Anniversary cruise checklist: from booking to boarding

An anniversary cruise needs more coordination than a dinner on land: the boat, departure point, catering, route, music and guest details all have to line up. Start with the booking and confirmed departure location, then work toward the final guest list and onboard setup. Dietary requirements, chilled drinks and technical equipment are easy to leave until the last day. Use this checklist to keep the planning sequence clear, especially during the final 48 hours before departure.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Book boat tour
Confirm the departure location
Coordinate onboard catering
2 people
Coordinate music and technical setup
Draft invitations
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm the program and route
Create final guest list
Arrange the table layout
2 people
Plan the toast and speeches
2 people
Send reminder to guests
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Collect materials
2 people
Pack catering
3 people
Load decorations and materials
3 people
Drive to the dock
2 people
Load onto the ship
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Set up the buffet and bar
3 people
Test the music

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Register attendance
2 people
Serve welcome drinks
3 people
Give safety instructions
Open anniversary program
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Give a toast
Set up the buffet
3 people
Serve the buffet
4 people
Lead speeches
Serve dessert
3 people
Take group photo
2 people
Say goodbye to guests
2 people

Aftercare

Collect tableware
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Remove decorations
3 people
Clean on board
3 people
Unload materials
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean materials
2 people
Check leftovers
Return borrowed items
2 people
Send photos and thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 3
Tall cocktail tablesqty 4

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Water glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 70
Champagne glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving utensilsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving traysqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 5
Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Power banksqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Napkin holdersqty 8
Balloonsqty 80
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Table number cardsqty 6

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dish brushesqty 3
Tea towelsqty 12
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Rubber glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the departure location with the boat operator and send it to guests with the invitation. Recheck the meeting point at least 48 hours before boarding, because docks and access points can be easy to confuse.
Set a firm RSVP deadline before you order food. Create the final guest list, collect dietary requirements and send a reminder 3–5 days before the cruise so catering quantities are not based on guesses.
Plan the onboard layout before loading the vehicle. Allow space for buffet tables, foldable chairs, coolers and a clear route to the bar; pack serving platters, utensils and tableware together so setup does not stop halfway.
Test the music and speech setup before leaving for the dock. Check the Bluetooth speaker, microphone, extension cords, power strips and power banks, and keep the toast plan short enough to fit the program and route.
Treat chilling and transport as separate jobs on the day. Chill drinks several hours in advance, load ice containers and coolers last, then leave enough time to drive to the dock, unload and set up tables, decorations, buffet and bar before guests board.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book an anniversary cruise?: Book the boat at least 8–12 weeks ahead when possible, especially if you need a specific date or onboard catering. Confirm the route, departure location and available technical setup before sending invitations.
When should I send anniversary cruise invitations?: Send invitations 6–8 weeks before the cruise and set the RSVP deadline around 3 weeks before departure. Send a reminder 3–5 days beforehand with the meeting point, boarding time and any practical instructions.
How much food and drink should I plan for an anniversary cruise?: Base food quantities on the confirmed guest list and add about 10% for last-minute changes. For the first hour, plan roughly 2–3 drinks per person, then allow for the cruise length, toast and non-alcoholic options.
What should I do on the day of an anniversary cruise?: Chill drinks several hours before leaving, pack catering and decorations, and allow at least 60–90 minutes at the dock for unloading and setup. Finish the buffet, bar, tables, music and microphone check before guests board.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.