Yacht Charter Etiquette

Charter etiquette is simply the shared understanding that lets a private yacht feel effortless. It is less a code of conduct than a handful of courtesies that protect safety, privacy, the yacht, the crew and the quality of your time aboard.

Most guests find that, once these are understood, the yacht feels freer rather than more formal.

Every yacht has a few house customs and a small number of safety requirements set by the captain and the yacht's flag and insurance. Beyond those, the charter is shaped around you. The crew will brief you on anything specific to the yacht on arrival.

You decide the shape of the charter: the pace, the menus, the anchorages you would like. The captain is responsible for the safety of the yacht and everyone aboard, and has the final word on weather, routing, anchoring and water activities. The best charters treat this as a partnership.

Share dietary needs, allergies, medical considerations, preferred drinks, special occasions and the rough rhythm you enjoy through the desk before embarkation. The crew provision and plan from this, and early information always produces a better result than last-minute requests.

Most yachts are barefoot vessels. Shoes are usually left in a basket at the passerelle, which protects teak decks and keeps sand and grit off board. Some yachts offer slippers or allow clean deck shoes inside; the crew will say.

Clean, non-marking soft-soled shoes are often welcome on deck, particularly for guests who prefer not to go barefoot. Keep them for the yacht rather than wearing them ashore and back.

Stilettos and hard heels mark teak and are unsafe on moving decks. Carry them for dinner ashore and change at the tender or passerelle. Flat sandals or espadrilles are the usual onboard choice for an evening.

Storage aboard is generous but shaped by the yacht's hull. Soft, foldable bags are preferred because hard-shell suitcases are difficult to stow. If you travel with hard cases, mention it in advance; the crew may be able to store them ashore or in a lazarette.

Daytime dress is relaxed: swimwear, cover-ups, linen and cottons. Evenings are as casual or polished as the party wishes. A light layer is useful for tender rides and breezy anchorages.

Swimwear is natural on deck and at the swim platform. Many guests add a cover-up for meals in the main saloon or dining areas. Dry off before coming inside to protect upholstery.

There is no dress code unless you set one. Some groups enjoy an elegant dinner on deck; others prefer barefoot simplicity. Let the chief stewardess know if you are planning a special evening so the table can match.

On arrival, shoes come off, luggage is taken by the crew and you are welcomed aboard, usually with a drink and a short tour. Cabin allocation is yours to decide; settling it before boarding saves time.

Every guest attends the safety briefing. It is short and covers muster points, life jackets, fire procedures, the tender and any yacht-specific points. It is a requirement, and it also helps you relax.

Crew quarters, the galley, the bridge and engine spaces are working areas. Many captains are happy to show guests the bridge; just ask first rather than wandering in.

Clear, early and friendly requests work best. The chief stewardess is usually your day-to-day contact and the captain for itinerary and safety matters. If something is not right, say so promptly and privately; crew would always rather adjust than guess.

Crew are skilled professionals who often work long days to make a charter seamless. Ordinary courtesy, names remembered and thanks offered go further than anything else.

Crew work in rotations and need rest. Late nights are fine, but let the crew know your plans so service can be arranged. Relationships beyond a professional, friendly one are not appropriate.

Privacy is one of charter's quiet luxuries. Respect the privacy of other guests, crew and any yacht you meet at anchor. Crew are trained to be discreet, and the same courtesy is appreciated in return.

Photograph your own party freely. Ask before photographing crew or other guests, and consider delaying posts that reveal the yacht's live location. Some owners prefer their yacht's name or interiors not to appear online; the desk will tell you if so.

Drone use depends on local law, the area and the captain's view. Ask before flying, and never over other yachts, crowds or protected areas.

The number of guests aboard is limited by the yacht's licence and the charter agreement. Friends joining for lunch or dinner are often possible, but always ask the captain first so numbers, safety and catering are managed.

Families are welcome on many yachts. Agree supervision, life-jacket use and swimming rules with the captain, and mention ages in advance so the crew can prepare.

Pets are allowed only where the owner and charter agreement permit it. Raise this at enquiry stage rather than on arrival.

Enjoy the yacht's sound system. At anchor near others, or in quiet bays, keep late-evening music considerate. Ports and marinas may also have local rules.

Water toys are a highlight. A crew member will brief and usually accompany you. Jet skis and tenders are operated under the crew's guidance and local regulations, which may require licences.

Smoking is normally limited to designated outdoor areas. Candles, sky lanterns and similar open flames are generally not used aboard for fire safety.

Be mindful with sunscreen, red wine and wet towels on upholstery, and use the shower before returning to the saloon after a swim. Small things keep the yacht immaculate for your whole stay.

Accidents happen. Tell the crew straight away; it is always easier to deal with something at once. Responsibility is set out in the charter agreement.

Requests are welcome: a favourite wine, a birthday cake, a particular beach. Larger or unusual items may be charged against the APA, so confirm anything significant with the chief stewardess.

Plans can change with your mood and the weather. Discuss changes with the captain, who will consider sea conditions, berths and timing.

Ashore, you represent the yacht to some degree. The crew can arrange restaurants, transfers and tender pick-ups; agree a return time so the tender is ready.

A sincere thank-you at the end of the charter means a great deal. Any gratuity is entirely discretionary and is covered in our separate tipping guide.

Pack the evening before, settle final requests, and let the crew handle luggage. A brief farewell with the captain and crew closes the charter well.