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The Crew on a Blue Cruise: Roles, Etiquette & Tipping Guide

Guests giving a tip to the boat captain and crew at the end of a blue cruise to show their satisfaction. A moment of appreciating good service and teamwork.

The heart of a blue cruise is more than the coves where you anchor or the comfort of the yacht; it’s the professional crew who host you for a week and keep everything running. Your captain, chef, and deckhand work tirelessly behind the scenes to make your holiday smooth, safe, and enjoyable. Building a respectful, warm relationship with them directly elevates the quality of your trip. In this guide, we cover how to maintain excellent relations with the crew and explain, in detail, the tipping culture—one of the most important unwritten rules in the blue-cruise world.

Get to Know Your Crew: Who’s Who?

Good communication starts with knowing who does what. A typical gulet crew includes:

Captain

The person in ultimate authority on board. Responsible for your safety, route planning, navigation, and anchoring/mooring operations. Your first and main point of contact for any request or issue should be the captain.

Chef

Prepares all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during your trip. Plans provisions (supplies) and is responsible for galley hygiene. Inform the chef (or the captain to pass on) about any dietary needs or allergies at the start of the cruise.

Deckhand (or Seaman)

The captain’s right hand. Handles yacht cleaning, guest service (drinks, meals), assists with anchoring and docking, keeps the deck tidy, and generally supports guest needs. Often the crew member you see and interact with most.

Host/Hostess (If Present)

Found on larger or more luxurious yachts. Elevates guest services—daily cabin refresh, refined table service, cocktail preparation, and more.

Golden Rules for Healthy Relationships

Remember, you’ll share the same space for a week. Mutual respect and understanding are essential.

  • Show respect: They are not your servants; they are professionals delivering a service. Using simple courtesies like “please” and “thank you” keeps relations warm.

  • Use the captain as the channel: For route changes, requests, or complaints, speak to the captain. They will organize and direct the rest of the crew.

  • The yacht is their home and workplace: Follow boat rules (especially safety). Avoid entering crew-only areas (crew cabins, galley) without permission.

  • Share expectations on day one: A short chat with the captain about your holiday goals (more swimming vs. more exploring, etc.) helps tailor the route to you.

Tipping Culture: The Unwritten Rule of Blue Cruises

Now to the most frequently asked topic. In Turkey and worldwide, tipping is both a tradition and a meaningful part of crew income.

Is tipping mandatory?

Not by law, but it is a widely accepted practice in the sector and strongly expected as a sign of satisfaction. Almost all happy guests leave a tip.

How much to tip?

The commonly accepted range is 5–15% of the pre-tax charter fee, adjusted to the quality of service:

  • 5–7%: Standard, smooth service.

  • 10%: Friendly, consistently good service that meets expectations (most common rate).

  • 12–15%: Outstanding service that exceeds expectations and makes you feel truly special.

How and to whom is the tip given? (Most important rule)

Never hand out tips to each crew member individually. At the end of the trip, one person from your group gives the total tip in a single envelope to the captain. The captain then distributes it among the entire crew (usually equally, including the captain). This is crucial for harmony and fairness within the team.

When is the tip given?

On the last day, just before disembarkation during farewells hand the envelope to the captain.

Gocekonline Tip

Remember: the tip is more than a monetary token. It is a heartfelt “thank you” for the crew’s week-long dedication often sacrificing sleep-professionalism, warm hospitality, and all the little things they do to elevate your holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the main crew members on a blue cruise?
A typical gulet crew includes a captain, chef, deckhand, and sometimes a hostess. Each has clear responsibilities for safety, meals, service, and comfort.
Is tipping the crew mandatory?
No, tipping is not legally mandatory, but it is a long-standing tradition in the blue cruise sector and strongly expected if you are satisfied with the service.
How much should I tip the crew?
The common practice is 5–15% of the pre-tax charter fee. Around 10% is standard, while 12–15% reflects exceptional service.
How should the tip be given?
The total tip should be placed in one envelope and handed to the captain, who distributes it fairly among the crew.
When is the tip usually given?
On the last day of your cruise, just before disembarkation, during farewells.