Yacht charter etiquette: Dos and don’ts for a smooth sailing experience

A yacht charter is the ultimate expression of luxury and an opportunity for guests to experience a vacation like no other. Premium service, privacy and luxury on board a yacht comes at a 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.

Dos

Respect employees and their boundaries

The team is there to ensure your experience is smooth and seamless, so treat them with kindness and respect. A polite manner promotes a good atmosphere on board, allowing the staff to go the extra mile to make your stay enjoyable. Remember, they work hard behind the scenes, often for long hours, so appreciation goes a long way.

Give the staff a chance to make beds, do laundry and perhaps service various systems while you spend time at the beach exploring or shopping. If there is no opportunity to get off the yacht, try to leave the crew time to do their work while you sunbathe, swim or have fun on the water toys.

Always respect the crew’s private space – remember that they live and work on board and need to be able to rest and relax away from their work space at high altitudes. The galley is also a sacred space that you should leave to the chef unless you are invited. If you need anything, ask a member of the team on duty at the visitor centers.

Listen to safety briefings and understand the captain’s role

Safety at sea is important, and no matter how luxurious the setting, you should always take boating safety precautions seriously. Pay attention to the location of life vests, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. In an emergency, familiarity with safety rules can be important and is a requirement for insurance and maritime laws.

If you have problems with a crew member or with any services on board, the correct way to deal with it is through the captain as they have the responsibility and authority to fix it. Don’t take matters into your own hands.

Discuss your options in advance

Before the charter begins, provide a detailed preference sheet detailing your food preferences, activities, and any special requests. This gives the staff time to prepare and customize your experience and it’s much easier for them to meet your needs in advance from shore, than when you’re sailing or anchoring far away.

Make sure you know what’s provided on board – such as sunscreen, toiletries, medicine and technology – so you don’t get caught on board. Your charter broker should provide you with detailed boarding information in advance.

Follow the boating rules

Each yacht has its own set of rules regarding footwear, smoking, and guest behavior. For example, many yachts have a no-shoes policy to keep the decks clean, so be prepared to go barefoot or wear yacht-approved deck shoes or slippers. Respect any restrictions regarding smoking or vaping and other guidelines, as they ensure that the yacht remains in top condition for all guests.

If you want to travel with your four-legged friend, be sure to check in advance if the yacht allows pets on board. Animals are always the guests’ responsibility so don’t expect the staff to take them to the beach or clean them up.

Pack correctly and bring the right luggage

Boats offer comfort, but space is always at a premium so soft luggage is preferred over hard cases, as they are easier to stow. Bring appropriate clothing for the places you’ll be visiting—swimwear, leisure wear, and perhaps formal attire for beach dining. Avoid over-packing, as the relaxed atmosphere of a yacht often calls for light, comfortable clothing. It is recommended to bring a hat as the sun can be strong and reflect on the water and it can be cool 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 if clothes, slippers and toiletries are provided.

Be prepared to leave a tip

As with any hospitality industry, employee gratuity is customary and should reflect the guest’s satisfaction with the service they received. The price is at the guest’s discretion, but sellers are advised to offer between 5 and 15 percent of the rental rate according to MYBA guidelines.

Respect the environment

For everyone’s future happiness, you must respect the marine environment by avoiding littering, protecting things from passing through and remembering not to disturb wildlife or damage coral reefs when snorkeling or diving. Many destinations have strict regulations regarding the use of anchoring and jet skiing, so make sure you understand how to behave safely and respectfully in your chosen destination.

Don’t do it

Don’t expect the staff to take care of your children

Luxury yachts are ideal for families, but children are always the responsibility of parents, suitable adults or a babysitter. Don’t expect the yacht crew to act as babysitters or take care of your children all day, because they won’t have time. If you plan to bring a babysitter, make sure you allow them a spare cabin as there will almost certainly be no room in the staff areas.

That being said, most of the team members are young and fun and will be more than happy to help older kids with water toys, set up beach games, board games, video games or a kids movie. Make sure you are clear on your favorite pages, so the chef can prepare the right meals for your children and the staff can have their favorite snacks on board.

Do not make unnecessary changes but listen to the captain’s advice

Changing your itinerary or food preferences on the fly can put unnecessary stress on the captain and crew, especially if it involves changing port plans or supplies. However, the captain may do it automatically and suggest more exciting anchorages to make the most of the local conditions – but this means they may 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 will always have a plan B.

Don’t treat the boat like a party place

One of the joys of a charter yacht is the ability to entertain in style but avoid returning to the yacht from a beach party with a dozen new friends and waiting for the chef to prepare a late night meal. If you want to invite more guests for cocktails or food, make sure to clear with the captain first so that proper arrangements can be made to ensure that everyone has a good time and there is no embarrassing shortage of seats, food or drinks.

Although it is possible to have fun on board, a yacht is not designed for wild, boisterous behavior. Treat the boat with respect—it’s a multi-million dollar piece of equipment that needs care and attention. Over-partying can lead to injuries, unhappy employees, and a very negative experience. If something is spilled, broken or lost, guests should alert the staff as soon as possible.

Ignore local customs

When traveling to other countries, it is important to respect local customs and laws. This can include maintaining cultural practices, complying with environmental protection laws, and taking care of marine life. A good rule of thumb is to follow the captain’s advice about any specific rules or sensitivities in the area you are traveling to.

Do not do anything illegal

The boats have zero tolerance for illegal or illegal activity and penalties for both the boat and you are serious. Illegal drug use, possession of firearms or misconduct by their crew will likely terminate your charter immediately and may lead to the boat being impounded and the license revoked. Make sure you understand the local laws before you go and remember the zero tolerance rule.

Do not use harmful sunscreens or other harmful products

Using sunscreen spray on the deck can damage the teak so apply sunscreen in your cabin or use the creams provided on board. Whenever possible, use natural, organic, and/or eco-friendly detergents, shampoos, soaps, and sunscreens that are harmless to marine life and coral reefs.

It’s also important not to pollute the sea from your boat, so don’t throw cigarette butts or litter into the sea and avoid overuse of plastic and use clean water responsibly.

Bonus tips

Save time: Whether it’s a planned excursion, a meal, or just returning to the yacht after a day ashore. Maintaining a schedule ensures efficiency.

Keep the yacht tidy: While the crew will take care of most of the cleaning, it is polite to keep your personal space tidy.

Etiquette is not about limiting your entertainment; it’s about enhancing the experience, allowing everyone on board to see how great a luxury yacht charter can be and allowing the crew to deliver the best possible service.

Trina Howes

Trina Howes is the Director of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld America is a private yacht charter company that creates the best vacations on the best yachts at incredible prices – around the world. If you are interested in becoming a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to raise your profile, please contact us.