The Key to a Perfect Crewed Charter: Your Preference Sheet

When you book a luxury crewed yacht charter, you’re not just reserving a yacht – you’re unlocking a fully tailored experience designed entirely around you. At the heart of that experience lies one simple (and often underestimated) document: the preference sheet.

While it may seem like just another form to complete before your trip, it’s actually the blueprint your crew uses to transform a great charter into an unforgettable one, and a step in the booking process we definitely would not skip!

What Is a Preference Sheet?

A preference sheet is a detailed questionnaire completed prior to your charter. It allows you to share everything from your favourite meals to your dream itinerary and essentially gives your captain and crew the insight they need to personalise every moment onboard.

Think of it as your personal brief for the week ahead – covering not just what you like, but how you like to travel.

A Detailed Preference Sheet allows Your Crew to: Provision the yacht with your favourite foods and drinks Design a menu tailored exactly to your tastes Plan an itinerary that matches your pace and interests Anticipate your needs before you even ask Without it, the crew can only guess. With it, they can deliver a seamless, intuitive experience that feels effortlessly luxurious.

What You’ll Be Asked

While each yacht may have its own format, most preference sheets cover a few key areas:

		1. Food & Beverage Preferences This is often the most detailed (and most important!) section used to craft bespoke menus just for you. You’ll be asked about: Favourite cuisines and dishes How you like to eat while travelling, ie early breakfast, snacks throughout the day, etc. Dietary requirements or allergies Dislikes or foods to avoid Preferred drinks, wines, and cocktails
		2. Travel & Logistics Providing your arrival details helps your crew coordinate a smooth start to your trip. When chartering in the BVI specifically, you may be arriving via water taxi, require a USVI pick-up, will be spending a night on a private island pre-charter, the options are endless, and coordination with your crew is key!
		3. Activities & Interests Whether you’re all about water sports, beach hopping, or long, relaxed lunches ashore, this section helps your captain design the perfect itinerary. Need some inspiration?  Explore our itineraries
		4. Special Occasions & Special Requests Celebrating something special? A birthday, anniversary, or even a surprise proposal—this is your chance to let the crew know so they can create truly memorable moments. Want some expert advice on making your special occasion charter extra special? Guide to Special Occasion Charters
		5. Personal Preferences From cabin arrangements to music tastes and daily routines, these small details help elevate your onboard experience from great to exceptional.

How to Fill Your Preference Sheet Out Like a Pro

Want to get the most out of your charter? Here are a few insider tips:

1. BE SPECIFIC – “Everything is fine” may feel polite, but it doesn’t give your crew much to work with. The more detail you provide, and the more keen you are to collaborate and work with your crew, the better they can tailor your experience.
2. BE HONEST – Don’t hold back on dislikes or dietary needs. Whether it’s a food allergy or simply something you’re not a fan of, your crew needs to know.
3. PLAN AHEAD – Preference sheets are typically sent a few weeks before your charter—returning them early gives your crew time to source special items and plan every detail properly.
4. SHARE THE LITTLE THINGS –  Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference—your morning coffee order, a favourite cocktail, or how you like your evenings to feel onboard. Do you prefer lively beach bars or secluded anchorages? Early mornings or slow starts?

The Horizon Touch At Horizon Luxury Crewed, we believe the magic of a charter lies in the details. Your preference sheet is where that journey begins—allowing our crews to go beyond expectations and create an experience that feels uniquely yours. From your first welcome drink to your final sunset onboard, every moment is thoughtfully curated – because we already know exactly what you love.

Ready to Start Planning?

When your preference sheet lands in your inbox, don’t rush it. Take a moment, have fun with it, and imagine your perfect charter. Because the more you share, the more extraordinary your experience will be.

Enquire Now