Throwing a party on a yacht can be a fun and memorable way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy time with friends and family. However, planning and executing a party on the open water comes with some unique considerations. Proper planning is key to ensuring your yacht party goes smoothly and safely.
Choose the Right Yacht
The first step is choosing the right yacht for your party. Consider the following:
- Yacht size – Bigger yachts allow you to invite more guests but are more expensive to rent. A yacht that can comfortably accommodate your guest list is ideal.
- Amenities – Look for a yacht with a sound system for music, a fully stocked bar, comfortable interior seating, multiple exterior decks and an experienced captain and crew.
- Destination – Pick a yacht that can access your desired party location, whether that’s sailing around the harbor or venturing out into the open ocean.
- Budget – Yacht rental prices vary greatly depending on the size, amenities and reputation of the yacht charter company. Have a budget in mind before searching for a rental.
Research different yacht rental companies, read reviews and inspect potential yachts in person before booking to ensure it will meet your party needs.
Plan Your Guest List
Once you’ve secured a yacht, it’s time to plan your guest list. For a yacht party, the guest list is even more crucial than at a traditional party because of the confined space. Consider the following when putting together your list:
- Capacity – Ensure your guest list aligns with the maximum capacity of your rented yacht.
- Mix of guests – Curate a guest list with a mix of friends, family, co-workers or other social groups that make sense for the occasion.
- Comfort level – Guests should be comfortable being in close quarters with other attendees on a boat for an extended period.
- Susceptibility to seasickness – If prone, guests can take medication beforehand.
Send digital invitations with all the party details including timing, attire, location and any special instructions. Follow up as the RSVP date approaches to confirm attendance.
Plan Food and Drinks
Great food and drinks are a must for any successful party. On a yacht you have a few options for catering:
- Bring your own food and drinks – Stock the yacht galley and coolers with all your own party snacks, appetizers, entrees and beverages. You’ll have total control of the menu.
- Have food catered and delivered to the yacht – Hire a catering company to prepare appetizers, meals and desserts that you can serve buffet-style. They can also provide bar service.
- Dine at restaurants during your cruise – With the yacht captain’s help, dock at seaside restaurants to enjoy a multi-course meal with scenic views.
Consider dietary restrictions, alcohol laws and safe food handling. Hire bartenders and servers as needed. Don’t forget utensils, condiments and napkins!
Pick Entertainment and Activities
The right entertainment and activities will help your guests have an unforgettable time. Consider incorporating:
- Music – Create fun playlists and connect them to the yacht sound system. Have live music by hiring a DJ, solo musician or band to perform.
- Dancing – Clear deck space for dancing and don’t forget dance floor lighting.
- Water activities – Many rental companies offer water toys like paddleboards, inflatable rafts and snorkeling gear.
- Games – Bring board and card games for people to play while socializing on deck.
- Destination cruise – Sail around the harbor or to a nearby island while guests take in the views.
Also schedule downtime just for relaxation and conversing as part of the itinerary.
Decorate the Yacht
Decorating the yacht appropriately will make the party feel complete. Some decoration ideas include:
- Balloons and banners – Use balloons in your party colors to decorate railings, staircases and tables. Hang personalized banners.
- Lighting – String lights along the exterior and interior to create a festive ambiance after dark.
- Centerpieces – Fresh floral centerpieces work beautifully on dining tables and countertops.
- Table settings – Use nautical touches like ropes, seashells and lanterns for unique tablescapes.
Just be cautious not to obstruct walkways or exits with decorations. Do a walkthrough when finished to ensure everything is securely fastened.
Hire Help
To ensure you actually get to enjoy your own yacht party, hire help:
- Bartenders – Hire mixologists to create cocktails and serve guests.
- Servers – Have people passing appetizers, replenishing drinks and assisting with any spills.
- Entertainment – Book live musicians as mentioned earlier.
- Photographer – Capture candid party moments and group photos with a professional photographer.
- First mate – Request an extra staff member from the yacht rental company to help with setup, serving and cleaning.
Provide details on the party timing, menus and any special circumstances. Brief staff before the party begins so everyone is on the same page.
Have a Plan B
Despite your best preparations, unexpected circumstances can always arise when you party at sea. Develop backup plans in case:
- The weather doesn’t cooperate – Have an indoor backup venue or reschedule the party if possible.
- A guest gets seasick – Ensure they take medication beforehand and have seasickness wristbands, ginger ale and fresh air access onboard.
- Technical issues occur – Assign someone to troubleshoot problems with music, lighting, A/V or plumbing that may arise.
- Food or drink runs out – Make sure nearby vendors can quickly deliver or replenish if needed.
Adaptability and flexibility are key to keeping the fun going rain or shine!
Observe Safety
Most importantly, safety must be a top priority. Take the following precautions:
- Limit alcohol consumption – Provide plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and use bartenders to monitor intoxication levels.
- Remain seated when underway – Follow the captain’s instructions for when you can walk around vs. needing to be seated.
- Supervise children – Keep kids away from railings and always wearing life jackets when required.
- Secure belongings – Remind guests to secure phones, bags, sunglasses and other personal items so they don’t get lost overboard.
- Watch your step – Exercise caution when boarding, disembarking and moving around the yacht due to rocking motion.
Discuss contingency plans with the yacht staff beforehand in case of an onboard emergency.
Have Fun!
After months of planning, don’t forget to relax and enjoy your special event! Assign any last minute tasks to members of your party planning team or hired staff so that you can focus on having fun with your guests. Snap lots of photos, dance the night away and soak in each moment. With thorough preparation and attention to details, your yacht party is sure to be smooth sailing!
Conclusion
Organizing a party on a yacht requires careful planning but pays off with an incredibly unique and memorable experience. Start by selecting the ideal yacht for your event and guest list size. Handle catering, entertainment, decor and staffing similar to a traditional party while keeping additional onboard considerations in mind. However you choose to personalize it, following the tips above will help ensure your yacht party goes off without a hitch. Just don’t forget the seasickness medication and party playlists – the most important ingredients for a fun time on the open seas!