How To Throw An Unforgettable Yacht Party

Anniversaries, birthday parties, family reunions, company holiday parties... Taking life’s special celebrations out on the water is a surefire way to make them memorable. That said, navigating the planning process can seem daunting if you aren’t a seasoned boater with connections in the area. But fret not, newbie seafarer. If Naples, Florida, is your good-times destination, and a luxury yacht is on the celebration agenda, TIME 4 U is the resource for open-water festivities and seamless fun in the sun.

Here, the team behind TIME 4 U Yacht—Naples’ premier luxury yacht charter for touring southwest Florida’s coast in high style, plus overnight charters to Key West, Sanibel, Captiva Island or Fort Myers)—breaks down the things to consider and the things to leave to the pros, while offering up some creative ways to level up the revelry.

Whether you opt for pickup or delivery service, TIME 4 U Yacht will ensure that your libations are stocked and on ice. Plus, every TIME 4 U Yacht charter includes a complimentary champagne toast!

TIME 4 U also has two, luxury vehicles as part of its fleet—a Lincoln Navigator and a Mercedes Sprinter party bus (shown here)—for getting to and from the marina in style. 

In addition to its spacious swim platform, TIME 4 U Yacht has an 18-foot floating mat that can accommodate eight adults, two inflatable kayaks and two inflatable paddle boards for your enjoyment. 

From vibrant charcuterie boards to gourmet dinners cooked in the galley by a private chef, TIME 4 U Yacht can help you personalize your party with creative food and beverage options. 

TRANSPORTATION

Getting to and from the marina is always a factor to consider, especially if your party is a surprise party (or if you plan to be sipping adult beverages). In addition to its luxurious, 72-foot Galeon yacht with flybridge, TIME 4 U also has two, luxury vehicles as part of its fleet: a Lincoln Navigator and a Mercedes Sprinter party bus. But there’s more… If you opt for a 6+ hour charter with TIME 4 U, they will throw in roundtrip limo services on the house. (Note: TIME 4 U Ride services Naples and Marco Island. Greater distances can be accommodated, but these trips will incur a long-distance fee.)

CAPTAIN + CREW

Rule of thumb: Ask upfront if your yacht is a “bareboat charter.” If it is, per USCG bareboat regulations, you will be responsible for booking your captain and steward independently of your charter outfitter—and paying both of them separately as well. It’s standard practice, and not as confusing or cumbersome as one might think. Like most charters, TIME 4 U Yacht is a bareboat charter, but they’ve taken any headaches out of the equation by providing guests with a list of tip-top captains who are familiar with their Galeon yacht and southwest Florida’s beautiful waterways. (FYI: Your captain will more than likely be delighted to secure a steward on your behalf.)

ONBOARD AMENITIES

In advance of your charter, make sure to ask your rental concierge what’s included vs. what you need to bring aboard. The good news is that TIME 4 U Yacht boasts unparalleled amenities, including a private captain to plan your charter itinerary while you sit back, relax, and set your sights on those white sand beaches. You can also count on TIME 4 U to provide water, soda, ice and beach towels. What TIME 4 U Yacht guests are responsible for making arrangements for are alcohol, food, and music playlists—that’s it. Bonus: Because TIME 4 U is a class act, all of its charters include a complimentary champagne toast to welcome everyone aboard!

FOOD + BEVERAGE

Tasty food and beverages always—and in all ways—fuel the fun. To that end, TIME 4 U has compiled a list of its favorite local restaurants, chefs and caterers that, you guessed it, cater to boaters. From buttery lobster rolls to tasty charcuterie boards, there’s plenty of good, order-in-advance and pickup options around town if casual fare is what you’re after. If you are looking to really up the ante on F+B service during your charter, TIME 4 U recommends hiring a caterer or a private chef to create a custom meal in the galley for your group. For sit-down dinner parties or hot hors d’oeuvres that keep on coming, a private chef is your best bet. As for alcohol pickup or drop-off service, TIME 4 U has you covered here, too, and will gladly provide a vendor list upon request with options that will accommodate any budget.

SPECIAL EVENT EXTRAS

A hookup to a great event planner, a custom banner or signage, live musicians, after-party ideas… There are myriad ways to customize your party and make it memorable—and to extend the fun back on dry land should you desire. TIME 4 U has excellent relationships with a ton of great local vendors, artists, craftspeople and bars, and they’re happy to share that wealth of knowledge or tee up an introduction. TIME 4 U also has an awesome shop on its website where you can customize gift bags with branded towels, caps, sunscreen, tumblers and more. Because as any savvy host will attest, the best parties are those that go off without a hitch and flaunt custom details—where you aren’t required to lift a finger from moment one until the very end.

Ready to book a fabulous yacht party? Visit TIME 4 U Yacht for our easy-to-follow booking process. We also offer a comprehensive FAQs page that includes yacht specs, pricing info and more!