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Setting Sail in Style: 10+ Epic Yacht Party Theme Ideas For All Occasions

Published June 1, 2023

Are you ready to take your yacht party to the next level? From glamorous Hollywood nights to enchanting tropical paradises, we’ve got the perfect yacht party theme for any occasion. 

Whether celebrating a birthday, wedding , or corporate event, these yacht party themes will transform your gathering into an unforgettable experience on the high seas. 

10+ Epic Yacht Party Themes

Idea #1: hollywood glamour.

Roll out the red carpet and embrace the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Encourage guests to dress like their favorite movie stars with dazzling gowns, sharp tuxedos, and a VIP atmosphere.

Idea #2: Tropical Paradise

Transform your yacht into a tropical oasis. Deck the decks with vibrant flowers, tiki torches, and palm leaves. Encourage guests to wear floral prints, serve refreshing cocktails, and dance to the rhythm of Caribbean beats .

Idea #3: Masquerade Ball

Unleash mystery and elegance with a masquerade ball theme. Decorate your yacht with ornate masks, chandeliers, and velvet drapes. Encourage guests to wear stylish masks and elegant attire for an evening of intrigue and enchantment.

Idea #4: Under the Sea

Dive into an underwater wonderland with an “Under the Sea” theme. Transform your yacht into an aquatic paradise with shades of blue, seashells, and mermaid-inspired decorations. Encourage guests to dress as sea creatures and dance to oceanic tunes.

Idea #5: Carnival Extravaganza

Bring the carnival atmosphere to your yacht with bright colors, circus-inspired decorations, and lively entertainment. Set up carnival games, hire stilt walkers or fire dancers, and serve delicious fair-style treats for a truly joyful experience.

Idea #6: Gatsby’s Roaring 20s

Step back to the luxury of the 1920s with a Gatsby-inspired yacht party. Embrace art deco decorations, jazz music, and guests dressed in flapper dresses and dapper suits. Create an ambiance reminiscent of Jay Gatsby’s extravagant parties.

Idea #7 White Party

Create an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance with an all-white party theme. Dress your yacht in white linens, decorations, and ambient lighting. Ask guests to come dressed entirely in white for a stylish affair.

Idea #8: Space Odyssey

Embark on a cosmic journey with a space-themed yacht party—deck your yacht with celestial decorations, neon lights, and futuristic elements. Encourage guests to dress as astronauts or extraterrestrials and dance under the stars.

Idea #9: Around the World

Take your guests on a global adventure with an “Around the World” theme. Decorate each area of your yacht to represent different countries, serving international cuisine , and encourage guests to come dressed in cultural attire.

Idea #10: Pirate Adventure

Set sail for a swashbuckling adventure with a pirate-themed yacht party. Transform your yacht into a pirate ship with skull and crossbones decorations, treasure chests, and pirate flags. Encourage guests to don their best pirate attire for a night of nautical fun.

Idea #11:Enchanted Garden

Create a magical atmosphere on your yacht with an enchanted garden theme. Adorn your yacht with fairy lights, floral arrangements, and whimsical decorations. Encourage guests to dress like fairies, elves, or woodland creatures for a night of enchantment.

Idea #12: Neon Glow

Light up the night with a neon glow party theme. Illuminate your yacht with neon lights, glow sticks, and UV decorations. Ask guests to come dressed in vibrant neon colors for a high-energy dance party under the neon glow.

Idea #13: Sports Spectacular

Appeal to sports enthusiasts with a spectacular sports theme. Decorate your yacht with sports memorabilia, set up game stations, and encourage guests to wear their favorite team jerseys. Create a lively atmosphere with sports-themed activities and competitions.

Tips for a Memorable Yacht Party

• Plan in advance: Start organizing your yacht party well ahead of time to ensure availability and smooth coordination.
• Consider your guests: Tailor the theme to match your guests’ preferences and interests.
• Decorate strategically: Use decorations suitable for a boat environment and ensure they are securely fastened to withstand the sea breeze.
• Coordinate attire: Communicate the dress code to your guests, aligning it with the chosen theme.
• Create ambiance: Set the mood with appropriate lighting, music, and entertainment that aligns with the theme.
• Offer themed cuisine and beverages: Enhance the experience with menu items and drinks that complement the chosen theme.
• Safety first: Ensure the security of your guests by having the necessary safety equipment and following all boating regulations.[ 1 ]

How do you throw a party on a yacht?

To throw a party on a yacht, here’s a short step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose the yacht: Select a suitable yacht for your party. Consider the size of your guest list, the amenities available on the yacht, and the duration of your event. Ensure the yacht meets all safety requirements and has the necessary licenses.

Step 2: Set a date and time: Determine the date and time for your yacht party, keeping in mind the availability of the yacht and the convenience of your guests. Plan to ensure you secure the desired date.

Step 3: Determine the guest list: Create a guest list and send out invitations well in advance. Consider the yacht’s capacity and ensure your guest list aligns with it. Provide clear RSVP instructions to manage attendance.

Step 4: Choose a theme: Select a theme for your yacht party to add an element of excitement. Consider the preferences and interests of your guests and tailor the theme accordingly. Themes for boat parties can range from elegant and formal to fun and casual, depending on the occasion.

Step 5: Plan the menu: Decide on the type of food and beverages you want to serve. Consider the logistics of catering on a yacht, such as limited kitchen space and the need for stable serving options. Opt for easy-to-eat and well-prepared dishes that cater to different dietary preferences.

Step 6: Decorate the yacht: Enhance the ambiance by decorating the yacht to match your chosen theme. Use appropriate decorations suitable for the yacht environment and securely fasten them to withstand movement. Consider the size of the yacht and ensure decorations do not obstruct any safety equipment.

Step 7: Coordinate entertainment: Plan entertainment options to keep guests engaged throughout the party. This can include live music, a DJ, games, or hiring a professional entertainer. Consider the available space on the yacht and the preferences of your guests.

Step 8: Ensure safety: Prioritize the security of your guests by having life jackets, first aid kits, and safety equipment readily available on the yacht. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and communicate them to your guests.

Step 9: Communicate details: Keep your guests informed about the logistics, such as the boarding location, parking options, and any specific instructions related to the yacht party. Provide clear directions to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Step 10: Enjoy the party: On the day of the party, double-check all arrangements, including food, beverages, decorations, and entertainment. Greet your guests, ensure their comfort, and enjoy the festivities on the yacht.

Incorporating a captivating yacht party theme can take your celebrations to extraordinary heights. With careful planning, strategic decorations, and attention to detail, you can create a memorable yacht party experience that will be discussed for years. So, set sail with the perfect yacht party theme and let the festivities begin!

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Looking for a great time on the water in Boca Raton Florida? Seafari Yacht Charters is number choice for yacht rentals in Boca Raton . Book our yachts for parties , exciting day trips to the Bahamas, romantic yacht dinner cruises , and much more. Come experience all South Florida has to offer with us.

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Lenard Arceo is passionate about the outdoors and South Florida life. He is a professional blogger for several renowned publications and also loves learning how to code in his free time.

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Elevate Your Special Day with a Themed Boat Party

As you embark on the journey of planning your special celebration, consider the magic that a themed yacht party can bring. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or a gathering of loved ones for a day of maritime revelry, a yacht celebration promises an experience that transcends the ordinary. For sure, making the time to celebrate your milestones or special occasions will bring you joy and creates lasting memories. While there are countless ways to mark these moments, few can match the fun and enchantment of a boat party.

Picture yourself surrounded by the glistening waters, a gentle sea breeze, and the laughter of loved ones. Does that bring joy to your soul?

So, to make your special day even more special, we created a list of themed yacht parties with you in mind so you can incorporates a specific theme into the overall ambiance, decorations, attire, and activities of your event.

These parties are designed to create a unique and immersive experience for guests, enhancing the celebration with a particular concept or idea. Themed yacht parties can range from elegant and sophisticated affairs to playful and whimsical gatherings, depending on the chosen theme. Some popular themed yacht parties include Nautical/Navy, Tropical Luau, Pirate Adventure, All-White Affair, 80s Retro Cruise, Hollywood Glamour, Under the Stars, Toga Party, Island Escape, Masquerade Ball, Gatsby’s Roaring 20s, Mermaid Fantasy, Tiki Cruise, and Fire and Ice, among others. Each theme adds a distinctive touch to the party, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Let the waves carry you to a celebration that’s as unique and extraordinary as you are. Elevate your special day with a fun themed yacht party and create memories that will forever hold a place in your heart.

14 Captivating Boat Party Themes that will make your day unforgettable

To add an extra layer of magic, consider choosing a theme for your maritime celebration. Here are 14 captivating themes that will transform your boat party into an unforgettable adventure.

Nautical/Navy:

Embrace the maritime spirit with classic nautical decorations, sailor outfits, and navy blue and white color schemes.

Tropical Luau:

Transform the boat into a tropical paradise with tiki torches, leis, hula skirts, and vibrant, beach-inspired décor.

Pirate Adventure:

Set sail on a swashbuckling journey with pirate costumes, treasure hunts, and nautical flags fluttering in the wind.

All-White Affair:

Create an elegant and chic atmosphere with an all-white dress code and décor, exuding sophistication against the backdrop of the open sea.

80s Retro Cruise:

Travel back in time with neon colors, leg warmers, and iconic 80s hits to set the mood for a lively and nostalgic party.

Hollywood Glamour:

Roll out the red carpet and let guests channel their inner celebrities for a glitzy, star-studded affair.

Under the Stars:

Make the most of the evening sky with string lights, lanterns, and stargazing for a romantic and enchanting boat party.

Toga Party:

Transport your guests to ancient Rome with flowing togas, laurel wreaths, and Roman-inspired decorations.

Island Escape:

Create an island getaway atmosphere with palm trees, tiki bars, and tropical cocktails, perfect for a relaxing and carefree celebration.

Masquerade Ball:

Add an air of mystery and elegance with masks, formal attire, and opulent decorations for a sophisticated soirée.

Fiesta Mexicana:

Spice things up with vibrant colors, sombreros, and Mexican-inspired cuisine and music for a lively and festive boat party.

Gatsby’s Roaring 20s:

Transport guests to the Jazz Age with flapper dresses, sharp suits, and Art Deco-inspired décor, evoking the glamour of the Great Gatsby era.

Mermaid Fantasy:

Dive into an underwater world with mermaid tails, seashell decorations, and a color palette inspired by the ocean’s hues.

Tiki Cruise:

Infuse the boat with Polynesian vibes, featuring tiki torches, bamboo décor, and tropical drinks, for a relaxed and exotic ambiance.

Remember, the key to a successful themed boat party lies in attention to detail and encouraging guests to embrace the chosen theme. Whether you’re seeking adventure, elegance, or pure relaxation, a themed boat party promises an extraordinary experience for everyone on board. So, set sail on your special day, and let the waves of celebration carry you to unforgettable memories!

Let the waves carry you to a celebration that’s as unique and extraordinary as you are. Elevate your special day with the allure of a themed yacht party and create memories that will forever hold a place in your heart.

For inquiries and to start planning your unforgettable yacht celebration, [contact us here].

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How to Host a Yacht Party

Last Updated on September 29, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

A yacht party is a fantastic change of pace from dinner at a restaurant or a backyard cookout. Yachting isn’t a common thing for a lot of people, so there’s a natural excitement built into the event, even if the boat never leaves the dock. All you have to do as the host is play into that vibe, and you’ve got yourself a successful event.

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One of the best things you can do when inviting guests to a yacht party is to inform them in advance about general etiquette aboard a boat. Friends who are landlubbers will not know, for instance, that it’s customary to leave your shoes in a dock box before boarding a boat.

Tell them ahead of time that their feet will be on display so they can get a pedicure, buy a cool pair of socks or invest in a little toe jewelry to feel comfortable throughout the party. They’ll also appreciate the pro tip of wearing shoes that are easy to slide on and off without having to sit down and deal with laces or straps.

And, for yacht parties during the day, encourage your guests to dress for the sun. Have sunscreen on board to use, and offer helpful suggestions like bringing a hat, a light shirt to cover easy-burn spots like shoulders and the back of the neck, and perhaps linen pants or a sarong for legs that don’t see the sun too often. Polarized sunglasses also help stay comfortable throughout the day on board.

Think bigger-picture about how people should dress: if your yacht party is during the day, then your guests might bring a small bag of clothes for later; you’ll need a place on the yacht to put those bags. Your yacht party may extend into the night, which means there could be a big swing in the temperature, so encourage guests to bring clothing that can be layered on and off.

READ MORE: 5 Secrets Boat Clubs Don’t Want You to Know

If the party will include the boat leaving the dock, then advise your guests about the golden rule of remaining upright: one hand for you, one hand for the boat. Yes, you can carry a plate of hors d’oeuvres or a cocktail in one hand, but whenever the boat moves, you always want one hand free to grab a rail, a handhold, or anything else you might need to steady yourself. Helping new boaters stay safe underway should be priority one!

In terms of hosting, think about serving a steady array of finger foods instead of a big, sit-down meal. The little stuff is easier to store and cook quickly, and it’s a better option to offer people a variety of foods if the boat is moving since some people may be a bit more sensitive than others.

Skip the things that come on skewers (those little sticks never end up in the trash, and they can poke bare feet if they end up on deck ). Instead, think about crudites, bruschetta bites, and boneless wings that leave no refuse behind.

Also, have soft drinks such as ginger ale and lemon-lime soda on hand to help soothe any bouts of seasickness . Ginger is another well-regarded remedy and can be served as a chewable or in a cup of iced tea.

Sometimes, yacht parties are themed, with everything from steel-drum players to belly dancers aboard for entertainment. Swim parties are, of course, a go-to favorite, as are “Under the Sea” parties with a seafood spread. You can go with a color, or a lack thereof, such as an all-white party, or encourage people to wear Hawaiian shirts for a Polynesian night .

Music is a must. So don’t forget to create a playlist to go with your theme. It’s hard to go wrong with boating standbys such as Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, and the Beach Boys. More than a few great singalongs have started with “Rock the Boat” by the Hues Corporation or “Banana Boat (Day-O)” by Harry Belafonte.

Yes, that last suggestion is about as polar opposite as you can get from “Under the Sea,” but that’s the beauty of a yacht party. It can be anything you want it to be.

