Luxury yacht charters are meant to feel relaxed, private, and enjoyable. While there are very few formal rules, basic yacht charter etiquette helps set expectations before your trip begins.
These mostly unwritten guidelines exist to create a comfortable atmosphere on board, making it easy for you and your guests to settle in and enjoy your time at sea from the moment you arrive.
1. Respect Your Crew and Their Workspaces
Your yacht charter crew is responsible for ensuring that you are safe, comfortable, and happy while aboard the yacht. Although the crew’s overall attitude is usually relaxed and welcoming, they consistently work to ensure your comfort and safety on board the yacht.
Just as you would respect a coworker’s workspace and personal boundaries, please treat the crew-only spaces on the yacht with respect and refrain from entering those spaces without being specifically invited to do so. Feel free to speak to the crew or ask them any questions you may have. The crew appreciates clear, direct, and polite communication.
2. Shoes Off Means Shoes Off
It is customary to remove your shoes when you step aboard a yacht. This helps to prevent dirt and debris from coming onto the deck and inside the yacht. The crew will typically point out where you can put your shoes or will ask you to leave them outside on the dock.
Most people walk around on deck with bare feet or in soft-soled deck shoes. High-heeled or hard-soled shoes are rarely permitted. Following this guideline helps preserve the condition of the yacht throughout the duration of your charter.
3. Care for the Yacht Like a Luxury Home
While the yacht is your “home” during the charter, it is also a valuable asset that requires care and maintenance. Please do not spill sunscreen on the upholstery; place coasters under your glasses or bottles on tables; and inform the crew immediately if you break or spill anything.
If accidents occur, the crew is trained to address them. Informing the crew of any incidents as soon as possible allows them to minimize any damage. This is not intended to imply that there are rules in place, but rather to demonstrate that you respect the yacht and the space you are sharing.
4. Gratuity Guidelines
In most cases, tipping is customary on yacht charters and is considered part of the crew’s compensation. While it is technically optional, it is generally expected once you are satisfied with the crew’s service.
Typically, gratuities range between 10% and 15% of the total charter fee and are paid at the conclusion of the charter. The captain typically distributes the gratuities to the crew. If you are unsure of what gratuity to provide for your specific charter, your charter broker can assist.
5. Share Your Needs and Expectations
To ensure your charter experience is exceptional, communicate your expectations and requirements to the crew before your arrival. This may include your preferences for food and beverages, dining times, daily routines, activity levels, or the amount of personal space you desire.
If you prefer to sleep in late each morning, are active in the afternoons, or desire formal evening meals, please advise the crew accordingly. They will do their best to accommodate your wishes. At the same time, give the crew the freedom to perform their duties without unnecessary interruptions. By trusting the crew to fulfill their responsibilities effectively, you and your guests can feel more at ease and enjoy the voyage more thoroughly.
6. Listen to Safety Instructions
Regardless of your level of boating expertise, listen carefully to the safety instructions provided to you by the captain or crew at the beginning of your charter. The captain will review basic safety topics, including emergency procedures, life jacket use, and general safety practices. Knowing the yacht’s layout and procedures will help ensure comfort and security for you and your guests.
Always follow the crew’s directions, particularly during water-based activities or when the yacht is underway.
7. Drinking and Behavior On Board
The availability of food and drink is an essential element of your enjoyment of a yacht charter; however, please exercise restraint. Drinking excessively increases the risk of becoming intoxicated and creating an unpleasant or hazardous environment for yourself and other passengers.
As the primary responsibility of the crew is safety, they may intervene if a situation develops that presents a risk to you or others on board. Acting responsibly and respectfully towards other passengers creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all.
8. Both Parties Enjoy Privacy
Privacy is a fundamental aspect of the yacht charter experience. The crew is trained to maintain confidentiality and allow you maximum discretion when feasible. In turn, you should respect the crew’s individuality and the time they require to fulfill their responsibilities.
Unless you are explicitly invited into the crew quarters, please do not enter them. The crew may also need to spend time in their designated areas to complete tasks related to your charter. A mutually respectful approach fosters a comfortable and relaxed environment for all parties involved.
Experience the Charter Experience As It Is Meant to Be Experienced
Good communication and mutual respect create the perfect foundation for a successful luxury yacht charter experience. When both crew and passengers have confidence in one another, the experience feels natural and stress-free, as it should.
Adhering to these basic guidelines will help you fully unwind and enjoy every minute of your time at sea.
