Yacht charter etiquette: Dos and don’ts for a smooth sailing experience

A yacht charter is the ultimate expression of luxury and the opportunity for guests to experience a holiday like no other. The premium service, privacy and comfort on board a yacht does come at a price but despite this, guests must still follow the simple yet important yachting rules of etiquette to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for themselves, the crew and fellow guests.

Dos

Do respect the crew and their boundaries

The crew is there to ensure your experience is seamless and exceptional, so treat them with kindness and respect. A courteous approach fosters a positive environment on board, allowing the crew to go the extra mile to make your stay enjoyable. Remember, they work hard behind the scenes, often with long hours, so appreciation goes a long way.

Give the crew a chance to make up the beds, do the laundry and perhaps service the various systems while you spend time onshore exploring or shopping. If there’s no chance of getting off the yacht, do try to leave the crew time to do their job while you sunbathe, swim or have fun on the water toys.

Always honour the crew’s private space – remember that they live and work on board and need to be able to relax and rest away from their workplace on the upper decks. The galley is also a sacred area that you should leave to the chef unless invited. If you need something, ask a member of the crew who is on duty in the guest areas.

Do listen to safety briefings and understand the role of the captain

Safety at sea is paramount, and no matter how luxurious the setting, you should always take the yacht’s safety briefings seriously. Pay attention to the location of life vests, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. In the event of an emergency, being familiar with safety protocols could be crucial and is a requirement of insurance and maritime laws.

If you have issues with a member of the crew or any of the facilities on board, the correct way to deal with it is via the captain as they have the responsibility and authority to put it right. Don’t take matters into your own hands.

Do communicate your preferences in advance

Before the charter begins, provide a detailed preference sheet outlining your food choices, activities, and any special requests. This gives the crew time to prepare and tailor your experience to your liking and it is much easier for them to cater to your needs in advance from shore, than while cruising or anchored in remote locations.

Make sure you know what is provided on board – such as sunscreen, toiletries, medication and tech – so you are not caught out once underway. Your charter broker should provide detailed pre-boarding information in advance.

Do observe the yacht’s rules

Each yacht has its own set of rules regarding footwear, smoking, and guest behaviour. For example, most yachts enforce a no-shoes policy to preserve the pristine decks, so be prepared to go barefoot or wear yacht-approved deck shoes or slippers. Respect any restrictions about smoking or vaping and other guidelines, as they ensure the yacht remains in top condition for all guests.

If you want to travel with your four-legged friend, make sure you have checked in advance if the yacht allows pets on board. Animals remain the responsibility of the guests so don’t expect the crew to take them ashore or clean up aft them.

Do pack appropriately and bring suitable luggage

Yachts offer luxury, but space is always at a premium so soft luggage is preferred over hard cases, as it’s easier to stow. Bring appropriate attire for the destinations you’ll be visiting—swimwear, casual resort wear, and perhaps a more formal outfit for dining ashore. Avoid overpacking, as the yacht’s relaxed atmosphere typically calls for simple, comfortable clothing. It is recommended to bring a hat as the sun can be strong and reflect off the water and it may be cool at night and windy at sea, so bring some warm clothes even in the middle of summer.

Your charter broker will provide you with pre-boarding information so you will know in advance if robes, slippers and toiletries are provided.

Do be prepared to leave a tip

As with any hospitality industry, crew gratuity is customary and should reflect the guest’s satisfaction with the service they have received. The amount is entirely at the guest’s discretion, but brokers advise tipping between 5 and 15 per cent of the charter rate as per the MYBA guidelines.

Do respect the environment

For the future enjoyment of everyone, you must respect the marine environment by refraining from littering, secure items so they don’t go overboard and be mindful not to disturb wildlife or damage coral reefs when snorkelling or diving. Many destinations rightly have strict regulations around anchoring and jet ski usage, so make sure you understand how to behave safely and respectfully in your chosen destination.

Don’ts

Don’t expect the crew to be your childcare

Luxury yachts are great for families, but children remain the responsibility of parents, appropriate adults or a nanny. Don’t expect the yacht crews to act as babysitters or take responsibility for your children all day, as they simply won’t have the time. If you plan to bring a nanny with you, make sure you have allowed a spare cabin for them as there will definitely not be space in the crew quarters.

That being said, most crew members are young and fun and will be more than happy to help older children on the water toys, set up games on the beach, board games, video games or a movie for little ones. Make sure you are clear on your preference sheets, so the chef can prepare appropriate meals for your kids and the crew can have their favourite snacks on board.

Don’t make unnecessary changes but listen to the captain’s advice

Changing your itinerary or meal preferences on the fly can put undue pressure on the captain and crew, especially if it involves altering port arrangements or provisioning. However, the captain may be spontaneous and suggest exciting alternative anchorages to make the most of the local conditions – but this means they may also have to disappoint guests and change plans for safety reasons. Good preparation will ensure smooth sailing, but flexibility will bring unexpected opportunities – a good captain will always have a plan B.

Don’t treat the yacht as a party venue

One of the pleasures of a charter yacht is the ability to entertain in style but avoid returning to the yacht from partying ashore with a half-dozen new friends and expecting the chef to prepare a late-night meal. If you want to invite extra guests aboard for cocktails or a meal, be sure to clear it with the captain first so appropriate arrangements can be made to ensure everyone has a great time and there are no embarrassing shortages of seating, food or drinks.

While it’s certainly possible to have fun onboard, a yacht isn’t designed for wild, rowdy behaviour. Treat the vessel with respect—it’s a multi-million-dollar piece of equipment that requires care and attention. Excessive partying can lead to damages, unhappy crew, and a less-than-ideal experience. If something does get spilt, broken or lost, guests should alert the crew as soon as possible.

Don’t ignore local customs

When visiting foreign destinations, it’s important to respect local customs and regulations. This can include observing cultural norms, abiding by environmental protection laws, and being mindful of marine life. A good rule of thumb is to follow the captain’s advice regarding any particular rules or sensitivities in the area you’re cruising.

Don’t do anything illegal

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. Make sure you understand the local laws before you travel and remember the zero-tolerance rule.

Don’t use damaging sunscreens or other harmful products

Using spray sunscreen on deck can damage the teak so apply sunscreen in your cabin or use the creams provided on board. Whenever possible, use natural, organic, and/or eco-friendly detergents, shampoos, soaps, and sunscreens that are not harmful to marine life and coral reefs.

It is also important not to pollute the sea from your yacht, so don’t throw cigarette butts or rubbish overboard and avoid overuse of plastic and use fresh water responsibly.

Bonus tips

Be punctual: Whether for planned excursions, meals, or simply returning to the yacht after a day on shore. Keeping to the schedule ensures smooth operations.

Keep the yacht tidy: While the crew will attend to most of the cleaning, it’s polite to keep your personal space relatively neat.

Etiquette is not about restricting your fun; it’s about enhancing the experience, allowing everyone on board to appreciate how wonderful a luxury yacht charter can be and enabling the crew to deliver the best possible service.