Life aboard a multi-million pound superyacht appears to be the epitome of luxury—a floating palace where every desire of the ultra-wealthy is catered to. But behind the gleaming hulls and pristine decks lies a world of chaos, outrageous demands, and secrets that would make even the most seasoned traveller blush.
In an exclusive tell-all, an anonymous deckhand has pulled back the velvet rope on the reality of serving the world's billionaires, revealing a side of superyachting that is far from the glamorous postcard image.
The Extravagant & The Absurd
The sheer scale of wealth on display is staggering. The deckhand recounts provisioning a yacht with coffee beans costing an eye-watering £1,000 per kilogram, a sum that eclipses the monthly salary of most crew members. Every detail is meticulously managed, from ensuring the yacht's toys and tenders are perfectly aligned for the owner's Instagram photos to sourcing specific brands of still and sparkling water for different guests.
Yet, this opulence is often paired with the utterly bizarre. The crew's most dreaded request? The infamous 'deck shower' for a pampered pet dog, requiring multiple crew members to manage the hose, towels, and shampooing of an uncooperative pedigree.
Hidden Vices & Secret Scandals
Beneath the surface of polished respectability, a different reality thrives. The deckhand confesses that a common and dreaded task is the meticulous cleaning of the guest bathrooms after parties, which often involves disposing of traces of cocaine from the lavatory bowls. The pressure to turn a blind eye to the hedonistic activities of guests is immense, all in the name of impeccable service.
The job, while offering travel to stunning locations like the French Riviera and the Amalfi Coast, is described as all-consuming. Crew members routinely work 17-hour days, their lives entirely dedicated to the whims of their employers. Privacy is non-existent; every aspect of their conduct, from social media use to personal relationships, is monitored and controlled.
Tantrums & The Human Cost
The most challenging aspect of the job isn't the long hours, but the temperament of the clients. The deckhand describes billionaires who fly into explosive rage over the slightest mishap—a wine glass placed incorrectly, a towel folded the wrong way, or a spot of rain on a deckchair. The crew must absorb this abuse with a fixed smile, their composure never wavering.
This life of servitude in paradise comes with a significant human cost. The deckhand speaks of the intense isolation, the sacrifice of personal freedom, and the emotional toll of being treated as invisible. They are phantom attendants in a world of extreme privilege, witnessing incredible excess while often feeling trapped in a gilded cage of their own.
It’s a stark reminder that behind every picture-perfect superyacht photo is a crew working tirelessly to maintain the illusion of effortless luxury, no matter what chaos unfolds behind closed doors.
