There are few greater pleasures on this Earth than undisrupted time spent with loved ones, particularly when travelling to extraordinary destinations on a luxury yacht charter. Onboard, the crew’s primary objective is to create a homely, hospitable environment for all guests, including pets. Comfort, hydration, and trust are essential for your pet’s enjoyment at sea. Equally, when bringing pets onboard, there is an unwritten etiquette to demonstrate respect for the yacht and the crews’ busy schedules.
As the early morning sun illuminates the gently rolling waves, the family sleepily ascends to the aft deck for breakfast, little feet and tiny paws pitter-pattering along the deck—the sound of happiness. Crew members of pet-friendly luxury charter yachts recommend baby socks with grips to prevent pets from slipping and avoid discomfort for little paws on the hot teak decks. In the event of a slip, pet-friendly charter yachts are always equipped with extra guard rails, nets and baby gates to prevent pets from falling overboard, ensuring their safety at all times.
A soft start to the day entails relaxation with all the family on the sunbeds; for furrier cuddles, it is customary to request drop towels from the crew. Enjoy the light breeze of sea air before the warm summer sun ascends higher in the sky and entices everyone into the serene azure waters below. Pets are particularly vulnerable to the sun’s rays, especially those with short fur, so use this time to apply a generous layer of pet-safe sunscreen before setting off for your adventure-filled day. As the crew prepares for a short passage to a remote anchorage with shade, a designated crew member will accompany your pet to shore so they can stretch their legs and relieve themselves before the day begins. Crew members consider pet-care responsibilities to be a welcomed diversion from the everyday duties onboard. For pets with boundless energy, this is a necessary part of the charter planning to prevent boredom and frustration, which contribute to naughtiness. Depending on the size of the yacht, there typically is limited space for pets to run around, play, and expend energy.
When organising longer passages, ensure that you are well-prepared to prevent discomfort for your pet, especially if they are new to yachting. Vets can prescribe anti-seasickness tablets, but on-hand solutions are available if your pet becomes unsuspectedly seasick. Some charter crew suggest green apple chunks are a fast, effective remedy, while carrots, ginger and a bland diet of chicken and rice are known to soothe an upset stomach. Consider that charter itineraries with long passages typically cannot accommodate frequent trips ashore. For the more docile companions, this may not pose a concern, and a designated area onboard near a washdown point for toilet breaks is sufficient for your pet’s comfort. The crew can source puppy training pads, a patch of false grass, or litter trays, and the training process for your furry companion should only take a few days. However, make sure to inform the crew so they can manage the situation in the event of an accident, ensuring a comfortable and clean environment for all onboard.
Charter guests and yacht owners with pets are proving that there really are few limits to yachting with animals. From jet skiing to dolphin and whale-watching on the foredeck, nearly anything is possible. However, as the day begins to warm, ensuring your pet has access to shade is paramount for their comfort. Get underway to a magnificent remote anchorage shaded by a picturesque backdrop, where dogs will enjoy a swim in crystal blue waters just as much as the rest of the family. Heighten your experience using the onboard snorkels to discover the fantastic underwater life of your exclusive charter destination with your furry companion paddling contentedly beside you. For pets less fond of getting wet, you can mosey along in complete serenity on paddleboards for a fantastic day of outdoor family fun and adventure. Check out these cute life vests for dogs.
Stepping back aboard, remember to reapply sunscreen and request top-ups of water bowls on each deck; hydration is critical for ensuring safe chartering for your pet. Coordinate feeding times with the captain to ensure that your furry companion does not have a full stomach during longer passages to avoid worsening seasickness. When considering whether to bring food, treats and poo bags or request that the crew sources them from your APA, determine whether the exact variety of food will be accessible to avoid undesirable stomach problems while onboard. For pets with a finer palette, you can arrange for the chef to prepare their typical meals onboard.
Following an action-packed day, little paws will likely be weary, and pets will require a siesta. Whether you bring their bed with you on your luxury yacht charter or request that the crew acquire one using your APA is entirely at your discretion. As pets and children settle into a soft slumber, you can enjoy the onboard amenities reserved for adults and indulge in self-care and relaxation as the day comes to a close.
The opportunities that a luxury yacht charter offers are boundless, and the crew’s assistance can maintain a smooth sailing experience for all. Many pet owners enjoy an array of activities with their pets. From hikes and treks in remote, exquisite landscapes with their doting companions by their side to thrill-seeking dogs sharing adventurous rides on seabobs with their owners, examples like these stand as proof that pets need not miss out on the splendours a luxury yacht charter offers.
Peruse this selection of Instagram posts featuring pets relishing the luxurious life onboard to gain inspiration for your next pet-friendly yacht charter with Morley Yachts.
