When partying on land simply won’t do, set sail for the ultimate floating party. From sea to shining sea, have fun in the sun aboard a party boat or catamaran. Why sit elbow to elbow at an ordinary bar when you can rent your own floating tiki bar?
From knocking back drinks at bars housed on barges to testing your luck at a riverboat casino, boats are versatile vessels for summertime fun. So grab some sunscreen and a few friends (leave the landlubbers at home) and get on board with a boat party this summer. We have picked out seven of the best – one for each day of the week. Anchors aweigh!
The Frying Pan, New York, New York, United States
Docked at Pier 66 Maritime in Hudson River Park in Manhattan, The Frying Pan is a historic lightship built in 1929. Once at the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay, the one-time Coast Guard vessel now has new life. From May to October, it is moored next to a barge that moonlights as a floating bar (weather permitting) popular for al fresco beer and sangria sipping.
Boomtown Casino, Harvey, Louisiana, United States
Located on the West Bank across from the Mississippi River, Boomtown Casino is a stationary riverboat located 15 minutes from New Orleans’ French Quarter. The 91-metre riverboat has 2,787 square metres of gaming space with 1,200 slots and video poker games plus 21 table games, including Baccarat, Blackjack and Craps, four restaurants, a 500-seat entertainment venue and 1,300 square metres of meeting and conference space. Open 24/7, it’s a great spot to let destiny unfold this summer. Should you wish to keep the party going, there is an adjacent hotel!
La Rumba Party Cruise, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Why not spend your hot summer nights aboard a floating nightclub? La Rumba Party Cruise is the only party boat in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The two-hour tours depart on weekend nights and guests are treated to tunes spun by a deejay, a large dance floor and bar service. Join the party at Pier 1 at Plaza Darsenas where the boat is docked and sets sail multiple times each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
River Gambler, Toronto, Canada
The 500-passenger River Gambler in Toronto Harbour offers the perfect venue for any occasion, whether a daytime outing or a moonlight cruise. With panoramic views of Toronto, the skyline deck is the perfect place to enjoy views of the city. The boat is available for private parties, but if you don’t have a couple hundred friends to bring along, not to worry! The River Gambler also offers a number of public cruises and special themed events, including a bawdy burlesque show at sea.
Jungle Cruise Tour, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
A trip to Cabo isn’t complete without spending time drinking and sailing on a booze cruise. Jungle Cruise Tour‘s aptly named Cabo Booze Cruise has two party boats: a 42-foot Trimaran boat that holds 50 people and a two-story, 70-foot Catamaran that holds 100 people. While there is a more sedate snorkelling tour to Santa Maria Bay in the daytime (the four-hour tour includes party music and drinking after snorkelling), it’s the Sunset Booze Cruise that attracts many thirsty travellers. The two-hour tour departs from the main dock in Cabo San Lucas and cruises along the Bay, Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. There’s a bar with extensive drink offerings, a large dance floor and drinking games. Stuff a lime slice into a cold beer bottle and throw your hands up; it’s party time!
PonTiki, Jupiter, Florida, United States
For a brag-worthy boat tour, rent a floating tiki bar from PonTiki. Name the date and time and the folks at PonTiki arrange the captain and the beverages for a private charter. Up to a dozen people can hop aboard to relax in the sun or the shade, glide down a slide at the back of the boat into the azure waters off Florida’s east coast and even practice their golf swings on the putting green.
Creole Queen, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
The Creole Queen is one of the last remaining paddlewheel riverboats on the Mississippi River. The 800-passenger boat is powered by a 7-metre diameter red paddlewheel. Whether seated on one of two outdoor decks, sipping cocktails in one of four private rooms or dancing to the music of a Creole jazz band, guests are afforded picture postcard views of the Crescent City. There are three cruises daily, including the nightly Dinner Jazz Cruise, which includes Big Easy favourites like gumbo, red beans and rice and jambalaya.
(Main Image: Jungle Cruise Tour)
