Why Charter a Luxury Yacht
The pinnacle of perfect success, extravagant living, and the lore of exploration – luxury yacht charters invite you to see the world like never before.
Bountiful breakfasts on the aft deck, silver service suppers beneath the stars of Sicily, and long lazy seafood lunches from the very fish you caught that afternoon - the charter experience brings out the best of culinary cool. A major part of living well is dining in decadent style and nowhere can you do this better than when sailing on your superyacht charter. Not only does the yacht lifestyle gift you your own glorious personal chef, but the pleasure of calling from port to port introduces you to a heavenly world of global dining.
How can I make the most of my luxury charter yacht dining experience
Whether dining in the casual surroundings of the upper deck or sitting down to formal dinner linen and glass set tables, eating onboard a luxury yacht charter is always an occasion. The crew are well versed in gliding discreetly around the table, ensuring champagne glasses are bubbling to the top and plates are plentiful with the chef’s latest pleasures.
The beauty of having space on your own yacht is that you can dine the way you want. Whether you love an epic sit-down dinner with pearls and lace or if you prefer an easy breezy al fresco lunch, you pick the mood that suits your schedule the best.
Even beyond dining on deck; foodie fun can follow you near and far on a superyacht. From gourmet restaurant style picnics on deserted sands to midnight snacks of homemade popcorn and ice-cream to accompany a movie on deck, cocktails and canapes for that special event – make every morsel count onboard. If you want to make your yacht charter vacation go off without a hitch when it comes to food, take a look at these tips for making the most of your onboard gourmet experience…
Think about formality
Silver service suppers or more casual meals? When it comes to making the most of your luxury charter yacht dining experience, you may want to consider how you want to dine. Charter yachts are ever willing to accommodate your own style, so be prepared to offer silver service every eve if you wish. Those wanting a more laid back experience can also enjoy barefoot bliss and there’s always the option to mix it up for both formal and informal occasions.
Utilise the space
Yachts have so much space that you never need to eat in the same place time and time again. You can choose to take an alfresco breakfast on the deck, take lunch overlooking the salty sea and signature ocean views, before choosing meals in the more formal spaces come the evening. You also don’t have to stay on the yacht to dine - picnics on deserted beaches are always a bonus.
Don’t be shy about snacks
The salt sea air is notorious for hitting those hunger pangs so don’t be shy about letting the crew know when you are in need of nourishment in between meals. Mezze plates, snack platters, crudites, casual snacks, and whatever you want can all be whipped up and brought to you at whim. Remember to let the cabin staff know if you are a late night food muncher so they can prepare some munchies to keep close in the smaller hours.
Plan parties in advance
Entertaining and supper with friends is all part of the luxury lifestyle. Your crew and captain will be more than happy to help you welcome guests onboard in style. However, if you are throwing soirees and dinner parties, you will need to plan these in advance so that the chef can prepare accordingly.
Why Superb cuisine and luxury superyacht vacations work perfectly together
Dining while onboard a luxury charter is always an occasion. The two elements of first-class cuisine and sailing go hand in hand. Having a bespoke menu, ever changing settings (from brunches on beach chairs to fine china and five star service), and seamless staff recreating the restaurant experience every night - only in completely private surroundings. Here are the beautiful benefits of dining on your luxury superyacht.
You get your own five star chef
Better than many Michelin starred restaurants, having your own private chef onboard a superyacht charter is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Even before stepping foot on your ship, the chef will be well aware of your culinary palate. Don’t be shy in informing the crew and chef as to your favourite dishes as yachts can even come equipped with gas fired pizza ovens, teppanaki grills, and gleaming kitchens to rival the worlds best restaurants. Whether you adore Cuban coffee or vintage French cheese and foie gras, the chef can work your whimsical passions and preferences into a menu tailored specifically to suit your party. Superyacht chefs are often handpicked for their expertise and innovation in the kitchen, so let them work their magic and enjoy the fruits of their lavish labour.
