Are you planning to charter a luxurious yacht for the first time? If so, it can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the expected etiquette. Most luxury yacht charters require guests to follow specific rules and maintain proper decorum and etiquette to ensure that the experience is enjoyable for both the crew and guests. If you’re not familiar with these unwritten rules, here is a guide for first-time guests.
1. Make sure to respect the yacht crew and captain.
The crew and captain of your luxury yacht charter are there to ensure your safety, take care of your needs, and provide you with a good experience. When you go on a yacht charter, be sure to respect the instructions provided by the captain and the crew, who are intimately familiar with the yacht and can assist you to the fullest extent.
2. Pay attention to all safety briefings.
Whether it’s your first or tenth time on a luxury yacht charter, it’s crucial to pay attention to all the safety briefings that the crew provides. Everyone who steps aboard must undergo a safety briefing, which introduces you to the crew and provides an overview of the yacht’s layout, life rafts, life jackets, emergency protocols, and more. This allows you to have a safe and enjoyable experience, especially if you have children and teens on board.
3. Coordinate your event with the crew.
Friends, family, or acquaintances generally accompany you aboard the yacht. As you plan your event, you need to coordinate with the yacht charter captain and crew. Ensure that you inform them regarding your guests, including the number of people who will be joining, their food preferences, dietary restrictions, and allergies. Doing so allows the crew to prepare accordingly and ensures that your guests are comfortable. Be sure to also communicate if your guests have any other special needs or if you require other forms of accommodation. Doing so guarantees that you do not face any last minute challenges.
4. Take care of your children.
If children accompany you aboard your luxury yacht charter, don’t forget that it is your responsibility to look after them. Even though the crew is happy to assist you and your children in any way possible, don’t rely on them for childcare, as they have many responsibilities and tend to be quite busy. However, feel free to bring your own childcare onto your luxury yacht charter if you would like some child-free moments for adult relaxation.
5. Follow all footwear rules.
When on a yacht, it is common to see a basket for your shoes, as heavy street shoes and stilettos can damage the delicate and beautiful deck, as well as the flooring and carpets, and are therefore prohibited. Shoes are also a safety concern, as they can be a slipping hazard. If you need to wear shoes aboard your luxury yacht charter, be aware that the crew will only allow soft soled shoes meant for yachting, as these won’t damage the deck and have better grip on smooth surfaces.
6. Finally, always keep the crew informed.
The crew and captain are responsible for the safety of all the guests on board, which is why it’s always wise to keep them in the loop.
