Be the best guest
A luxury yacht charter is the epitome of a bespoke holiday. With sun, sea and 5-star service it certainly doesn’t get better than this. In order to make sure your yacht charter runs as smoothly as possible, follow a few simple etiquette rules to ensure you are the best guest you can be.
From how to treat the yacht to respecting the crew, here are a few guidelines to follow whilst on board a luxury yacht:
A Home Away from Home
Whilst on board a luxury yacht it is essential to remember that although the yacht is yours for the duration of the charter, it should be treated as though it were your home away from home. Owners offer their luxury yachts for charter under the circumstances that they will be treated well. Keep in mind the behaviour of yourself and your guests.
Shoes off
It is customary whilst on board a luxury yacht to abide by the "bare feet" rule. High heels can scratch and damage the teak decking whereas black soles can leave unsightly scuff marks. As a rule of thumb ensure to take appropriate deck shoes for walking around the deck or go bare foot, and if you wear outdoor shoes ashore, remember to remove them before stepping back onto the yacht.
Roaming on board
It is important to respect the privacy of the crew. Although this is your charter vacation the galley is considered a haven for the Chef and the crew quarters are not to be entered without an invitation. When it comes to accommodation on board, the crew cabins are considerably smaller than the guest staterooms; understand that this is their private space and avoid any intrusion.
Children
Children are welcome aboard many yacht charters but it is important for guests to remain responsible for them. Some families bring along a nanny who can be accommodated on board. Crew members should not be expected to babysit.
Smoking
On board most yachts, smoking is usually prohibited inside. Some yachts may have deck spaces where smoking may be permitted. Smoking on board is entirely at the discretion of the yacht owner so should there be a smoker amongst your charter party, be sure to make this clear to your yacht charter broker when making enquiries.
Drugs
There is absolutely no tolerance for drug use on board a yacht charter. In the event that drugs are found on board, not only will they be confiscated but the yacht too is subject to confiscation whilst the Captain may lose his/her license. This also applies to weapons on board. If you break your half of the charter contract, be prepared to be abandoned mid-charter to make your own way home.
Crew
Always remember that the charter crew are there to ensure your vacation runs as smoothly as possible. Although it may be unusual to allow people to serve you, simple gestures which may be deemed as polite by guests, can often be misconstrued by crew members. For instance, if guests are persistent when it comes to clearing plates or making beds the crew may feel you are unhappy with the service they are working hard to provide. They have a job to do so sit back and enjoy being catered for.
Handling a complaint
In the unlikely occurrence that you should wish to make a complaint, it is important not to take a matter into your own hands by scorning a crew member yourself. The Captain is the head of the crew party and any grievances should be directed his/her way.
What to take on your charter vacation
You've planned, you've booked, now it's time to pack! When packing for your luxury holiday, keep in mind that a private yacht charter is vastly different from a holiday resort or a cruise ship vacation. As such, this may affect your usual packing routine. With limited room on board for luggage, packing for luxury a yacht charter may require an element of restraint.
Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure you pack the essentials;
Luggage
First and foremost it is important to remember that there is often restrictive storage space on board a luxury yacht, therefore ensure to take soft sided luggage which will be easy to fold away. Pack light and take only duffel bags for instance, which can stored away easily. Hard suitcases are difficult to store and may even scratch and damage the paint and woodwork.
Clothing
Light summer clothing including bathing suites, light t-shirts, skirts and shorts are to be expected on board a luxury yacht. Consider the climate of your chosen destination, if you’re headed for sun, sea and sand, be sure to pack clothes to keep you cool. Consider packing some light trousers, collared shirts and summer dresses if you intend to eat ashore as most restaurants will expect customers to comply with a "smart casual" dress code. If you're thinking of taking to the water or for a spin on a Jet Ski pack a few old t-shirts to keep your skin protected from the sun.
Shoes
Most yachts will ask guests to abide by the "bare feet" rule whilst on board. Tennis shoes and a good pair of white rubber soled sandals should be ideal when roaming around the deck, though stiletto heels can damage the teak decking and black soled shoes can leave unsightly scuff marks making them an absolute no-no. Land shoes are fine for venturing ashore though remember to take them off as you step back on board.
Accessories
Sunglasses, headwear and a high factor sun screen are absolute essentials when exposed to the sun, particularly if you intend to sun lounge for the best part of an afternoon. A good book or two, a personal music player such as an iPod and of course a camera are also necessities.
Tips
Leave your valuables at home, particularly such things which are not waterproof.
Pack light, you may find you wear half the clothes you pack.
Leave room for souvenirs or pack an extra foldable bag for items you purchase while you're away.
It is not uncommon for the wind to claim your hat, pack more than one.
Take essentials such as camera batteries, in non-touristy areas these things may be hard to find.
Don't forget...
A high factor sun screen.
A waterproof, durable camera case.
Travel documents and charter contracts.
Passport and Visa documents.
Prescriptions or seasickness medication (if applicable).
Own scuba/snorkel equipment should you be preferring to use your own.
A hat.
Charter Preferences
Design a bespoke vacation tailored to your every requirement. Once a luxury yacht charter booking has been confirmed the charter party will receive a preference sheet which is to be completed and returned to the Captain before the yacht charter departs. As the name suggests, a preference sheet is a detailed form in which to provide information on personal preferences, often relating to food, liquor and any medical conditions or disabilities the crew should be made aware of.
Guests will be required to itemize, in detail, any food allergies, favorite beverages and preferred itinerary interests. When it comes to preparing an itinerary, nothing has to be set in stone pre-charter, though it is good to give the Captain and crew a few ideas of what activities guests are looking to do. Upon completion, the crew will then use the preference sheet to ensure that all guests' needs, and requirements are catered for in addition to ensuring no unpleasant surprises arise during the charter.
Remember: Ask for what you want, and your broker will work to find it. Whether you have a sensitive palate or serious allergies to some foods, your provisioning and preference sheets are the place to make your needs clear.
As well as completing the preference sheet, guests are able to meet with the Chef to set out further detailed requirements regarding food preferences for superyacht dining. It is not unheard of for guests to provide Chefs with their favorite recipes or menus and if some guests are on a strict diet or diabetic, it is best to mention it early on. Similarly let your broker know as soon as possible if some guests are confined to a wheelchair or restricted to the use of a cane or crutches, let your broker know as soon as possible. Many yachts aren’t equipped to accommodate wheelchairs on board as the gangways are simply not wide enough. Although there are a handful of yachts on the market which are able to facilitate special requirements, ensure to mention your requirements to your broker right away to avoid disappointment.
It is important that guest preference sheets are as detailed as possible in order for the superyacht crew to be fully aware of personal preference and able to ensure you are well looked after. Unlike a hotel, a luxury yacht will not have access to mass supplies of food and drinks, so it is essential to let the crew know in advance if you have a favorite liquor or type of chocolate. Of course, certain items may be accessible during your yacht charter vacation, but if you are headed to a remote island and are eager for a bottle of vintage champagne, be prepared to pay the shipping costs.
No request is too large or detail too small, some preference sheets have even been known to ask if guests have a preferred brand on sun tan lotion. Be honest, informative and prepare to be pampered.