design exterior and the voluminous 499 GT interior—a haven of light wood and sophisticated marble—to the formidable toy chest that promises endless waterside fun, MOONRAKER is meticulously curated for the world’s elite traveler. The commitment to maintaining the yacht in pristine condition, evidenced by the comprehensive 2024 refit and service updates, ensures that every journey is executed with flawless mechanical and aesthetic precision.
To charter MOONRAKER is not merely to take a vacation; it is to commission a personalized maritime masterpiece, captained by an expert crew of nine, and dedicated solely to the pursuit of your pleasure and adventure across the world’s most beautiful oceans. It is the definitive statement in modern luxury yacht charter.