The big question when planning your charter yacht vacation is – “What do I have to pack?”
The first tip to packing is not to pack too much. Trust us, you will need far less than you think.
Remember that storage onboard yachts is usually limited, and it is not easy to store large hard suitcases. Strong medium-sized rolling soft bags are great and are easy to stow away.
You will also need a small bag or backpack as a carry-on for your valuables such as phones, tablets, charging cables, medicines, and your travel documents.
Most yachts will provide a range of amenities such as sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Your crew will reach out to you a couple of weeks before your trip and will let you know what they have onboard so that you do not have to bring unnecessary items. If not, sunscreen is a must. Please bring only non-spray sunscreen as it often stains towels and decks orange because of ingredients.
This lets you arrive carefree, knowing you can travel as lightly as possible.
The most important items to remember are your travel documents and passports. Ensure that your passport is valid, has 6 months left before it expires, and has at least one blank page left. It is also wise to keep a photo of your passport on your phone. Also remember any medications that you are taking and travel with them in your carry on bag.
Nearly all yachts in the Caribbean will have American plug sockets and those in the Mediterranean will have European sockets. Please pack any adapters you may need for any of your electrical items.
While on your crewed yacht charter, you will probably spend most of your time in your swimsuit, shorts, T-shirts, cover-ups, rashguards, and sundresses. As well as flip flops and sandals, water shoes are also great for when wading in shallow water. Whilst onboard you will be barefoot, however if you do need to wear shoes, please bring ones with clean white soles so that they do not mark the decks. For hiking ashore or for those who like running, bring a pair of sneakers and socks. We recommend casual and comfortable attire onboard, and if you want to dress up a little for dinner ashore or a little dancing with local entertainment, something a little more stylish may be in order. The evenings can get a little cooler in the spring and autumn in the Mediterranean and during winter months in the Caribbean; a couple of light sweaters and a jacket would be a good addition to your packing list.
Does a crewed yacht charter sound like your dream vacation? Let us help you make that dream a reality! Epic Yacht Charters offers access to the best sailing or motor catamarans and motor yachts for vacations in the Virgin Islands, the rest of the Caribbean, and Greece.
Contact us and ask how we can help you find the right boat and crew for your next unforgettable all-inclusive vacation!
Dining at sea is more than just meals — it’s part of your adventure. Customized menus allow you to:
- Celebrate milestones with tailored cuisine
- Explore local flavors prepared by expert chefs
- Pair wines and cocktails with your favorite dishes
- Relax knowing all dietary needs are handled in advance
Your yacht chef can design a wide range of dining experiences:
- Breakfast: light continental spreads or full plated meals
- Lunch: casual buffets, themed barbecues, or formal service
- Dinners: elegant multi-course menus or relaxed family-style meals
- Special Events: themed parties, holiday meals, or anniversary celebrations
Every aspect of the yacht charter menu can be customized, from morning smoothies to midnight desserts.
On larger yachts, provisions are covered through the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance). This system gives flexibility to choose premium ingredients, fine wines, and custom dining experiences. There are no set limits, so your chef can source exactly what you request.
For many sailing catamarans in the Caribbean, the all-inclusive rate includes all meals and beverages. You’ll typically enjoy:
- Three gourmet meals daily
- Premium wines and spirits (included as standard)
- Hors d’oeuvres and snacks throughout the day
- Desserts and wine pairings with dinners
Even though meals are included, the menu is still fully tailored to your group’s preferences.
Our charter chefs are experienced in meeting diverse needs, so you can enjoy a seamless culinary experience. Common accommodations include:
- Vegan and vegetarian menus
- Gluten-free preparations
- Food allergy awareness
- Cultural and religious requirements
- Child-friendly meals
By knowing your group’s needs in advance, your chef can prepare menus that satisfy everyone.
The answer is absolutely yes. Every charter menu is designed around your personal preferences, dietary requirements, and favorite foods, ensuring every meal onboard is memorable.
Q: Why choose half board for a yacht charter?
A half board yacht charter offers flexibility to enjoy both onboard dining and local restaurants ashore. It’s budget-friendly, ideal for food lovers, and perfect for guests who want a balance between all-inclusive convenience and authentic island dining.
Half board vs full board yacht charters comes down to flexibility and dining style. Half board (also called “partial board”) includes some meals on the yacht, leaving room to enjoy restaurants ashore. Full board covers all meals onboard with a set menu and service. Half board offers variety and slightly lower base costs, while full board ensures all-inclusive convenience.
Q: Is half board cheaper than full board on a yacht charter?
Yes. A half board yacht charter usually has a lower base cost since fewer meals are included. Guests budget separately for dining ashore. Full board covers all meals onboard and costs more upfront but removes restaurant expenses. Overall, on fully crewed and inclusive yacht charters, the cost saving is negligible.
Q: What does full board mean on a yacht charter?
A full board yacht charter includes all meals onboard, prepared by the yacht’s professional chef. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages are provided, giving guests an all-inclusive dining experience throughout the trip.
On a half board yacht charter, some meals are provided on board by your crew, and the rest are enjoyed ashore at local restaurants. Typically, breakfast and lunch are included, with several dinners served onboard. The remaining meals are at your own expense, giving you flexibility to explore authentic dining at your destinations. Read more ➝
