Tahiti, St. Thomas, and the French Riviera — I’ve explored all these exotic destinations, though it was from the comfort of my couch. Millions of Americans share my experience.
In 2013, “Below Deck” unveiled the world of luxurious travel: yachting. It has since become a mainstay on Bravo, with Season 9 of “Below Deck Mediterranean” debuting in June.
But how genuine is this reality show? I spent five nights aboard a yacht in Croatia to find out.
I donned a bikini and boarded Via Croatia’s five-cabin, 100-foot “Adriatic Escape” in search of the real-life drama behind the scenes. Katie Jackson
A tip for tipping
My suitcase wasn’t overflowing with cash. An agency at your final destination provides cash for gratuities for the crew. While you’re expected to tip $30,000 for a two-night cruise on “Below Deck,” in reality, you only need to provide 10% to 15% of your charter fee, which amounts to around $10,000 for a two-night excursion on a massive 180-foot charter yacht like Mustique (starting from $250,000 per week), which features in the new season.
According to Zvonimir Androić, president of the yacht charter company Via Croatia, the tip generally comes from what’s left over after provisioning.
So, avoid the Dom Pérignon and the beluga caviar, and you might have extra funds left over.
What’s happening at the dock?
The 100-foot Adriatic Escape offered a glimpse into the charter lifestyle. Via Croatia
In real life, “Below Deck’s” dramatic commercial break cliffhanger isn’t nearly as intense. Docking on our yacht, Via Croatia’s five-cabin, 100-foot Adriatic Escape (starting from $52,800 per week), was smooth sailing.
I asked the crew whether they disliked setting up the slide — a supposedly grueling task if you believe the show.
“It’s really not that challenging,” a young Croatian deckhand, every bit as charming as those seen on screen, told me. “Though we certainly wouldn’t mind if you didn’t ask for it.”
Stay relaxed
Culinary events at sea are often exaggerated. Fred Jagueneau/Bravo
Despite facing meat dishes multiple times, my vegetarian co-guests were not demanding when it came to food — a significant source of stress for chefs on the show.
Outbursts aren’t typical, Barbie Pascual, the “Below Deck” stewardess known for catering to former “RHONY” star Jill Zarin’s requests for the perfect Diet Coke in the “Real Housewives of Grenada” episode, explained to me. “Guests are aware they’re on camera, so their reactions tend to be more exaggerated than they would be without the filming,” she said.
Pascual’s top advice for novice yacht-goers? Avoid skinny dipping at night as seen on the show.
“People forget about currents and sharks,” she warns. “Jumping into the water should always be done with the captain’s approval!”
Our serious Croatian yacht captain was a stark contrast to “Below Deck Mediterranean’s” cheerful Captain Sandy Yawn. We only encountered him a couple of times over our four-day trip, and he definitely didn’t join us at dinner.
That was perfectly fine, as the stews and deckhands were always available to help with any of our requests — including conversation.
Making requests
Charter the Adriatic Escape for a cool $52,800 weekly. Via Croatia
“No” is not a word you’re likely to hear on a yacht, unless it involves a safety concern, Pascual states.
While we didn’t ask our crew for a striptease or a ‘70s night setup (which are common on the show), unconventional requests aren’t off-limits if you’re ready to pay.
For instance, Via Croatia is currently refitting one of its multimillion-dollar superyachts for an upcoming charter booked by a multigenerational Jewish family from Florida.
“In addition to the charter fee, the client is purchasing everything new: pots, pans, silverware, etc.,” Androić shared. “They’re even spending $30,000 on a new tender for the elderly mother-in-law.”
I’m no reality show producer, but a particular client trying to keep his wife, her elderly mother, and their kosher children content at sea sounds like it would make for an Emmy-winning episode.
Yachting on a budget
The Agape Rose asks for six figures for a week on the water. Via Croatia
Charter costs are at their lowest at the beginning and end of a destination’s season. Via Croatia’s trendiest yacht, the 160-foot, 12-cabin Agape Rose, charges $200,000 weekly in July and August, while it drops to $164,000 weekly in April and October. Split that cost among 24 family and friends, and you’re looking at just $6,800 per person.
If that’s still too pricey, consider booking a yacht club suite on one of MSC Cruises’ Mediterranean voyages.
Granted, you’ll be on a cruise ship, but for $1,659 per person, you’ll enjoy seven nights of private butler service, complete with a private pool and restaurant that regular passengers aren’t even aware exists.