For TV critics, describing Below Deck and its spin-offs is relatively straightforward: a reality show that takes you behind-the-scenes of crazy, real-life superyacht charters aboard a luxury superyacht.
With a professional crew working tirelessly to provide a first-class service to discerning guests that aren’t backwards in coming forwards, the show provides delicious insight into just what happens ‘below deck’ during a busy season. Throw in the inevitable personality clashes and a sprinkling of relationship drama and you have the recipe for the perfect 21st-century TV series.
The cameras are EVERYWHERE, meaning viewers are privy to everything the producers can cram into each episode. There’s nothing the audience doesn’t know… or is there?
As it turns out, yeah there is. Until now.
We’ve done some super-sleuthing and have uncovered 12 production facts that even the most ardent Below Deck fans are unlikely to know. Join us as we spill the beans on the logistical and financial realities of the world’s most popular on-water TV show.
1. Guests pay for the charter
The charter guests you see on the show are genuine charter guests. They pay their own money to secure a space within the six weeks of filming time each season.
It can cost tens of thousands of dollars to charter any of the superyachts featured in the series. The rate is discounted (up to 50%) compared to the standard price of chartering these yachts outside of Below Deck filming.
Below Deck executive producer Courtland Cox previously told Bravo, the production company behind the show, that the charter guests are usually seasoned charterers rather than individuals looking to appear on TV. This means the show isn’t staged or rigged by producers in advance of filming.
2. Guests pay tips
Similar to the charter fee, guests also fund the tip that gets handed to the crew at the end of each charter. It’s customary for this to be around 15-20% of the full amount for a week-long charter on the yacht in question (not the discounted rate), though some guests choose to pay less.
3. Bravo covers the airfare of guests
Given that the cost of using/hiring each superyacht is covered by the charter guests themselves, Bravo factors their airfare into its production budget. This means the company pays for each guest’s flights, making the charter even more attractive. A nice perk.
4. Guests can’t play their own music
Guests that have enjoyed Below Deck charters previously have revealed that they were not able to play their own music on board. This might seem odd, but there’s actually a very simple explanation for it.
A significant number of songs are licensed, meaning a fee needs to be paid each time it’s broadcast on TV. If guests were able to play any songs they liked, Bravo would rack up a huge bill.
5. Some rooms are off limits
It might surprise you to know that there are some rooms on the yacht that are strictly off-limits. Production creates a control room in one of the yacht’s staterooms, while the master suite is taken by members of the crew. Guests are not given access to these areas and they are never shown on camera, for obvious reasons.
6. Shoes are not usually allowed on deck
Generally speaking, crew members and guests are not permitted to wear shoes on board to limit wear and tear to the floors or decking.
Walking around barefoot all day inevitably has an impact, which is why the crew are often shown with dirty feet. It’s not because they don’t wash; merely a reality of working aboard a luxury superyacht.
7. Cast members aren’t guaranteed to return for future seasons
Producers think long and hard about the long-term show futures of each crew member. A number of factors come into their thinking, including the individual’s personality, personal circ*mstances and popularity with viewers. They consult both Bravo and the captain before making any decisions on who stays and who goes.
Just because somebody departs the series, however, doesn’t mean they can’t reappear again in future. Producers have gone on record as saying that the aforementioned personal circ*mstances of each crew member can change from one year to the next, meaning an invite back is never out of the question. If the individual is keen to return and viewers clamour for them to return, the chances are a reunion will be discussed.
Producers like to keep the captain and chief stew in situ where possible, but nobody in the cast signs on indefinitely.
8. Crew members earn a salary from the charter company
The charter company responsible for the featured superyacht pays each crew member a base salary. The amount is dependent on their position, experience and the size of the boat.
A chief stew can make upwards of $62,000 (c. €64,000) for one season.
9. Crew members earn an appearance fee from Bravo
In addition to their salary, crew members also get paid a small fee by Bravo for appearing on the show. It seems fair given their personal lives are documented on camera for six weeks straight.
10. Living costs are covered
The cast doesn’t pay living expenses when working on board. It’s all covered.
This meansthey can very quickly earn a lot of money.
11. Sackings can happen whenever, wherever
The captain runs the boat and is ultimately responsible for its successful and safe running. If he/she feels somebody is failing to pull their weight or breaks a rule, they have the authority to dismiss them – irrespective of when and where. No ifs, no buts.
12. Meals are prepared by the chef
Every meal that gets served on board is produced by the yacht’s chef. It’s one of his/her main responsibilities on board – and it’s vital. The energy levels of the crew hinge on the food they consume at mealtimes, so they’re relying on the chef to work his/her culinary magic to keep them nourished.
Putting together a show like Below Deck isn’t easy: it’s multi-layered and requires significant logistical consideration. When you next watch an episode, think about the work that goes into making it such an addictive show!
Read more Below Deck articles in our dedicated library. Alternatively, if you're inspired by the thought of working on a yacht, you can search for a Crew Agentnear you.