Best of all: you don’t need to own a yacht to throw a party on one. You can rent a yacht for a half-day or full-day and host your party on the rental instead! If you happen to be one of the lucky few who own a yacht, you can list it and rent it out to the large market made up of people daydreaming about their day out on a yacht or hosting their own yacht party.

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone— whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain .

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Kim Kavin has been on boats in more than 50 countries and islands, including in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. She grew up learning to steer a ski boat and Hobie Holder at her grandfather’s lake house in New Jersey, and went on to spend time aboard everything from America’s Cup racing sailboats to submarines. 

Kim is a PADI-certified scuba diver and animal lover who always enjoys a good, long look around a coral reef. Her award-winning writing and editing regularly appears in national marine magazines and on leading websites. In her early years, she was a Dow Jones editing intern and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not writing, Kim can usually be found hiking northwest New Jersey’s beautiful park trails with her adopted shelter mutt, Ginger.

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40 Easy Boat Theme Party Ideas

Updated on: Feb 16, 2024

Boat theme parties can be a lot of fun to throw. Invite your guests to an awesome day at sea with the right nautical flair to make your boat theme party awesome! Using our tips that cover everything from boat theme invitations to party favors, you’re sure to host the best nautical party your friend group has ever seen!

Boat Theme Party Decorations

For a boat theme party, your party space should look as if you are at sea. There are so many options that it may be hard to choose your perfect nautical theme party decorations! That is why we have compiled a list of sailing party supplies and ideas below for your nautical theme celebration.

1. Boat Theme Pennant Flags

A great sailboat decoration idea is to purchase nautical theme pennant banners to hang in your party space. You can hang them on the walls or make them 3D by stringing them across the ceiling.

LOVENJOY 100% Cotton Nautical Anchor Pennant Banner for Boys Birthday Baby Shower

7 feet of chintz pre-strung with 1.9 feet of string on each end, 10.8 feet in total 12 pennants are all double-sided and printed with 6 nautical themed patterns 100% cotton and machine washable; reactive printing technique makes the bunting odor-free and don't involve any harsh chemicals Perfect and fun decor for pirate themed birthday, masquerade, or newborn baby nursery photo props

When decorating for your party it is important to decorate with certain colors to keep your party theme. For example, use colors like white and blue when decorating to keep up with the ocean and sailor theme. Use these colors when you purchase tableware, ribbons, balloons, and streamers.

3. Wall Décor

One way to decorate your party walls would be by hanging life preservers and/or plastic anchors around the room to fit the boat theme. Another perfect decoration would be to drape fish netting from the ceiling and on the walls to add to the nautical theme.

4. Boat Theme Party Photo Props

The perfect accessories to match your boat-themed photo shoot would be an assortment of nautical photo booth props . These aquatic-inspired cut-outs are sure to make for some fun and memorable pictures. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, you could purchase the digital PDF versions of these props and print/assemble them yourself!

20 Photo Booth Props - Ahoy Nautical Photobooth Kit with Custom Talk Bubble for Baby Shower, Birthday Party, Bridal Shower or Wedding

A fabulous photo booth has two things: a great backdrop and unique photo booth props. This set of Ahoy Nautical photo booth props will be the perfect addition to your special backdrop, giving you party photos that everyone will be excited about. This set of 20 photo booth props is perfect for any birthday party, baby shower, bridal shower or wedding. The glasses, bow ties, mustaches and hats are topped off with one custom talk bubble that can be personalized with your own special messages. Best of all, this photo booth prop kit comes printed and cut with Prop Kit Sticks and clear stickers. Simply attach the prop to the Prop Kit Sticks with the sticker and display along side your photo booth backdrop for a great selection of themed photo items. Personalized Photo Booth Props kit comes printed and cut with 20 Total Photo Booth Pops: 4 Glasses 2 Mustaches 2 Bow Ties 2 Lips 2 Hat 1 Binoculars 1 Anchor 1 Neckerchief 1 Ships Wheel 1 Ahoy Sign 1 Crab 1 Custom Talk Bubble 20 Prop Kit Sticks 20 Clear Stickers for quick assembly When placing your order, please note your text in the comments or email: smiles{at}bigdotofhappiness.com See the entire line of Ahoy Nautical party supplies here: https://www.etsy.com/market/ahoy_nautical_bdoh SHOW OFF: Share your party pics with us on Facebook & Instagram - we always love to see how Big Dot Hostess Heroes use our party supplies #BigDotofHappiness TERMS OF USE: This item is for personal use only. Big Dot of Happiness retains all rights. This item may not be copied, shared, forwarded, sold or distributed. Copyright Big Dot Of Happiness, LLC.

5. Bubble Machine

Set up an automatic bubble machine to release bubbles throughout the party. This will be just like the air bubbles from the submarine under the water. Placing bubbles on the tables will also encourage guests to pick up the bottle and create bubbles themselves.

6. Boat Theme Party Table Toppers

A great way to bring the whole theme together would be with nautical table toppers that are sure the wow your guests. These centerpieces are eye-catching, and can even be used to number your tables so guests can their seats easier!

Boat Theme Party Favors

The easiest way to get your guests to remember their fun time at your bash is to give them nautical theme party favors to take home with them. That is why we have compiled a list of sailing theme party giveaways for you to give out at your party that is sure to make your guests remember you for a lifetime!

7. Nautical Goodie Bag

A fully stuffed boat theme goodie bag is always a great choice when it comes to party favors for your guests. Items that you can put in a nautical goodie bag can range from fish theme pencils and erasers, fish gummies, bubbles, blue candies, mini kaleidoscopes, you name it. Use nautical theme goodie bags or tinted blue goodie bags to represent the ocean water.

RIGHTA TECH Nautical Goodie Bags Nautical Gift Treat Bags Drawstring Gift Bag Nautical Anchors Boat Favor Bag for Wedding Birthday Party Hawaiian Luau,Summer Sailor Party Decorations Navy Blue Red

What you will get in the Package: you will get 20 pieces of Nautical boat Drawstring bags, the size of the Sailor gift bag is perfect for the party favor decoration Widely usage :it is perfect for party favor storage ,like toy storage,or beauty accessories, dry snacks, jewelry, chain, bracelet, ring,cookies and chocolate,candy bags, etc. The drawstring design makes it easy to carry the products . Suitable for all occasion:Summer Nautical party bags are perfect for holiday events. like birthday party ,baby shower decorations or bridal shower, Hawaiian luau, wedding, bachelorette, engagement or luau hawaiian ,summer Nautical party decorations Stylish design: Nautical party Drawstring Gift Bag shows bright Navy Blue Red color of the boat with the Anchors,stylish design and pretty looking for the summer party. Premium Material - Nautical Candy gift bags are made of safe, sturdy and premium quality smooth and delicate fabric, strong enough for gift bags or candy bags in summer Nautical party

8. Beach Goodies

Keeping with the nautical theme, why not give your guests beach theme favors ? These can be sand pails, sand shovels, and beach towels. If you’re trying to save money give one bucket or beach favor to each family that comes to the party instead of each to one guest.

9. Sand Dollar

Buy toy sand dollars to use as place cards for your guests. To do this get a paint pen or some sort of marker and write the guest’s name on the sand dollar. Then, set it at their table and allow them to take it home as a favor!

10. Keychain

An anchor keychain is a simple but practical party favor to give your guests. It's useful, and will always remind your guests of the fun time they had at your boat theme party.

Silver Anchor Keychain Gift, Sailor, Ocean,Anchor,Ship-men, Navy,Custom Keychain, Boating,Unique Gifts,Gifts for Sailors,Gifts for Navy-men

Silver Anchor Keychain Gift, Sailor, Ocean,Anchor,Ship-men, Navy,Custom Keychain, Boating,Unique Gifts,Gifts for Sailors,Gifts for Navy-men **Beautiful Antique Silver Anchor on a sturdy Key ring** Anchor is 1 1/2" long x 1" wide. May add a custom hand stamped US Penny; just use this add on listing; www.etsy.com/listing/557305833/add-a-us-custom-hand-stamped-penny-add To add a hand stamped penny please go to my "add ons" section of my shop, ;eave directions for stamping, add item to cart, then add this listing and check out. Please leave all instructions for your order in the "personalization" box during checkout++ Each piece is shipped in an organza drawstring bag and mailed in a bubble mailer to arrive safely from my studio to your door! Thank you for shopping Rustic Midwest Charm, and have a wonderful day!

11. Fun Sailor’s Caps Ideas

Give each guest a sailor’s cap or captain’s hat . You can hand these out at the beginning of the party for guests to wear throughout the night and to get everyone in a nautical spirit!

Boat Theme Party Food and Drinks

You don’t want your guests to feel like they are stranded at sea with nothing to eat! Therefore, we have compiled a list of nautical themes party menu ideas for you to serve.

12. Drink Picks

Try to serve drinks that evoke the sea at your party. Cocktails like Mai Tais, Pina Coladas, and Margaritas will all remind your guests of sunny days spent by the ocean or poolside and will be perfect for your party. A cute way to serve a drink would be with on-theme sea cocktail picks .

Lil Narwhals Gourmet Martini Picks, Horderves Picks - Set of 4

Ready for an icy blast in your glass? Our Arctic inspired Nifty Lil' Narwhal Gourmet Martini Picks are sure to last the test of time, unlike that plastic swizzle stick you've been using. These Lil' Arctic whale cocktail picks are ready to make their homes in your Manhattans, Old Fashions or Martinis, so help them dive right in! Perfect for Martinis, Moscow Mules, Manhattans or Old Fashions! Alternate uses : Sandwich Skewers, Horderves Picks Built Strong for Heavy Duty Happy Hours. Set of 4 Narwhal Picks Made from Durable Stainless Steel. Designed in the North Pole - Made in the USA Dimensions : 3/4 in x 4-1/2 in

13. Apple boats

Make boat theme snacks for your guests by cutting apple slices and cheese. The apple slice is the bottom of the boat and then the cheese is the sail. The mast can be made out of a pretzel or a toothpick. This will be a menu winner.

14. Shrimp Cocktail

A shrimp cocktail is a great boat theme appetizer. Make sure to have plenty of dipping sauce to serve with it.

15. Seafood

An obvious choice for your nautical theme party – seafood! Your guests will be expecting seafood so go all out. You can serve salmon, mahi-mahi, shrimp, anything that dwells beneath the waves! You can also add other food items like pasta and stuffing so your guests can mix and match. Having a variety of under the seafood will bring your theme to life.

• Mussels – Mussels are a must for a sailboat meal.
• Breaded Fish – For a lighter seafood taste try breading fish, such as halibut or salmon, and serving it with a tasty sauce.
• Oysters – Oysters are a favorite seafood option. Arrange them on a platter for your guests to eat.
• Steamed Lobster – Serve steamed lobster with steamed vegetables and baked potatoes for a traditional New England seafood entrée.
• Lobster – If you are having a formal party or if you have the budget for it, serve your guests lobster as the main meal.
• Crab Legs – Crab legs are another excellent seafood option.

16. Pizza Rafts

Buy pizza bagels at your local grocery store and say that they’re life preservers!

17. Floating Fish

Looking to entertain the kids at your party? Grab some blue Jell-O and put it in a bowl. Then, get fish gummies from the grocery store and place them in the Jell-O. It will look like fish that are swimming in the ocean.

18. Crab Croissants

Did you ever notice how similar croissants are to crabs? Simply fix edible candy eyeballs in place on the croissants with icing, and voila! Your croissants have been converted into crabs in an instant. The world is your oyster when it comes to fillings. As a savory option, go with staples like ham, cheeses, and veggies. For those with a sweet craving, add jelly or chocolate.

19. Cookies

For dessert, serve cookies cut into nautical shapes like sailboats and starfish. If you want to make your own cookies, boat theme cookie cutters are a must!

Sugar Cookies Nautical Theme Anchor and Sailboat Iced Decorated Cookies

Sugar Cookies Nautical Theme Sailboat and Anchor Iced Decorated Cookies There are 12 cookies in each order. Cookies are about 3 1/2" in size. Free Shipping. PLUS, individual bag and ribbon are INCLUDED in the price! Our nautical theme sugar cookies will sail right into your heart! Perfect for most any occasion. Delicious cookie favors for a birthday party, or as a gift for the ocean or sailing enthusiast. Cookies arrive individually bagged and ribboned. Allow 7 to 10 days for processing. Made to order in our fully licensed commercial kitchen.

20. Boat Theme Cake Ideas

No party is complete without a cake. A great idea to create a nautical cake is baking a two-layer round cake and cutting a hole in the middle. Frost it with wide alternating red and white stripes like a life preserver. Another idea would be to theme your cake to make it look like sand. Buy some beige or brown icing to ice your cake to give it a nice base. Then add some beige sprinkles or crushed graham crackers on top of the frosting. It will give the “sand” texture.

Beware of having too many unhealthy sugary snacks! Refer to our recommendations for health-conscious alternatives!

Boat Theme Party Games and Activities

Nautical themes can also evoke lots of different emotions from people. So try and evoke an emotion of fun and excitement by playing these awesome sea boat theme activities at your next nautical theme party!

21. Temporary Tattoos

Help your guests feel like actual sailors with a temporary tattoo station . Make sure to have nautical tattoos such as anchors and palm trees.

ArtCreativity Pirate Temporary Tattoos for Kids - Bulk Pack of 144 in Assorted Designs, Non-Toxic 2 Inch Tats, Birthday Party Favors, Goodie Bag Fillers, Non-Candy Halloween Treats

MAKE THEM SMILE: Pirate tattoos the tots will love! These 2” tattoos come in a bulk pack of 144 to give you great value for money. Everyone from toddlers, little kids, to teens will get a kick out of these. Apply them on your face, arms, or body to create a colorful body art. FUN COLORS: Fun temporary tattoos in assorted pirate designs. We’ve used premium materials to create our kids’ tattoos. The result? Temporary tats that last up to 5 days. Rub off anytime to safely remove. SAFE AND SIMPLE TO USE: Your little one’s safety is always our top priority. That’s why we’ve ensured these temporary tattoos are completely non-toxic. And they are easy to apply and long-lasting too! Just apply water to wear and enjoy the delightful goodness. Instructions on the back of each tattoo! GET CREATIVE: Hand out these kids’ tats as Halloween treats to those adorable trick-or-treater’s, use them as birthday party favors, goodie bag fillers, good behavior incentives, giveaways for school events, Easter egg fillers, fun adult party bag goodies and so much more. For kids ages 3+ BUY RISK-FREE: We fully stand behind our products with the best satisfaction and 100% money-back guarantee. Not satisfied with these pirate tattoos? We’ll send you a quick replacement or issue a full refund. Click ‘Add to Cart’ now to get the fun started risk-free!

