In the world of luxury yacht charters, where attention to detail and personalised service define the guest experience, Brooke Morgan stands out.
With a background that spans luxury hospitality, high-end fashion, and exclusive event planning, Brooke brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to her role at Ocean Independence. Based in Los Angeles, she is well-versed in catering to the sophisticated tastes of a discerning clientele.
As a former Chief Stewardess, Brooke’s hands-on experience at sea gives her an in-depth understanding of what makes a yacht charter truly exceptional. Now, as part of the Ocean Independence team, she shares her journey from working aboard superyachts to curating bespoke charter experiences. In this conversation, Brooke discusses how her diverse background shapes her approach, and what excites her most about this new chapter in her career.
OI: Can you tell us about your journey from working as a Chief Stewardess to now joining the Ocean Independence team?
My journey into yachting started with a fascination for the way a crew worked together to create beautiful experiences on the water. The joy it brought to clients was infectious, and being a “water baby”, I felt an immediate connection. Working my way up to Chief Stewardess gave me an intimate understanding of what goes on behind the scenes, from service to operations. Joining Ocean Independence feels like a natural evolution, allowing me to apply my experience in a different capacity while still delivering the kind of luxury experiences I love being part of.
OI: Your background spans luxury hospitality, fashion, and event planning. How do you integrate these experiences into your work in the yachting industry?
My background in fashion gives me a creative edge, particularly in understanding clients’ stylistic needs. I believe your experience is greatly enhanced when a space— in this case, a yacht—matches your personal style. My experience in event planning has helped me understand the importance of tailoring experiences. I work to make each charter deeply personal for my clients, and I believe it’s that thoughtful touch that turns a great trip into an unforgettable one.
OI: How does your hands-on experience at sea as a Chief Stewardess help you understand clients’ needs and expectations when planning luxury charters?
There are certain things that truly make a difference during a charter—attention to detail is key. My time at sea taught me that the smallest details make the biggest difference, from the presentation of the linens to knowing a guest’s specific preferences, like what time they enjoy their cocktail and how they like it garnished. These small details make the experience exceptional and something clients want to return for.
OI: What are you most excited about in this new chapter of your career at Ocean Independence?
I’m eager to learn from the brokers who have been doing this for decades. Ocean Independence operates at the highest level, and it’s exciting to have the opportunity to gain insight and be part of a system that runs so seamlessly. It also goes without saying that I’m excited to introduce my clients to the world’s finest yachts and experiences available.
OI: Being based in Los Angeles, can you tell us a little about the yachting scene in California? How does it compare to other luxury yachting destinations around the world?
The yachting scene in California is definitely more laid-back and casual, with fewer high-end, crewed charters compared to other luxury destinations. In turn, the experience is a bit different. That said, I’m truly trying to change this. There’s a growing demand for a more refined and elevated yachting experience, and I’m excited to help bring that level of sophistication to the region. California has so much potential, and I think we can transform how yachting is viewed here.
OI: What’s your approach to ensuring that each client’s charter is perfectly tailored to their needs? Can you share a memorable charter experience that stands out?
Building genuine relationships with my clients is key. I take the time to learn about their families, their interests, and what truly matters to them. It’s not just about booking the charter—it’s about creating an experience they’ll treasure. One of my most memorable charters was a birthday weekend I organised on a private island in Puerto Vallarta. Even without local connections, I pulled together a fantastic party with a chef, DJ, and live performances. Seeing the client’s joy made all the effort worthwhile.
OI: What motivates you in your day-to-day work, especially when working with such a discerning clientele? Do you have a personal philosophy that guides your work?
I thrive on connection. I genuinely love connecting with people and making their lives easier by planning every detail of their trips. It’s rewarding to know I’m helping create a memorable experience for them. My personal philosophy is to be genuine and do everything with a good heart—when you do that, good things will naturally follow.
OI: With your background in luxury event planning, is there one specific event you’ve organised that you’re particularly proud of?
One event that stands out is a surprise birthday party I organised for a client. We hosted the celebration in the house where she and her family had shared the most memories, making it a deeply personal experience. To add an extra special touch, we even rented the same car she used to drive when she lived there. It was a memorable and emotional event that truly resonated with her.
OI: How do you see your role at Ocean Independence contributing to the company’s broader mission of providing unmatched service and luxury experiences?
I feel like I have a unique edge from working with affluent clientele in California. My attention to detail, especially when it comes to fashion and catering to a high-end crowd, gives me a strong foundation to succeed in this market. I’m excited to expand Ocean Independence’s reach in California and believe we can transform the way yachting is seen here, together.
OI: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests that might surprise people?
When I’m not working, I really enjoy antique and furniture shopping. My husband and I have rental properties in Venice Beach, so I’m always buying, selling, and redecorating. Since transitioning from fashion, interior design has become my new creative outlet—it fills that same creative space for me.