The first-time guide.
Everything you actually need to know before your first week aboard. The questions you didn't know to ask.
Before you book
Decide three things: how many guests (cabins), how many days, and where (which sea, which season). Tell the desk these three numbers and we narrow 1,418 yachts to three.
What to expect aboard
You step on board to a glass of champagne and a briefing. The captain runs through the boat (cabin assignments, dining preferences, the day-one anchorage). The chef confirms dietary requirements. The chief stewardess shows you the suite. By the time you're settled, the anchor is up.
The day-to-day
Breakfast is on the aft deck whenever you wake. The captain moves the boat overnight to wherever you've agreed. Mornings: swim, paddleboard, seabobs. Lunch ashore or aboard. Afternoon: another anchorage, or the same one quieter. Dinner is your choice — sundeck, dining room, on shore. There is no schedule unless you set one.
What to pack
Less than you think. Swimwear (two), white shirts, linen trousers, deck shoes (no leather soles on teak — they'll ask). One nice outfit for dinner ashore. Sunscreen and a hat. The boat has everything else.
What to tip
10–15% of the base rate, in cash, to the captain on the last morning. (See crew gratuity.)
What surprises first-timers
How calm it is at anchor. How early the crew is up. How good the food is. How quickly you stop checking your phone. How short the week feels.