As Chief Stew, you can set the tone for the entire guest experience. From the moment guests step onboard, they’re looking for comfort, clarity, and connection. A Guest Welcome Book is one of the simplest yet most impactful tools to deliver all three.
Think about it: guests want to know how to play a movie at night, adjust the A/C in their cabin, or connect to Wi-Fi without having to ask for help every time. By giving them a go-to guide, you make their stay smoother, stress-free, and far more enjoyable—for them and for the crew.
A thoughtful Welcome Book also shows guests that the crew truly cares about their comfort, safety, and privacy. It offers answers before questions even come up, which helps guests feel relaxed and at home.
What to Include in a Guest Welcome Book
Here’s a breakdown of the essential sections every yacht's Welcome Book should have:
1. A Personal Welcome Note
A handwritten or thoughtfully written note adds warmth and personality—something a hotel can’t replicate. It reinforces the yacht’s unique identity and makes guests feel instantly appreciated.
2. Meet the Crew
Include short, engaging bios for each crew member so guests can get to know the people looking after them. Focus on career highlights, hobbies, and a personal touch. (Need help? Check out my blog on How to Write Crew Profiles That Guests Actually Want to Read.
3. Safety Procedure Guidelines
Safety comes first. Guests will already receive a briefing from the Captain or Chief Officer, but a written reminder is helpful. Collaborate with the bridge team to ensure this section is clear, accurate, and easy to reference.
4. Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Let’s be honest—guests want to post, share, and stream. Share the Wi-Fi details here, along with any social media handles you’d love them to tag.
5. Laundry Guidelines
This section sets expectations and prevents misunderstandings. Outline exactly how laundry is handled onboard and the proper procedure to follow, so guests know what to expect—and so a shirt left on the floor isn’t mistaken as a signal for laundry service.
6. Entertainment Systems
In this section, guests will find everything they need to fully enjoy the yacht’s entertainment systems. Include simple step-by-step instructions on:
How to turn the TV and music systems on/off
How to use the remote controls (and which one is for what)
How to connect smartphones, tablets, or laptops to the system
How to stream movies or music from popular platforms
Any special features like surround sound, lighting control, or integrated apps
Tips for troubleshooting common issues (e.g., “If the screen goes blank, press Input 1 on the remote”)
For ease, you can request ready-made instructions from your A/V company—they usually provide user-friendly guides that you can adapt or simply add to the Welcome Book.
💡 Pro Tip: Guests appreciate diagrams or labeled photos of the remotes and touchscreens—it makes the process faster and avoids confusion.
7. Phone Use
Guests may not know how to dial internally, locally, or internationally from the yacht’s system. Provide simple instructions here.
8. Must-Knows
Think of this as the “house rules” section—what not to put down the toilet, how to adjust the A/C, open/close blinds, where the safe is located and how to use it, or what to do if someone feels unwell in the night.
9. Activities Onboard
Highlight what’s available onboard, from water toys and gym equipment to yoga sessions and card games. Let guests imagine the fun waiting for them.
10. Spa Menu
If your yacht has a spa stewardess or masseuse, add the spa offerings. If not, include details and menus of on-call massage therapists or local spas at upcoming destinations.
11. Local Restaurants
Even with an amazing chef, guests sometimes want to dine ashore. Share a curated list of recommended restaurants with opening hours, locations, and menus when possible.
12. Things to Do Ashore
Go beyond restaurants and showcase local experiences, hidden gems, or unique cultural spots in your itinerary. Guests love insider tips they wouldn’t find online.
Final Touch
I love ending my creations with a quote. Here’s one of my favorites:
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not a single act, but a habit at M/Y Yachts Mermaids
There you have it—the essentials to create a professional, polished Guest Welcome Book that makes guests feel instantly at home.
Recommendation: If you’re short on time, I’ve already done the heavy lifting for you. The MKSB Guest Welcome Book and Crew Profile Templates make it simple: just plug in your yacht’s details and you’re ready to go.
👉 Grab your templates here and start creating unforgettable first impressions today.
