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Yachts, that sense of luxury, the silence as you glide through the ocean, the ultimate vacation for many.
You may have been invited to join your nanny family for a trip on a yacht, or you may be joining friends of the family. However, you have never been on a boat before or are unsure what the etiquette is.
There is so much to say about yachts, nannies, and children, but here are a few tips that should help make your trip more enjoyable.
Let's start with the Don't tips.
Tip#1
The crew is trained to operate the vessel, maintain it, and keep its passengers safe; do not think they are there to babysit you. Will they be friendly and helpful? Of course, they aim to please, but you should be able to be independent enough to organize yourself and your charges during the trip. Feel free to ask them questions and advice but do not expect them to look after you and only you.
Tip #2
Since you will be traveling in international waters, you are not aware of the laws of the countries you may be visiting; it may be better to err on the side of caution. Like on land, each country and territory has its laws and rules. Please always respect them. If in doubt, DON'T!
Tip #3
Don't disrespect boundaries just because you are working on a yacht and being treated like a prince or princess does not mean that the boundaries between you and your employer no longer exist. Instead, behave the way you would if you were home.
Tip#4
There will be time for land excursions; enjoy them if you can, with prior discussion with your employers and ensuring the tours, times, and venues are appropriate for your charges. Don't expect the crew will come with you; they may go with you; then again, they may need to stay onboard to work on items they have not had a chance to work on.
Tip#5
Don't think this is YOUR holiday! You are on the yacht because your employer is there
on holiday; remember that you are a reflection of your employer, so your behavior,
attitude, and views will also reflect on your employer. Please don't take
advantage of the services available on the yacht without prior approval from your
employer and host.
Tip#6
Please do not post photos of the yacht on social media without clearing them with the owner first. Additionally, ships often have other vessels on them (smaller boats), jet skis, and potentially helicopters, don't post images on social media without the owner's prior approval. By posting on social media, you could be putting others at risk.
Tip#7
Don't overpack! Most yachts will have a laundry service on board, and storage may be limited; there is nothing worse than being in a cabin with a pile of suitcases and nowhere to store them.
Wow, those were a lot of Don't Tips!
Maddie shares some tips for us in this video!
Do Tips
Tip#8
Respect the crew and listen to what they have to say. The staff has been trained to
operate the yacht safely; they are the experts, and you should listen. Once
onboard, you will be given a safety briefing. Please pay attention and ensure
you know what to do in an emergency.
Be respectful of the yacht and treat it with care. Most yachts owners are very proud of their vessels and will appreciate you taking care of them as if they were your own.
Tip #9
Ensure you always tell the crew about your movements, activities, and potential
incidents. The staff is not spying on you; they are there to help; however, if something happens and they are unaware of it or don't know where you are, you will make things much
harder for them.
Tip #10
Do follow the "barefoot" rule; many yachts have this rule; some don't. If you are asked to remove your shoes, please do so. You would feel awful if your shoes were the ones ruining the deck!
Tip #11
Do allow the housekeeping team to enter your cabin. I have seen many nannies' onboard yachts refuse the service;
you may think you are doing the crew a service, but you are not!
The housekeeping team does not want to intrude, but they have a job to do, let them do it.
Tip# 11 is a big DO.
Tip #12
Do think about your luggage before you travel. Soft-sided luggage is preferred as the crew can squish it into storage.
Do dress appropriately. Make sure you dress conservatively and appropriately for the job you are undertaking. Will you see others in attire that may or may not be questionable?? Most likely, yes, but they are on holiday, and you are not.
Tip #13
Keep in mind that you should always respect cultural etiquette. As we said earlier, you are traveling, so you may encounter some new practices; make sure you learn from your travels and always be mindful of others.
Tip#14
Enjoy the views, learn about other cultures and make new friends! And most importantly, have FUN!
Author: Candi VajanaAward-winning Nanny with over 30 years of experience working with High-Profile, High-Net-Worth, and Ultra-high-Net-Worth Clients