From dock to deck: The ultimate guide to preparing for a luxury yacht charter vacation

Your once-in-a-lifetime yacht charter vacation is all booked—cue daydreaming of sun-drenched decks, twinkling turquoise waters, and the soothing lull of waves. But let’s be honest—this isn’t your typical holiday; it’s an experience, a slice of luxury, the ultimate escape. But before you hop aboard and start living your best maritime life, there’s some prepping to do, as life on the water requires a little extra thought.

Packing and preparing for life on a yacht isn’t as simple as throwing a swimsuit into a bag and heading for the nearest beach resort. With limited storage, unique conditions, and the allure of both sea and onshore adventures, there’s a fine art to getting it just right. Let this guide be your compass—from what to pack and understanding yacht etiquette, to how to prepare in the days leading up to your luxury getaway.

Packing for life aboard: The art of minimalism

Yachts, while luxurious, aren’t known for their spacious storage, so pack light and think smart. Forget bulky hard luggage and opt for a soft-sided bag that’s easy to stow in tight spaces. It’s a little thing that makes a big difference.

When it comes to clothing, versatility is everything. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton will be your best friends—keeping you lovely and cool with the bonus of being quick drying. You’ll spend most of your time in swimwear, so pack a few stylish options and bring a couple of easy cover-ups like a kaftan or sarong for lounging on deck or popping ashore for lunch. Of course, not all charters are to sunnier climes, so if you are going somewhere cooler, then pack layers!

Evenings on a yacht lean toward casual elegance, so leave the formal wear at home. Embrace the freedom to simply style up a sundress or relax in linen trousers paired with a simple shirt – perfect for sunset cocktails or dining under the stars. Nights on the water can get a little chilly, so don’t forget a lightweight sweater or jacket. Footwear should also be practical: non-marking deck shoes for onboard safety, flip-flops for beach visits, and a pair of chic but comfy sandals for strolling through coastal towns. If you’ve planned to hike or bike while ashore, don’t forget some lightweight sneakers or sturdier versions for rocky paths. There will likely be a bare-foot policy and light slippers provided for when you are on board.

Accessories are just as important. A wide-brimmed hat or sporty cap will protect you from the sun, while sunglasses with UV protection are essential—maybe pack a backup pair, just in case the sea breeze claims your favourites. Bring a tote or foldable beach bag for excursions and a waterproof phone pouch to keep your gadgets safe.

While this is a chance to unplug and disconnect, some tech can enhance your trip. A portable charger or power bank is essential if outlets are limited. An e-reader is lighter than packing books, and a waterproof camera or GoPro will let you capture those underwater adventures. Download any playlists, movies or podcasts for yourself and the kids as WiFi can be patchy at sea.

When it comes to toiletries, keep it compact and eco-friendly. Many yachts encourage biodegradable products to protect marine life, so invest in reef-safe brands in travel-sized containers. Your charter broker should provide you with pre-boarding information about your chosen yacht with details about what cabin amenities—like robes, hairdryers and toiletries—are provided. Many yachts also supply sunscreen and will have basic first-aid kits on board—but if you have sensitivities or a particular preference for painkillers, seasickness remedies or antihistamines, you should come prepared. Pharmacies are few and far between in remote anchorages!

The week before: Getting everything shipshape

With your packing list finalised, it’s time to focus on the final countdown. The week leading up to your trip is all about confirming the fine details and ensuring you’re ready to make the most of your time away.

Start by confirming all the logistics with your yacht charter broker. Double-check departure times and locations, and make sure your paperwork, from itineraries to passports, is in order. If you’ve requested any special provisions or have dietary requirements, now is the time to follow up. Yacht menus are tailored to your preferences, so be sure to specify any must-haves, like a favourite wine or snack for the children. Yacht crews run a tight ship and although they will go out of their way to help you enjoy your trip, it can be difficult to source specific items in out-of-the-way places at short notice.

Next, focus on transportation. Whether you’re catching a flight to a tropical paradise or driving to a marina, make sure your connections are seamless. For international travel, check passport validity and any visa or vaccination requirements.

Weather can play a big part in your experience, so start monitoring the forecast about a week before you travel. Knowing what to expect will help you fine-tune your packing—whether it’s swapping a lightweight sweater for a sturdier windbreaker or adding a rain poncho just in case.

Seasickness: A bit of prep goes a long way

Even if you’ve never been prone to motion sickness, it’s smart to be prepared as spending a week on a yacht can be very different from other boat experiences. Ginger candies, acupressure wristbands, or non-drowsy patches are easy, low-maintenance options. Start using them a day or two before boarding to ease your body into the rhythm of the waves.

If you need something stronger make sure you bring travel sickness tablets that work for you or visit your pharmacy for advice before you travel. There is also a breakthrough solution for seasickness which is now being carried by some luxury charter yachts. See-Level, a virtual reality headset has been designed to deliver instant relief from seasickness symptoms which are caused by the visual disturbances you experience on a boat. It has been described as a ‘game changer’!

The final countdown: Brush up on onboard etiquette

Now is the time to familiarise yourself with the simple yet important rules of yachting etiquette to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for you, your guests and the crew. The crew are there to ensure your charter is seamless and you receive exceptional service, but also for your safety. You must listen to their instructions, be kind and respectful and remember that they work long hours behind the scenes for your benefit, so appreciation goes a long way. The crew are not there to be your childcare, although they will likely have plenty of fun activities in mind for kids of all ages. Treat the vessel with respect – it’s a multi-million-dollar piece of marine equipment that requires care and attention and thoughtless behaviour can lead to expensive damage and can compromise your charter experience.

Yachts have zero tolerance for illegal or illicit activity and the penalties for both the yacht and you are serious. The use of illegal drugs, possession of guns or abusive behaviour towards the crew will likely terminate your charter immediately and may lead to the seizure of the yacht and the license being revoked.

It is customary to tip the crew on departure to reflect your appreciation for the service you’ve received. Although discretionary, 5-15% is recommended by MYBA and you don’t necessarily need to carrying cash as crews will accept wired gratuities after the charter. Check with your charter broker what is appropriate on your chosen yacht.

Whether you are embarking on a winter charter in the Caribbean or looking ahead to summer in the Mediterranean or even fall in New England, good preparation is vital. Consider working with an experienced charter broker who will smooth the waters during the booking process as well as help you prepare to board.