A yacht charter is the ultimate expression of luxury and an opportunity for guests to experience a vacation like no other. The premium service, privacy and comfort on board the yacht are worth the price, but despite this, guests must still follow the simple but important rules of yachting etiquette to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for themselves, the crew and other guests.
Dosage
Don’t respect the crew and their boundaries
The crew is there to make sure your experience is smooth and amazing, so treat them with kindness and respect. A polite approach creates a positive environment on board, allowing the crew to go the extra mile to make your stay enjoyable. Remember, they work hard behind the scenes, often with long hours, so appreciation goes a long way.
Give the crew a chance to make up beds, do laundry and perhaps service various systems while you spend time onshore exploring or shopping. If there is no opportunity to disembark from the yacht, try to leave the crew time to do their work while you sunbathe, swim or have fun in water sports.
Always respect the personal space of the crew – remember that they live and work on board and need to be able to rest and relax away from their workplace on the upper deck. The galley is also sacred territory that must be left to the chef unless invited. If you need anything, ask the crew member on duty in the guest area.
Listen to the safety briefing and understand the captain’s role
Safety at sea is paramount, and no matter how luxurious the setting, you should always take a yacht’s safety overview. Remember the location of life jackets, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. In the event of an emergency, knowing safety protocols can be important and is a requirement of insurance and maritime law.
If you have a problem with a crew member or any facility on board, the correct way to solve it is through the captain because he has the responsibility and authority to solve it. Don’t take matters into your own hands.
Do communicate your preferences in advance
Before the charter begins, provide a preference sheet detailing food choices, activities, and special requests. This gives the crew time to prepare and tailor the experience you want and it’s easier to meet your needs ahead of time from shore, rather than when cruising or anchoring in remote locations.
Make sure you know what’s on board – such as sunscreen, toiletries, medicine and technology – so you don’t get caught in the act. Your charter broker should provide you with detailed pre-boarding information in advance.
Do not observe the rules of the yacht
Each yacht has its own rules regarding footwear, smoking, and guest behavior. For example, most yachts enforce a no-shoes policy to preserve the original deck, so be prepared barefoot or in yacht-approved shoes or sandals. Respect smoking or vaping restrictions and other guidelines, as this ensures the cruise stays in good condition for all guests.
If you want to travel with your four-legged friend, make sure you check in advance if the yacht allows pets. Pets remain the guests’ responsibility, so don’t expect the crew to bring them ashore or clean them up.
Pack appropriately and bring appropriate luggage
Yachts offer luxury, but space is always at a premium so soft luggage is preferred over hard cases, as they are easier to store. Bring appropriate clothing for the destination you’ll be visiting – swimwear, casual resort wear, and even more formal attire for dining on land. Avoid overpacking, as the relaxed atmosphere of a yacht usually requires simple and comfortable clothing. It is recommended to bring a hat because the sun can be strong and reflect on the water and it can be cold at night and windy on the sea, so bring warm clothes even in the middle of summer.
Your charter broker will provide you with pre-boarding information so you know in advance that robes, slippers and toiletries are provided.
Don’t be prepared to leave a tip
As in the hospitality industry, crew gratuities are customary and should reflect the guest’s satisfaction with the service received. The amount is at the guest’s discretion, but brokers recommend tipping between 5 and 15 percent of the charter rate according to MYBA guidelines.
Respect the environment
To make everyone happy in the future, you must respect the marine environment by controlling littering, keeping things safe so as not to overdo it and remember not to disturb wildlife or damage coral reefs when snorkeling or diving. Many destinations rightly have strict regulations regarding the use of anchors and jet skis, so make sure you know how to behave safely and respectfully in your chosen destination.
not
Don’t expect the crew to babysit your child
Luxury yachts are great for families, but children remain the responsibility of parents, suitable adults or carers. Don’t expect the yacht crew to act as babysitters or be responsible for your children all day, because they don’t have time. If you are going to bring a nanny with you, make sure you have allowed a spare cabin for them as there will always be no room in the crew room.
That being said, most of the crew members are young and fun and will be more than happy to help the older kids with water play, set up beach games, board games, video games or movies for the little ones. Make sure you are clear on the preference sheets, so that the chef can prepare meals suitable for children and the crew can have their favorite snacks on board.
Do not make unnecessary changes but listen to the advice of the captain
Changing the itinerary or choice of meals on the fly can cause a lot of pressure on the captain and crew, especially if it involves changing the port arrangements or provisioning. However, the captain can be spontaneous and suggest exciting alternative anchorages to make the most of the local conditions – but this means they also have to disappoint guests and change plans for safety reasons. Good preparation will ensure smooth sailing, but flexibility will bring unexpected opportunities – a good captain always has a plan B.
Don’t think of a yacht as a party venue
One of the joys of charter yachts is the ability to entertain in style but don’t return to the yacht from a party ashore with half a dozen new friends and expect the chef to prepare the night’s meal. If you want to invite extra guests on board for a cocktail or a meal, be sure to clear it with the first captain so that appropriate arrangements can be made to ensure everyone has a great time and there are no embarrassing shortages of seating, food or drinks.
While it is possible to have fun on board, yachts are not designed for wild and boisterous behavior. Treat your boat with respect—it’s a multi-million dollar piece of equipment that needs care and attention. Excessive partying can lead to breakdowns, unhappy crews, and a less than ideal experience. If anything is spilled, damaged or lost, guests must alert the crew as soon as possible.
Don’t ignore local customs
When visiting a foreign destination, it is important to respect local customs and regulations. This can include observing cultural norms, complying with environmental protection laws, and being mindful of marine life. A good rule of thumb is to follow your captain’s advice on the specific rules or sensitivities of the area you are traveling to.
Do not act illegally
The yacht has zero tolerance for illegal or illegal activities and penalties for both the yacht and you are serious. Use of illegal drugs, possession of a gun or violent behavior towards the crew may result in immediate termination of your charter and may result in seizure of the yacht and revocation of license. Make sure you know the local laws before you travel and remember the zero tolerance rule.
Avoid using harmful sunscreens or other harmful products
Using spray sunscreen on the deck can damage the teak so apply sunscreen in the cabin or use the cream available on board. Whenever possible, use natural, organic, and/or eco-friendly detergents, shampoos, soaps, and sunscreens that are not harmful to marine life and coral reefs.
It’s also important not to pollute the sea from your yacht, so don’t throw cigarette butts or rubbish into the sea and don’t use excessive plastic and use fresh water responsibly.
bonus tips
Be on time: Whether it’s for travel, dining, or just returning to the yacht after a day at the beach. Staying on schedule ensures smooth operations.
Keep the yacht tidy: While the crew will attend to most of the cleaning, it is polite to keep your personal space tidy.
Etiquette is not about limiting your pleasure; it’s about improving the experience, allowing everyone on board to appreciate how amazing a luxury yacht charter can be and enabling the crew to deliver the best service.
Trina Howes
Trina Howes is the Director of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld America is a luxury private yacht charter company that makes outstanding holidays with excellent yachts at amazing prices – worldwide. If you would like to be a guest blogger on the Luxury Travel Blog to enhance your profile, please contact us.
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