What to Bring on a Boat Party – Packing List and Dress Code

What to bring on a boat party, when you’re heading out to celebrate rather than to sightsee? In short: comfortable flat shoes, a warm layer for the evening, a charged phone, ID and a few bits and pieces for the occasion. Everything else – the music, and with the Star and VIP packages also the lighting, drinks and glasses – is already on board.

Below you’ll find a full packing list, dress code tips, weather advice, a list of things best left at home and a few safety rules.

What to bring on a boat party – the essentials

• ID – you’ll need it if you move on to a bar or club after the cruise, for a start.
• A fully charged phone and a power bank – photos and videos at sunset drain the battery fast.
• A warm layer – a hoodie, jumper, blazer or light jacket, even after a hot day.
• Sunglasses and sun cream – for an afternoon cruise.
• Hair ties, clips, tissues, lip balm – the wind is tough on hair and lips.
• Any medication you take, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, something for that too.
• A small handbag or bum bag instead of a big bag – it’s easier to keep an eye on and doesn’t take up space.
• A card or cash for getting back – a taxi or night transport after the cruise.

For the open ticketed parties in Krakow, Warsaw and Wroclaw you don’t need to print anything: having the PDF ticket on your phone is enough.

For the organiser

• the guest list and confirmation of the arrangements (time and boarding point),
• a playlist saved offline on your phone, in case the signal is weak – plugging in your own music is possible even with the Basic package,
• props for games, sashes, headbands or team T-shirts,
• paper and pens if you’re planning a quiz or points-based games.

You’ll find the full list of tasks before departure in our boat party planning checklist.

Boat party dress code – what to wear

At a private party you set the dress code yourselves, but a boat has its own requirements. You usually board via a gangway or a few steps, surfaces can be slippery, and when dancing, stability matters. These work best:

• trainers, canvas shoes, loafers or flat sandals with a strap and a non-slip sole,
• dresses and skirts in heavier fabrics or longer cuts – light, short ones get caught by the wind,
• trousers or jumpsuits that are comfortable for sitting, dancing and posing for photos,
• a cover-up that’s easy to take off and put back on during the cruise.

Save stilettos and high heels for dinner after the cruise – on the gangway and deck they’re a fast track to a twisted ankle. If you want photos in smart shoes, bring them in a bag and only change for the photo shoot.

For the guys

For a stag do or a corporate event, a short-sleeved shirt, polo shirt or T-shirt with chinos or jeans and trainers is all you need. For an evening cruise, add a blazer, hoodie or thin jacket – after dark you’ll need it more than you think. Shorts are fine in the afternoon, but in the evening by the water they get chilly.

A theme

For a hen party or stag do, one shared element works well: a theme colour, printed T-shirts, sailor caps. At a birthday it could be the birthday boy or girl’s favourite colour, and at a corporate event – smart casual and comfortable shoes. A nautical look, i.e. stripes, navy and white, always suits a boat.

Weather on the water – layers and evening wind

On the water the cold usually feels sharper than on a sheltered street. Over open water nothing stops the wind, and how warm it feels depends not only on the thermometer, but also on wind strength and humidity. After sunset it gets noticeably cooler, so even after a hot day, bring something with long sleeves.

• Afternoon cruise: light clothing, a hat or cap, sunglasses, sun cream, water.
• Sunset cruise: a T-shirt plus a hoodie or blazer – the temperature changes over the 2 hours.
• Evening cruise: a jumper or light jacket, and on cooler spring and autumn days a scarf too.
• Passing showers: a packable rain jacket instead of an umbrella, which turns inside out in the wind and gets in other people’s way.

Check the forecast the day before the cruise and again on the day of the party, paying attention to the wind. We’ve described how to plan a cruise around the light and time of day in our guide to a sunset cruise in Gdansk, and the views along an evening route in our post on an evening cruise on the Vistula in Krakow.

What not to bring on a boat

• Stilettos and thin heels – we’ve explained why above.
• Anything that could blow overboard: confetti, loose glitter, sky lanterns, balloons for releasing. In the wind they end up in the river or lake.
• Sparklers, flares and naked flames – on deck they’re an unnecessary risk.
• Large suitcases and rucksacks – if you’re visiting from another city or country, leave your luggage at the hotel.
• Valuable small items that are easy to lose – whatever falls overboard is usually gone for good.
• Your own glassware – with the Star and VIP packages, cups and glasses are provided on board.

Only bring your own alcohol after checking your package: with Star it’s included in the price (except in Gdansk), with the others it’s an add-on. And don’t “warm up” on the riverside promenade before boarding – drinking alcohol in public places is, as a rule, prohibited in Poland, with exceptions possible only in spots specifically designated by the local council.

Safety on board

• Follow the crew’s instructions, especially when boarding and going ashore.
• Don’t lean over the side or sit on the railing, even for the best photo.
• Hold the handrail on stairs and the gangway.
• Drink water and have some snacks – not just toasts.
• Agree who keeps an eye on the group as the party gets going, and who makes sure everyone gets home.

You’ll find answers to questions about alcohol, music, catering, decorations and photos in our FAQ – frequently asked questions.

FAQ – what to bring on a boat party

Can I wear high heels to a boat party?

Better not. On the gangway, steps and deck, shoes with a flat, non-slip sole are safer. You can bring smart shoes in a bag for photos or for dinner after the cruise.

Do we need warm clothes for a cruise in summer?

Yes, at least one long-sleeved layer. On the water the wind makes it feel colder, and after sunset it gets noticeably cooler.

Can we bring our own alcohol on board?

With the Star package, bringing your own alcohol is included in the price (except in Gdansk); with the other packages you can order it as an add-on.

What should we bring on a boat for a hen party?

Apart from the items on the essentials list: a sash or veil for the bride-to-be, headbands or T-shirts in the theme colour, props for games and a warm layer for the evening. You can order boat decorations and a personalised banner as add-ons.

Will there be cups and glasses on board?

Yes, with the Star and VIP packages an ice cooler, cups and glasses are waiting on board, so you don’t need to bring your own glassware.

All packed – time to set sail

Flat shoes, a warm layer, a charged phone and a sensible approach to toasts – that’s the whole secret of a successful cruise. We’ll take care of the rest on board, and we’ll agree the details of your party when you book.