The hit Bravo series “Below Deck” has long captivated audiences with its behind-the-scenes look at life aboard luxury yachts, but a recent episode offered a rare glimpse into the extravagant costs associated with unique charter requests. On July 7, viewers were treated to an eye-opening discussion between Captain Kerry Titheradge and chief steward Fraser Olender, who revealed just how far some guests are willing to go to ensure their every desire is met.
In this particular episode, the crew prepared for an upcoming charter with guests who own multiple strip clubs, setting the stage for a dock party that would challenge the limits of the typical charter experience. Fraser inquired about the budget for the event, to which Kerry responded, “They said we can spend 20,000. I don’t know if that is enough, but that is all we have got.”
This conversation highlighted a crucial aspect of the yachting industry: the extraordinary lengths to which guests will go for a memorable experience. Kerry elaborated, stating, “We are used to getting a whole lot of different requests for beach picnics and trips to the waterfall. But a dock party of this scale is so far out of the ordinary. This is outside what would be the normal charter fee.”
The captain then explained that guests often make extravagant demands, such as having caviar flown in from Russia within a day or arranging helicopter excursions. “Everything — and I mean everything — is possible. It just takes time and money. If you’ve got enough money, I’ve got enough time,” he emphasized.
While “Below Deck” has primarily focused on the crew’s day-to-day challenges, this episode stood out for its candid exploration of the financial side of luxury charters. Viewers have typically only been privy to the tips guests leave, which can sometimes be disappointingly low. Earlier this season, Captain Kerry expressed his disappointment when a group left a tip of $19,990 for a five-day charter, remarking, “I am really impressed with everyone’s performance this charter… This doesn’t reflect it though. It is pathetic.”
Fraser, too, shared his expectations regarding tips, revealing that he typically anticipates between $25,000 to $30,000 for a charter, regardless of its duration. He stated, “I don’t care if that’s one day or three days or five. I’m waiting for that amount of cash, and if you can’t or if you’re not coming with that to be expected, just don’t bother. Maybe just go on a cruise.”
This frank discussion about money and expectations reflects a broader trend within the “Below Deck” franchise, which has often shied away from discussing the financial aspects of the yachting lifestyle. However, this episode’s revelations provide a fascinating insight into the high-stakes environment that crew members navigate while catering to the whims of wealthy guests.
As “Below Deck” continues to air new episodes, fans can expect more thrilling drama, unexpected requests, and the occasional financial shock as the crew balances their duties with the extravagant demands of their guests. Tune in to Bravo on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes available for streaming the following day on Peacock.