Superyacht Soirees: A Guide to Planning the Perfect Superyacht Party
Whatever celebration you want to host, from weddings or corporate events to a milestone birthday or a family reunion, a luxury superyacht provides the perfect floating platform.
Picture: gourmet canapés, free-flowing top-tier drinks, seven-star service combined with pools that transform into dance floors, state-of-the-art audio visual systems, unique themes, and onboard entertainers.
Yacht parties offer an exclusive setting and plenty of unique touches. Whether informal or formal, a small or large celebration, they will be one to remember. Planning a superyacht party, whether private or charter, can be challenging, but our experienced team at IYC can arm you with all the expert recommendations, ensuring the event runs as smoothly as possible.
Here are some of the things to consider for a party onboard a superyacht:
Planning is Key
The 'What,' 'Where,' 'Who,' and 'How' are key questions when planning a party on a superyacht. As the adage goes, 'failing to plan is planning to fail.' So, we combine our superyacht knowledge and connections with the onboard professional crew to plan the perfect party. Firstly, selecting the right yacht for the party is vital. Whether you already have a yacht and want to create the ideal party setting, you are looking to charter a luxury yacht for a big event, or you are in the market to buy, and partying is on your specification list, the type of yacht you choose is important.
Some superyachts have been designed to incorporate partying amenities, and some have versatile spaces that can be transformed. The type of event will need to be considered, from a pool party to al-fresco dining parties or room for live entertainment, we can give you the best yacht selection to choose from.
Set the Scene
Once you have the yacht, knowing where you want the party and having the ideal backdrop and area is essential. The destination can elevate the vibe and set the scene. There are various types of worldwide cruising locations to pick from.
Whether you want cityscapes, secluded bays, iconic locations, or sunset cruises. Some are better than others for particular events; for example, if you are looking to host a New Year's Eve party, having a yacht in St Barths would be ideal, or in Monaco for a Monaco Grand Prix after-party. Parties can also be a more relaxed affair, perhaps a low-key birthday gathering after a beach day in the Bahamas or a cocktail hour before you head to a famous Mykonos beach bar.
Create that Party Vibe
Deciding on the party atmosphere and event type helps understand the required amenities and space. Superyachts have unique amenities that can cater to all partying needs. Beginning at the bar, yachts can house a range of cocktail-making spaces hosting top-shelf liquor, from sit-up and wet bars to cozy sky lounge bars.
Maximizing the space is essential for any party no matter the size. For example, BIG EASY can convert its sundeck into a nightclub space with a foam machine and disco lights. There doesn't need to be a designated party space. Most yachts have areas onboard that can be used for entertainment, even swimming pool floors that transform into dance floors. Or, you may be looking to host a poolside party; plenty of yachts with pools are ideal for partying around, with pool deck bars and DJ setups.
Cater to All
When it comes to dining, each event will require different culinary elements. A corporate event may demand a formal dinner party, whereas a birthday party with a live band and music into the early hours will need a continuous flow of canapés.
Then, some parties or exclusive after-parties go on so long that they will need extra late-night snacks. We will help liaise with the yacht's onboard chefs or arrange external chefs to ensure that preferences are met and all the dining and beverage logistics are handled alongside the party.
Best Dressed
A party is the perfect excuse to dress up, and themed nights onboard our charter yachts are always popular. There are many possibilities for a theme, from Great Gatbsy-inspired gatherings and James Bond casino parties to family-friendly pirate-themed festivities.
It can also be seasonal or destination-specific. A superyacht is ideal for transforming it into anything you want, letting imaginations run wild with decor and performers bringing the theme to life. GECO is one of the number-one charter yachts for themed nights. The unique touch-and-go helipad and Buddha bar lounge create a versatile entertaining space.
All the Gadgets
Nothing sets the party vibe better than having the yacht transform from day to night with the help of onboard technology. Whether sophisticated audiovisual systems blasting concert-quality music, DJ booths, LED dance floors, video walls, or disco lighting, many yachts are equipped with these high-tech amenities.
There are plenty of party-perfect charter yachts to choose from that facilitate these technologies. One currently on the market for sale is HOME. She boasts state-of-the-art technology throughout, including neon lights and a sound system on the sundeck, ready for a new owner who likes to party.
Be Entertained
Aside from the onboard music systems, if you want something a little different, there are options to get world-renowned DJs onboard or even live musicians and bands that can plug into the yacht's sound system. It isn't just music; all types of performers, from magicians and dancers to fireblowers, can be the showstopper at any yacht party. For corporate events, specific team-building activities onboard can also be arranged.
Choosing the Party-Goers
All yachts have specific capacities, depending on whether they are cruising or in a marina, which is important to note when deciding how many guests to invite. Plan your guest list ahead of time, from the more intimate affairs to the bigger parties, so that the crew can accommodate specific guest needs.
For extra-special events such as wedding and engagement parties, a yacht can also be the perfect place for selected guests to get ready before the party, with onboard wellness centers for pre-party treatments and on-hand hair and beauty stylists. The little touches always make a difference on board; we help ensure the VIP treatment is for all guests.
The Recovery
If your party was an evening event, a superyacht transforms back to its original form for enjoying the following day. Firstly, you can enjoy a relaxing brunch onboard for your guests and then spend the day making the most of the wellness facilities or having a day with water toys.
LOON is ideal for catering for parties, and the days after; set up with a vast collection of toys and plenty of sun lounging areas with dedicated wellness facilities, it is perfect for those wanting to continue the fun and those wishing to relax and switch off.
If you want to experience the perfect party setup onboard a yacht featuring plenty of entertainment amenities, talk to one of our charter consultants today. Contact us to begin planning your bespoke superyacht party experience.
Photos by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash , Kelsey Chance on Unsplash .