22. Boat Theme Party Photo Backdrop

A great way to make permanent memories of your party is to set up a photo booth section complete with a boat-themed photo backdrop for all of your guests to take pictures in front of. It is an easy and affordable way to make lasting memories that can be looked back on for years to come.

23. Don’t Say…

To begin, give each player a bag of treasure. The treasure can be plastic or chocolate coins, fake jewels, etc. Then, choose several words such as beach, yacht, nautical, ocean, waves, or boat. Write them onto a large whiteboard or piece of paper and hang them up. If any player says one of these words after the game has begun, they must give up a piece of their treasure to whoever called them on it. Award the player who has the most treasure at the end of the game.

24. Sand Bottles

If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the younger kids at your party why not have them make sand art ? To do this, set aside a table at your party with bottles and different colored sand. Then allow the children to put the sand in the bottle in any sort of design they want. Have them take it home as a favor!

Creative Kids Sand Art Activity Kit for Kids - 10 Sand Art Bottles and 10 Colored Cool Sand Bags + Glitter Sand - Create Your Own Sand Art - DIY Arts & Crafts Gifts for Kids Boys Girls Age 6+

Create Stunning Sand Art – All-in-One Super Sand Art Activity Set Lets Your Child Create Incredible DIY Rainbow Sand Masterpieces at Home, School & More Every Accessory Included – Little Artists Are Ready to Play w/ [10] Empty Sand Bottles, [9] Brightly Colored Sand Bags, [1] Glitter Sand Bag & [1] No-Mess Funnel Unleash Your Child’s Creativity – STEM Toy Helps Your Toddler Develop Important Life Skills & Sparks Imagination for Hours of Hands-On Educational Play Amazing Gift Idea – Give a Unique Gift for a Son, Daughter, Nephew, Niece, Granddaughter or Grandson; Perfect Present for Holiday, Xmas or Birthday Party 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed – If You & Your Toddler Are Not Completely Thrilled w/ This Cool Colored Sand Art Kit, Enjoy a Full Refund, No Questions Asked!

25. Crab Race

Have your guests split up into at least two teams. Then have them crab walk from one end of the room to the other. Once they return the next person on the team must go. The first team that has every member finish wins!

26. Obstacle Course

Set up an obstacle course at your venue for the kids or adults to maneuver through. To make it fit your theme set up a bell at the end so the first person to finish can ring the “captain’s bell”.

27. Nautical Tug-O-War

Split your guests into two groups and give them a rope . Then, have them play tug of war and tie a flag around the middle of the rope. The first team to get the flag over a specific area is the winner!

Tug of War Rope Game - Fun Outdoor Game and Activities for Kids

Teamwork and cooperation is essential for a good Tug of War game Here's how you play: choose a level playing surface such as a grassy field mark a line on the ground and divide up equally into teams Line up the teams on each side of the tug of war rope and pull tug pull The goal is to stay on your side of the center line if your team crosses over other side wins Made of a polyester fiber our tug of war rope is extra soft and won’t hurt little hands

28. Treasure Hunt

Give each party guest a 1 foot piece of rope and give instructions for a variety of nautical knots like a reef knot or rolling hitch. Set a time restriction for visitors to tie their own knots. This is a great icebreaker and could also make as an excellent party favors that guests can play with at home.

29. Tie the Knot

Boat theme party supplies, 30. nautical theme plates and napkins.

In order to stay on theme, you will need appropriate dishware to serve with the food for your guests. Nautical theme plates and napkins are the perfect addition to your party supplies list because they bring the whole aesthetic of the party together.

Nautical Anchor Party Supplies Set 24 9" Plates 24 7" Plate 24 9 Oz Cups 50 Luncheon Napkins Sailor Boat Ship Theme Navy Red White Striped Birthday Baby Shower Disposable Tableware Decor Gift Boutique

Nautical Set Serves 24: Gift Boutique nautical anchor party set includes 24 9” Dinner Plates featuring a white anchor in the center on blue with white dots and red, blue and white stripes on the rim with coordinating 50 Luncheon napkins. 24 7” Dessert Plates featuring a lifesaving tube in the center with blue background and white dots on the rim. 24 9 oz cups features many small anchors and lifesaving tubes on blue background. High Quality: Plates are made of high quality thick paper. Napkins are soft and absorbent. Great for a nautical party. Do NOT place the plates in the microwave. Cups are for cold drinks only. Enough For Your Guests: Stock up with this set of quality plates, cups and napkins to make sure you have enough for any summer, beach, pool, nautical anchor party or event. More Time to Enjoy: Disposable paper reduces clean-up time so you can enjoy more time with friends and family at this anchor themed party. Dimensions: Dinner Plates measure 9” in diameter and Dessert Plates measure 7”. Cups are 9 oz. capacity. Napkins are 3-ply and measure 13” x 13” when unfolded and 6.5” x 6.5” when folded.

31. Table Confetti

Use miniature nautical-themed anchors and paper as table confetti to jazz up the look of your food or sitting tables. Alternatively, if you prefer a more beachy feel, you could add seashells and sand to the tables.

32. Nautical Cupcake Toppers

If you are looking for a way to spice up your dessert presentation, boat-themed cupcake toppers are a perfect choice. Not only do they add a cute addition to your cupcakes, but they can be used to top any type of food you are serving, including fruit bowls, shrimp cocktails, or even a boat-themed cake.

33. Boat Cupcake Stand

If you decide to serve cupcakes at your party, a great way to showcase them would be with a boat theme cupcake stand!

Nautical Baby Shower Cupcake Stand Blue

Raise the anchor and set sail for celebration city! It's time to welcome the newest addition to your family! Perfect to include in your baby shower decorations, this cupcake holder is the perfect spot to place all those pastries and tasty treats! Place it in the middle of your party table for all to see and enjoy! Foam. 13 1/2" x 24" Simple assembly required. © OTC

34. Take the Helm

An inflatable boat wheel allows everyone to be a captain and pretend to steer the ship! It's an excellent addition to a nautical photoshoot or just a decoration on the side. It also works nicely as a prop for creative play during a children's party. You could also place one on your cake table to give detail to cake picture shots.

35. Boat Food Party Trays

Boat shaped party food trays make it easy for your guests to serve themselves from the table. And boat-shaped models lend a fun twist to your nautical decor. Two distinct portions at the front and back allow diners to distinguish between a sweet or savory cuisine. And a convenient beverage holder in the center console will keep them hydrated as they socialize.

Boat Theme Party Invitations

Boats are an essential icon for these events, but there are other options as well. Try one of these fun boat theme party invitation ideas.

36. Passport

Create a passport for each of your guests out of cardstock. Write your party information on the inside left flap of the passport. If you have pictures of all of your guests put them on the right side. Add official-looking stamps and seals for greater effect. Alternatively, you can buy premade sets of blank passports if you prefer.

37. Nautical Theme Online Invitations

If you prefer sending your party invites online instead of through the mail, there are plenty of nautical theme online invitations to choose from. You can never go wrong with a blue and white theme!

38. Message in a Bottle

Fill several plastic or glass bottles partway with sand. Write your party information on a piece of paper then roll the paper up and slide it inside the bottle. Close the bottle with a cork and stick a mailing label onto the side. This creative idea is sure to delight your guests with its dramatic flair!

Brajttt 64PCS Cork Stoppers Glass Bottles, DIY Decoration Tiny Glass Jars Favors,Mini Vials Cork,10ml Storage Container for Art Crafts,Small Glass Jars for Wedding Party Supplies

Set of 64 glass baby bottles with cork lids, personalized label tags and string which can be used variety of styles or designs. Capacity of 10 ml - Bottle height (Without Cork): 1.96 inches, bottom diameter: 0.86 inches. Ideal for perfume samples, message bottle, small items storage, wedding gifts and wedding decorations, a great value for money. Food grade material, clean and non-toxic and the cork is smooth, not easy to drop residue that can be firmly plugged bottle mouth. Making gifts by yourself can express your mind better. You can put colorful sand or shells in a bottle, or you can put soil and plant grass.

39. Under the Sea

If you want to go for more of an ocean concept for your boat party invitations, try under the sea theme invitations . These invitations are sure to get your guests excited for your party.

40. Cruise Boarding Pass

A fun way to invite your guests to your boat themed party is by sending them cruise boarding pass invitation templates with your party information. Headline the invitations with creative titles like “Set Sail on Your Birthday Cruise”.

Boat Theme Party: Conclusion

With our suggestions, your boat theme party will be off to a great start. But our tips for décor, games, and favors are just that. Use our tips as a stepping-off point and keep the boat party afloat!

Written by Shannyn Apolaro, Jessica Bundy and Aditi Parikh; Contributors: Vanessa Marsocci, Jack Leduc, Mira Hemaidan and Maggie Betros

Aditi Parikh

Knox College

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Rutgers University Business School

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University of Iowa

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25 Boat Theme Party Ideas

Planning a party? Love boats? Why not combine the two and organise a boat themed party?!

We’ve got a whole host of great boat theme party ideas to make your event go swimmingly. Whether you’re looking for fun games, party accessories, or different takes on the theme itself, we’ve got you covered.

So step this way to be inspired!

Table of Contents

Boat Party Themes

Boat themed accessories, boat themed food and drink, boat party games, ready for your boat theme party.

The first thing to consider is exactly what you want you r boat-related theme to be. It’s fine to just choose a general boaty vibe! But you could also add a more specific twist.

One way to do that is by adding some vintage charm to your boat theme. Those vintage touches could be as striking or as subtle as you like.

How about decorating with nautical bunting, and adding some sweet vintage toppers to your cupcakes? Or ask your guests to dress up in clothes from the era of your choice.

2. Sailboat

Sailboats are surely one of the most romantic ways to travel the seas. So why not add a dash of sailboat style to your boat themed party?

A sailboat party cake will make a great centerpiece. But you could also turn your venue into a sailboat by suspending fabric “sails” from the ceiling. Sheets cleverly draped can create an instant nautical atmosphere. Adding some fairy lights will bring some magic too.

3. Love Boat

The Love Boat was an iconic 70s TV show that told stories of love and romance aboard cruise ships. And what better excuse to get dressed up as a 70s glamorpuss than a Love Boat themed party?!

Test your guests’ knowledge with a 70s trivia quiz while you blast out some 70s tunes. And serve up classic dishes from the era, like prawn cocktail and cheese and pineapple on sticks.

For a fun and sophisticated event, a cruise-themed party is a great option. Decorate with marine colors like blue and white, and hang bunting from the ceiling. Add some porthole cut-outs to the walls, and you’re away!

You could even have a “captain’s table” for VIP guests.

5. Anchors Away

Dotting some boat themed accessories around your venue is a great way to enhance your theme.

Oversized inflatables and other fun objects are amazingly effective at getting everyone into the party spirit. Mark our words, it won’t be long before your guests are using them to pose for pics.

This large plastic anchor is a perfect example, and would work brilliantly at any boat-themed party.

6. Nautical Cut-Outs

Nautical cut-outs are a quick, easy and inexpensive way to create your party theme . If you’re arty, you could get some cardboard and paints and make them yourself. But there are also lots of ready-made options to inject color and humor into your party.

Stick them to walls, or place them near entry points for instant nautical appeal.

7. Marine Table Covers

If you want minimal party clear-up, wipe-clean table covers are a must. And for a boat-themed party, you want them to have a nautical look.

There are lots of great options out there that can help bring your theme to life. Look for classic motifs like boats, anchors , fish or seashells.

8. Life Preserver Centerpieces

Centrepieces are a great way to add interest to your party tables. Simple cardboard versions are inexpensive, but can look great.

We love this one decorated with life preservers. And the foil adds some extra sparkle – perfect for when the lights go down!

9. Take The Helm

Everyone can play at being captain with this inflatable boat wheel! It’s a great accessory for a nautical photo booth (more on that later). And it works just as well as a prop for imaginative play at a kids’ party.

You could even prop one on your cake table to add an extra detail to cake-cutting photos.

10. Boating Bunting

Bunting adds instant fun to any party atmosphere. And if you’re planning a boat-themed party, it’s a cheap and effective way to customize your surroundings.

Standard bunting often features on cruise ships, so pretty much any kind will work with a boat theme. But you can also find novelty versions like this colorful chain of anchors for extra pizzazz.

11. Boat Food Party Trays

Party food trays are a fun and convenient way for your guests to help themselves from the buffet. And these boat-shaped versions offer a humorous addition to your nautical theme .

Two separate sections at front and back – or should that be bow and stern?! – allow guests to separate sweet from savory food. And a handy drinks holder in the center console will keep them refreshed while they mingle.

12. Nautical Balloons

No party is complete without balloons! Go to town with a striking feature like this enormous anchor made of balloons. Or stick to simple blue and white color combinations to create a nautical atmosphere.

You can also find balloons printed with marine motifs like crabs and anchors. And when it comes to balloons, the more the merrier. Just make sure you invest in a pump to get them all inflated!

13. Anchor Floral Centerpieces

Floral centerprieces are a great way to add sophistication to any gathering. And with a little creativity, you can craft something that adds to your boat theme.

We love the way this mason jar has been accessorized with nautical colors and an anchor. The anchor here is embellished with initials, but you could also add a date or message.

Choose flowers in blue and white to complement the marine color scheme.

14. Boat Themed Favors

Party favors are an easy way to reinforce your chosen theme. And you can spend as much or as little on them as you like.

We love these sailor hats and captain’s hats. You could even have them adorned with your guests’ names or nicknames.

Or if your party is strictly for grown-ups, how about a miniature rum bottle? You could even get the date or text added to the label to commemorate your special occasion.

15. Sailboat Serving Station

Turn your serving table into a dramatic focal point by transforming it into a boat! It’s surprisingly easy to do, and will work pretty much anywhere.

