Life on board: what is daily life like for yacht crew?

When I tell people I live on a yacht, they picture sunset cocktails. The reality is quite different — but in its own way, better than it sounds.

The reality behind the glamour

Social media shows the pretty side of yacht work: paradise beaches, sunsets and exclusive ports. But according to professionals registered on Yemplea, life on board is demanding, intense and requires great adaptability.

A typical day during charter

During a charter, the crew operates from early morning until late at night:

• 6:30 – 7:00: Wake up, prepare the boat before guests rise
• 7:30 – 9:00: Breakfast service (interior), engine and deck check (exterior)
• 9:00 – 13:00: Water activities, navigation, maintenance
• 13:00 – 15:00: Guest lunch and service
• 15:00 – 17:00: Rotating break (if possible)
• 17:00 – 20:00: Dinner preparation, afternoon activities
• 20:00 – 23:00: Dinner, drinks service, final cleanup

Living in small spaces

Crew cabins are small. On 20-30 meter yachts, it's common to share a cabin with another crew member. The key is mutual respect, tidiness and communication.

Most conflicts on board arise from lack of personal space and long working hours. The best-functioning teams are those that establish clear rules from day one.

Days off and rotations

During high season (June-September), days off are scarce. The norm is 1 day off every 7-10 working days. Off-season, the workload relaxes and there's more flexibility.

Some yachts operate on a rotation system: 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off. This model is more common on superyachts (40+ meters).

Tips: the great incentive

In charter, tips can represent a very significant bonus. The standard is 5-15% of the charter price, split among the entire crew. On a 30-meter yacht with weekly charters at €30,000, each crew member can receive €300-600 extra per week in tips.

Is it worth it?

For many, absolutely yes. The combination of competitive salary, included accommodation, tips and the experience of living at sea more than compensates for the demands. But it's important to go in with realistic expectations. Check out our guide on how to work on a yacht and explore available offers on Yemplea.