Boat party
Charter a river cruiser or canal boat for a sail with drinks, a buffet and a sunset playlist.
- Guests
- 10-60 guests
- Party length
- 3-4 hours
- Prep time
- Booking plus 2 hours
- Ages
- 18+
What it is
A private boat hire for a party on the water: a river cruise, a canal boat, a lake charter or a coastal yacht. The crew handles the boat, and many charters offer catering and a bar. Special for big birthdays, hen and stag parties, and work events.
Plan ahead
- Two to three months before: compare charter companies. Check capacity, routes, catering, music rules and wet-weather cover.
- Three weeks before: send invitations with exact boarding time - boats leave on time.
- One week before: confirm the menu and drinks package, and make a playlist.
Set the scene
Nautical bunting, captain and sailor hats, striped tops as a dress code, and a disposable camera for each table.
On board
- Welcome drinks as you set off
- Canapés on deck, then a buffet
- Speeches and a toast mid-cruise
- Dancing as the sun sets
Food and drink
- Charter catering or a cold buffet you bring (check the rules)
- A bar package or a corkage fee for your own drinks
- Seasickness tablets for coastal trips
Tips
- Tell guests to bring a jumper - it gets chilly on the water.
- Flat shoes only on deck.
On the day
- Boarding (20 min): welcome drink and safety briefing from the crew.
- Cruise out (60 min) with music and canapés on deck.
- Buffet (45 min) inside or on deck.
- Toasts and speeches (15 min).
- Sunset sail and dancing (60 min).
- Return to the dock.
Shopping list
nautical party decorations
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captain hat
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portable bluetooth speaker
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sailor striped tops
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disposable camera
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party bunting nautical
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