Superyachts are evolving and adapting in this new era of multi-generational charters. Gemma harris takes a look at how the brokers and crew can step in and prepare to entertain their most demanding and youngest guests…
Superyachts are evolving and adapting in this new era of multi-generational charters to entertain their youngest guests…
Superyachts, by design, are made for adults. Polished railings, glass-topped furniture, rare collectables and luxurious upholstery aren’t what you’d typically find in nurseries or playrooms. But regardless, multi-generational charters have been gaining momentum for some time, and it is no longer unusual to see children of all ages joining families on board.
THE CHANGING CHARTER LANDSCAPE
While children bring a different dynamic with joy and excitement, there is also an equal set of challenges for brokers planning and crew operating these family charters with children in tow.
Different age groups come with varying demands. Babies require constant supervision, toddlers demand a delicate balance of entertainment and rest, and finding ways to limit screen time for teenagers can be testing.
Having younger guests onboard also means additional safety considerations while balancing the entertainment factor and the expectations of parents. Carl Sputh, Charter Broker at Northrop & Johnson, notes: “If a boat had a couple of toys and the crew kept an eye on kids, that was enough. But now, families want a full-on experience that’s fun and engaging.”
For brokers and crew, having children onboard requires advanced planning, effective childproofing and adapting the yacht’s luxurious amenities into safe and child-friendly activities and experiences.
The more the crew knows, the more they can help keep children happy and parents relaxed. Enter: preference sheets. “Preference sheets can be so much more detailed, like what time the kids wake up, what snacks they like, screen time rules, etc,” explains Sputh.
While a Monopoly board or tucked- away PlayStation may have been enough in years gone by, today’s younger guests thrive on a carefully thought-out programme of fun. For Ella Peters, founder of Superyacht Nanny, the versatility of the entertainment is key. “Get things that can be used for more than one thing; having activities that can be switched up or adapted is really helpful,” she explains.
WAYS TO PLAY
Creatively utilising onboard spaces also helps. Peters suggests things like cupcake making in the galley and a range of arts and crafts with protective coverings (for furniture). “Kids typically love getting involved with crew duties.”
Peters adds. Whether that’s mocktail-making workshops, creating table decorations with the stews, or helping out with deck duties while wearing a yacht cap, all can help make the children feel welcome. With an increase in content creation and crew creators on board, Jenna Geiger, Charter Broker at Northrop & Johnson, explains, “Kids also love being part of the drone recording and video making.”
While many parents are concerned about screen time, alfresco movie nights are a great compromise. The 88-metre Maltese Falcon boasts a particularly unique experience, where films can be projected onto its large, lower sail. Other unique uses of space come in the form of sports courts. Various yachts have deck spaces that can transform, such as the 70-metre Joy that can
host basketball and badminton competitions onboard.
Watersports naturally play a huge role when there is a range of ages onboard, not only as a way to help expel young energy but also to create family memories. Having an impressive toy lineup is not only a sure way to win over children but also adults alike. Geiger notes: “Competitive activities like a junior diving certificate, one-on-one learning to wakeboard or e-foil, and even Olympic-style obstacle competitions are engaging and memorable.”
An added bonus is that if the yacht is an approved RYA training centre, such as the 80-metre Excellence, it can deliver PWC courses and grant temporary licenses. Having additional crew members onboard who double up as watersport instructors is great for when children are open to learning new skills and for playing safely in the water.
Like all activities onboard, safety remains paramount. Peters comments: “Don’t scaremonger children, but it’s so important that they get a dedicated safety briefing, and always have a water watcher so it’s clear who is watching the kids when they are enjoying the water.”
Themed evenings are another easy win to entertain children onboard. Kathryn Krauss, IYC Charter Consultant, says: “Kid- friendly evenings, like a pirate theme, are always a huge hit, especially in the Caribbean.” This element of imagination is well received by children onboard the 62-metre Roma, which has a dedicated dressing-up box they dig out for kid-friendly activities.
Entertainment for children isn’t just confined to onboard activities; when taking activities ashore, typical child-friendly options could include visiting local playgrounds, going on guided tours of local sights, horseback riding, beach games and assault courses.
Outsourcing the entertainment is another option to improve experiences, such as with magicians, expert wildlife guides, face painters and balloon modellers. Yachts can partner with specialised providers, such as Luxury Treasure Hunt, a company that transforms scavenger hunts for charters by hosting world-class productions that blend storytelling with interactive challenges.
The secret to most family-friendly charters is to strike a balance between structure and flexibility, with itineraries that allow for breathing room in case of delays or changes of plan, which are essential for groups with younger guests.
BRINGING IN THE PROS
While itineraries and crew can help with children onboard to a certain extent, more families are opting to be on board with a dedicated and specialised superyacht nanny. A move that puts parents at ease while also allowing the crew to focus on their core duties.
“The right childcare onboard can completely revolutionise a family charter,” says Peters. “Parents having peace of mind, knowing their children are entertained and safe with someone who understands the nuances of yachting, can make a huge difference,” she adds. “I always try to advise clients to bring along a nanny or babysitter; having an extra set of hands gives the crew freedom to focus on creating a memorable time for the entire group,” explains Kauss.
Logistics also typically run smoother for a dedicated childcare professional. Peters explains that there are many differences and quirks between childcare ashore and childcare onboard, which she further outlines through her bespoke coaching support, an accredited online course, and various digital resources for aspiring superyacht nannies.
FAMILY-FIRST DESIGNS
In response to the increasing number of family charters over the years, shipyards and designers are incorporating more family- friendly features into their builds, from flexible layouts with convertible cabins, including those designed to accommodate additional nannies, to larger toy garages and multi-use entertainment areas.
The increasing trend of children onboard and changing demographics is also reshaping the future of the industry. “I am now dealing with the children of my original clients, and it’s interesting to see how they approach their charters,” observes Fiona Maureso, Charter Broker at Northrop & Johnson. The younger generation of UHNWIs is notably more crew-conscious and environmentally aware, placing emphasis on the experience a yacht can deliver.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
Industry initiatives, such as Damen Yachting’s Junior Magazine, are seeing an increase in child-focused yachting content. Meanwhile, Oceanco has actively engaged with children, showcasing yachting through interactive events and campaigns. The experiential charter specialists, Pelorus, launched Pelorus Junior, focusing on the younger generation and their experience, facilitating junior adventure hosts and ‘shadow’ itineraries created specifically for the children onboard the charter.
Superyachts may have once been adult-only retreats, typically defined by indulgence and luxurious touches, but today, they have evolved into family-first platforms where every guest, regardless of age, is catered for.
