Chartering a superyacht is one of life's greatest privileges — but it comes with its own culture, protocols, and unwritten rules. VIPMAKKI's definitive etiquette guide ensures you step aboard with absolute confidence, whether it's your first charter or your fiftieth.
Never wear shoes on deck. Superyacht teak decks are pristine works of craftsmanship — street shoes cause irreparable damage. At boarding, you'll remove your shoes at the gangway. Many yachts provide branded slippers or soft deck shoes for guest comfort. The only exception: designated heel-friendly areas for formal evening events. Pack soft-soled deck shoes if you prefer footwear during your charter.
Industry standard is 10–20% of the base charter fee, distributed equally among all crew members. For a €100,000 charter, that's €10,000–€20,000. The tip is given to the captain in an envelope at the end of the charter. Exceptional service warrants the upper range — and many guests choose to exceed it. Crew gratuities are discretionary but expected; they reflect your appreciation for the team that made your voyage extraordinary. VIPMAKKI can advise on appropriate gratuity ranges for your specific yacht and itinerary.
Address the captain as "Captain [First Name]" or simply "Captain." The chief stewardess is "Chief Stew." All other crew members by their first names. The hierarchy exists and is respected, but the atmosphere on luxury charters is warm and professional rather than formal. The captain is the ultimate authority aboard — their decisions on safety, weather, and itinerary changes are final. Never question a captain's safety call; it is made with decades of maritime expertise.
Before your charter, you'll complete a detailed preference sheet — be thorough and precise. List every food preference, allergy, dietary requirement, wine vintage, spirit brand, and even preferred water temperature. The chef provisions the yacht entirely based on this document. Surprise requests mid-charter are possible but may be limited in remote cruising grounds. For specific wine vintages, rare spirits, or bespoke culinary requests, VIPMAKKI can pre-arrange global delivery to your yacht's embarkation port.
Never enter crew quarters — these are private living spaces where the crew rests and recharges. The same absolute rule applies to the bridge: enter only with the captain's express invitation. The crew works intensely, often 16-hour days, to make your experience flawless. Their private space is sacrosanct. Respecting these boundaries is the mark of an experienced and respected charterer.
Use water toys — Jet Skis, Seabobs, paddleboards, eFoils — only when the crew has deployed them and given the signal. Never launch toys yourself; they are complex, high-value equipment that requires crew supervision. Tenders are operated exclusively by crew. If you want to explore ashore independently, the crew will arrange tender service — communicate your timing preferences clearly and respect the agreed schedule. This ensures everyone aboard enjoys a seamless experience.
Pack soft luggage — hard suitcases damage teak and interior finishes. Most yachts have limited hanging space; the crew will unpack and press your garments upon arrival. Daytime attire is relaxed — resort wear, linen, and soft deck shoes. Evenings call for elegant casual or formal attire depending on the occasion. Avoid heavy perfumes and lotions as they can stain fine upholstery. Leave black-soled shoes at home entirely — they leave marks on teak that cannot be removed.
Most superyachts prohibit smoking indoors entirely — it damages fabrics, woodwork, and ventilation systems that can cost hundreds of thousands to replace. Designated smoking areas are typically on aft decks or specific open-air locations. Never throw cigarette butts overboard; use the ashtrays provided. The crew will brief you on all safety protocols during your first hour aboard — muster stations, life jacket locations, and emergency procedures. Pay close attention; it's the mark of a responsible charterer.
Every VIPMAKKI charter includes a comprehensive pre-charter briefing tailored to your specific yacht, destination, and crew. Our concierge team covers every protocol in detail — from the yacht's unique features and water toy inventory to the chef's specialties and the captain's preferred cruising routes. We provide a printed etiquette guide, packing recommendations for your specific cruising ground, and a 24-hour contact line for any questions during your charter. You'll step aboard not as a first-time charterer but as a seasoned veteran.
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