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!
No, meal plans are chosen at booking and factored into your charter contract.
Half-board yacht charters usually carry a lower base rate because some meals are at your own expense ashore, though the savings depend on your shore dining choices. Budget-conscious groups can select casual beach bars and local restaurants, while others might enjoy the flexibility to splurge at high-end establishments—you control the additional expense.
Once you factor in the cost of the meals on shore, a half board charter could turn out to be more costly.
Here are some things to consider:
Half Board:
- Lower upfront cost- but overall the cost of the meals onshore will add additional cost compared to the full board
- Guests should budget for 4–7 restaurant meals ashore
- Factor in transport costs to/from restaurants
- Opportunity to explore authentic local dining
Full Board:
- Higher upfront cost, but no surprise restaurant expenses
- Alcoholic beverages may be included depending on yacht contract
- Ideal for guests who prefer convenience and private dining
Benefits include:
- Every meal included in your base rate
- No need to plan or budget for restaurants ashore
- Complete culinary customization for dietary preferences
- More time onboard to relax and enjoy water sports
- A seamless, all-inclusive yacht vacation experience
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.
Benefits include:
- Lower base charter fee compared to full board
- Flexibility to enjoy local dining ashore
- Balance of onboard cuisine and cultural food experiences
- Easier scheduling for excursions and island-hopping days
- Great option for guests who prefer lighter dining packages
Half-Board Sample Itinerary
- Breakfast on board with fresh fruit and pastries
- Morning sail to a new island
- Lunch provided on board by the yacht chef
- Afternoon beach stop
- Dinner ashore at a local restaurant
Full-Board Sample Itinerary
- Breakfast on board with eggs and fresh smoothies
- Morning snorkeling excursion
- Lunch on deck overlooking turquoise waters
- Afternoon water sports session
- Sunset cocktails and chef-prepared dinner on board
A full board yacht charter (sometimes called “FB”) 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.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day
- Snacks and hors d’oeuvres between meals
- All beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, depending on yacht provisions
- Customized menus and dietary accommodations
This option provides maximum convenience and is especially popular for families, larger groups, and itineraries where dining ashore isn’t a priority.
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.
A half board yacht charter (sometimes called “HB”) includes a mix of onboard meals and time ashore to enjoy local restaurants. Guests usually have:
- All breakfasts on board
- Four lunches provided by the yacht chef
- Three dinners provided on board
- Crew service for included meals
- Beverages with onboard meals
- The remaining lunches and dinners are at your discretion and expense, giving you flexibility to explore authentic restaurants, beach bars, and fine dining experiences at your charter destinations.
Local Fare Variation
Some yachts offer a “local fare” option with fewer shore meals:
- 2 lunches ashore
- 1 dinner ashore
This variation provides slightly more onboard dining while still incorporating local restaurant experiences.
Half-board charters are ideal for:
- Budget-conscious charterers seeking cost savings, although it is important to understand that you could end up spending more on full meals ashore then you would have paid for full-board on the yacht. It depends on your restaurant choices.
- Groups who enjoy exploring local dining scenes
- Guests who’ve chartered before and want destination immersion
- Longer charters (10+ days) where meal variety becomes important
- Social groups who enjoy restaurant atmosphere
For detailed comparison of half-board versus full-board options, see our comprehensive Half-Board vs Full-Board Yacht Charter Guide with benefits, costs, and decision frameworks.
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.
Choose half board if you:
- Enjoy trying local restaurants and beach bars
- Want some evenings ashore during the trip
- Are happy to budget separately for shore meals and transport
Choose full board if you:
- Want every meal handled by your chef
- Are traveling with children or a large group
- Plan to spend most of your time onboard or at quiet anchorages
Full board is the usual choice in the Caribbean, where most crewed catamarans are all-inclusive. Half board is more common in the Mediterranean, where dining ashore is part of the experience.
