What to bring on board: Giovanni's checklist

The question I'm asked most often before guests come on board is always the same: "What should we bring?". The short answer is: much less than you think. The long answer is this checklist.

The essentials: swimsuit, sunscreen (ideally water-resistant), sunglasses and a hat. The sun at sea is stronger than it seems, even when there's a breeze and you don't feel it.

On board you'll already find beach towels, snorkelling masks and floating noodles, so none of these need to go in your suitcase. To eat and drink there are soft drinks, one beer per person, a bottle of Prosecco, my homemade limoncello, light snacks and fresh fruit. Lunch proper is ashore, at one of the restaurants reachable by boat that I'll recommend.

Useful but not essential: a light sweater for the way back (in the evening the air at sea cools down), a pair of flip-flops, and a waterproof pouch for your phone if you want to take photos from the water.

As for shoes, the rule is simple: no shoes on board, we go barefoot. So bring flip-flops or sandals you can slip off in a second, and above all small and light ones: when you step aboard you leave them at the entrance and they all go into a basket, and space on board is what it is. Leave large bags, hard suitcases and anything you're afraid might get wet at the hotel; on board there's a WC and a sun awning for shade, so even those who don't love the sun always have a cool corner.

And if you forget something? No problem: we leave from the ports of the Coast, and before setting sail there's always a way to sort it out. The only thing that's truly essential is a love for the sea.