Tips for Bringing Children on a Luxury Yacht Charter

You and your family will benefit from our expertise in planning and operating luxury yacht charters for more than a quarter-century. Here we boil down a generation's worth of experience into six key takeaways about bringing children aboard a luxury yacht charter. 

Most importantly, the devil is in the details -- creating a bespoke itinerary for each and every family begins with a conversation about your family's wishes. Our job at Ocean Getaways is to meet and exceed your expectations, as well as those of the toughest judges and most precious cargo -- your children. 

Our Child-Friendly Crews

We'll recommend the very best crew members who enjoy family charters and always go the extra mile to make things fun for everyone. Besides, who could say no to a fishing expedition at daybreak or an after-breakfast treasure hunt on the beach? We have to admit, although no gold doubloons have yet been found, grown-ups often love to join the search, unrolling secret discovery maps where 'X' marks the spot. 

Age-Appropriate Activities

Children are not an all-encompassing category. Our crew knows that what works wonders for a toddler is deemed silly by an older brother or sister, and tweens need just the right balance of supervision and independence on their way to becoming adrenaline-charged teenagers. Besides their ages, we want to know more about your children's preferences so we can cater to everyone, from budding marine biologists to jet-ski junkies.

Making Mealtime Magical  

Got picky eaters in your clan? No problem. Let this be our worry, not yours. Our chefs create special kid-friendly menus to cater to those with fussy appetites. So whether your child joins you for a grilled lobster tail with white truffle oil sauce or wants a big bowl of mac and cheese, we’ve got you covered. When you provide as much information as possible about children's eating habits and preferences, we'll stock up accordingly to cater to adventurous eaters and choosy ones alike. 

On occasion, there's interactive fun in the galley. Chefs may invite kids to assist with cookie making or setting up an ice cream sundae smorgasbord. One of our superyacht chefs even has mini-sized sous chef outfits for intrepid ones wishing to lend a helping hand.  

Welcome to Your Playground at Sea 

A superyacht is the ultimate playground. That said, we wouldn't wish for anyone to miss the natural wonders you’ll encounter at sea while their gaze is fixated on electronic X-box games. Parents know best, so let us know what balance of arcade versus adventure you approve of, so we can get it right. Onboard film libraries and board games are always at hand for after-dinner amusement. 

A few favorite toys or games of your own are welcome, although they may well go unopened when the kids see our array of gear for snorkeling, shelling, fishing, kayaking, wakeboarding, water skiing, jet-skiing and the assortment in our superyacht water toy box of temptations.    

Child Care Options

The right balance between inclusive family fun and adults-only leisure time is key to maximizing everyone's enjoyment on a luxury yacht charter vacation. Crews will happily engage with kids and take them on wide-eyed adventures, but they are not babysitters, as they have so much else to do. If you want some quality alone time or nights out, consider bringing a nanny along. Many of our superyachts have nanny cabins. 

Safety and Comfort Issues

Safety and comfort is key. Begin by considering your choice of yacht. If children are very young, consider their safety on deck and around stairs. Some superyachts have incorporated safety nets and baby gates into the design that are functional without being intrusive. If you prefer a sailing yacht, a catamaran might be an excellent choice, as they don't lean over when you sail, which makes it much easier for kids to maintain their balance.

We'll have all the essentials and safety drills, but it's wise to talk to the children beforehand about the importance of diligently following safety instructions. At certain times, children will be required to wear life jackets. Although your yacht will have them onboard, we suggest that you bring along one that's a perfect fit -- maybe imprinted with their favorite theme or initials.  

Contact us anytime to discuss family-friendly yacht charters and how we can make a dream holiday come true for you and your family.