Boat Party Etiquette
Many will say that the definition of living their best life is enjoying themselves with friends on board a gorgeous yacht. And they will surely be right because nothing compares to having a carefree boat party while enjoying the sunshine, listening to good music, and hanging out with friends.
Imagine you’ve just been invited aboard a friend’s boat to spend a great day together partying. While you’ve been waiting for this invitation for some time now, you find that you know nothing about boat etiquette. Many might ask whether this is even a thing! Generally speaking, you can treat boat gatherings just like any other party you would go to, but there are just a few tips you should consider.
Being the perfect guest on a boat party is beyond just having fun and enjoying the scenic beauty. There is a set of boat etiquette rules you need to follow that will enhance everyone’s enjoyment.
Not sure where to start? Join us as we guide you in making a lasting impression, ensuring a smooth boat party experience.
RSVP Promptly
There is limited space on board, which is why boat parties have a strict guest capacity. This is why promptly confirming your attendance as a guest at the party is of the utmost importance.
Being a courteous guest starts with promptly acknowledging the boat party invitation – accepting or declining it, depending on your availability. If you cannot attend, gracefully decline the invitation and express sincere gratitude for being invited. Your RSVP aids the host in making all the necessary arrangements and, at the same time, shows you respect for their hospitality.
Be on Time
When going to a boat party in Charleston, SC, Austin, TX, or anywhere else, punctuality is a must. It is not only a way to show your host and fellow guests you respect them, but it also helps to maintain the party itinerary. This ensures that the planned party activities will start without delays and interruptions and will go smoothly.
Reaching the location slightly ahead of the scheduled departure time is advisable to ensure a seamless start. Any late arrivals will disrupt the schedule and potentially impact the overall experience of everyone on board.
Bring a Gift
Although not mandatory, it is a common courtesy for a guest to bring a small gift to thank the host for inviting them. Don’t just bring anything that comes to mind. Consider choosing the gift and keep your host’s taste in mind.
The gift doesn’t have to be something big or expensive, but it has to show your host that you have put some thought into it. So, choose their favorite bottle of wine, or maybe bring a box of the finest chocolates your host loves. These are always crowd-pleasers and will show your host you appreciate the invitation.
Offer to Bring Provisions
You can offer to help make any appetizers or pick up some ice on your way to the dock. Some hosts may decline, but if they agree, you can offer to make items easy to serve. This can include pre-cut veggies, cheese, sandwiches, crackers, and just about anything you think will be a great addition to a day on the water. Remember to avoid bringing messy foods and items that could stain the boat deck on Savannah party boats.
As for the music and props, if the host has hired our Cocktail Boys, then you are in for a real treat! They will bring the music to keep up the party. We can turn dull moments into a blast and ensure you are well-fed and protected from the sun.
Dress the Part
When agreeing to attend a boat party, find out what to wear in advance. Being underdressed or overdressed for the party is equally awkward. Address to the dress code to fit seamlessly into the boat party atmosphere. This often means balancing confidence and style, including smart-casual or nautical attire.
For daytime parties, you can stick to dressing casually. This includes a pair of nice shorts and a semi-casual top for men or a light dress for women. If you go to a boat party after sunset, you will probably need to adhere to a formal dress code and higher-quality clothing. This includes wearing suit jackets and tuxedos for men and silk blouses or less casual dresses for women.
Considering the possibility of sea breezes, always bring a light jacket or wrap to keep you comfortable throughout the event. If you are attending a day party, prioritize sun protection. Applying sunscreen and wearing glasses to shield yourself from the sun and ensure a free and pleasant time on deck is advisable.
The Matter of Shoes
Shoes on board – debatable. Some Savannah party boats allow them, but they are not just any shoes. They must be soft soiled shoes that will be gentle for the boat. The decks are usually made of teak wood, so wearing heels and heavy shoes can easily damage the floor. With that, wearing heels on board is out of the question.
On the other hand, you will find that many boats and yards follow a no-shoes-on-board policy. Don’t be surprised if you are asked nicely to remove your shoes before stepping on board. The host or crew members will often have dedicated a shoe drop-off zone. This is done for safety purposes, to give guests peace of mind that their shoes will be there when they leave the boat, so make sure to adhere to the boat guest etiquette.
Keep this in mind when preparing for a boat party. Avoid spending on expensive pairs of shoes, knowing you will have to take them off eventually. And since you know that you will be asked politely to remove your shoes, foot maintenance is a must before attending the party.
Respect the Captain and Crew
Once you set foot on board, whatever the captain says goes. They are always the ones in charge of the boat, and this point is not negotiable. The captain is responsible for creating the itinerary based on the weather conditions, which is why you are advised to pay attention when they talk. If you have any concerns or issues, speak to them directly.
Another fundamental aspect of boat etiquette is respecting the crew on board. These professionals are there to ensure your safety and comfort during the event. Show your appreciation for their expertise and dedication to your well-being by following their instructions and treating them courteously. If there are any specific requests you think they should know about, it’s advisable to communicate them politely and timely before the event starts.
Boat Party Safety: Take It Seriously
Your hosts will surely do everything they can to keep you safe throughout the boat party in Charleston, SC and Austin, TX. Knowing that you are taking safety seriously will give your hosts peace of mind and increase your chances of getting invited again.
Listen carefully when instructions are given and be willing to follow safety rules in case the waters get rough. Know what safety equipment is available on board at any time.
When moving about the vessel, holding onto the railings is advised. If you have barked on a sailing adventure, then always pay attention to the boom to avoid getting hit on the head.
If you’ve never been on a boat before, it’s wise to do some research and learn more about how to stay safe on board.
Maintain Cleanliness
Maintaining boats in pristine condition is both a responsibility and a courtesy of being a guest. Be sure to dispose of any waste or trash in the designated cans provided on board. This will help the crew and host keep the boat clean. At the same time, you will also contribute to avoid littering in any form.
If, by any chance, you are uncertain about where to dispose of an item properly, don’t hesitate to approach a crew member or the host and ask for guidance. Our Cocktail Boys will gladly help keep the space clean and make the crew’s job much easier in the end.
Leave Nothing Behind
When the boat party experience comes to an end, take a moment and double-check that you have not left any personal belongings behind. This is yet another way to demonstrate your considerate nature as a guest. And if you are one of those who always forget things, the Cocktail Boys will gladly remind you.
While boat owners and hosts always check the boat after the parties end, they do appreciate guests who ensure they leave the vessel in the same condition it was when first boarded. This is just a way of reflecting, a respectful and responsible approach to boat guest etiquette.
Have Fun at the Boat Party
And last but not least, the easiest and most important thing a guest can do is to have fun. Boats are meant to be shared with friends and family, so enjoy yourself while on board when invited to a boat party.
Boat owners and hosts like to know that their friends are having a blast. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, ask questions, go swimming, or just enjoy your time with your friends.
Spending a day with friends on the boat should be carefree, fun, and casual. So, next time you get invited to a boat party, keep these easy-to-follow guidelines in mind, and you’re guaranteed to have a blast.
If you liked this guide on boat party etiquette, check out the other blog posts on Cocktail Boys to learn more about how we can liven up the party. To book the ultimate experience, check out our boat services in Austin and Charleston!