I went on my first trip aboard a superyacht. I learned from my etiquette mistakes and fashion crimes the hard way.

Embarking on my maiden voyage aboard a superyacht, I discovered valuable lessons for future upscale travels. Upon boarding the 176-foot, four-deck, six-bedroom Greek superyacht named Persefoni, I quickly learned that shoes were not permitted inside. This cardinal sin of footwear left me with a lesson learned: never wear shoes on a yacht.

The superyacht, which typically costs over $200,000 to charter for a week, offered a high-end hotel experience with gourmet culinary offerings. The crew was attentive, and the service was discreet, with service buttons available for guests to request personalized items like cappuccinos and champagne. The meals were a feast for the senses, featuring dishes like charred octopus, grilled halloumi, and chocolate lava cake.

Despite dietary restrictions among guests, the chef, Chef Sotiris, accommodated everyone's needs. Fashion-wise, I learned that jorts were not a suitable choice for this high-end environment. The superyacht was more like a 5-star hotel than a basic accommodation, with 13 crew members for a maximum of 12 guests, and bathrooms that rivaled those found in hotels.