Captain’s Log: A Day In the Life of a Superyacht Captain

Captain Ces Casey, at the helm of the Atlantic Princess superyacht, considers himself extremely fortunate that the Great Barrier Reef is his office. But what is a typical day like on charter for Ces, and what does he enjoy most about his job?

Come along for a day in the life of a luxury superyacht captain in stunning Tropical North Queensland!

What is a typical day like for you on charter?

On a charter day, I’m up at 4:30am, checking the weather, planning guest activities for the day, helping the crew to set up breakfast, and then briefing the guests on their itinerary and what to expect.

Once you’re out on the water, what’s the first stop?

We cruise out to our first location where the charter guests can go fishing or do some water sports. Then we have lunch, and talk about what we’ll be doing that afternoon, and we might cruise to a new location for some more activities. Over dinner that night with the guests I have a chat to them, make sure everyone is happy and having a good time, and we talk about what options we have planned for the next day.

How do you plan activities?

It’s all very dependent on weather conditions. We refer to what guests have indicated in their preference sheet ahead of the charter. So, they may have said they want to go snorkelling or scuba diving, or maybe paddleboarding. They might want to go fishing and throw in lures for coral trout – guests tell us what they want ahead of time and we can tailor the days and tailor the locations to make it all happen.

What is your favourite area of the Atlantic Princess superyacht?

I love the sundeck. We have a table up there with 360-degree views out through the big windows, or the clears as we call them, and it’s beautiful to sit up there, have lunch, and take in the views of the reef or the islands.

What are some memorable things you’ve experienced on a charter?

We’ve had some beautiful glass out conditions at Low Isles, where we’d be sitting on the yacht having lunch and turned to see turtles swimming around right near us. That kind of thing is pretty special to see, and the guests are always thrilled.

Also, when we snorkel in the shallow flats at Lizard Island the green sea turtles come up to feed on the seagrass and it’s only knee-deep water in parts so you can swim with them.

Do you get to join the guests in the water?

I sure do – I join the guests and I take photos in the water.

How many similarities are there on board to everyone’s favourite superyacht reality show, Below Deck?

Well, we do have a bit of banter in the galley, and we have fun as a crew, but it’s not quite like on the show. We have all worked overseas on large yachts and we have great memories of those days too. 

What are your favourite charter destinations?

I love Low Isles, the outer reef, and Lizard Island.

Low Isles, with its coral cays and rich biodiversity, and Lizard Island, known for its pristine beaches, are not just points on a map for Captain Ces – they’re destinations for extraordinary experiences. Sharing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with guests is a rewarding part of his daily routine.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I love giving guests a memorable holiday, a special time on charter, especially when they get to see the reef at its best on a beautiful day or a spectacular sunrise or sunset. For some this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I love to share how nice this part of the world is.

For Captain Ces, the joy lies not only in navigating the reef but also in curating an unforgettable experience for guests. From snorkelling amidst unique marine life to exhilarating water sport activities, every detail is planned to ensure a seamless blend of luxury and adventure.

Ces’s love for his role is evident in the meticulous planning of each voyage, offering a front-row seat to the unparalleled beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. His passion for the sea and dedication to guest satisfaction create an atmosphere where every journey aboard the Atlantic Princess is a testament to the magic of life on a superyacht. And what a place to call your office!