Superyacht Etiquette - The Dos & Don'ts On Board
With yacht charter being the pinnacle of luxury travel, the etiquette on board is part of what makes the whole experience so special. From what to wear to how to treat the crew with respect, we help you prepare for the ultimate yachting vacation.
What is yacht etiquette? Simply put, it lays out the unspoken, accepted standards of behaviour on board and varies from yacht to yacht. Larger, more luxurious charter yachts are more likely to have a formal and sophisticated structure in place, while if you opt for a smaller yacht with fewer crew, they may be more involved in your day to day charter with a less formal relationship.
Before boarding your yacht, you’ll fill out a preference list on everything from your favourite Champagne to what you’d like to eat for breakfast – the more details you can give the better so your crew can get a head start on making sure they have everything on board.
Be sure to inform the captain of any special requests in advance – if you’re looking for a relaxing charter away from the hustle and bustle of city life, they would know to avoid Monaco. Equally, if you want to see and be seen, a charter to a remote island off Corsica might not be your thing. The captain and crew take time to research what guests enjoy, so the more information you can give them the better.
Dividing the rooms
Often there will be one principal player who is inking the charter contract and footing the brunt of the bill, or the charter party might consist of two families or a number of couples who intend to share costs equally. Typically the principal charterer would be given the master cabin but, in the case of mixed groups, many yachts have more than one sizeable suite to accommodate.
When choosing a yacht, look for one that has a few master-worthy VIP cabins and decide who will sleep where in advance to avoid any surprises later.
Respect your crew
Respecting the crew, including their privacy and time off, is at the core of yacht etiquette. Working and living on board a luxury yacht is a challenging role, so to ensure the crew can deliver a seven star service, it’s essential to respect their rest time. The galley and crew quarters are also out of bounds for guests.
What to pack
If you’re planning on exploring the Arctic, it’s probably not worth packing a skimpy sundress, and likewise if you’re wintering in the Caribbean, leave your ski jacket at home. You’ll also need fewer shoes than on other types of holiday as a ‘no heels’ policy means you’ll mostly be barefoot on board, while ashore you’re likely to spend a lot of time with your toes in the sand. Luxury beach towels and toiletries are provided and the interior crew will take care of laundry and ironing.
Collaborate with your captain
It’s also important to heed your captain’s advice on itineraries and matters of safety – they are the experts after all. You might be desperate to go to that cluster of remote islands but, if there’s a storm coming and your captain won’t take you, you can be sure it’s for the best. The same may apply to the use of water toys if conditions or local regulations do not permit.
Bring a nanny
While many yacht crew are great with children and are happy to plan fun activities for them, it’s not really their job to be your children’s minder. Bringing your own nanny is like bringing a part of home – someone familiar and more qualified to take care of your child while you’re on board. If your children are happy then you will be too.
Take safety seriously
Safety is the primary responsibility of the captain and crew, and they take it very seriously. They are legally required to ensure the safety of guests at all times, so make sure you listen to the safety briefing at the start of your charter which covers emergency protocol, life jackets and life rafts. Similarly, mind the rules – if your yacht doesn’t allow smoking, heed your captain’s advice before lighting up.
Respect other yachts around you
When you’re in a marina, it’s important to lower the volume in the early hours. Equally, when you’re out on your jet skis, it’s important to respect the privacy of other yachts at anchor. It might be tempting to get up close and see who’s on board, but others might not appreciate the attention.
Image credit: My Manifiq