How to throw the perfect superyacht party.

Published 20 août 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.

Whatever the occasion, whatever the reason, nothing beats a superyacht party
Whatever the occasion, whatever the reason, nothing beats a superyacht party

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.

Our charter experts know how to elevate any occasion to the unforgettable
Our charter experts know how to elevate any occasion to the unforgettable

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

Explore MOONLIGHT II

TITANIA

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

Explore TITANIA

SIREN

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

Explore SIREN

SEANNA

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

Explore SEANNA

JOY

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

Explore JOY

ILLUSION

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

Explore ILLUSION

MAGNA GRECIA

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

MAGNA GRECIA

BATON ROUGE

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

Explore BATON ROUGE

Selecting the right destination

From quayside events to private islands, the world’s cruising grounds provide some of the best party locations when discovered by superyacht. Looking to be close to the action? Head to the French Riviera and invite your friends to the Monaco Grand Prix or the Cannes Film Festival.

Want to party with the stars at the Cannes Film Festival? Just ask
Want to party with the stars at the Cannes Film Festival? Just ask

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.

You can always find a beach to call your own
You can always find a beach to call your own

Cannes

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.

Magicians or musicians, club singers or cocktail slingers, we can add sparkle to any occasion
Magicians or musicians, club singers or cocktail slingers, we can add sparkle to any occasion

Monaco

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.

As evening comes, the parties begin
As evening comes, the parties begin

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.

Ibiza

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.

There is no cooler way to arrive at Ibiza's fabled beach clubs
There is no cooler way to arrive at Ibiza's fabled 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

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.

Ring in the New Year in impeccable style
Ring in the New Year in impeccable style

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.

The Bahamas is a blaze of bold colours and laid-back lifestyles
The Bahamas is a blaze of bold colours and laid-back lifestyles

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.

Some yachts and crews lend themselves to entertainment better than others
Some yachts and crews lend themselves to entertainment better than others

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.

Birthday parties, anniversaries, retirement, there's always a reason to celebrate
Birthday parties, anniversaries, retirement, there's always a reason to celebrate

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.


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.

A themed event adds theatre and means everyone gets into the spirit
A themed event adds theatre and means everyone gets into the spirit

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.

A '60s theme comes with a deliciously groovy soundtrack
A '60s theme comes with a deliciously groovy soundtrack

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.

A pirate theme comes with all sorts of fun narratives, treasure hunts and battles
A pirate theme comes with all sorts of fun narratives, treasure hunts and battles

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!

Why are pirates called pirates? Because they Arrr!
Why are pirates called pirates? Because they Arrr!

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?

A Mamma Mia party while cruising the Greek Islands? Why not!
A Mamma Mia party while cruising the Greek Islands? Why not!

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.

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.

In port regulations allow yachts to welcome many more guests
In port regulations allow yachts to welcome many more guests

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. 

A tiered cinema and surround sound make sure everyone gets the best experience
A tiered cinema and surround sound make sure everyone gets the best experience

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.

An outdoor cinema screen delivers movies under the stars
An outdoor cinema screen delivers movies under the stars

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.

Most charter yachts take sound quality very seriously indeed - the best of everything
Most charter yachts take sound quality very seriously indeed - the best of everything

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.

A sun deck nightclub could welcome the biggest names in clubland
A sun deck nightclub could welcome the biggest names in clubland

Dining

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.

Why not bring a Michelin-starred celebrity chef on board for a private dining experience?
Why not bring a Michelin-starred celebrity chef on board for a private 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.


Larger yachts with huge guest deck spaces are second to none. The almost indecently large outside areas feature a number of superb dining locations for star-studded festive celebrations, along with a pool floor that rises and transforms into a dancefloor allowing guests to continue the party into the night.

Huge swathes of guest deck space make for stellar entertainment
Huge swathes of guest deck space make for stellar entertainment

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.

A huge beach club, like BATON ROUGE's, can really make a charter, day and night
A huge beach club, like BATON ROUGE's, can really make a charter, day and 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.

A Teppanyaki grill adds a touch of theatre to any meal
A Teppanyaki grill adds a touch of theatre to any meal

Dancefloor

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. 

Helipads present the ideal option for a dancefloor and a huge jacuzzi to cool your feet afterwards
Helipads present the ideal option for a dancefloor and a huge jacuzzi to cool your feet afterwards

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.

TITANIA's beach club transforms into a nightclub after dark
TITANIA's beach club transforms into a nightclub after dark

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.

Tablescaping is just one way of elevating your entertainment experience
Tablescaping is just one way of elevating your entertainment experience

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.

Romance is in the air! It's impossible for love not to blossom
Romance is in the air! It's impossible for love not to blossom

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.

Your Burgess charter brokers specialise in the unforgettable
Your Burgess charter brokers specialise in the unforgettable

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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