What to buy for an anniversary cruise

An anniversary cruise needs more than food and drinks: everything must be packed, chilled and ready before guests board. Use the guest list to calculate tableware, glasses, snacks and drinks, then add the practical items that are easy to overlook on a boat. Corkscrews, coolers, power banks and serving utensils should travel with the supplies, not be left behind at home. This checklist helps you prepare the shopping and packing in time for boarding.

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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
- Spa Blue - 60 bottles
- Spa Rood - 30 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Ginger beer - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 72 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Prosecco - 10 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Strawberries - 4 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Gouda cheese - 2 kilos
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Wraps - 8 packs
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus wraps - 40 pieces
- Chicken wraps - 40 pieces
- Pasta salad - 8 kilo
- Green salad - 6 kilos
- Dressing - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Anniversary cake - 1 piece
- Mini pastries - 80 pieces
- Chocolate - 3 boxes
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Dishwashing liquid - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Bring extra water and use coolers to keep drinks cold throughout the cruise.
Buy one dinner plate, pastry plate, glass, napkin and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Pack wine glasses and coffee cups separately so they are easy to reach when the buffet is set up.
Order the anniversary cake at least 5 to 7 days before departure and confirm its size against the guest count. Bring a cake server, chef’s knife and cutting boards; these are commonly forgotten when the cake is collected.
Pack decorations in clearly labelled boxes: balloons, ribbon, bunting, tablecloths, LED candles, the welcome sign and photo props. Keep the photo backdrop and decorations together so setup does not delay boarding.
Charge the Bluetooth speaker, microphone and power banks the day before, and pack extension cords only after checking the boat’s available power. Put the playlist and practical guest information on a phone that can be used offline.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for an anniversary cruise?: For drinks, allow two to three per person in the first hour and one to two per person for every hour after that, including water. For food, plan about 6 to 8 snack portions per guest for a short cruise, or a full meal plus 2 to 3 snack portions for a longer sailing.
How many glasses and plates should I buy for a boat anniversary party?: Start with one of each required item per guest and add 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 dinner plates, pastry plates, glasses and cutlery sets, with separate wine glasses and coffee cups if those are part of the program.
When should I order the anniversary cake and snacks?: Order the cake and any special snacks 5 to 7 days before the cruise, then confirm the final guest count and dietary requirements 2 to 3 days before departure. Chill drinks and prepare non-perishable snacks on the day before boarding.
What should I pack for an anniversary cruise that people often forget?: Pack corkscrews, cake servers, serving utensils, coolers, napkin holders, power banks and extension cords in addition to the food and decorations. Check this box at least 24 hours before departure and keep it with the supplies going to the boat.

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