You can visit gourmet ports of call
Sailing from port to port gives culinary connoisseurs the chance to expand their repertoire and try out local delicasies. The shores of Europe are laced in places that take the art of delicious food very seriously. From authentic bouillabaisse on the shores of Marseille to homemade pasta and salt baked fish along the drama of the Amalfi Coast, limoncello in Sicily and sweet Sardinian wine – find out why the European coastline is such a fabulous foodie haven. Even beyond the stirring Mediterranean Sea; taste thick steaming clam chowder in New England, zesty Key Lime Pie in the pastel hues of Florida, and the famed conch salad that comes all the way from the blue Bahamas. From local cuisine cooking classes to clinching a reservation at one of the world's best restaurants; yacht charters entice you to taste the world.
You can entertain in epic style
A stunning space, a private chef, and a dedicated crew – these are the finest ingredients for epic entertaining onboard. Whether you want to throw a starlit soiree with chilled champagne and canapes, or if you desire a sit-down dinner with your favourite entourage; when you have access to an amazing yacht, these get-togethers can go off without a hitch. Themed evenings, masque balls, pirate nights, wonderful wine tastings, elegant afternoon teas, and whatever divine delights you can imagine; the chef and crew will be only too happy to help you piece together the perfect get together that is sure to go down in history.
Choosing a yacht based upon the chef and supporting crew
Connoisseurs of culinary greatness can even consider which yacht they choose based upon the chef and supporting crew. When dealing with your yacht broker or conducting a search you can ask to see crew profiles and even sample menus to ascertain if the chef is a good match for your own personal tastes. Yacht chefs undergo the same training as professional chefs and will hold certain certifications and accreditations from top tier culinary schools.
Planning my menu while on my luxury yacht charter
Fill out the food preference sheets
Before you step foot on your boat you will be asked by your charter broker to fill out a preference sheet to make everything run like clockwork. This is where you will inform the chef and crew of your personal preferences when it comes to divine dishes and drink. Be very clear on mentioning foods you love and foods you hate so that the chef can curate a menu that works for you and your charter party.
Explain dietary restrictions
If you have any allergies, sensitivities, or particular dietary requirements you should also be very clear about sharing this information. Superyachts usually come with highly trained and experienced chefs who are well-versed in the world of catering for special diets - whether you prefer vegan diets, vegetarian, gluten-free, diabetic, halal, or anything that calls for special attention.
Consider drink pairings
The culinary charm of a charter vacation doesn’t stop at the edge of your plate but also extends to drinks too. One of the many joys of the preference sheet is the fact that you can share your favourite specific wines, liquors, cocktails, beers, and non alcoholic beverages to suit the finest local produce. Whether it's a special bottle that you love or a preference for vintage champagne ice cold in a bucket before breakfast, every pleasure is catered for.
Dining on a Superyacht FAQ
What food is served on a superyacht?
Chartering a luxury yacht means that all dishes are matched to your personal preferences. By filling out the preference form, you can request certain meals or ingredients to ensure that the chef delivers your dream dining experience every day.
How do you serve on a yacht?
You can choose your meal times and whether you prefer a formal dining table or an informal dining experience.
Can I eat at restaurants during my charter?
Of course, one of the many pleasures of a superyacht experience is exploring the ports of call and this means sampling local cuisine and having meals at hidden gem restaurants.
Can the chef cater for food allergies or special diets?
Absolutely. All chefs will cater for food allergies and diets for your charter party. Simply speak to your broker and be sure to mention it when filling out the preference and information forms. A chef can also provide sample menus and multi course meal plans for you to review should you wish to take that route.
Is alcohol included with my yacht charter fee?
If you have an all inclusive charter then alcohol may be included but most luxury boats and high-end charters will charge expenses separately to the charter fee. The fee will cover the basics like the boat and the crew but won’t take food and drink and other expenses into account.
Can I arrange a catered party while on my charter?
Yes, entertaining is part of the fun of chartering a superyacht. If you are arranging parties, social soirees, or if you have extra guests joining for meals, advanced notice is required to ensure that the chef and professional crew are well equipped to deliver outstanding dishes and service.
From daring cuisine to sommelier style, dramatic table designs, and dreamy dinner parties; throw yourself into the savoir-faire that makes chartering a yacht so special.
