Yacht Charter Etiquette: What Every First-Time Guest Should Know

A yacht charter is one of the most luxurious and exclusive experiences you can enjoy. Rivaling any five-star luxury hotel or resort on land, a yacht provides world-class amenities, privacy, and the flexibility and freedom of being able to go where you want. 

Luxury yachting does come with a level of responsibility, however—respecting the yacht and crew during your stay. If you’re chartering for the first time, you might be unsure about what’s appropriate onboard. And even experienced charterers can benefit from a refresher on yacht etiquette. Understanding these guidelines ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone.

Here is our guide to yacht charter etiquette and how to be a great guest onboard:  

Do enjoy, but don’t overindulge 

It is no surprise that there is a certain amount of indulgence on board a yacht charter—similar to any other vacation and time away, it provides a chance to kick back and relax without your everyday responsibilities and routines. However, when on board a yacht charter, while alcohol is typically freely flowing, it is essential to understand that excessive use, as well as any illegal substances, are strictly prohibited. 

Consuming responsibly is recommended for all guests onboard to ensure everyone has a fun time without putting other guests or the crew in uncomfortable or dangerous situations. Onboard all yachts, there is a zero tolerance for illegal and illicit substances. In general, charter yachts do not allow smoking; however, some yachts have decks where smoking is permitted at the owner’s discretion. If you want to smoke on board, it is important to check with your broker before chartering the yacht as to whether this is allowed. 

Do communicate your preferences, but don’t change them

Before any yacht charter, all guests will be asked to complete comprehensive preference sheets detailing their needs and wants in advance of the forthcoming trip. It is important that these are completed as thoroughly as possible, as the crew uses these preferences to ensure that they have everything on board they need to complete the requests. Your dietary needs and preferences are particularly important for chefs so that menus can be tailored to everyone on board. 

The crew aims to provide seven-star service, anticipate your needs, and ensure they have everything you need at their disposal. Therefore, it is helpful to be as clear and transparent as possible in this prior communication and not to change it once you step aboard. Alongside food and drink, include any excursions, activities, and services you wish to enjoy during the charter, both onboard and ashore. The more information you provide, the more memorable and completely customized your experience will be. 

Do feel at home, but don’t be over-comfortable

On a yacht charter, the yacht is just yours for the chartered duration, which means it is important to feel at home and get comfortable, but there is a delicate balance to this, and the level of respect you must maintain. 

Many luxury charter yachts are outfitted with intricate and valuable materials, breakable pieces, and intricate designs, so you must be mindful of your surroundings when moving around the yacht. The nature of yachting means you will likely be in and out of the ocean throughout the day. One example of respecting the yacht is not going inside while covered in saltwater; rinse and dry off before doing so to prevent saltwater from getting on the interiors. Similarly, on the exterior, be careful when maneuvering around movable furniture, windows, doors, and glass surfaces. You must also ensure you follow the ‘no shoes’ barefoot rule or be sure to wear shoe covers when on board to avoid damaging the teak decks. 

Today, many yachts operate with an environmentally conscious mindset, so be sure to adopt these recommendations, such as using refillable water bottles instead of single-use plastics and choosing marine-friendly toiletries. 

Do pack light, but don’t forget the essentials

When packing for a yacht charter, think about the amount of space available on board. While luxury yachts have ample space for you, it’sn’t infinite. Bringing a fair-sized, soft luggage bag helps the crew after unpacking, making it easy to store before you need it again for departure. 

Depending on your preference and style, pack whatever you feel comfortable in. In warm yachting destinations, lightweight, versatile clothing is recommended, along with smart-casual options, swimwear, and coverups. Check your itinerary while packing and ensure you have outfits for specific activities ashore, black-tie, and any special events. 

Do respect the crew, but don’t overstep boundaries 

Throughout your time on board the yacht, the captain has authority and is there to ensure your vacation prioritizes safety while providing you with the best experience. The captain of the yacht will be well-versed in the destination and weather, and will understand the routing; therefore, if there needs to be a change of plan due to safety measures, graciously accept it. 

Rudeness and aggression toward any crew member is unacceptable; practicing common courtesy and politeness is essential. The crew goes the extra mile to make your yacht charter the best, so it’s only fair to acknowledge their hard work and service. While onboard, respect their space and dedicated areas, including the galley and all crew areas. If you need something, a crew member will always be on hand to assist. 

Tipping, although not mandatory, is customary to show your appreciation. The crew gratuity is typically 10-20% of the charter fee and is given to the captain to distribute among the crew. 

Do bring children and pets, but don’t bring them without prior permission 

Onboard the yacht you charter, there will be certain maximum guest limitations based on the yacht’s capacity, determined by safety and legal requirements. It is crucial not to bring any extra guests on board without first checking with your broker and the captain and communicating this to them. 

While many yachts are child-friendly, with multigenerational charter trips on the rise, crew are often used to having children onboard; however, they are there as crew, and there aren’t specific childcare provisions on board unless previously agreed. If you need childcare while onboard, you can arrange it with your broker before you board. Many yachts can recommend a nanny to come on board for the trip. 

If you want to bring any furry friends on board, that must be agreed upon before committing to the yacht. Some yachts welcome pets and offer amenities for them, whereas others do not. While the captain and crew make everyone feel welcome, it is important not to bring unwelcome surprises on board, as they can complicate your charter. 

Do bring a thoughtful gift, but don’t overdo it

While not required, bringing a thoughtful gift for the principal charter host is a gracious gesture that is always appreciated. 

A token of appreciation, focusing on thoughtful and personal gifts for arranging the charter, can go a long way in showing gratitude. When purchasing the gift, keep in mind that the host is also traveling to and from the yacht, so nothing too large or impractical should be given. Ultimately, any gift should complement the experience rather than overshadow it. 

Also, if you are celebrating any special occasions during the charter with your guests, such as a birthday or anniversary, discuss with your broker or captain beforehand to see if they can help incorporate something special into the day. 

Do enjoy the experience, but don’t overshare 

Most importantly, you are on a yacht charter as a guest to enjoy, explore, relax, indulge, and soak up the yachting lifestyle, so enjoy it. When enjoying, be conscious of how you share your experiences. 

With social media widely used, yachts have different protocols and policies for posting on platforms, so check with your captain when you get on board. Most charter yachts allow posts but ask for no real-time posting and locations for safety reasons, alongside no photos of the owner’s personal items for respect.