Super yacht charter etiquette: A guide to on board "dos" and "don’ts"
Chartering a yacht is one of the most exclusive and unique experiences. With the facilities and amenities of a luxury hotel, an attentive professional crew, and complete privacy, it's easy to understand why so many people are choosing a yacht charter as their holiday.
A yacht charter etiquette is quite different from that of a hotel or a cruise liner. For those who never chartered a yacht before, we prepared a helpful guide to onboard dos and don'ts, so they can be more prepared and relaxed for their first journey at sea.
Whether you are planning your first yacht charter or you are an experienced charterer, we can help you find the perfect yacht for your group. By filling out this form, we will get an idea of what type of experience you are looking for, so we can plan every little detail to ensure you have an unforgettable yachting holiday.
YACHT CHARTER »DOS«
Follow the safety rules
Even though superyachts are literally floating luxury hotels, keep in mind that you are still on the water. Always listen to the crew's safety instructions and follow them at all times. Wear life jackets during water sports activities, and because the yachts are moving, things might fall, so always be aware of your surroundings.
Always respect the crew
The crew works on superyachts and works very hard to ensure that your stay is comfortable, enjoyable and carefree. It is important to treat them with respect and ensure that your requests are reasonable and achievable, and will accommodate them wherever possible. Making any requests fairly and politely will always be greatly appreciated.
Notify the crew of any additional plans ahead
The exciting part of a yacht charter is discovering new places and meeting new people. If you want to visit any additional sites or invite a couple of friends to the yacht, just notify the crew ahead. By doing this, they can bring additional food and drinks onboard, and plan the cruising itinerary accordingly.
Report any issues to the captain
Legally, the captain is the only one who has the right to make any yacht-related decisions. If any issues with the yacht or crew arise, go directly to the captain, so you can continue to have the best yachting experience.
Keep the noise level down
Parties or special events during a yacht charter can be loud. It is important that you are mindful of other guests or crew members and adjust the noise level accordingly. Especially if you are in, or approaching the marina, the loud music can disturb other guests on their yachts, and disrupt their vacation.
Wear appropriate foot ware of be barefoot
There is an unwritten law regarding whether to wear shoes onboard or not. Since high heels or other types of shoes might leave a mark on the expensive decks, the best thing to do is either wear boat shoes or simply be barefoot. Usually, the guests take off their shoes before boarding and put them in the appointed box. The crew will store them safely and give them back when you step off the yacht.
Dress accordingly
Overall, the dress code on a yacht charter is casual and comfortable. During the day, swimwear, shorts, and light fabrics are perfect. In the evening, a bit of smart casual, and if you are attending a formal event or dinner, you might need to dress up a bit. Also, take into account the activities on the mainland (if you planned any), and bring appropriate outfits and footwear. Do not forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.
YACHT CHARTER »DON'TS«
Don't bring hard-shell luggage
Even on large yachts, the storage space is limited. It is easier to store your luggage if it is soft and can be folded. Another reason not to bring the hard-shell luggage is the damage it can make to the yacht. So packing light and smart means more space in your cabin for you instead of your luggage.
Don't indulge on food and drinks
Most yacht charters offer delicious food and have fully stocked bars. Regardless, you shouldn't overdo it either. Heavy foods can cause an uneasy feeling and too much alcohol can be dangerous and lead to disruptive behavior. Keep your meals light and don't forget to drink plenty of water during your charter.
Don't smoke anywhere you want
Most yachts don't allow smoking inside and have designated smoking areas on decks. If you cannot wait until arriving at any of the stops, ask the crew members where on the yacht you can smoke. This way, none of the non-smokers in your group will be bothered, and you can enjoy your smoke in peace.
Don't trash the yacht
Luxury superyachts were built with high-quality materials and required a lot of maintenance. Even if you will be staying there for a short amount of time, you should treat the yacht like it's your home. Don't leave trash laying around, or make a mess on the expensive furniture. If you excitedly spill something, notify the crew members, so they can take care of it. Luxury yachts are decorated and outfitted to an extremely high standard, so in case of any breakages or damage, you may be charged.
Don't intrude in the crew's personal space
The crew is an important part of a yacht charter. Respecting their personal space is crucial, so they can have their well-deserved rest. Their cabins and the galley (kitchen) are sacred spaces, so you should not go there unless specifically invited.
Now that you are aware of the superyacht charter etiquette, you are ready for the vacation of a lifetime. After you book your yacht, our charter expert will assist you with every detail regarding your time onboard the yacht. All you need to do is to fill out this form, and we will get back to you in less than 24 hours.
