In a world of luxury, coffee can become an afterthought, but it doesn’t have to be.
Ever wondered why your luxury yacht serves mediocre coffee despite having all the amenities? Step aboard a superyacht and you’ll find the finest wines, Michelin-worthy cuisine and impeccable service. But when it comes to coffee, guests are all too often met with a pod machine that belongs in a budget hotel room, not on the deck of a multimillion-dollar yacht.
It’s a surprising oversight in an industry that prides itself on excellence. But the good news is it’s an easy fix. With a few simple changes, owners and crew can elevate the onboard coffee experience to match the luxury surrounding it.
So why does bad coffee persist in the yachting world? Space, cost and speed are often cited as excuses, but none hold up under scrutiny. Compact high-quality machines exist. The cost of specialty coffee is a drop in the ocean compared to the yacht’s operational budget. And speed? A properly trained stew can make a barista-level coffee in under two minutes, just as fast as a pod machine.
I’ve been there myself. My career in yachting taught me the importance of exceptional service and it also inspired my passion for quality coffee. After yachting, I ventured into the coffee business world by launching my own specialty coffee shop and roastery. Today, I help others build their coffee businesses, train baristas and develop comprehensive coffee programs. Integrating these skills into yacht service is a game changer, as I discovered when I trained my own crew.
Let’s be clear, this isn’t about coffee snobbery, it’s about expectation. Charter guests are accustomed to the best. Many start their day with a perfectly crafted flat white from their favorite café, so why should they accept a mediocre pod coffee on board? And even when fresh coffee is brewed, it’s often using mass-produced beans with little character. It’s like serving instant ramen at a five-star restaurant — it simply doesn’t belong.
Elevating coffee on board
Fixing coffee on board doesn’t require a massive overhaul, just a commitment to higher standards. Here’s how…
1. Get the right equipment
If your yacht doesn’t already have a proper espresso machine, it’s time to invest. Compact, semi-automatic machines with built-in grinders and automated milk-steaming functions are widely available and take up no more space than a pod machine. Larger yachts with space and budget can go even further with multi-group espresso machines, delivering café-quality coffee at sea.
2. Use quality beans
Coffee is only as good as its beans. Specialty-grade coffee, sourced sustainably and roasted for optimal flavor, makes a world of difference. Just like a sommelier selects fine wines, selecting the right coffee beans can enhance the guest experience. Yacht provisioners now offer specialty options, making it easier than ever to stock premium coffee on board.
3. Train the crew
A top-tier yacht crew is expected to master wine service, mixology and silver service. Why should coffee be any different? Barista training is an investment that pays off quickly. Learning how to pull an espresso shot, steam milk and create basic latte art isn’t just a skill, it’s a way to elevate guest satisfaction.
4. Add storytelling to the experience
Superyachting is about creating unforgettable moments. Coffee can and should be part of that. A well-trained crew can share the story behind the beans, describing their origin, flavor profile and why they were chosen. This transforms a morning routine into an engaging experience, much like a sommelier explaining wine pairing.
Luxury is in the details, and nothing should compromise the high standards expected on board. With the right equipment, premium beans, skilled crew and a touch of storytelling, every cup of coffee can enhance the guest experience. Elevate your service and transform coffee into an integral part of the luxury journey.
David Mclennan was a chief stew with seven years in yachting before starting his own specialty coffee shop and roastery.
He now helps others build their coffee businesses. coffeebusinesshub.com