How To Be The Perfect Yacht Charter Guest During The Holidays
While the holiday season fast approaches, many will be preparing for a luxury yacht charter to enjoy the festive period. From Thanksgiving and Christmas to New Year's Eve, enjoying the holidays onboard can provide a truly memorable experience.
As a charter guest, however exciting the experience will be, there are also various elements and etiquette to consider before stepping aboard. Here, we have put together a guide on how to be the perfect yacht charter guest during the holiday season and beyond.
Festive Requests
The holiday season adds an additional layer of consideration to the usual yacht charter preparation. When you receive your invitation from the charter host, ensure to plan ahead and share your preferences as soon as possible.
If you have a specific holiday tradition you would like to maintain while onboard, communicate these in advance and discuss the specifics of the itinerary and where it will include a celebration. It is essential to complete the preference form in advance, highlighting any specific holiday requests.
Embrace Holiday Spirit
If you receive a yacht charter invitation tailored to the holidays, it is even more important to ensure you bring a thoughtful gesture along with you. There are various ways to add a touch of seasonal flair and show your appreciation onboard. Bringing a small, festive gift for your charter host, and crew, is recommended.
However, the most important element of bringing something festive is to avoid anything too extravagant. Stick to small, unobtrusive decorations or festive touches that complement the yacht's existing aesthetic or add to the itinerary. If cruising locations within the Caribbean or The Bahamas over this period, it may be a good idea to think about more tropical-inspired decor that will align with the trip. These festive gifts can be things such as candles, tasteful lights or figurines, holiday napkin rings, festive fragrances, or artisanal hampers.
Dress To Impress
Dress codes play an important role when celebrating the holidays. While a yacht charter tends to be fairly casual, avoid overly revealing or messy attire and pack smart-casual or resort-inspired looks.
A black tie outfit is also worth considering if you have special events onboard, particularly relevant during a Christmas and New Year yacht charter. If you have plans to go ashore, check the dress code of the event or destination you will be going to so you can include these outfits in your packing checklist.
Respect The Yacht
Each charter yacht has its own set of guidelines for guests to abide by, which will be communicated to you via the crew. Treat the yacht as your own and always respect all the spaces with the utmost care. Remember to maintain respect for the crew, stay out of their space, and ask politely whenever you need something.
Be sure to follow the 'barefoot' rule, enjoy life onboard without shoes which could potentially ruin the carpets or teak, and bring luggage in soft-shelled bags that do not scratch or damage any surfaces. An important factor in showing respect is to bear in mind noise levels. While the yacht will be well insulated, noise can travel far, so be mindful of keeping the volume down, especially late at night and early in the morning, while other guests may be asleep.
Show Your Appreciation
For your charter host, giving a gift to show appreciation at the end of the trip is important, regardless of the holiday season. Choose something that is luxurious yet practical, items that reflect their tastes and the yachting lifestyle. A high-end, vintage, or limited edition bottle of their favorite spirit, wine, or gourmet food item is always a welcome gift. Bespoke accessories, like a custom leather luggage tag, designer bag, luxury scarf, or other sophisticated accessories, can also make for a memorable present. Like the festive touches and gifts, avoid anything too extravagant as the goal is to show thanks for the hospitality, not outshine their generosity.
A more meaningful gift could be a charitable donation or sponsorship in their name to a cause they care about. Or, consider gifting them a unique experience, such as a private chef's table dinner, helicopter tour, a unique musical performance onboard, or exclusive wine tasting - these can also be arranged during the charter itinerary. When gifting, consider the practicality of storage and travel arrangements home for the charter host. At the end of the charter, it is also customary to show your gratitude to the crew; a collective tip should be arranged, usually 15-20% of the charter fee.
If you are looking for an available yacht for charter during the forthcoming holiday season, whether in time for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's, contact our expert consultants to learn more.