Here, a standard kitchen island has been turned into a sailboat with the addition of a painted cardboard panel, a sheet and some bunting. It takes a little preparation, but it’s not expensive or difficult. And it will be a real talking point for your guests.

16. Nautical Popcorn

Popcorn is great party food, because it can be prepared ahead of time and served at any temperature. Serve it in jaunty popcorn boxes to fit in with your party theme .

This is another case where you could make the boxes yourself if you’re feeling crafty. But if you prefer to minimize preparation time, there are lots of great ready-made options out there.

We love these smart navy and white boxes, complete with a striking red anchor on each side.

17. Sailboat Jello

No kids’ party is complete without jello! And when it looks as good as these jello sailboats, adults will be queuing up to enjoy it too.

Here blue jello doubles as a placid lake on which an orange segment acts as a boat. Add a cocktail stick with a paper sail, and you have a very attractive dessert. It couldn’t be easier to make, yet looks impressive too.

18. Anchor Salad

The different colors of salad vegetables make them a great way to depict a scene. Here, slices of cucumber form an anchor . Contrasting carrot, celery, broccoli and peppers add color.

You could use the same approach to create pretty much any marine motif you like. How about a life preserver? A sailboat? Or even a pirate?

Just keep it simple so the picture stands out from the background.

19. Crab Croissants

Had you ever noticed how much croissants look like crabs?! Neither had we, until we saw this clever creation!

The eyes here are edible sugar eyeballs from cake decorating firm Wilton. Just secure them in place with frosting, and hey presto! Your croissants are instantly transformed into crustaceans.

And when it comes to fillings, the world is your – ahem – oyster! Choose classics like ham, cheese and salad as a savory option. Or add jam or chocolate paste for those with a sweet tooth.

20. Pepper Crab and Nachos

Here’s another clever way to create a crab! Choose an orange pepper and slice off the bottom. Turn it upside down, so that the flat section sits on the plate. Then cut the remaining piece of pepper into slices to use as the legs.

Edible eyeballs add instant character. You could use your pepper crab as a topping for chips or nachos. Or surround it in a sea of hummus for a sea life themed vegetable chip and dip.

21. Healthy Sailboat Desserts

We’ve already seen that adding sailboat toppers can add nautical charm to your cupcakes. But you can perform a similar trick with healthier dessert options too. And they taste every bit as good!

These sophisticated individual desserts combine creamy Greek yogurt with blueberries and granola. You could add a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness. Using glass pots, as here, will allow you to see the beauty of the different layers.

Then just pop your sail on top, and you have a smart and healthy sailboat dessert.

These boat party games will make your event the best it can be, creating some fun and great memories. Fun games make people excited and want to win. And the beautiful and exquisite game prizes can make people actively participate in the process. As a boat party, you can customize enamel pins, commemorative coins or beautiful keychains as a reward. They can both fit the theme of the boat and can be kept for a long time and carried around. GS-JJ can offer you a wide range of prizes to purchase, so check them out! Order Now

22. Diving Competition

All the best parties involve games. And if you’re lucky enough to own a boat, why not make the most of it with a diving competition? Just make sure you moor somewhere the water is safe and deep.

Offer prizes for the best dives. And if you have guests who prefer to spectate, get them to give the competitors marks out of 10. You could even make score cards for them to hold up.

23. Swimming Race

Boats and swimming are natural companions – so why not add a swimming race to your party? Of course, this only works if you’re actually on a boat, or at a pool. But if that’s the case, this is another easy way to raise energy levels and have a laugh.

Just as with the diving competition, adding prizes will make things more interesting. They don’t have to be big or expensive. For kids, a chocolate medal will go down a treat.

24. Deck Quoits

If you’re looking for a less energetic option, how about a game of quoits? Traditionally played on the decks of boats, quoits work just as well whether your party is on water or dry land.

If you want to splash some cash (pardon the pun) you can buy a set. But it’s easy to make your own DIY version too.

Just fill some plastic bottles with sand to weigh them down. Then mark a number on the front with a sharpie. That’s the number of points you’ll get if your quoit lands over the bottle. For the quoits themselves, just tie some rope or heavy cord in a loop. You’re all set!

25. Nautical Photo Booth

A nautical photo booth is a great addition to any boat themed party. And it’s surprisingly easy to set one up.

All you’ll need is a stripey piece of fabric and a tall frame to support if from. Choose colors like red and white, or navy and white, to fit the maritime theme. Then accessorize – life preservers, inflatable anchors, even toy boats will work brilliantly.

If you don’t mind a bit of mess, you could create a beach area in front. Just lay some plastic on the floor and cover it with sand.

Then let your guests loose, and enjoy the photos later!

That brings us to the end of our 25 boat theme party ideas! We hope it’s given you plenty of inspiration for your own event.

Start by deciding on exactly what your theme will be. Will it be boats in general? Or do you want to give it a twist – like a glamorous cruise themed party, or a pirate party for the kids?

Whatever you choose, there are loads of ways to bring your theme to life. Think about décor, food choices and games, and you’re sure to create a party to remember. Then just sit back, relax and enjoy it!

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• Bay Boats vs Offshore Boats: What’s the Difference?
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• 5 Simple Steps to Wax a Boat
• 8 Tips To Clean A Boat

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15 Unique Pontoon Boat Party Ideas & Yacht Party Themes

Ready for a pontoon boat party? Great!

Here are 15 super fun pontoon boat party ideas for family, friends and even corporate days out.

15 uniquely fun yacht party themes for a party pontoon boat

Water sports challenge yacht party theme for gaming on a party pontoon boat, diving competition yacht party theme or for fun a pontoon party boat, to the buoy and back racing yacht party theme and pontoon party boat fun, bbq basics yacht party theme works great on a pontoon party boat, music mindfulness yacht party theme and pontoon party boat madness, movie night yacht party theme can work well on a pontoon party boat, foam yacht party theme is super fun a pontoon party boat, 13 yacht themes that will also work on a pontoon party boat, get the funk out yacht party theme that works well on a pontoon party boat, pontoon pirates – no land ahoy on this pontoon party boat, carnival cruising makes for a great yacht party theme or a fun pontoon party boat, waterslide wonderland is a fun kid’s yacht party theme or great for a pontoon party boat, trampoline competitions for yachts or pontoon party boats, beach that boat – perfect onshore entertainment for a pontoon party boat, sky lantern liftoff.

• Water sports challenge.
• Diving competition.
• To the buoy and back.
• BBQ basics.
• Music madness.
• Movie night.
• Foam party.
• Themed party.
• Get the funk out.
• Pontoon prates.
• Carnival cruising.
• Water slide wonderland.
• Trampoline fun.
• Beach that boat.
• Sky lantern liftoff.

Let’s take a look at how to implement these 15 fantastic pontoon boat party ideas.

When your boat party theme needs to get competitive

A great way to have a party on your pontoon is to create fun and friendly competitions.

When you have access to a boat that can travel fast you should use it to your advantage.

Water sports of all kinds are a great way to party on a pontoon boat. And the great thing is you can use this party idea for adults, kids and families.

As pontoon boats are great for pulling skis, rafts and tubes you can create some simple light-hearted competitions.

Use a good quality, safe boat tube and attach it to your pontoon boat. The rules are simple; whoever stays on the tube the longest wins!

Towable competitions are great for kids and families and you can have heats and even different categories where olders kids ride alone while younger kids ride with a parent.

For adults you can use rafts or skiis for an extra adrenaline rush (though towables are just as fun for adults as they are for kids).

Be sure to award fun winner’s medals and a winner trophy to the winners as well as participation medals for the losers (you can even get funny ones that say “loser” for adults or toilet shaped ones). Adding these simple little touches, such as medals, will really help to make the day especially fun and also help to create memories that last a lifetime.

I love this pontoon boat party idea the best.

Gather all the contestants together and appoint three judges to score the contestants.

Make sure the judges are positioned away from the pontoon boat so that they have a good view of each person who is diving. Put them on a towable, or on shore, where they can view each constestant’s dive

Have the judges use easy-wipe paddle scoreboards to judge each contestant after each dive.

Keep the score range low, scoring each dive from 1 to 5,  so that no-one has really low scores while someone else has really high scores. With a low range, all scores will be very close to each other and so not upset any kids taking part.

Make sure the contestants dress up in funny costumes and award them points for artistic impression as well as the actual dive – make it less competitive and more fun!

Like you would for the water sports competition be sure to award winner’s medals at the end and loser awards for fun.

What about some swimming competitions?

Testing each other’s ability to race through the water is another good idea for creating some fun competition on your pontoon boat.

Again you can have medals and trophies for winners.

On the boat fun party ideas

You can party in other ways and on your pontoon boat.

Here are some great ways to party onboard.

Barbeque pontoon parties are great fun.

Whether you are having some tasty food with cold beer and a bunch of drinking buddies or just sipping on soda with family and friends BBQ food on a pontoon boat is a great way to kick off any party.

You can even set up two or more BBQs and have a little friendly competition to see who cooks the best food and in the most fun way. cut the food into dinosaur shapes or to look like fish. Be imaginative.

Using a BBQ with one of the other ideas given in this post will be a big winner with all your pontoon passengers when their activities make them hungry.

Get the boat anchored in the middle of a lake and start blasting those vibes!

There is nothing like the sound of catchy music booming on a banging boat.

All you need is your phone, or mp3 player, and some wireless waterproof speakers, which are surprisingly cheap .

Consider having dance-offs and dance competitions and incorporating themes into the music. You could have a 70’s Saturday night fever disco vibe complete with big collars and flared trousers or a 90’s long-haired musical bonanza as you strut your stuff to classic rock from Guns N’ Roses, Poison and AC/DC.

What about a Pulp Fiction style dance-off to incorporate a bit of a Hollywood blockbuster into your musical madness?

If you like to take things a little quieter then why not set up a large screen onboard with stereo speakers so you can watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster on the water?

With the right movie projector screen you could enjoy a relaxed viewing of your favorite movie in style onboard your pontoon boat.

Alternatively you could use a large projector to stream dance-off games from a Nintendo or similar device.

A foam party is great idea for a boat.

Although this is used mostly on yachts, and in enclosed cabin spaces on larger boats, a foam party can work on a pontoon boat under the right conditions.

You will need calm weather with very little wind. As a pontoon boat has an open deck wind can easily blow away the foam. But, if conditions are just right then a foam party can be lots of fun.

The great thing about foam parties is that they are fun for all age groups. From 7 to 70, frolicking about in foam on a boat is a ton of fun. All you need is a foam machine and the right type of calm weather.

Having a themed party on your pontoon boat is something I really recommend you do. Picking a theme and running with it, for boat decorations, food ideas and costumes is a great way to set the stage for a lot of onboard fun.

What’s more, you can incorporate a themed party into any of the other ideas mentioned in this post.

Some themed ideas include:

• Roman/Greek (complete with togas).
• Hollywood oscars or Hollywood movies.
• Game of Thrones.
• The Sopranos/gangster.
• Arabian nights.
• James Bond/spy.
• Vegas/casino night (which you could combine with a Sopranos/gangster theme).
• 1920’s Great Gatsby.

This list could be endless. Just let your imagination wonder.

Why not have a funky themed day on your pontoon boat.

Although this falls into a themed party I think the funk deserves its own section.

You can have so much fun dressing up like a swinging 60’s peace-out Woodstock fan or a 70’s disco diva dancing queen or groovy guy.

It is possible to decorate the entire pontoon in funky style like the one in the image shown above.

What is a boat without pirates?

Pontoon boat party ideas don’t get much better than a pirate themed party.

Have all passengers dress up as pirates and decorate your boat with pirate symbols while you fly the jolly roger from the stern of the pontoon.

There are a ton of pirate games you can play onboard your pontoon boat especially if you want to keep kids occupied and having fun. But, pirate themes are also great fun for adults.

Play pirate themed games and make the loser walk the plank by forcing them off the dive board.

Why wait to visit New Orleans to have a Mardi Gras? By having a carnival on your pontoon boat you can bring New Orleans to you and you don’t have to wait until Shrove Tuesday.

In warm weather dressing up in carnival apparel is a great way to enjoy your time on the water.

As it’s carnival time don’t be afraid to let your imagine run riot. In the image below you can see that one group have kitted out their pontoon boat to replicate the monopoly board.

Be sure to have carnival music and plenty of carnival finger food onboard as well as lots of cold drinks.

Off the boat party fun

Even though your party will revolve around your pontoon boat you don’t have to stay onboard to have a party.

Setting up a waterslide is a-must for a pontoon boat.

Waterslide parties are best for younger kids as they can have hours of fun doing different type activities on the slide. For a full-on waterslide party you are best using a slide that has multiple aspects to it rather than just containing a slide.

Waterslides that have an attached climbing frame, or simply using a seperate climbing frame, works great.

If you have very young children and are concerned about their safety while using a slide then you can get inflatable pools that attach to the boat. These pools have nets which limit the water depth for extra safety.

These boat pools can be used separately or placed at the bottom of a water slide.

Diving isn’t the only way to jump into the water from a pontoon boat.

Why not try a water trampoline ?

Trampolines in the water are fantastically fun and just like the diving competition I mentioned earlier you could also have jumping competitions.

Using a trampoline in conjunction with a water slide, pool and water sports can turn your day on a pontoon boat into a whirlwind of water-based fun.

The great thing about pontoon boats is that you don’t have to stay on the water.

Due to the amazingly shallow draft of a pontoon it is easy to beach the pontoon boat so you can spend some time on shore.

This is a great way to have a beach party. As well as having a BBQ on the beach you can also incorporate some of the other activities such as movie night, music madness and give the entire party a theme.

As you are onshore you also incorporate other ideas such as a murder mystery game (using a murder mystery party kit ) or set up some beach volleyball nets or soccer goal posts.

A light show onboard a yacht or pontoon party boat

When the party is coming to an end what can you do to place the icing on the cake, and the cherry on top, of what was a wonder party day onboard your pontoon boat?

Why not release some sky lanterns?

Why not end the day on your pontoon boat, when the party is winding down, by releasing some sky lanterns?

You can have each person make a wish on the lantern as they light it just before they let it go.

Watching sky lanterns float above the water as the sky darkens is a beautiful sight.

This is a great way to end the pontoon boat party and leave everyone feeling great.

Be sure to check out these 55 unique and amazing pontoon boat accessories to make your pontoon boat party that much better!

