What to bring for an anniversary cruise

An anniversary cruise needs more than food and drinks: everything must be packed, chilled and ready before you reach the dock. Plan tableware for the full guest list, plus extras for the toast, buffet and coffee service. Coolers, ice containers and serving trays make loading and serving easier on board. Keep decorations compact and secure, and check what power and sound equipment the boat already provides before buying anything.

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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
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsener - 48 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Melons - 3 pieces
- Olives - 6 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted nuts - 4 bags
- Mixed bar snacks - 4 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Potato salad - 4 kilos
- Pasta salad - 4 kilo
- Crudités salad - 3 kilos
- Mixed green salad - 3 kilos
- Dressing - 4 bottles
- Vegetarian quiche - 6 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 80 pieces
- Falafel balls - 60 pieces
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Rice - 4 kilos
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Brownies - 60
- Mini tarts - 60 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Fresh fruit for dessert - 4 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 8 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Count every guest when buying dinner plates, dessert plates, cutlery and water glasses, then add 10% extra for breakage, dropped items or unexpected guests.
For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person; buy extra water and ice because drinks warm quickly during loading and the cruise. Chill everything before leaving for the dock.
Pack buffet food in sealed containers and bring serving platters, trays, serving spoons, cutting boards and bread knives. Label foods that match collected dietary requirements so they are not mixed up.
Buy or pack enough champagne glasses for the toast, plus wine glasses and coffee cups if those drinks are on the programme. Bring a few extra glasses rather than relying on the boat’s full stock.
Test the Bluetooth speaker and microphone before departure, and pack extension cords, power strips and power banks only after checking the boat’s available outlets. Keep cables secured so they do not create a trip hazard.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks should I buy for an anniversary cruise?: Plan on two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person per hour. Add plenty of water and buy ice for the full sailing time, with extra if drinks will be served outdoors.
How much tableware do I need for a boat anniversary party?: Use one set per guest for each planned course, then add about 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 dinner plates, dessert plates and cutlery sets, plus enough glasses for every drink being served.
When should I buy and chill drinks for the cruise?: Buy non-perishable drinks and supplies several days ahead. Chill bottled and canned drinks at least 12 hours before departure; load ice and the final cold items as late as possible.
What should I pack for an anniversary cruise buffet?: Pack sealed food containers, buffet and serving tables if needed, serving platters, trays, spoons, cutting boards and knives. Finish packing at least 60 minutes before leaving so catering can be loaded without delaying the drive to the dock.

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