Charter Yacht Onboard Etiquette

From how to treat the yacht to interacting with the crew, here are a few guidelines for your time onboard a luxury yacht:

Make yourself at home

While the yacht is your home for the duration of the charter, owners offer their luxury yachts on the understanding that they will be treated well. Keep in mind the behaviour of yourself and your guests as if it were your own yacht.

Shoes off

Luxury yachts usually have a barefoot policy. High heels can damage teak decking, while black soles can leave unsightly scuff marks. Take appropriate deck shoes (non-marking, flat-soled, and ideally non-slip) for walking around the deck, or go barefoot. If you wear outdoor shoes ashore, remember to remove them before stepping back onto the yacht.

Crew privacy

It is important to respect the privacy of the crew. The galley is a haven for the chef, and the crew quarters should not be entered without an invitation.

Crew interaction

The crew are there to ensure your vacation is safe and proceeds smoothly. Although it may be unusual to allow people to serve you, even helping with simple things such as clearing plates may make the crew feel you are unhappy with their service. The crew has a job to do so sit back and enjoy the full experience of your charter.

Entering the bridge while underway

Going to the yacht’s bridge while underway is usually fine; however, it is a maritime courtesy to ask the skipper or the officer on watch if it is convenient for you to enter the bridge. There may be occasions, such as when in a busy shipping channel, when you will be politely asked not to be on the bridge.

Children

Remember, guests are responsible for their children. Some families bring along a nanny who is accommodated on board. Crew members should not be expected to babysit.

Smoking

Smoking on board at the discretion of the yacht owner; should there be a smoker in your party, advise your yacht charter broker when making enquiries. Smoking is usually prohibited inside. Some yachts may have deck spaces where smoking is permitted, and there may be some spaces where smoking and naked flames are prohibited – on boarding your charter yacht, check this with the crew.

Drugs and weapons

If drugs or illegal weapons are found on board, not only will they be confiscated, but the yacht too is subject to confiscation, while the skipper may lose their licence. If you break these rules, be prepared to leave mid-charter to make your own way home.

Complaints

Should you wish to make a complaint, this should be addressed to the skipper as the head of the crew, not directly to a crew member.