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Yacht Charter Party Themes

• November 30, 2017

20 Brilliantly Underused Themes for Your Charter Yacht Party If you roll your eyes at another party with an overused and under-inspired theme like Disco, the 80’s, and some version of “under the sea,” then this article is for you. Just when it seems like there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to throwing a big bash on a charter yacht, here are a whole host of new ideas to inspire even the hippest NY hipsters, who bore incredibly quickly. If you’re going to pick a theme, by all means go all the way. Be sure that the food, drinks, games, entertainment, and everything else tie into the theme, no matter how loosely. Creativity is key! For example, martinis are expected at a James Bond themed party, but you can wow even the snobbiest and most knowledgeable fans by working in trivial facts like Q’s real name (Major Boothroyd) or a replica of the gold-plated Royal typewriter used by Fleming to write the Bond novels. Make sure everyone can enjoy those “inside jokes” by adding placards explaining the references. If you plan to rent a yacht in NYC for your next big party, without further ado, here are the best underused themes to keep your next charter yacht party fresh and exciting!

1. Land of the Dinosaurs

2. Heaven & Hell

Shows like Lucifer, The Good Place, Fallen, and others spark our natural curiosity and intrigue with all things related to heaven and hell, good and evil, and the afterlife. Explore this with a Heaven & Hell themed party on a NYC charter yacht. Let guests choose whether to come clad in wings and halos or horns and pitchforks.

3. Identity Swap

We know we’re on to something here, because Pinterest doesn’t even have a category for it. Consider having your group swap identities for the evening, and then have everyone try to guess who each person is pretending to be. This is a fantastic idea for office parties and other corporate get-togethers.

4. Put It in Print

Instead of centering your yacht party around a movie or decade, make it revolve around a specific style. Choose one that’s currently in style — like plaid, polka dots, or florals — or pick one that’s wonderfully out of vogue — like chevron or argyle. Other options include: • Herringbone • Houndstooth • Gingham • Stripes

5. Boots & Boxers

6. Thrift Shop

This theme is so fun it almost makes its own entertainment. Have everyone come in their most outlandish thrift store finds. You can also decorate with amazingly outdated thrift store items, like tatted doilies and ugly lamps.

7. Game Show

Everyone loves playing along with a game show, if nothing else than to pretend they’re going to win that great tropical vacation or the new sports car. You can set up your charter yacht to look like the set of the game show, and then have guests take turns as contestants on one of these great games that translate well into the “real world”: • Family Feud • Jeopardy • Wheel of Fortune • The Price is Right • Deal or No Deal • Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Alternately, you can do something more along the lines of Whose Line is It Anyway? or An Evening at the Improv.

Along the game-theme vein, you can make it a little sexier by setting up your charter yacht like a grand casino and having everyone play Vegas style games like poker, roulette, and blackjack. This invites a wide range of dress options, so be sure to specify how casual or formal you want the charter yacht party to be.

9. Olympic Games

You don’t have to play any real games (though you can if you like) to host an Olympic-themed charter yacht party. Borrow heavily from the Olympic colors (red, green, blue, yellow, and black), as well as the gold, silver, and bronze elements.

10. Carnival or Circus

11. International Themes

The toga party got old the day you graduated college. Adult-size your international party themes by considering a more mature option, such as: • Germany (beer, Alpine feathered caps, Bavarian costumes, etc.) • Italy (festive Italian flags, wine, pasta dishes, and even a make-your-own-pasta party) • Japan (guests come dressed like Geishas and Samurais, serve sushi, and decorate with paper lanterns, bamboo, and colorful umbrellas) • Ancient Greece (columns and Gladiators, ivy and Greek Key print make this more modern sheik than yesterday’s toga party) • Ancient Egypt (think camels and cobra charmers, pyramids and the Sphinx, and lots and lots of gold) • African Safari (rock the animal prints, especially leopard and zebra, and incorporate bongos, raffia baskets, and some Dashiki shirts.) • Havana (fedora hats, palm trees, and Cuban flags are a good start, but include some hand-rolled cigars to make it authentically fabulous.)

12. Barbie & Ken Dolls

Bring this Mattel children’s classic staple to the grownup’s table by having everyone come dressed as their favorite Barbie or Ken doll. Decorate with all of the staple accessories Barbie and Ken enjoyed over the years — like the Dream House, the wardrobe, the Jeep and van, swimming pool and camper.

Like Ken and Barbie, LEGO toys have surpassed kiddom and made their way fully into the realm of adult enjoyment. After all, it takes a big boy’s paycheck to buy most of their incredible sets! For a LEGO themed party, play heavily on the primary colors these toys are most known for. You can easily make life-size DIY Legos out of boxes, wrapped in solid color paper, with party cups of the same colors glued on the boxes to form the Lego bricks.

14. Favorite TV Show / Movie Theme

If your entire workplace or social group is fascinated with a specific movie, show, or book, by all means enjoy this with a themed party. Just avoid these if everyone in your group has already used them to death. Great shows that lend well to theme parties on a charter yacht include: • Mad Men • Game of Thrones • The Walking Dead • Disney or Pixar movies • LOTR • James Bond • The Great Gatsby

15. Star Wars Versus Star Trek

17. Picnic / Camp Out Party

Turn your charter yacht party into a campout or picnic with the addition of some red and white gingham table cloths, Coleman lanterns, tents, and picnic baskets. Don’t forget a tongue-in-cheek nod to the enemies of the great outdoors — bears, ants, and other critters, oh my!

20. Tailgate Party

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Alicia King Photography

Nautical Party Theme

Seas the day. (See what we did there?)

About the Theme

If you’re looking for a summer party theme that can set itself apart from your neighbor’s tropical backyard BBQs, look to the beach for nautical inspiration. Incorporate classic marine details like anchors, small buoys, vintage life jackets and maritime flags.

VIBE: Sophisticated

SIMILAR PARTY THEMES: Beach

Venue Settings

Country Club

A yacht club or charter boat would set the scene perfectly, but we're not all lucky enough to be waterside. Fake the atmosphere you're after with some faux-nautical vibes at a country club.

Entertainment

String Quartet

The beauty of live music is the flexibility of musical pros—work on a set list with them ahead of time so you're sure to hear all of the crowd pleasers that you're expecting. A mix of classic melodies to fit the mood as guests arrive can transition into covers of pop hits and chart toppers toward the end of the evening to keep the energy high.

Indulge in the catch of the day with a raw bar. This station offers a variety of seafood from oysters to lobster and is completed with dipping options such as horseradish and cocktail sauce.

Jessica Bordner Photography

Seabreeze Cocktail

Cool off with a sea breeze cocktail. A vodka base with cranberry and grapefruit juice on the rocks make this a refreshing summer favorite.

Creative Detail

Seashell décor.

Get inspired by your surroundings and incorporate seashells into the décor. Fill large candle jars with an assortment of shells or hang seashell string lights overhead. If you're the DIY type, you can use twine and shells (bought in bulk) to assemble your own napkin rings.

Related Themes

Winter wonderland.

White-Themed Menu

Coastal Social

Steel Drum Player

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Seafood Boil

Engagement Pool Party

Fire Dancer

Dessert Bar

(310) 827-2220

7 Creative Yacht Birthday Party Ideas

Birthdays come once a year… but the memories can last a lifetime. Celebrate your next trip around the sun with a yacht birthday party at FantaSea Yachts. We’ve been doing yacht rentals for birthdays and other events for over 42+ years. With beautiful Marina del Rey as our home base, our cruises offer exceptional service, a one-of-a-kind experience, and gorgeous views of the Southern California coastline. We’ve got you covered! If phrases like “ yacht party rentals Los Angeles ,” or “yachts for birthday parties” ring a bell then look no further. Our luxury yacht fleet is ready to host your birthday party on a yacht with friends and family members from near or far away from home.

Our experienced team of event planning professionals will be at your side to plan the birthday bash of the year. One tip our event planners often share is to consider a theme for your party. From cakes and decor to signature cocktails and party favors, themes are an excellent way to customize your party. Get inspired with these seven yacht birthday party ideas . 

1. Roaring 20s

Break out the flappers, crank up the jazz, and don your best Gatsby attire. The roaring 20s is always a crowd pleaser! Travel back in time with your friends – don’t forget the feathered headdress, pearls, and pinstripes – and pay homage to one of the most buzzed-about decades of the 20th century.

Enjoy sipping on gimlets or perhaps set up a speakeasy-inspired bar. Work with our staff to craft your signature drink. There are so many fun ways to bring back the 20s.

2. Fiesta Fun

Everybody loves a fiesta. Even better when it’s yours! One of the perks of having a fiesta-themed yacht party is the decor. From papel picado and maracas to vibrant colors, talavera, and bold accents, there are so many ways to play up the fiesta theme. Take it up a level by serving delicious fiesta fare. Quesadillas, taquitos, shots of tortilla soup, and elote are delectable dishes that also make great appetizers. 

Be serenaded by mariachis as you dance under the stars.

At the end of the night, surprise your guests with a taco service for the post-party treat they didn’t know they needed. Fiesta, fiesta, fiesta!

3. Disco Fever

Cue Staying Alive. Channel your inner Donna Summer. Break out the disco ball. The 70s are back!  

Partygoers can dance the night away to the biggest hits from the grooviest decade. All while sporting their best 70s attire. Time to break out those flared pants, feathered hair extensions and some high-stepping platform shoes!

Whether retro, flashy, or funky, 70s costumes are sure to be righteous.

Lava lamps, beaded curtains, smoke machines, and strobe lighting are great additions to your party decor. Throw in a dash of the most popular colors of the decade – purple, orange, brown – to top off that 70s flair.

4. White Party

There’s something about a white party that presents an irresistible lure. Perhaps it’s the ease of outfit planning. The pristine photo ops. Or that VIP feeling comes with being dressed head to toe in such an elegant color. Guests LOVE a white party. And we love planning them. From linens and flowers to decor and other creative twists, our luxury yachts are the perfect setting to customize your event.

Trust us when we say that a white party never goes out of style. 

5. Yacht Rock

Get ready to rock. Get ready to rock to chart-topping hits from the late 70s and early 80s as you cruise to the sounds of Hall & Oats, The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Steely Dan, Toto… and that’s just the first half hour. Guests will have fun with their attire. Anything goes, from flipped-out polo collars, boat shoes, and white shorts to Captain’s hats and their favorite pair of shades. For a flashier ensemble, channel your inner Miami Vice vibes. 

Yacht Rock. It’s one of our favorite combos.

6. Masquerade Ball

Add a little mystery to your party with a masquerade ball. Feathered masks, jewel tones, and elaborate make-up will up the ante.

Dress the yacht with candelabras, chandeliers, drapes, and lanterns to add some sparkle.

A masquerade ball is also the perfect setting for a murder mystery game or scavenger hunt. And the perfect activity for your guests to lean into the theme.

Don’t forget the photo booth to capture the glamorous costumes and dazzling allure. Along with a professional photographer on board, opt for a shimmering backdrop with streamers and props.  Come one, come all!

Nautical Charm in a Yacht Birthday Party

When throwing a yacht party, a nautical theme tops the list for many reasons. It’s fitting, charming, and makes the most of your party yacht rental experience – ahoy!

Think navy stripes, captain hats, and gold accents. Guests will enjoy a nautical-themed adventure as they take in glimmering ocean views and a cool, coastal breeze.

Welcome aboard, mate! People Also Ask

How many people can fit on a party yacht? The FantaSea Yacht fleet boasts three gorgeous yachts with capacities ranging from 12 – 250 guests. 

Ready to plan the ultimate theme party? We invite you to give us a call at 310-827-2220 or click here to submit an event query form to get you one step closer to hosting an unforgettable birthday party with FantaSea Yachts.

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FantaSea is the premier provider of yacht charters and rentals in Southern California. We’re ideal for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, yacht parties, and all celebrations!

Phone :  (310) 827-2220 Email :  [email protected]

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How to throw the perfect superyacht party.

Published 20 August 2021

Looking to host an impressive party on board a superyacht? Burgess charter experts share their experience to give you inspiration and ideas to make sure your next event is an unforgettable success

The perfect superyacht party

Planning for a milestone birthday, or perhaps there's a family reunion on the horizon? Whatever the occasion, Burgess charter experts know how to help you to experience the good times that make life special. Parties are an institution in the world of yachting, with superyachts providing the ultimate platform for the most exclusive of celebrations.

Whether formal or informal, large group or intimate gathering, a superyacht is a wonderful way of bringing people together in a place where they can truly connect with one another in a relaxed and unique setting.

The Burgess charter team has scoured the world in pursuit of the best locations and yachts, and can recommend the most suitable combination to ensure your superyacht party is memorable for all the right reasons. Whether you want to throw a large cocktail party, a discreet dinner, or both, Burgess will be on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly.

From the booking of your yacht, berth, private jet, and limousine, to a variety of different entertainment options, there is a superyacht and a destination to suit every taste.

Charter yachts that welcome celebrations

MOONLIGHT II

A vast sun deck with big party speakers and lightshow. She has a casino too

Her sea-level beach club converts into a nightclub. Spa, gym, pool - she has it all

Large sun deck area with built-in speakers and karaoke. She has inside and outside cinemas as well

Expansive deck space perfect for early morning yoga on deck or late night dancing at 'Club SEANNA'

Her beach club is a cinema and nightclub in one. A legendary charter yacht

Beach club offers a sauna, shower room, day head and fully equipped bar – perfect set up for a party

MAGNA GRECIA

Under-the-stars cinema and sophisticated nightclub features on the sun deck

BATON ROUGE

Enormous sun deck converts into a disco deck with lightshow, smoke machine, DJ decks and massive speakers

Selecting the right destination

Prefer a private desert island-type setting to celebrate with your friends and family? The  Caribbean and  The Bahamas have plenty of secluded bays in which to anchor and spend quality time with your favourite people. Here is a selection of the finest destinations to host your super, superyacht party.

Spring signals the start of the yachting season on the Côte d’Azur, with the Cannes Film Festival opening the show. From May, the Riviera lights up as A-list celebrities descend to see and be seen at arguably the most glamorous film festival in the world. The best parties are, of course, on board the most exclusive superyachts, berthed in the marina right next to the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals.

