The most important rule: pack light and smart
For a luxury yacht charter, taking less is usually the best choice. On a superyacht, you want to be able to move around easily, store your luggage neatly and only have items with you that you actually use. Therefore, opt for a soft weekend bag, duffel bag or compact travel bag rather than a hard-shell suitcase.
Tailor your luggage to your destination, the duration of the trip and your itinerary on board and ashore. A charter in the Mediterranean usually calls for light clothing and sun protection, whilst for evenings at sea or a route outside the peak season, you’ll also want to pack a few extra layers. Are you looking at warmer sailing areas? Check out the best summer destinations for a yacht charter.
What you should always take with you
- Valid passport
- Travel and charter documents
- Health insurance card and relevant insurance details
- Prescription medication in its original packaging
- Mobile phone and charger
- Means of payment for expenses ashore
- Sunglasses and sun protection
Keep important documents and valuables preferably in your hand luggage. It is also wise to have digital copies of your travel documents securely stored on your phone or in a secure cloud environment.
Clothing for daytime and evening wear
The right wardrobe for a superyacht charter is light, comfortable and smart. During the day, you’ll usually opt for light, airy clothing suitable for sun, heat and relaxing moments on deck or during lunch ashore. Think swimwear, a cover-up, polo shirts, blouses, dresses, shorts and breathable fabrics such as linen or cotton.
For the evening, it is wise to bring a few more sophisticated outfits, especially if you are dining at a beach club, restaurant or harbour town. You rarely need to bring many different outfits. A few outfits that can be easily mixed and matched are usually more than enough.
- During the day: swimwear, light shirts, shorts, light dresses, cover-ups
- For cooler moments: cardigan, light jumper, light jacket
- Evenings: smart resort wear, a dress, a shirt, chinos or similar smart clothing
- Accessories: cap or hat, sunglasses, light scarf
Shoes suited to life on board
Footwear is one of the areas where guests most often make mistakes. On a superyacht, shoes with hard or dark soles are often unsuitable, as they can damage deck surfaces or be less comfortable on board. Therefore, only bring practical, clean shoes with soft soles, if you wear shoes on board at all.
- Recommended: smart sandals, light trainers with soft soles, comfortable shoes for shore excursions
- Handy extra: flip-flops for the beach, tender or spa
- Best avoided: heavy shoes, high heels, hard-shell suitcases full of extra footwear
Protection from sun, wind and water
On the water, the sun is often stronger than on land. You spend more time outdoors, the reflection from the water increases the strain on your skin, and a fresh sea breeze can mask the intensity of the sun. Good sun protection should therefore be a standard item on your packing list.
- High-factor sun cream
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses with good UV protection
- Light layers for windy conditions or a cooler evening
Opt for toiletries that are pleasant to use on board and aren’t unnecessarily greasy or bulky in your luggage. A compact toiletries bag with travel-sized products usually works best.
Personal care and health
Many superyachts are superbly equipped, but it is still wise to bring your own personal essentials. This certainly applies to products you rely on daily or for which you have a specific preference.
- Compact toiletries
- Prescription medication for the entire duration of the trip
- Medication for travel or seasickness if you are prone to it
- Earplugs for extra peace and quiet at night
- After-sun or soothing skincare
If you use medical aids or specialist medication, it is advisable to bring a little more than is strictly necessary. Particularly on itineraries involving multiple islands or remote stops, it is nice to be completely self-sufficient.
Handy extras that really add value
- Waterproof case or pouch for your phone and small valuables
- Power bank for on the go or during excursions
- Small bag for lunch ashore or a short excursion
- Underwater camera or GoPro if you enjoy swimming or snorkelling
- E-reader or book for relaxing hours on deck
Keep your selection limited here too. Above all, take what you actually use during your trip, not what might ‘come in handy’.
What you’re better off leaving at home
- Hard, large suitcases
- Too many clothing options
- Several pairs of sturdy shoes
- Large-sized toiletries
- Valuable jewellery that you don’t actually wear
- Items that are often already available on board
Those who pack light usually find the experience more convenient from the moment of arrival right through to the last day of the charter. It prevents overfilled bags, cluttered storage space and unnecessary items that remain unused.
Check in advance what is already available on board
Not every superyacht is furnished in exactly the same way. Before you set off, it is wise to check which amenities are already available. This will prevent you from taking duplicate items and allow you to pack your luggage even more efficiently. With a luxury charter in particular, there is a significant difference between what is essential to pack yourself and what is included as standard on board.
If you’d like to see which amenities are available on each yacht, such as a hairdryer, gym or water toys, take a look at our yachts and on-board facilities.
Are you unsure about the right preparations for your route, season or type of yacht? A brief consultation in advance with your charter expert will make your trip more comfortable and organised. For additional requests or special purchases on board, read about how APA and provisioning work. If you’re heading to a cooler climate or travelling outside the high season, check out our winter destinations for a yacht charter.
FAQ
How much luggage should you take on a superyacht charter?
Preferably as minimal as possible. A soft bag containing carefully selected clothing, personal care items and your essential documents is usually sufficient. Packing light is better suited to the available storage space on board.
Do you need special clothing for a superyacht charter?
No, but your clothing should be suited to the climate, the itinerary and the atmosphere of the trip. Opt for light, airy daytime clothing, a couple of smart outfits for the evening and an extra layer for cooler moments.
Are hard-shell suitcases suitable for a superyacht?
Usually not. Hard-shell suitcases are less practical to store than soft travel bags and take up an unnecessary amount of space.
Should you bring your own seasickness medication?
Yes, that is advisable if you are prone to travel sickness or seasickness. It is best to always bring your own personal medication with you, preferably in its original packaging.
Why is a soft bag better than a suitcase?
A soft bag is more flexible, easier to store and better suited to the use of space on board. This also makes travelling to and from the yacht more comfortable.
