Anniversary cruise checklist

An anniversary cruise needs more than a boat reservation. You need a confirmed route, a reliable guest count, catering details, transport to the boarding point and a clear setup plan before guests arrive. Start with the boat and guest list, then lock in food, entertainment and practical information. This checklist also covers the details that are easy to miss, such as dietary requirements, chilled drinks, serving equipment and getting decorations onto the boat.

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The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

Compile guest list
2 people
Reserve boat and route
Finalize catering arrangements
2 people
Book music and entertainment
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Arrange transport to the boarding point
Confirm the program and route
Create final guest list
2 people
Give dietary overview to catering
Send guests practical information
Order cake and snacks
Check decorations and materials
2 people
Compile the music playlist
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Prepare gifts and photo materials
2 people
Pack decorations
2 people
Check boarding point
Bring the materials to the boat
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Set up the buffet and drinks table
3 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Test sound equipment
2 people
Place the guest list at the entrance

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
3 people
Give safety instructions
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Take photos
Give the anniversary speech
Set up the buffet
3 people
Serve the buffet
4 people
Clear dishes and glasses
3 people
Cut and serve cake
3 people
Oversee gift presentation
2 people
Serve the last round
2 people
Guide guests to the exit
2 people

Aftercare

Remove decorations
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes and glasses
3 people
Clean rooms
3 people
Pack leftover food
2 people
Move materials to storage
3 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Share photos with guests

What to bring

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

Furniture

Cocktail tablesqty 6
High tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 60

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 70
Pastry platesqty 70
Glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving utensilsqty 12

Kitchen

Corkscrewsqty 3
Cake serversqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Microphone
Power banksqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 10
Napkin holdersqty 10
LED candlesqty 24
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20
Welcome sign
Menusqty 12

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dish brushesqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Paper towelsqty 6
Trash bagsqty 40

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the boat, route and boarding point before sending invitations. Include the boarding time, expected return time and transport instructions so guests can plan the full journey.
Set a deadline for registrations and dietary requirements at least 7 days before departure. Use the final guest list to confirm catering quantities, seating and the number of plates, glasses and cutlery sets.
Plan drinks for the first hour as well as the rest of the cruise. Chill bottles before boarding, prepare coolers and check that you have enough wine glasses, regular glasses, corkscrews and serving utensils.
Pack decorations and photo materials in labelled boxes before the day. Keep the welcome sign, balloons, bunting, tablecloths, LED candles and photo props together so setup does not depend on finding separate bags on the boat.
Allow at least 60 minutes at the boarding point for unloading and setup. Check access, bring extension cords and power banks, then arrange the tables, buffet, drinks table and music before the first guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book an anniversary cruise?: Book the boat and route as early as possible, especially if the date is fixed. Aim to have the reservation confirmed before invitations go out, then send invitations with a registration deadline at least 3 to 4 weeks before departure.
When should I send anniversary cruise invitations?: Send invitations once the boat, route and boarding point are confirmed. Give guests at least 3 weeks to register, and close registrations about 7 days before the cruise so catering and the final guest list can be completed.
How many drinks do I need for an anniversary cruise?: For the first hour, plan on 2 to 3 drinks per guest, then about 1 drink per person per hour afterward. Add water and non-alcoholic options, and chill the drinks before bringing them to the boat.
How early should I arrive to set up the anniversary cruise?: Arrive at least 60 minutes before guests are due to board. Use that time to check the boarding point, unload materials, arrange tables and chairs, set up the buffet and drinks table, and test the speaker or microphone.

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.