Further along the coast, Monaco glitters with seven centuries of regal heritage. The iconic Port d’Hercule is within champagne-popping range of the gilded principality’s world-renowned gourmet restaurants, A-list clubs, and designer boutiques. Sport is also a favourite pastime in Monaco, and the principality hosts several popular events including the Formula 1 Grand Prix in May.

Chartering a superyacht trackside at this event provides not only the best vantage point for you and your guests to watch the action, but also puts you right in the thick of the action where you can literally smell the gasoline and burning tyre rubber from these amazing cars. Burgess has the right contacts to also get you into the pit lane, rubbing shoulders with the drivers before the race, and partying afterwards at the Amber Lounge.

Despite its reputation as the  Balearics ' party-island, Ibiza has more recently evolved to be among the Mediterranean’s most glamorous charter cruising grounds. The vibe throughout the summer season is all about lazy lunches, diving off deck in secret coves, and losing yourself in the rural countryside inland. The White Isle as Ibiza is known, also offers the waterborne visitor an almost unrivalled selection of beach clubs.

Arrive in style by tender and join the glitterati enjoying the sunshine and sunset accompanied by chilled music before heading back on board to celebrate in style. Alternatively, as the sun sets and the vibe picks up a beat or two, head to Ibiza Town’s effortlessly cool hangouts where you can dance until dawn to the world's best DJs.

St Barth is without a doubt the New Year’s Eve capital of the Caribbean. Always a haven for celebrities at any time of year, the island brings in the new year with impromptu New Year’s Eve 'boat hopping' parties and stops at the many beach bars that dot the island. As the clock ticks towards midnight, step up on deck aboard your superyacht for a front row seat to the kaleidoscope of fireworks exploding over Gustavia Harbour.

This French-speaking island is perfect for a lavish New Year’s Eve celebration. Think cocktails on deck, al fresco dinner with friends before cranking up the sound system to celebrate the passing of midnight. Expect relaxed, short-distance cruising as you island-hop through the Leeward Islands in the days following the celebrations. What better way to kick off your year than this?

Harbour Island, Bahamas

The Bahamas offers a variety of activities for parties aboard and ashore. From local restaurants, hanging out with friends at a lively beach bar, or your very own private sunset beach party, whatever you choose to do, the Bahamian culture will facilitate, with festivals, music, dancing and colourful parades continuing into the early hours. 'Fresh up' and enjoy life Bahmian-style.

Harbour Island has recently come into the limelight with the arrival of a handful of chic new places recently opening on the island. With its pink-sand beach and pretty pastel cottages, the shoreline provides a perfect backdrop to sunset cocktails on board, followed by a trip ashore to a party at the legendary Vic-Hum Club. The oldest nightclub on the island, the open-air dancefloor at this humble yet iconic destination has attracted celebrities the world over.

Choosing the right yacht

From the crew to the layout, the facilities and even the décor, there are many facets of a yacht that, when combined, will influence the success of a superyacht party. The most successful charter yachts lend themselves to any type of occasion, be it a cocktail party or formal dinner party.

No matter what the style of celebration, there is a yacht to suit every taste. Likewise the crew can make or break a celebration, whether because they can theme any party in a creative way, or simply because the six-star service and smiling faces will give the party the right vibe.

Burgess yachts with bars

Whether celebrating, drinking sunset cocktails, a pre-dinner drink or watching sports events, the bar on a yacht is generally one of the focal points on board a superyacht. They come in many forms, ranging from wet bars on the sun deck to sit-up bars in the beach club, sky lounge bars and cosy saloon bars, backlit-onyx bars, and elegant marble-top bars.

• FAITH's lower deck beach club bar is jaw-dropping 1 of 4 photos
• EXCELLENCE has a main deck aft bar that also serves those in the pool 2 of 4 photos
• SECRET has a arc of marble-topped bar right next to the entertainment space on the main deck aft 3 of 4 photos
• Of course bars can be set up anywhere, like this one on TRIPLE SEVEN's swim platform 4 of 4 photos

Have fun with a theme

Nothing says party more than people dressing up, and themed parties are almost always popular among charter guests. They create memorable experiences – even more so when the yacht is decked out in appropriately themed decorations.

From an elegant James Bond-themed evening, perhaps with poker and blackjack tables set up, to a retro-style '60s party with a dancefloor and appropriate playlist, or Pirates of the Caribbean, they can revolve around just about any concept imaginable.

For those cruising in the Caribbean, consider a pirate party involving all the family. Many crews are well known for the creativity and polish of their themed parties. While keeping the younger guests entertained with a treasure hunt on the beach, you can enjoy sundowners on the sand.

Back on board enjoy drinks on the sun deck before dining al fresco on the main deck. If you're having a larger bash in port, have your pirate outfits sent ahead and the yacht dressed with pirate paraphernalia. Canapes and rum cocktails can be served in treasure chests!

While in the Mediterranean, perhaps cruising around the  Greek islands , a toga party might involve some Greek cuisine followed by dancing, and then a movie night under the stars with Mamma Mia or My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding on the big screen. Or while in Cannes, a Bollywood party, or in Monaco why not throw a Mexican fiesta during the Grand Prix?

Poolside parties

On the larger more modern superyachts spa pools are generally a given these days, and although some may be limited to a sun deck jacuzzi, the largest of the charter yachts usually have all manner of water features, ranging from infinity pools with waterfalls, glass-bottomed pools, swim-up bars, and pools with counter currents.

And then you have the real party yachts, with swimming pools that turn into dance floors, and built-in DJ booths for the ultimate occasion aboard. The 73m  TITANIA , for example, hosts her guests around the pool deck bar with seating for up to eight guests, and another four seats inside the pool itself, all complete with a DJ set up to create a real pool party atmosphere.

• Some yachts have a pool with a bottom that rises to become a dancefloor 1 of 5 photos
• A glass-bottomed pool creating amazing natural light - and some great photos - in the beach club below 2 of 5 photos
• Pools can be hubs for activity or tranquility, however you like it 3 of 5 photos
• A glass-fronted pool is also great for fun photos 4 of 5 photos
• A great pool is a destination feature on a yacht 5 of 5 photos

Consider your guest list

Whether your party is a small and intimate affair or a large, quayside event, most yachts can accommodate up to 12 guests while cruising and hundreds more while berthed alongside, when different rules apply.

However, understated elegance is key, with fewer guests and more quality time to socialise. In fact, 100-120 guests is often considered the tipping point of human intimacy and interaction, so keep this in mind when considering a larger gathering.

Entertainment

Entertainment systems have always played an important role in the overall yacht party experience. Audio-visual technologies have changed significantly over the past decade, and the most successful charter yachts feature the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art and fully-integrated entertainment systems throughout their guest areas. 

From indoor and outdoor entertainment facilities, and the latest audio-visual equipment (including on-demand movies and music systems available throughout all guest areas and strong Wi-Fi for streaming), to private cinema rooms and outdoor cinema set-ups, almost anything available on land is also possible at sea.

Music and speakers

Music is an essential part of any party, and whether you prefer the dulcet tones of Adele during dinner or the pumping beats of a live DJ set during a dockside party, music always sets the tone. Surround sound systems for yachts with their own dedicated cinemas have become the norm, while built-in speakers on the party deck are fine tuned to deliver the best possible audio quality regardless of the musical genre.

Some yachts have a dual-purpose feature - a sun deck, for example - that transforms into a party deck after dark and music entices guests from open-air dining on the bridge deck below to party upstairs. Live bands are no longer de rigeur, instead world-famous DJs can be booked by your Burgess charter broker to come on board and play their set for your guests, with some big names keen to play private gigs.

Gourmet dining with your own personal chef is obviously one of the principal attractions of any charter vacation, but however delicious the dishes may be, how your meals are presented will have a huge impact on the overall dining experience.

An al fresco or formal dining set-up large enough to seat the number of guests invited is of course a must. For larger, cocktail events, a few different open-air dining options are better suited. The trend for celebrity chefs catering for such large events is on the rise, working hand in hand with your own superyacht chef to create the ultimate tasty menu to wow your guests.

For some, proximity to the ocean is a must, so why not dine in a yacht's beach club right by the water’s edge. The 62m  BATON ROUGE , for example, features an ocean-level beach club that incorporates lounging areas and easy access to the water by day, and transforms into the ultimate al fresco dining area by night.

Alternatively, many modern yachts feature Teppanyaki grills – perfect for guests looking to experience something a little different in a tropical climate. Plus you and your guests get the chef's table experience with wonderful dishes prepared before your very eyes and served straight from the grill.

The raised aft deck seating area aboard the 56m MY SEANNA can be converted into a dancefloor complete with state-of-the-art sound. There's also a backlit bar and lounge/dining area on the bridge deck, a 10-person spa pool that has its own bar, and a beach club at water level. 

The aforementioned 73m  TITANIA also features a beach club, complete with sauna, which can then be converted into a nightclub to continue celebrations into the night. You could even have your make-up and hair done in the yacht's beauty salon before the evening celebrations begin.

Special touches make it memorable

Details make all the difference. Ambient lighting, an attentive crew, the quality of sound or the welcome cocktail, the most successful and memorable superyacht parties are those where the crews have gone the extra mile. The occasions will usually dictate the type of party and the style.

For example, an anniversary celebration might have a more romantic theme, with soft lighting and candles, and elegant crockery and flowers all adding to the intimate sense of occasion. A New Year’s Eve celebration or birthday might however require more of a fun or risqué theme. Whatever you want, it can be done.

Most of the yachts in the Burgess charter fleet are designed for entertaining, with guest areas outstandingly assigned to allow for all manner of occasions according to desire. The yachts in the selection above are just afew of those recommended by Burgess charter experts as welcoming celebrations.

Are you planning something extra special in the coming months? Contact a Burgess charter expert and build the perfect celebration.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter , please contact a Burgess broker . Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London , Monaco , New York , Miami , Singapore or all other locations .

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All Eyes On You This Summer With These 6 Boat Party Theme Ideas

Give your boat party on Sydney Harbour that extra edge by making it a themed one! Whether it’s a luxury yacht, casual catamaran party hire or a full blown “we’re going all out!” celebration, having a boat theme party will make your guests mingle faster, bond quicker and have more fun. Plus, by standing out in your costumes you’ll be the talk of the town! When picking the boat party dress code, think first of the event type. If you are heading out on an EOFY party , having everyone show up in sexy school girl outfits may not go over too well with HR. Next consider the guest list, especially if there’s a guest of honour. If you’re heading on a posh hens boat party , the bride may not enjoy everyone showing up in their favourite animal onesie. These considerations will make sure everyone is comfortable and happy with the boat party dress code. 

Now that you’ve factored in these two considerations, we’ve put together this blog with summer boat theme party ideas. For you to get inspired, or to share with your crew and decide on the boat party theme together. 

Here are our 6 theme suggestions for your party boat hire in Sydney:

1. Let’s Get Nauti!

Ahoy mateys! Grab your sailor hat and let’s party! A nautical or sailor theme party looks great in your pics and is one of the easiest themes to organise for your boat hire. Everyone could bring their own sailor hat or the organiser could pick up a hat for everyone, to make sure all the designs fit nicely together. 

If you have a mixed group on board, bring a marker for a fun way to break the ice. Get everyone to come up with a nickname and write it on their white sailing hat. This will make it easy to strike up a conversation with The Codfather, Buoyoncé or Boaty McBoaterson, if they’ve caught your eye out at sea.

If you’d like to take the nautical theme a bit further, you could introduce a navy, red and white dress code. You could also organise sailor themed party food such as cupcakes in an anchor shape and a blue sangria for your crew to share! 

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2. you had me at aloha..

The Hawaiian theme is a classic dress code to lock in for your Sydney boat party hire. It is simple to organise as it’s easy for both men and women to find something tropical to wear. The fellas can pick up a Hawaiian shirt (or fish one out of the closet from that last Bali trip) and the gals can pretty much kit themselves out in anything flowery or colourful.  Of course, the essential accessory for any Hawaiian Tropical Boat Party is the flower lei. You can pick one up from pretty much any dollar shop around Sydney, and you might get a bit of a deal if you pick one up for everyone in your group.

Besides any lunch / dinner food you’ll bring for the day, organise some boat themed party food such as fresh fruit kebabs and a tropical punch to complete the look. Your day, your crew, your vibe! As you’re cruising around on your party boat on Sydney Harbour, play your tropical tunes through the boat speaker systems and everyone is guaranteed to have a blast. 

3. It’s Allllwhite!

White boat theme parties are very much on trend at the moment and are popular as a chic option for hens and birthday or Christmas and NYE party boat hire. The white party theme is even being embraced at engagement parties , where the bride (to be) and guests all shine bright in white!

It’s also an easy boat party theme to organise. Everyone has a white shirt or dress laying in the closet somewhere! Besides a white dress code, it’s easy to organise white food for your party boat hire. You can turn any cake into a white cake by using white icing at the top, you could serve white candy and make snowflake martinis . Save the turtle tip: even though white balloons look amazing as cruise theme decorations, please don’t bring them as we wouldn’t want to see them end up in the water.

4. Whatever floats your boat.

It’s summer, it’s hot and you want your pics to sizzle! Then all you need is your mates, some inflatables and you’re good to go to have an epic floaties boat theme party! To get ready to throw one epic summer bash, you’d want to get colourful. Bring flamingos, watermelon, strawberry and palm tree floats as cruise theme decorations and get the party started. You can lounge on them on the bow of the boat, but even more fun to take them into the water. We’ll let the captain know of your boat party theme so they will take you to a good spot for a float and swim. Are you ready to take your floaties boat theme party to the next level? Get everyone to get fruit floaties. Make sangria, and bring some real watermelon and pineapples to fully connect the vibe. Going all out? Some of our favourite floaties can be found here ). Pro tip: Bring an electric pump. You best inflate the floaties on the boat so you save yourself from riding the train and cruising the city of Sydney carrying your giant pink flamingo and golden-horned unicorn. 

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5. don’t worry, be hippy.

The 60’s are still a popular era for fancy dress! A hippy 60’s themed boat party with its Flower Power vibe puts people in a great mood. And with all this love in the air, your Sydney boat party will be a great success. 

