BOAT PARTY PLANNING TIPS

Having a party on a boat on Sydney Harbour is the ultimate way to have fun and take in the amazing sites. Let your planning process also be fun and stress-free, by following these simple planning tips!

TOP PLANNING TIPS

The Sea Sydney Harbour team spend their days planning and organising events on boats. Discover their top planning tips to follow…

1. Have an initial idea on guest numbers – All vessels have a maximum capacity that they must work within. Having a clear idea of your guest numbers is important for a boat party in your early planning stages, to ensure that you book the most suitable vessel for your group size. Where possible, leaving a little bit of leeway in case guest numbers change is a good idea, but remember when you confirm a booking you are locking in that specific vessel.

2. Keep it simple – Being on a boat is an activity in itself. Your group will be entertained for hours mingling and enjoying food and drinks, and will love the time on board. Don’t feel the need to fill up the schedule with lots of extra activities – one or two is fine but allow time for your group to just enjoy each other’s company and being on a boat on Sydney Harbour.

3. Try not to worry about the weather – Bring your positive vibes on the day and you will have a good time.  While we definitely hope the sun is shining, rain or shine, you WILL have fun with your family and friends!

4. Decide on a boarding location that is convenient for you – Consider how you and your guests will be getting to the wharf on the day e.g. public transport or driving, and select a location accordingly. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your cruise is set to commence to avoid any delays. While generally boarding and disembarking does take place at the same location, if you have alternate plans after your cruise, a different location can be an option.

5. Plan adequate food for all – If you choose to BYO food and drinks, ensure there is a substantial amount for all. The simplest idea for food is pre-prepared platters or BBQ items, as this keeps preparation to a minimum when on board. If choosing to bring food for the BBQ, our friendly crew will cook this for you. All BBQ utensils and cleaning products are available onboard, so you just need to bring your food and drinks for the day.

6. Don’t forget your drinking water – A must for all boat charters, but something that is often forgotten. Don’t forget this!

7. Limit decorations and extra items – All vessels are well-maintained and where décor is used the look is modern and sophisticated. We understand that some events are planned with a specific theme in mind, however, limiting decorations and items being brought on board will make the boarding and disembarking process quicker and easier. Remember that planning an event on a boat is different to land venues, and bump-in time or pre-access cannot always be offered, so it is a good idea to keep it simple. At the end of your cruise, items brought on board will also need to be taken off or disposed of, so keep this in mind.

8. Communicate accurate details to your guests – To avoid stress and lots of phone calls on the day, ensure all your guests have accurate details, including cruise date and time, exact boarding location (with a link if possible), and advise them if you want them to bring anything with them on the day.


Use these simple tips to help you have a smooth, stress-free planning process in the lead up to your cruise celebration. The Sea Sydney Harbour team is always happy to help and assist with your planning too.

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