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Tips for Attending Different Cruise Events

If you are lucky enough to live in close proximity to a body of water, you may want to consider adding cruises to your methods of entertainment, if you haven’t already. Unlike the large cruise ships you see out on the ocean, local cruises on smaller bodies of water typically last for a few hours and are a fun alternative when it comes to entertaining.

There’s something about being out on the water that adds a new dimension to regular events. Of course, since you are out on the water, it’s always important to follow guidelines that will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Types of EventsDepending on where you’re located, you

may be able to find many different types of cruise events to attend. A fully functioning cruise service will usually have events in personal, public and corporate categories.

Some of the public cruises may include lunch and dinner cruises, late night parties, seasonal cruises, holiday cruises or themed cruises like casino night.

Types of Events (con’t)Personal cruises might include weddings,

anniversary parties, jack and jills, birthdays or graduations. Basically any type of personal event that you want to celebrate can probably be turned into a cruise.

Corporate cruises can be used to do business or to celebrate a company’s accomplishments. Staff New Year’s or Christmas parties are popular, as are product launch cruises and many different themed corporate cruises.

Basic Questions to AskWhen you make the decision to try a cruise

for your event, it’s wise to ask a series of important questions during the booking process. Depending on the type of event you are booking, you may want to know about things like:

Age restrictions – depending on the event, passengers under the legal drinking age may not be permitted onboard.

Bar service – how the bar operates will influence whether your guest need to bring cash onboard, or if it all gets paid in advance.

Basic Questions to AskCancellation policy – in all likelihood, you’ll

be leaving a deposit so it makes sense to ask about the cancellation policy. You’ll want to know how far in advance you must cancel to be reimbursed for the deposit.

Directions and parking – for the convenience of your guests, find out precise directions to the boat, and the parking situation. You wouldn’t want all of your guests to show up with no place to park.

Weather policy – ask about your options should there be a bad storm or other weather issue on the day or evening of your cruise event.

What to WearWhat you end up wearing on the cruise will

be partly determined by the kind of event you’re attending. You will probably dress differently for a karaoke casino night birthday party than you would for a wedding.

However, in most cases it’s going to be a few degrees cooler out on the water. If you’re attending an evening event, you might want to at least bring a jacket or shawl in case there is a cool breeze. Flat shoes or at least a low heel is also probably a good idea while you’re out on the water.

BoardingWhile it makes sense to ask your specific

cruise service, most cruises start boarding half an hour before the cruise is set to depart.

Remember to inform all of your guests of this fact, so everyone arrives nice and early and the boat is able to stay on schedule.

DetailsWhat is really going to make your event

special are the details, and the details will vary depending on the type of event you’re putting on. In all likelihood, your event will require some sort of decorations. You will have to work out whether the cruise service will do the decorating, if you will be bringing someone in or if you want to do it yourself. There will be a fee involved if you get the cruise service to do it, but it will be a lot more convenient.

Most events are going to include music, and a DJ will certainly be part of the equation. Make sure that the type of music you want played will be onboard. Most DJs have a little bit of everything, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to make sure.

The food is another detail that requires some serious discussion. Food will be included in any kind of event, so you need to work out a menu and determine who will be catering. Most cruise services will provide the food as part of the overall package, but some will also allow you to use an outside caterer if you desire.

One detail that you definitely don’t want to ignore is the lifesaving procedures in the unfortunate event that they are necessary. The boat you and your guests board should be fully certified by the Coast Guard and have enough life jackets and rafts to accommodate everyone on board.