Eight Top Tips for Those New to Luxury Yacht Charters

1: Your Personalised Yacht Charter

A private yacht charter is a personalised holiday, designed personally for you. Prior to your charter we'll ask you and your guests to complete a preference form. This information allows your crew to personalise your charter, and covers everything from your dietary requirements and your choice of champagne, to planning your itinerary based on your preferred activities and the places you want to explore.

Your chef will create a personalised menu and your Captain will design your personalised itinerary. If there is one piece of advice we would give you, it's to provide as much detailed and specific information about your likes and dislikes as possible. 

And it's not just all about the food. On your preference form you will also be asked about your dreams and aspirations for your charter .... whether you want an active charter using the water toys, and exploring ashore, or if you'd prefer to be relaxing on board and soaking up the sun. 

Your private yacht is the perfect venue for your birthday celebration. You should inform us in advance on your preference form if any of your guests has a special occasion to celebrate, and likewise if there are any particular places you would like to visit, it's helpful for your Captain to know in advance.

2:  Choosing the Right Yacht

Choosing the right luxury yacht is paramount to having the perfect charter. Your charter expert at Luxury Charter Group will present you with the best choice of yachts to match your requirements, to fit your budget and your desired level of comfort, and help you through the process.  To provide the best match we'll need to know your holiday destination, dates, duration, the number of cabins you require, and the budget you have allocated for your private yacht charter.  

There are yachts to suit almost all desires and budgets.  If you are travelling with a number of couples and sharing the cost equally then we can help you find a yacht that best suits your accommodation requirements if that's what's important, or yachts with an abundance of water toys if you are active and the yacht is your destination. 

On most crewed charter yachts, the maximum number of charter guests allowed by law is 12.  Alternatively some mega yachts have allocated space for additional supernumeraries such as a nanny, a nurse, security guard, trainer or a personal assistant.

3: Your Own Personal Chef

Superyacht chefs are masters of their trade and take great pleasure in catering to your every gastronomic desire using the very best local ingredients, presented to perfection. 

Your menu will be customised to your preferences and meals timed to fit within your lifestyle. You always have the best, and only, table in the house!

Formal fine dining, sun-drenched barbeques, al-fresco banquets, canapes and cocktails at sunset, a midnight snack or breakfast at midday ... all these and more are easily provided for, and always designed around your wishes.

4:  For Family Charters Think About a Nanny

Many superyacht vacations are all about multi-generational groups enjoying lovely family occasions. Superyacht crew are known for creating theme nights for guests on board, and for managing the yacht's watersports like teaching children how to sail, SUP or snorkel. However although your crew will always give 100% to keep guests happy, they already have full time jobs and it's not their duty to be babysitters.

If you are looking to have a complete break then bringing along your nanny is highly recommended. It is also very comforting to your child(ren), and reassuring for you, to have someone familiar in charge.

5: Take Advantage of all Your Boat’s Amenities

Your Crew will introduce you to all the toys on board so if you have never tried a SUP or jetski now is the perfect time. With knowledgeable crew to assist you, a yacht charter is a great time to learn some new skills.

And if holidays for you are all about doing nothing ... an hour or two in the Jacuzzi being served your special cocktails might just be your sort of heaven. Or make use of your yacht's enviable multi-media system – the latest movies and music with quality resolution and sounds in luxurious surroundings.

6: Pack Wisely

You may choose to live in your swimsuit and sarong, dress up for a formal occasion, or onshore, hike, ride bikes or horses. The key to packing well for your charter vacation is to not take too much, pack clothes flexible for several occasions, and remember that you're out on the water and even in the height of summer, winds can be cool, so jackets or a warm pashmina should be part of your packing list.

Consider the climate of your chosen charter destination. If you're heading for sun, sea and sand, be sure to pack clothes to suit. Most restaurants on shore will expect you to follow the "smart casual" dress code, while some may request more formal apparel and footwear.

Most charter yachts will ask guests to observe the "bare feet" protocol inside the boat and boat shoes on deck so tidy toes should be your main priority!  High heels and hard soles are a 'no-no'. You may wish to pack a pair of shoes for onshore excursions. If you are likely to explore reefs and rocky islands, consider packing some rubber watershoes.

Don’t forget your travel documents, any medications you require and chargers for all your devices.

7:  Enjoy Your Crew

Your crew are dedicated professionals, they will be reserved and almost invisible. Relax and be prepared to be pampered. Your luxury yacht charter is your own private home afloat with a ratio of crew to guests so much higher than on any cruise ship or hotel. These attentive crew are always on hand, day and night, to ensure you receive five-star service at all times. They are also discreet and unobtrusive making this a truly private holiday.

Your crew have a wealth of information and experience. You may be surprised at their personal interests and what they have achieved. Many of them are well educated with degrees in everything from marine biology to environmental engineering. You may have crew who are artists or masseuses, musicians or florists and most are genuinely happy to share their skills and knowledge with you.

8: Be Flexible and Communicate with your Captain

One of the great benefits of chartering your own private crewed yacht is the total flexibility it offers, cruising through your destination and changing anchorages at your own pace, under the guidance of your Captain with his/her local knowledge.

While we offer a sample itinerary in advance of the popular highlights of the cruising area, your actual itinerary is flexible to your needs and wishes, and once on board with your Captain’s guidance and recommendations, you can change your plans as the mood takes. If you find somewhere you like, then you may wish to linger longer. Your Captain has the final say, always keeping your safety in mind. His/ her experience is a key ingredient to you having a successful charter.

Contact us at Luxury Charter Group for further information about your private luxury charter and we’ll assist you to plan that unforgettable dream vacation that memories are made of. We are always here to answer any of your questions.