The Hippy boat party theme is mostly popular for hens and birthdays . It’s fun and easy to kit yourself out in the iconic hippy gear. You can go to a fancy dress shop and pick up a traditional hippy fancy dress costume, or you can create your own. Why not visit your local second hand shop or Vinnies, you’ll be surprised how much 60’s gear is available there! With this boat party theme, accessorising is key. Wear a headband with silk flowers attached, pick up some massive dangly earrings and smother yourself in strings of beads.

6. Go Bananas!

Go bananas! Just imagine how much fun the group in this photo had on their banana themed boat party! 

Some of our bucks and hens party groups like to theme their boat party and dress out of the box. So have we seen a group of Umpa Lumpas, Superheroes and Villains, the animals on Noahs Ark and a boat full of Where is Waldos. 

When you decide to go overboard (see what we did there 😉) with the costumes for your party boat hire, make sure that your crew is comfortable with this. For some people fancy dress is super fun, an opportunity to let their hair down and enjoy being silly. For others fancy dress is a bit of a nightmare, and they feel silly and embarrassed dressed up. If your group is a bit hesitant to go bananas, maybe suggest one of the easier themes such as a nautical themed boat party or Hawaiian Tropical themed boat party. 

Have you decided on the theme for your Private Cruise on Sydney Harbour?

A Sydney Harbour boat party theme will add that little extra to your experience. Just imagine the photos you and the crew will be looking back on! Whether you choose to look sexy, funny or classy, a themed party is the way to go! The biggest thing about a good boat theme is to have fun with it. Picked your theme but not your boat yet? We have helped plan all sorts of boat parties and we would love to help you plan yours. Whether it’s a birthday , friends gettogether , hens , bucks , engagement or corporate cruise , we’ll organise a boat to match your experience!

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Sail Away to Fun: Nautical Party Ideas for a Maritime Adventure on the High Seas!

If you're looking to host a party that sets sail into a sea of fun and adventure, a nautical-themed gathering is the perfect choice. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, a graduation, or just want an excuse to bring friends and family together, a maritime-themed party is sure to make waves. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into nautical party ideas that will help you create an unforgettable maritime adventure on the high seas.

Setting the Scene

The success of any party begins with the right atmosphere. When it comes to a nautical-themed party, creating the perfect maritime setting is essential. Here's how you can set the scene:  

• Invitations

Start by designing invitations that resemble old treasure maps or ship logs. Use parchment-style paper and add nautical symbols like anchors, steering wheels, and compass roses. Don't forget to include witty phrases like "Chart a course for adventure!" to get your guests excited about the journey ahead.  

• Decorations

Transform your party space into a maritime wonderland. Hang fishnets, lifebuoys, and seashells on the walls. Use navy blue, white, and red as your primary color scheme to evoke a classic nautical vibe. You can also scatter sand or crushed seashells on the floor to mimic the feel of a beach.  

• Table Settings

Set the tables with maritime flair. Choose navy blue and white striped tablecloths, and use rope or jute twine as napkin rings. Place miniature sailboats or lighthouses as centerpieces. For place cards, opt for seashell-shaped holders with each guest's name on them.  

Dress the Part

To fully immerse your guests in the maritime adventure, encourage them to dress in nautical attire. Here are some ideas for dressing the part:  

Captain and Crew: Some guests can come as the captain of the ship, complete with a captain's hat and a navy blazer, while others can dress as crew members with sailor hats and striped shirts.  

Pirates: Invite some guests to embrace their inner pirates with eye patches, bandanas, and plenty of "Ahoy, matey!" greetings.  

Mermaids and Mermen: For a touch of fantasy, some guests can dress as mermaids with seashell bras and flowing, shimmering skirts, while others can be mermen with tridents and scales.  

Nautical Eats and Treats

No party is complete without delicious food and treats. Here's how you can infuse a nautical theme into your menu:  

• Seafood Extravaganza

Serve a seafood feast with options like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, and fish tacos. Don't forget to offer a variety of dipping sauces and lemon wedges for that extra zing.  

• Nautical-Inspired Desserts

Get creative with your desserts. Craft anchor-shaped cookies, sea-themed cupcakes with edible seashells, and a cake resembling a treasure chest overflowing with edible jewels.  

• Ocean-Inspired Drinks

Serve up refreshing ocean-inspired beverages like blue raspberry lemonade or a signature cocktail like "The Captain's Grog." Don't forget to provide non-alcoholic options for guests of all ages.  

Games and Activities

Keep your guests entertained with nautical-themed games and activities:  

• Treasure Hunt

Organize a treasure hunt where guests follow a series of clues to find hidden "buried treasure." Use pirate-themed props and maps for added authenticity.  

Set up a small pool or basin for miniature boat races. Guests can decorate and race toy boats, competing for the title of the fastest sailor.  

• Nautical Trivia

Test your guests' maritime knowledge with nautical trivia questions and see who can earn the title of "Master of the High Seas."  

Party Favors

Send your guests off with a little piece of the maritime adventure to remember the party by. Some great party favor ideas include:  

Nautical Keychains: Customized keychains with the date of the party and a nautical charm.  

Seashell Soaps: Handcrafted seashell-shaped soaps that smell like the ocean.  

Message in a Bottle: Miniature bottles filled with a personalized thank-you message and some sand or seashells.  

Nautical Playlist

To keep the maritime ambiance going, curate a playlist filled with sea shanties, classic nautical tunes, and ocean-inspired melodies. Songs like "Sailing" by Christopher Cross, "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin, and "Rock the Boat" by Hues Corporation can add the perfect soundtrack to your maritime adventure.  

Creative Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth area with nautical-themed props such as sailor hats, captain's wheel, and lifebuoys. Encourage your guests to take memorable photos that will serve as souvenirs from the high seas adventure. You can even provide a backdrop featuring an ocean or a pirate ship for that extra touch of authenticity.  

Nautical Crafts

For a fun and interactive activity, set up a crafting station where guests can make their own nautical-themed keepsakes. Provide materials for creating friendship bracelets with marine-themed charms or decorating wooden picture frames with seashells and beach glass. This not only keeps your guests engaged but also gives them a unique memento to take home.  

Maritime Movie Marathon

If you have the space, consider setting up an outdoor movie screening with classic maritime films such as "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Finding Nemo," or "Captain Phillips." Provide blankets and popcorn for an enjoyable cinematic experience under the stars.  

Sunset Cruise (Virtual or Real)

If your budget allows, consider taking your guests on a real sunset cruise if you're near the coast. Alternatively, you can organize a virtual sunset cruise experience by streaming a prerecorded video of a serene sea journey on a big screen. Provide drinks and appetizers for a relaxing evening on the "high seas."  

A nautical-themed party is an exciting way to celebrate any occasion and create lasting memories. By paying attention to the details like decorations, costumes, delicious treats, and engaging activities, you can ensure that your maritime adventure on the high seas is a resounding success. For all your nautical party needs, Home & Hoopla Shop is your go-to destination. We offer an incredible selection of nautical-themed decorations, tableware, party favors, and more, ensuring that your event sails smoothly from start to finish.  

Whether you're sailing with pirates, exploring undersea wonders, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze, your nautical party is sure to be a cherished event for all who attend. So, hoist the sails, steer your course, and set off on an unforgettable journey of fun and excitement!

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Yacht Party Themes to Make Your Day Memorable

A luxury yacht rental party is a must for any special occasion in Miami. The cool blue Caribbean, the very best of food and music, and the company of your loved ones can be best enjoyed only on a yacht.

If you are wondering how to throw a yacht party, you’re in the right place!

You can choose a luxury yacht rental for your birthday, anniversary, or any other special day. Also, a boat-themed party is a lot of fun and can make it a memorable experience for you and your guests. Read on to learn about some of the most interesting themes and ideas for parties on a yacht!

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6 Best Boat Party Themes to Enjoy the Experience!

Hawaiian fun.

Why waste such a special day with ordinary celebrations? Make your event ten times more fun with a Hawaiian theme. You can decorate your Miami party boat with tropical flowers and theme-based decorations. You can have floral crowns and grass skirts made for your guests to don on the yacht. Also, arrange for tropical drinks, Hawaiian food, and music to make your yacht-themed party more unique, fun, and special!

You can also base your theme around a shipwreck. You can invite your friends and guests to wear costumes to go with the theme. You can even add a few survival games that your guests can play on your luxury yacht rental.

Mermen and Mermaids

Mermen and mermaids have for the longest time remained the most mystical and intriguing subjects of the cool blue sea. Invite your friends to dress up as mermen and mermaids for your luxury yacht rental party. Make sure you decorate your Miami party boat according to the theme. Remember, with this theme, you will need a lot of shells and glimmer. So get shopping right now!

Casino Royale

Partying on a luxury yacht rental is in itself quite a luxury. So why not extend this luxury and base the theme of your Miami boat party on casinos? Invite your friends to get dressed in their most luxurious outfits. Set up popular casino games such as the Russian Roulette and Black Jack. Arrange for good music that goes well with the theme. Make sure all your drinks and food are well-arranged and enjoy the night.

Hollywood Calling

The fun of playing dress-up is something that most people enjoy. Imagine dressing up as your favorite celebrity and pretending to live their life for one night. Hollywood is a fun and one of the best boat party themes. Your friends would love to dress up as their favorite celebrities and party through the night on a luxury yacht rental. To prepare your Miami party boat for this party, you will have to get a red carpet, hang a few gold stars throughout, and set up a space for clicking photos. To make this luxury yacht rental party more fun, you can even include a small awards ceremony. Decide on the titles that you want to hand over and then hand out prizes to friends who have nailed the look.

Party like a Mexican

A luxury yacht rental party can be lots of fun if you can make your guests travel into a different era or place. By picking out a Mexican theme, you do just that. Ask your friends to dress up in traditional Mexican outfits, and arrange for some great Mexican food and music. However, the party will feel incomplete if you do not deck your yacht up. For a Mexican theme, hang a few pinatas and brightly colored decorations. Don’t forget frozen margaritas, tacos, chips and guacamole. If you have the budget, you can even hire a mariachi band to get as authentic as you can.

The first thing that you need to do to plan the most rocking party for your friends is to hire the right Miami party boat. If you need help picking out the right yacht, you can reach out to Miami Boat Charters!

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Miami Boat Charters offers the largest range of luxury yacht rentals and boat charters including fully crewed boat charters, luxury rentals, and Miami party boats. You can reach out to us by calling us at +1(305)401-2707 or writing to us at  [email protected] . We would be delighted to help you!

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Best Theme Ideas For Your Next Yacht Party

Luxury yachts are readily available. Every year, the Dubai Marina, via numerous yacht charter firms, draws many visitors to the nation. The city has evolved into a significant tourist destination with its wonderful shopping, international restaurants, dine-ins, and other historic attractions. On the other hand, a boat charter is one of the most popular activities in the city that everyone should attempt at least once. Yacht rental services come in a variety of packages, each with its own set of amenities, depending on the client’s demands. It’s the finest venue to have a party. You’ll need a great theme for the boat party to succeed. Try one of these exciting theme party ideas on your next boat rental.

From the studios of Hollywood

This is a topic that may pique the curiosity of every movie buff since living the life of a superstar is practically everyone’s ambition. With a red carpet, gold stars, and other background decorations, you can make the boat ready for a Hollywood arrival, creating the right atmosphere for an award presentation on deck. The attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite movie stars. Simple tiny awards to reward your pals after the celebration may also provide a realistic touch.

Country-specific

Even though you will be chartering the boat rental in Dubai , you may transform the party into any nation you like. Colors associated with a given nation, such as flag colors, might be used to adorn the boat. You may dress up in traditional clothing from that nation to give you a better sense of being there. Additionally, the yacht meal menu may be adjusted to accommodate regional cuisine.

Night at the Casino

You can make your yacht party glamorous and sumptuous with a casino-themed party. Guests may break wild with table games like Russian Roulette and Black Jack as if they were at any prominent casino throughout the globe. Any old-school attire and extremely executive suits and exquisite, dazzling gowns are acceptable for the celebration.

The Ideal Theme for a Yacht Party

The theme of the Sea

Because you’ll be traveling on the water, this theme might offer you a realistic feeling. Decorate the yacht settings with anchors, lifebuoys, and other ship-related accessories to achieve a true sensation of being on a sailing vessel. The visitors will look fantastic in their nautical navy-colored outfits and caps. The cuisine may be customized with seafood and unique drinks to replicate the experience of eating fish straight from the Sea.

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Theme Night Party Suggestions for Yacht Stewardesses (or anyone!)

June 6, 2017 By Julie Perry

One of the joys of being a yacht steward/ess is keeping things fun—for the guests, and even the crew. If you have a knack for entertaining, you will love this aspect of your job: having theme dinners and throwing parties!

Remember, your guests are on vacation, and when the yacht is anchored away from land-based activities, it’s up to the crew to keep things interesting. Not to mention, going out of your way to add these special touches could very well boost your tip.

Simply adding a theme to one of your dinners is something most any group will enjoy. For this, play up a menu theme with table decorations.

The megayacht stewardesses of M/Y “Huntress” strut their table-decorating stuff! Photo Credit: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV

Serving Thai? Scatter orchids and peony blooms around a light pink tablecloth; hang white lights on the potted deck trees; use glimmery gold napkins rolled up and tied with bamboo string; and even bust out the tiki torches.

On the other end of the spectrum, don’t just stop with dinner: Plan an entire evening around your theme, including activities, games, and even costumes for the guests to wear. This is your chance to make a huge impression on your clients and to create an experience they will cherish. I’ve had guests be moved to tears over some of the evenings we made special for them.

A German theme! From the 2nd Annual Perfect Setting Tabletop Challenge (2009) presented by Yacht Next at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Photo credit: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV.

In fact, it’s a good idea to build up a small “library” of themes guests can choose from if they are interested in having a festive evening (and make sure it’s a line item in your budget). Feel free to borrow from my list of guest favorites below:

Theme Night Party Suggestions

Casino / poker night.

If guests wish to dress up for the occasion, have bow ties, feather boas (check out this money boa !), cigarette holders, and costume jewelry on hand. For crew (who can serve as dealers and cocktail waitresses), think about green plastic dealer visors for the guys and Playboy bunny ears for the gals (“cigars, cigarettes!”). Low lighting and white Christmas lights strung about are a nice effect, as is playing a James Bond movie soundtrack to set the mood.

