Preference List: Luxury Charter Blueprint

It's called the preference list – a deceptively simple form that becomes your golden ticket to a completely personalized cruising experience across Croatia's stunning Adriatic coast.

When you book a luxury yacht charter, your broker doesn't just hand you a boat and wave goodbye. Instead, they take care about every aspect of your vacation and essential part is the preference list. 

They send you a detailed questionnaire that typically runs about twelve pages and covers nearly every aspect of your upcoming adventure. This preference list is far more than administrative paperwork; it's your opportunity to tell the crew exactly who you are, what you love, and what will make your time on the water truly magical. If you’re still deciding what type of yacht suits your holiday, browse our luxury yacht charter where you can find luxury motor yachts, luxury catamarans, superyachts and sailing yachts options available in Croatia.

What exactly is this preference list?

Simply put, a preference list is a comprehensive form that bridges the gap between your dreams and reality. It captures your personal preferences, dietary needs, medical information, activity interests, and special requests – essentially everything the crew needs to know to orchestrate your ideal vacation.

Think of it as having a conversation with your captain and chef before you even step foot on the yacht. The form collects your contact details, arrival and departure information, passport numbers for smooth embarkation, and emergency contacts. 

But the real magic happens in the sections dedicated to your lifestyle preferences and desires. This document becomes the blueprint that guides your entire crew in creating moments you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Culinary dreams: Food and beverage selections

The most extensive section of your preference list focuses on food and drinks – and there's a reason why. For many charter guests, dining is the highlight of their entire vacation. Your yacht chef uses your responses to create a menu that feels like it was designed exclusively for your palate, because it was.

Be specific about your food preferences. Do you adore Mediterranean seafood? Are you vegan or gluten-free? Do you have nut allergies or other dietary restrictions? Include all of it. Share your favorite cuisines, proteins you enjoy, vegetables you'd rather skip, and any guilty pleasure snacks you want waiting in the galley. 

If breakfast calls to you with fresh pastries or you prefer protein-packed smoothies, say so. Your chef will source premium local ingredients and craft daily menus around your exact tastes.

For beverages, the preference list becomes your personal sommelier guide. Specify your favorite wines – whether you're drawn to world famous Croatian wines, or want to have international flavor of crisp whites, bold reds, or Provençal rosés perfect for sunset cocktails. List your preferred spirits, beers, and soft drinks. 

Most crews can accommodate special requests for premium or rare bottles, though this may incur little more costs. Unlike a hotel, your yacht has limited storage, so being thoughtful about quantities ensures your favorite drinks fill the space rather than items you won't enjoy. But also may be important that you will get all the unused drinks at the end of your cruise. For a clearer understanding of how onboard expenses work during your charter, you can also review our guide to APA and additional costs.

Activity preferences and water adventures

Are you an adventure seeker or a relaxation enthusiast? Your preference list helps the crew prepare accordingly. If you're interested in scuba diving, specify your certification level and they'll arrange remarkable dives. For snorkeling enthusiasts, pristine bays await. Prefer kayaking or water skiing through hidden coves? Your deck crew will have equipment ready and spots identified.

Regarding additional water toys beyond what's standard on your yacht, the answer is yes – with a caveat. Many charter companies can source specific equipment like Seabobs, jet skis, or inflatable slides for an additional rental fee, subject to yacht ability to carry these. Mention your interests in your preference list, and your broker will provide quotes and coordinate delivery to your yacht.

Itinerary, mooring preferences, and ports of call

Your captain crafts the itinerary collaboratively with you. Use the preference list to highlight specific locations that capture your heart. Perhaps you're dreaming of exploring Hvar's lavender fields, anchoring near Mljet's pristine lakes, or discovering Korčula's medieval charm. 

You can indicate whether you prefer bustling ports or tranquil anchorages, helping your captain balance adventure with serenity throughout your week.

Celebrating life's special moments

Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, honeymoons – your yacht charter is the perfect backdrop for milestones. Include these details in your preference list with specific dates and how you'd like to celebrate. 

Your crew becomes your personal event coordinator, arranging everything from themed dinners to champagne toasts timed perfectly for sunset. They'll handle romantic touches you never imagined possible, all while maintaining the privacy and intimacy you deserve.

Transfers and special requests

Your crew absolutely handles arrival and departure transfers. Provide flight details, hotel information if you're staying before boarding, and any specific transportation needs. The preference list ensures your yacht experience is seamless from the moment you land, with ground transportation arranged and your crew apprised of your arrival time.

Special requests deserve special attention. Whether you want a themed evening, a murder mystery dinner night, a private yoga session on deck, cooking lessons with your chef, restaurant reservations in specific ports, or even a professional photographer to capture moments – list it all. No request is too large or too small. Your crew's job is making magic happen, and detailed preferences give them the roadmap to exceed expectations.

Why this matters for your experience

A thoughtfully completed preference list represents the difference between a good vacation and a transformative one. When your captain understands you prefer morning swims before breakfast, your chef knows you adore truffle-infused dishes, your stewardess anticipates your favorite coffee order, and your deck crew has identified the perfect snorkeling spots for your experience level – that's when personalization becomes pure luxury.

The preference list embodies modern luxury's true meaning: not ownership of expensive things, but access to experiences designed entirely around who you are. It's about feeling known, understood, and genuinely cared for throughout your Croatian yacht adventure. 

Submit your preferences thoughtfully and early – ideally four to six weeks before your charter – giving your crew adequate time to prepare, provision, and plan every detail.

Your yacht charter isn't just a vacation; it's a blank canvas waiting for you to paint it with your charter broker and your preferences, passions, and dreams. The preference list is simply your brush.