Your motto is to always be prepared. So, for when Jeff and Lauren invite you onto their boat this winter, being prepared means showing that you do belong. This is the Emily Post-style guide to yacht etiquette, importantly including what not to do.

“Be Prepared” and “Always Ready”

Like the mottos of Scouting America and the U.S. Coast Guard, make this mantra your North Star. The boat has a skilled crew and top notch chef, so it’s going to be stocked to the gills with all the luxuries in life, from caviar to Champagne. And, even though Lauren Sánchez Bezos is a board member of Girl Scouts of the USA, she won’t need help with emergency first-aid kits or Swiss Army knives. However, there are other ways in which you must be prepared. That is, if you want a second invitation for unbeatable maritime adventures to stunning destinations.  Galavante’s guide to yacht etiquette will make you the model yacht guest to increase your chances of not only that second invite, but perhaps the annual.

Terminology

• First things first for yacht etiquette. Don’t say “yacht.” No one who owns yachts calls their vessel a yacht.
• Do say “boat.” In affluent-people speak, it’s referred to as a boat, even if it is a floating five-star resort the length of a football field.

Host/Hostess Gifts

• This doesn’t just apply to yacht etiquette, but when you are invited as a guest anywhere. Don’t show up empty handed, but don’t bring food or beverages unless it’s rare, expensive and or sentimental wine that you know your host will appreciate.
• Do bring something personal for your hosts that shows the thoughtfulness you put into the selection of your gift.

Mind Your Manners

• Gayle Patterson, Director of Yachting at PELORUS, yacht expedition specialist reminds us that mind your manners applies to everyone on the boat, including and especially the crew. Please and thank you are table stakes as well as following the captain’s safety instructions and guidelines set  out.
• On tipping, Gayle advises that “If you are a guest on someone’s private yacht, you are not expected to tip, although it is always appreciated and entirely at your discretion. As there are no established guidelines, any gratuity would be considered a goodwill gesture.” So, overall, even though you’re an invited guest, discreet gratuities indicate your appreciation.
• The yacht etiquette on tipping changes when you’re chartering the yacht with a group of friends. In this case, don’t overlook the importance of tipping for the captain, crew, and stewards. In general tipping is 5-15% of the charter price in this case.

Yacht Protocols

• You’ll be exploring some of the most beautiful places in the world. There may be times that you’ll be able to head out independently of yours hosts. Adhere to the established departure times in those cases. Like with flying private as a guest on someone’s jet, you should never make your host wait.
• Don’t bring your entourage or invite that person you met at Jondal in Ibiza without the specific approval of your hosts. There are protocols when you’re crossing into other countries as well as provisions that need to be made at meals and for accommodations.
• Do be aware of yacht charter protocols. The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) provides an upfront percentage to cover essential costs such as fuel, provisions, communications, docking, and berthing that’s managed by the captain. While invited guests needn’t be concerned about APA, it’s good to be informed on the fundamentals of a smooth operation.  

Footwear

• Don’t bring the Louboutin stilettos, ladies. Stepping off the gangway, gentlemen should deposit the Loro Piana Summer Walk loafers into a strategically placed basket. The boat’s sleek fiberglass surfaces and handsome teak decks can only maintain their luxurious color and structural integrity through meticulous, loving care. Scratches and scuffs are the enemy.
• Do get a beautiful pedicure and follow the barefoot rule. People who have been around the lifestyle know the drill. If you must wear shoes, ensure they’re proper boat shoes with soft, non-marking, light-colored rubber soles.

Luggage

• Don’t use bespoke luggage made of bullet-resistant polycarbonate and aluminum with leather details and high-end wheels.
• Do pack light using soft-sided bags. It’s best for the boat.

Meals

• Don’t wait to be asked. Share any food restrictions in advance so the chef can best plan, source, and prepare world-class cuisine for the hosts and guests.
• Do be flexible about your brand preferences, from the Grey Poupon to the gin. However, if asked, you may indicate your preferences.

Pets

• Don’t invite Fido along. To show up with a pet, even the tiniest puppy poodle tucked into a micro-Kelly or Birkin, is taboo.
• Do understand that your host is your host and the same puppy rules don’t apply. For Jeff and Lauren, this relates specifically to an Old English Sheepdog called Luna and a fluffy Pomeranian Husky named Captain Blu.

Sea Toys

• Don’t be a couch potato.There will be top-tier water toys from SeaBobs to underwater scooters for quick aqua-thrills. Personal helicopters? Why not? 
• Do get wet. Join in fun activities offered by your hosts. Indulge in swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking, and wakeboarding when the captain drops anchor. Sea toys are such a unique part of the yacht experience (lucky you!) and the options can be customized to match everyone’s preferences.   

P.S. One more thing…don’t smoke. 

Other Articles You’ll Like

The Guide to Flying Private 
The Best of Seville
Where To Stay in Saudi Arabia
7 Best Restaurants in Lisbon Now

FAQs

Q: In the world of yacht etiquette, if the host of the boat specifically allowed me to bring my pet, is it okay to bring my pet?

A: If the host has explicitly told you that you may bring your pet, then yes — it’s acceptable. But in the world of luxury yachting, “allowed” and “advisable” aren’t always the same thing.

Q: For yacht etiquette to show your appreciation, what are some good gift examples for the host of the boat?

A: A thoughtful host gift on a luxury yacht might be a small, beautifully packaged item. The goal is simply to acknowledge your host’s generosity with something polished, portable, and—ideally—personal.

A: Proper yacht etiquette includes the type of luggage that you bring. What are some luxury brands for soft-sided luggage that is yacht-appropriate?

Q: Brunello Cucinelli, Bottega Veneta, Loro Piana, Goyard, Louis Vuitton soft canvas, Tumi Alpha collection, and Briggs & Riley Baseline all hit the sweet spot.