Sailing the seas on a privately crewed charter yacht is an enchanting experience. It's nice to sit back, relax, and let someone else sail the ship without dealing with the crowds and bustle of a standard cruise experience. But if this will be your first time on a chartered yacht, you may not be sure what to expect. Here's a closer look at how the trip will tend to go.
Your crew will tailor the on-shore experiences to your preferences.
When you signed up for your vacation, the yacht company probably listed an array of activities like shopping, snorkeling, and hiking that you can partake in when you reach your port. However, there's not usually time to do everything on this list. The list is typically included as a way of suggesting possible activities to clients. When you're on board the yacht headed to your destination, be prepared to discuss what activities you actually want to do with the crew. If there's something you really want to do that's not on the yacht company's list, just ask. The company may be able to arrange the activity for you even if it's not one of the more routine activities the organize.
The meals and drinks are typically tailored to your preferences.
If you have not yet received any sort of food-preference questionnaire from your yacht company, expect to receive this a week or two before you set sail. Fill the questionnaire out in as much detail as you wish. This is what the yacht crew will use to determine what foods to bring on board and prepare for you. If you are allergic to anything whatsoever, be sure to specify that on the form. Also, list any foods you absolutely do not want to eat. Be as specific as you wish—it's the company's goal to create meals you actually enjoy. Once you've set sail, if they don't have the items you want on the boat, it will be too late!
The crew will take care of you.
When you charter a yacht, the crew does a lot more than steer the ship. They plan everything for you, including the transportation from the boat to the on-shore destinations and the laundering of your clothes. If there's a surprise storm that makes pulling into a certain port impossible, they will make all the alternative plans and make sure you still have a good time. If a business you want to visit closes, they'll recommend something similar. All you really have to do is climb on board and be prepared to enjoy yourself.
