The charter agreement says eight guests. On the passerelle stand eight adults, two children under five, a nanny, a bodyguard and a small dog carried in a handbag. The broker mentioned none of it. The captain is looking at you. Managing expectations begins long before this moment.
VIP and Cultural Protocol
Protocol is about respect, not theatre. Research it and brief the crew.
- Forms of address — titles, honorifics, royal and diplomatic protocol, the correct order of greeting and seating.
- Hierarchy — who is greeted first, who is served first, who sits where. Get this wrong and the insult is real.
- Cultural and religious observance — dietary law (halal, kosher, vegetarian, fasting), prayer space and times, alcohol, the right hand, shoes, modest dress, and days of rest.
- Personal staff — assistants, nannies, bodyguards, chauffeurs, chefs. Agree in advance where they eat, sleep and work, and whether they count within the vessel numbers — that is a captain and certification question.
- Security detail — brief with the captain and the security officer. They have their own protocols; the vessel's rules still apply.
- Discretion — no photography, no names, no social media, ever.
Children Aboard
| Area | Practice |
|---|---|
| Safety | Yacht is not childproofed; identify hazards: side decks, stairs, water, glass, balconies |
| Life jackets | Correctly sized for children, fitted, and agreed with the captain and the SMS |
| Supervision | Parents or nanny remain responsible; crew support but never assume custody |
| Cabin | Bed rails, night lights, blackout, monitor, sterilising equipment |
| Food | Age-appropriate, allergy discipline, timing around adult meals |
| Activities | Age-appropriate toys, tenders, water toys under deck-crew control |
Never take sole charge of a child unless that is explicitly agreed with the parents and the captain and the vessel's arrangements permit it.
Pets Aboard
Pets create real regulatory exposure: import and quarantine rules vary by country, and a dog that cannot land can strand an itinerary. Confirm with the captain and the agent well in advance. Onboard, agree in writing where the animal may go, where it toilets, who cleans, allergies among the other guests, and damage liability. Protect fabrics and carpets from the outset.
Managing Expectations
- Set them early, in writing. The charter agreement, the preference sheet and the pre-arrival call are your only real chances.
- Say no early, and say what is possible instead. A no on day one is management. A no on day five is a failure.
- Never over-promise on behalf of the vessel or the captain — extra guests, extra nights, a berth in a full marina, a helicopter landing.
- Underline the hard limits kindly: numbers carried, sea state, tender hours, quiet hours, smoking, drone use.
Onboard Notes
- Extra bodies on the passerelle is a certificate question, not a hospitality question. Route it to the captain immediately and do not let the guest negotiate with you.
- Brief the whole crew on names, faces and sensitivities before arrival. A bodyguard who thinks you do not know who the principal is will not trust you.
- Write down what you promised. Guests remember promises with perfect clarity, and rarely the caveats.