Pirate Night

You can find fun pirate costumes for this occasion at any party store. Look for eye patches, bandanas, plastic swords, black-and-white striped shirts (which can also be used for Venetian Night parties), pirate hats, costume mustaches and beards, and fake “hook” hands.

Hollywood Night / Oscars Night

For costume ideas, refer back to my suggestions under Casino/Poker Night (the same will work here). Another suggestion: I once purchased two dozen mini plastic Oscar trophies , and we used this Hollywood theme on the last night of several charters as an opportunity to “award the guests” for silly things like “best use of sun deck,” “most improved water skier,” and other inside jokes among the guests and crew. This is a great way to end a trip (that’s a wrap!).

These table decorations would work great for an Oscars Night dinner party. From the 2nd Annual Perfect Setting Tabletop Challenge (2009) presented each year by Yacht Next at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Photo by Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV.

New York, New York / Broadway Night

Here is another variation to the Hollywood Night, as you’ll use the same glitz and glamour costumes and a lot of the same gold and silver decorations. A New York, New York / Broadway Night is always a blast, especially if you have a piano onboard, or if you have guests who like to Karaoke to Broadway Show Tunes. Hang musical note cutouts, posters of New York City scenes (Marilyn in Times Square is one to shop for), and make your own “Big Apple” sign. For a more elaborate back-drop, wrap various-sized cardboard boxes in black wrapping paper, pasting on little silver squares (these are windows), stack the boxes about and add some strands of Christmas lights and white cotton on top, and—voila!—you’ve got a line of skyscrapers! Whatever you come up with for a menu, New York-Style Cheesecake is a must for dessert.

A “New York, New York” Theme Night Party. (A good one if you have a piano onboard.)

Disco Night

A great 70s-style meal idea is to throw a fondue feast. Sprinkle gold and silver star confetti around the dinner or buffet table. To set the mood (going for the Studio 54 effect here), use black/strobe lights and lava lamps. “Scenes of the 70s” on the walls make great additions—a Saturday Night Fever or Boogie Nights movie poster, perhaps. Costume considerations: polyester leisure suits, halter/tube tops, bell-bottom pants, afro wigs, big sunglasses, gaudy belts, gold chains and scarves, flashy wrap dresses, and glow jewelry.

Pajama Party  / Movie Night

If you are going to do a sit-down dinner beforehand, I’ve seen some very clever things done to transform a main dining room table into what looks like a bed. Just use sheets as a tablecloth and then come up with a makeshift headboard. Add a pillow, give the sheets and top blanket a turn-down, perhaps use a few throw pillows, and maybe even add a teddy bear. Having an ice cream sundae bar is another great idea.

Consider doing an ice cream sundae bar for movie night — great for when the boat is underway or during bad weather when the guests are confined indoors. For great  ideas, as well as other treats for an ice cream parlor effect, see this post by event planner, Amy Atlas. There are more good sundae toppings ideas from Amy in this post here .

The best part of this party is the toga costumes . Have sheets on-hand that you buy especially for such an occasion; otherwise, it’s a surefire way to ruin those expensive guest sheets. You might also consider purchasing white fabric for the costumes, as that will be even cheaper. If purchasing fabric to make your togas , try going with a cotton blend or nylon, and go for 4 to 6 yards (3-2/3 to 5-1/2 m) for each toga (on the shorter end for shorter guests and crew). As for the width, stay under two yards. Another recommendation is that the width of fabric should be the same as your height, with the length of fabric being about three to four times your height. Accessorize with gold belting, Roman rope belts, leather straps, and ivy covered wire or told laurel leaf wreaths for headdresses. Below is a good tutorial for how to make several different styles of toga:

Cowboy / Western Night

Yeeeee-haw! If your guests are game for a luxury hoedown at sea, here are some ideas: Create a “WANTED” invitation to place on your guests’ beds during the afternoon. Ask them to come dressed in denim, and when they arrive for dinner, provide cowboy shirts and/or hats, bandanas, fringe, and toy gun holsters. You could also have Zorro masks available.

A yacht crew throwing a cowboy and western-themed party for charter guests. Photo credit: Ryan Sputh & Amy Fife.

For dinner, serving barbecued anything is a fine choice, as are variations of the standard “meat and potatoes” meal. Use red or yellow gingham accessories and lanterns to decorate your table, with rope lassos as garlands and Sheriff’s badges as napkin rings. Some other great wild west decorations to make or shop for are horseshoe cutouts, fake cacti, and a sign reading “Saloon” for over the bar. Be sure to play Country Western music, as your guests may be up for some square dancing after dinner.

Mexican Fiesta Night / Cinco de Mayo

Some Additional Themes to Consider:

• Venetian Night
• Safari/Jungle Night
• Tropical Island/Luau Party (maybe as a beach BBQ)
• Jimmy Buffet Night
• Moroccan Feast Night
• Arabian Nights Night (Moroccan chic)
• 80s Theme Night
• Viking Night
• Traditional Tea Party
• Mardi Gras Night
• Martini Theme Party

A Moroccan Feast – From the 2nd Annual Perfect Setting Tabletop Challenge (2009) presented each year by Yacht Next at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Photo by Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV.

A Few Final Tips:

• You need to think about various theme dinners and parties you could throw far in advance so that you are prepared when different holidays or events spring up. For example, will you have Americans onboard over Fourth of July (when you are in Sardinia)?
• Beware that not all guests will get into the fully planned evenings, so you’ll want to run it by  them before going too all-out with a party idea.
• Send a list of your theme dinner/night options along with your preference sheets so that guests have an opportunity to express their interest ahead of time. This way you’ll know what decorations and costumes to have pulled out from storage when their trip begins.
• White Christmas lights are your best decoration investment: they fit almost any party theme. (Warning: Don’t wait to shop for them in Malta in July. I did that once .)
• Get creative! The guests understand that you are going to have limited resources.

And above all: have fun with it.

Yacht Stew Party Supplies

Check out the Amazon store of yacht stew resources I’ve created to see if any of the items are what you need to get planning a fabulous theme night for your yacht-charter guests. Some are slightly gimmicky—maybe not posh enough for superyacht parties—but many will suffice. Believe it or not, when there’s a fun theme involved, yacht charter guests can be very forgiving. After all, you’re at sea. Regardless, even if these exact items don’t fit the superyacht bill, you’ll at least get the idea and can shop elsewhere for a higher grade quality of the same thing. Party on!

Julie Perry is a former yacht stewardess and the author of the book, The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess: Confessions from My Years Afloat with the Rich and Famous 2nd Edition (August 1, 2013). Pick up your copy of this must-have guide to landing a crew job aboard a luxury yacht today .

The interior staff generally have more interaction with guests or owners on a daily basis than any other crew member. Very often a guest’s overall experience onboard a yacht—good, bad, or indifferent—will be based on this interaction. A stewardess has the power to truly make the onboard experience exceptional.” —Julie Liberatore, Regulatory Liaison Maritime Professional Training (MPT)

[…] Also in this issue is a wonderful article on how to plan and execute THEME NIGHT parties for yacht guests. […]

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Blog » Yacht Dinner Party Theme Ideas

Yacht Dinner Party Theme Ideas

By isabella stark, may 14, 2014.

• Martini Theme Party – Celebrate the upcoming summer with a cool and casual dinner party, adorned with orange and yellow hanging paper lanterns, with an offering of Martinis in a selection of flavors and bright colors. Drinks are  accompanied by a delectable hors d’oeuvres spread, followed by dinner and dancing, some karaoke and fun! Give some martini recipe cards to guests as parting favors so they can recreate some of those tasty libations at home.
• Mexican Fiesta/Cinco de Mayo – Decorate with bold colors like red, yellow and green. Offer a salsa bar, different flavored margaritas, and a menu that includes favorites such as pulled pork tacos, crab quesadillas, and a taco buffet.  Hire a Mariachi band to add some authenticity. Hand out some Mexican hats and maracas! Put out some traditional Mexican pottery pieces on the tables that your guests can take home at the end of the evening.
• Cultural Gatherings – Go with something exotic, such as an Asian inspired theme. The menu possibilities are endless, beginning with a sushi bar and some sake, and the décor will transform the evening when you use bamboo centerpieces, Japanese lanterns, and paper fans.  Japanese music playing will set the mood and everyone can indulge in green tea ice cream for dessert.
• Clue/Murder Mystery Parties – Guests will participate in an exciting murder mystery game where they are given clues to solve a murder. During dinner, scenes play out by character actors who also come to each table afterward to answer questions and provide extra clues.  Don’t forget prizes for those who solve the mystery!

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Garden tours, plants sales and more ways to spend time among flowers

Visit Maine's botanical gardens or get a sneak peek of what your neighbors are growing in their back yards.

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One of the loveliest ways to ease yourself fully out of the post-winter blahs and into springtime is to quit being a wallflower and instead surround yourself with living, blooming plants.

From botanical gardens to plant sales and garden tours, it’s time to make like the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” and while away the hours, conferring with flowers.

The waterfall at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Photo by Tory Paxson, Courtesy of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

TOTALLY BOTANICAL

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is open for the season, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maine Days are May 31 to June 2, when anyone with a Maine driver’s license or state ID gets in for free. Ditto for dads/father figures on Father’s Day (June 16). Advance registration is required. With more than 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces, including a waterfall, there will be plenty to see, smell and bask in the scenery.

Here are more things to do in Boothbay

A tour group walks on the boardwalk at Viles Arboretum in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Viles Arboretum is a botanical garden in Augusta with 6 miles of trails and more than 20 botanical collections. It’s open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. There are 224 acres with all sorts of flora and fauna to discover. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the visitor center is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Viles Arboretum offers medicinal plant walks, and although the May 18 session is full, you can still register for the June 15 and Sept. 14 events, lead by herbalist, homeopath and flower essence practitioner Debra Bluth. Tickets are $25. Advertisement

The Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve has four areas to explore on its property in Northeast Harbor: the Asticou Azelea Garden (dawn to dusk daily), the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden (noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday from July 9 to Sept. 8, reservations required), Thuya Garden (dawn to dusk daily, June 15 to Oct. 14) and Little Long Pond Natural Lands (hiking trails and carriage roads open dawn to dusk daily). On June 26, at the Wildflowers of Little Long Pond event, participants can wander around the garden’s fields and forest, spotting wildflowers along the way while practicing how to identify them.

Joyce Saltman, right, and Beth Anisbeck embrace a tree for 60 seconds during a tree hugging event sponsored by Portland Parks and Recreation, at Deering Oaks Park last year. Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer

TOURS AND MORE

2nd Annual Tree Hugging 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Deering Oaks Park, Portland. portlandmaine.gov The tree hugging is a family-friendly community gathering to celebrate Portland’s many trees. Park ranger Liz Collado will lead a sensory awakening and forest bathing session. Along with tree hugging, there will be a storytime, and you can touch a forestry truck and meet naturalist Noah Querido and Portland city arborist Mark Reiland. Just down the road, you’ll find Fessenden Park, on the corner of Brighton and Deering Avenues. The tulips have arrived, and it’s worth a visit to see them.

McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24. McLaughlin Garden and Homestead, 97 Main St., South Paris, $5. mclaughlingardens.org You’ll find more than 125 varieties of lilacs at the McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival. Explore on your own or take a guided tour led by a horticulturist. There will also be family-friendly activities, and you can shop for native and unusual plants.

4th annual Woodfords Community Garden Tour 1-4 p.m. June 8. Woodfords Corner Community in Back Cove, Deering Highlands, Oakdale and Deering Center, $20 suggested donation. woodfordscorner.org Presented by Friends of Woodfords Corner, this self-guided tour features at least 10 gardens. As you make your way down the list, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by all of the hidden havens bursting with flowers, plants and impressive yardscaping elements.

Peony Society of Maine 23rd annual Garden Tour 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 and 15. Both tours start at 1348 Ohio St., Bangor, $5 donation. peonysocietyofmaine.net You’ll visit multiple gardens in Bangor, Winterport, Ripley and St. Albans, and your senses will be filled with countless peonies. A peony plant will be raffled off at the end of each tour. Advertisement

Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22. Sagadahoc Preservation Inc., 880 Washington St., Bath, $40. sagadahocpreservation.org The Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath house and garden tour features several homes in North Bath. Every stop on the tour will be a treat for your senses and may motivate you to make some of your own magic when you get back home.

Garden Conservancy Open Garden Days 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 29. Beckett Castle Rose Garden, Singles Road, Cape Elizabeth, $10. gardenconservancy.org You’ll see plenty of roses as well as ocean views at Beckett Castle, which sits right on the water, with views of five lighthouses. The castle was built in 1871, and its rose garden features more than 70 varieties of heirloom roses. A 50-foot stone tower doubles as the rose arbor entrance to the castle.

PICK A PLANT SALE

Tate House Museum’s Annual Plant and Herb Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18. Tate House Museum, 1267 Westbrook St., Portland, 207-774-6177.  tatehouse.org The wide selection includes perennials divided from the museum’s 18th century reproduction garden. Visitors can also make their own “seed bombs” and get a sneak peak at a new installation by artist Ashley Page from 10 a.m. to noon.

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland Spring Plant S ale 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 18, Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, 207-854-9771.  arlgp.org   Perennials, house plants and more will be on sale, and plants that don’t have specific pricing are “name your own fee.” Anyone interested in donating plants or pots to the sale should send a message to [email protected] .

Taking Root Plant Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Tom Settlemire Community Garden, Maurice Drive, Brunswick, 207-729-7694.  btlt.org This annual sale is organized by the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust. Proceeds benefit the Common Good Garden, which provides food and gardening education for the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. Master gardeners will be on hand to help shoppers choose their best options.

Scarborough Land Trust Native Plant Sale and Spring Festival 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Broadturn Farm, 388 Broadturn Road, Scarborough, 207-289-1199.  scarboroughlandtrust.org Visitors will find native plants, food vendors, local artisans, guided nature walks and activities for kids. To preorder plants, visit the Scarborough Land Trust website.

Maine Audubon Society Native Plants Sale and Festival 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 8, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, 207-781-2330.  maineaudubon.org More than 75 species of native wildflowers, shrubs and tree seedlings will be available, along with workshops, info tables and experts.

Staff writer Megan Gray contributed to this report.

Related Headlines

Headed to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens? Here’s what else to check out in Boothbay

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