ALVIA: meet the crew

From their favourite features to how they go above and beyond for each charter, we spoke to the crew of the brand-new 76m (249.3ft) ALVIA about life on board. Read some snippets of the conversations below, or click here for the full interviews.

Could you tell me more about ALVIA’s unique design and features that set her apart from other superyachts?

‘ALVIA is designed as the ultimate family or charter yacht. The layout encourages guests to move seamlessly throughout the day, sharing moments in a casual yet luxurious environment. A focal point is the stunning pool on the main deck, which remains filled even while underway – a rare feature that ensures no moment is wasted moving between destinations.

'Just below, the spa and gym become a hub of activity in the morning hours, featuring an ice bath/cold plunge, sauna and steam room – a huge hit for the health and wellness enthusiasts.' Matthew Baldizzone, Rotational Captain

What’s your favourite aspect of captaining a yacht like ALVIA, and what continues to motivate you in this role?

'It’s all about loving what you do and creating unforgettable memories along the way. That’s what we strive for on every charter aboard ALVIA. Our goal is to craft the perfect atmosphere and experience so that, by the end of their journey, our guests leave with incredible memories that will last a lifetime. Being able to share these moments with family and friends is truly priceless – and that’s what drives me to do what I do.' Richard Martin, Rotational Captain

What is your favourite charter day/night theme and why?

'I like ‘White Night’, which we usually host on the final evening of the trip. Elegant yet effortlessly luxurious, it perfectly complements ALVIA’s aesthetic, so everything feels in unison. Guests are reflective, grateful and savour their last evening together on what has been an unforgettable holiday. It creates such a nice feeling on board for everyone.' Tammi Kennedy, Chief Stewardess 

‘My favourite theme day is an Olympics-style event or a crew-vs-guests competition. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and break the ice in a fun, competitive setting. These days always stand out because they create unique interactions and memories for both guests and crew – something different from the usual charter experience.’ Melodie Edwards, Stewardess

‘I love Mexican-themed days because you can really go all out with the colours and decor. Everything is bold and bright. Not to mention the delicious Mexican family-style buffet and those delicious Margaritas we make!’ Rebecca Golden, Second Stewardess

What is your one favourite interior feature on board?

'The main guest stairwell totally deserves a mention. I love how you can look up from the cinema, through the centre of the staircase, and see the sky. For me that is pure magic and brings such a warm but fresh feeling.' Tammi Kennedy, Chief Stewardess

'The master cabin ceiling window above the bed is a masterpiece.' Orshe Drenyovszky, Chief Stewardess

'I am a big fan of the cinema room. It’s perfect for those cosy nights on board; from a big boys’ night in watching sports or for a soppy romcom marathon.' Hannah Williams, Stewardess

When you have kids on board, what is your favourite thing to organise for them?

'Having kiddies on board is so much fun and brings such a light energy to the entire trip! On board ALVIA we have a secret fairy garden where only fairies can go to play. We have an entire interior team of fairies and even some male deckhand fairies! This is a magical space hidden behind the vines where playing, singing, drawing, dancing and reading books are at the forefront of activities.' Tammi Kennedy, Chief Stewardess

What is your favourite dish to cook on charter?

‘I really enjoy our Japanese night. We combine beautifully fresh sushi with a live Japanese BBQ (Hibachi) cooking show right in front of the guests. The Wagyu skewers with white miso glaze are absolutely the star!’ Hector Urquiaga, Rotational Chef

‘I love getting to work with freshly caught seafood and shellfish. Crudo, ceviche and carpaccio always make it on the menu when a local fisherman delivers to the boat or a guest catches something.’ Mark Saddler, Rotational Chef

How do you balance being a leader and keeping a good team spirit on board?

'A good mix of high standards, humility, and not taking yourself too seriously is key. Although it is a bit cliché, I aim to lead by example – there isn’t anything I ask to be done that I haven’t done myself before. A lot of the legwork for creating good team spirit is done during the hiring process; ensuring that great personalities and attitudes are selected puts the team in good stead.' Sebastian Evans, Chief Officer

If you could plan the ultimate guest experience, what unique element would you add?

'It would depend on the guests, but for me, I’d love to organise the ultimate golf event. As a passionate golfer, I’d arrange a golf day at a top-tier course. We could even practise on board using our golf clubs and fish food balls. For anyone particularly keen to improve their swing, I would use AI Spotsbox to help them make improvements and take their game to the next level.' Louis Ambrose, Chief Officer

How do you reassure people who are nervous about swimming and getting in and out of tenders?

'I completely understand that it can feel daunting, but please rest assured that guests’ safety and comfort are always our top priorities. We specifically choose a location with calm, clear waters, ensuring it is an ideal spot for a safe and enjoyable experience. We also have plenty of flotation devices available, and the crew is here to support guests every step of the way. If they’d like, they can ease into it by simply dipping their toes or trying out a float close to the yacht – there’s absolutely no pressure!

'We’re here to make sure guests feel confident, supported, and have a great time – they can take things at their own pace. During any tender ride, our highly experienced crew is always on close lookout, ensuring their safety 100% of the time.' Sean De Beer, Second Officer