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Oh, Behave! The Ultimate Guide to Etiquette at Luxury Yacht Parties

If you have an affinity for the yacht experience, you’re in luck. The yacht industry is expected to grow over the next few years, leaving owners and guests alike with unforgettable experiences.

If you end up invited to one of these extravagant parties, though, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind when it comes to etiquette.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about how to behave at yacht parties.

Leave the Shoes Behind

This is a crucial tip that many people may be unaware of.

Many yachts have a no-shoes policy onboard. So, before you step onto the deck, remove any footwear that you may have on.

Crewmembers will typically direct guests to an area where they can drop off their shoes for safekeeping. If a yacht does allow guests to wear shoes, they must be soft-soled.

Yacht decks are made from teak wood, which can be easily damaged by heels and heavy shoes.

So, keep this in mind before you board. You wouldn’t want to purchase a pair of expensive shoes for the party only to have to take them off. 

Dress Appropriately

While the dress code will depend on who’s hosting the party, there is basic attire that you need to keep in mind.

If you’re allowed to dress casually, Men can get away with semi-casual tops and a pair of nice shorts (think khakis and a buttondown shirt).

Women will be fine wearing light dresses. Avoid wearing black or navy in order to stay consistent with the breezy ocean vibe.  

Things will be a bit different if there is a formal dress code, however. If you’re going to be on the yacht after sunset, then you’ll most likely need to dress in higher quality clothing.

Men will often be required to wear suit jackets or tuxedos. For women, silk blouses and less-casual dresses are the norms.

Make sure that you find out in advance what you’re required to wear. Being overdressed can be just as awkward as being underdressed!

There is another factor to consider, however. Cultural norms may require that certain attire be worn/cannot be worn aboard the yacht, so be diligent in checking this information before you board if you want to be allowed on the vessel. 

Don’t Obsess Over Who You Meet

Yachts are one of the most expensive pieces of property that you can own. They even cost a hefty sum just to rent for the evening.

With expensive gatherings comes the chance of wealthy and famous people being in attendance. This could be celebrities, executives at major companies or even people you’ve never heard of that have amassed fortunes. 

Nobody wants to be hounded by an overzealous guest, though. Other guests won’t want to associate with this person, either.

For example, let’s say you’re a couple of hours deep into the evening aboard a yacht party. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot a familiar face.

As you navigate through the crowd, you realise for certain that it’s someone you know.

It’s Tom Cruise! He’s one of your favourite actors (and celebrities in general), and you can’t believe that he’s here!

Before you do anything else, you need to take a second to breathe. Don’t be that person who rushes a celebrity guest and asks for a picture, autograph, and bombards them with questions.

Instead, patiently wait until there’s an opening for you to speak to them. Then, talk to them calmly and respectfully like you would any other guest.

If that moment never comes, then continue on with your evening.

Show the Crew Respect

While it may be easy to get caught up in a yacht party, this doesn’t excuse you from being polite and having patience with the workers aboard.

The crew works tirelessly to make sure every guest is enjoying themselves. So, it’s important to treat them with the same amount of respect you would at any other high-class establishment.

This means speaking to them politely and being patient after you make a request.

If you happen to have an issue with one of the crew members, it’s vital that you go straight to the captain. Attempting to resolve the issue on your own could cause an altercation that may end up with you in legal trouble.

Remember: just because you’re out in open waters doesn’t mean there aren’t laws! 

If You’re Satisfied, Leave a Tip

It’s often customary to leave a tip for the crew members if you’re satisfied with their services.

While the individual who organises the event will be in charge of leaving the main tip, it’s always nice to show your appreciation if you’ve experienced outstanding service.

For example, if there’s a member of the crew who has continually brought you drinks throughout the entire evening, throwing some extra cash their way is a great method to show them that they’ve done a good job.

If you’re not sure who to tip (or perhaps can’t find the crew member you want to give money to), the captain will be able to handle everything for you. So, feel free to leave your tip with them and they’ll sort it out.

Knowing How to Act at Yacht Parties Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the above information about yacht parties in mind, you’ll be well on your way to having an unforgettable time aboard a luxury vessel.

Want to learn more about the yacht experience? Make sure to check out the rest of our blog!