Ready to take the hen do out onto the water? A party boat could be just what you’re looking for if you want your day to feel seriously special. Boat parties and booze cruises give you a chance to get the girls together, hop aboard, grab a drink and enjoy some time on the water while the party gets going.

There are different styles of boat parties to choose from, so you can find one that suits your bride and your group. Some are all about music, dancing and drinks, while others are a little more relaxed, with food, sightseeing and plenty of time to chat. You might have a DJ playing throughout the cruise, a bar serving drinks, a dance floor, live entertainment or even a themed party with everyone encouraged to dress up.

They’re also a great option if you’re trying to plan a hen party where everyone can actually spend time together. Nobody’s disappearing into another room, wandering off to find a bar or getting stuck at the other end of a huge restaurant table. You’ll all be together on the boat, enjoying the views, having a few drinks and making the most of the bride’s big weekend.

Booze cruises are available in lots of popular hen party destinations, particularly cities and coastal locations with rivers, harbours or access to the sea. That means you could be cruising along the Thames in London, heading out around the coast in Brighton or enjoying the views from the water in another popular UK hen destination.

And yes, there’s plenty of scope for a bit of hen party mischief. Get the bride a sash, sort out some matching outfits, give the girls a few ridiculous accessories and you’ve got a party before you’ve even left the dock.

Why Do a Party Boat for a Hen Party?

If you’re after something that feels a little different from the usual hen party plans, a party boat is a cracking choice. You’re not just booking somewhere to eat or drink. You’re booking an experience that gives the whole group something to do together, which can make a big difference when you’ve got guests coming from different friendship groups.

It’s also a great way to get the party started early. Rather than waiting until the evening to head out for drinks, you can get everyone together during the day, climb aboard and start celebrating straight away. Depending on the boat and package you choose, you could have drinks, music, food and entertainment included, so there’s less organising for you to worry about.

The views are another big bonus. You’ll get to see a destination from a completely different angle while you’re cruising along. It gives everyone a chance to sit back, take photos, have a gossip and enjoy the fact that you’re somewhere a bit special.

A party boat can work especially well if your group has different ideas about what makes a good hen do. Some girls might want to dance, some might be there for the drinks, while others are perfectly happy sitting down with a glass of something and catching up. A boat gives you room to do all of that during the same experience.

It can also be a fun choice for brides who don’t want a full weekend of non stop partying. You can book a daytime cruise, enjoy a few hours on the water and then head off for dinner or another activity afterwards. Or, if your bride is ready to go all in, choose an evening party boat and make it the main event.

Most importantly, it gives you something you’ll actually remember. There’s a big difference between saying you went to a bar for a few hours and telling everyone about the hen party where you all ended up dancing on a boat.

What Happens on a Party Boat?

So, what actually happens once you get on board? That’ll depend on the boat and package you book, but most hen party cruises are designed to make things pretty easy for you.

You’ll usually meet at a set departure point before boarding. Once everyone’s checked in, you can get settled, find the bar and start soaking up the atmosphere. Some boats have indoor seating and outdoor areas, so you can head outside for fresh air and views whenever you fancy it.

If you’ve booked a party cruise, there’ll often be music throughout the trip. Some have a DJ, while others might have live entertainment or a particular theme. You could spend part of the cruise dancing with the girls, then head outside for photos or grab a drink and catch up with everyone.

Drinks vary depending on the package. Some cruises include drinks, while others have a bar where you can buy whatever you fancy. Always check what’s included before booking, especially if you’re working to a set budget.

Food may also be available. You could have anything from snacks and canapés to a proper meal, buffet or afternoon tea, depending on the boat and destination. If food is included, check the menu and dietary options before you book so nobody gets left hunting for a sandwich halfway through the hen do.

And don’t forget the photos. Boats are made for hen party pictures. You’ll have the water, the city or coastline in the background and plenty of opportunities for group shots. Get the bride in the middle, grab the whole gang together and make sure someone remembers to take a few photos before everyone gets too carried away with the drinks.

Some cruises are fairly relaxed, while others are full party mode from the moment you board. That’s why it’s worth checking exactly what you’re booking rather than assuming every booze cruise will be the same.

Hen Do Party Boats Near Me

Looking for a hen do party boat near you? There are party boats and booze cruises in destinations across the UK, so it’s worth searching by the city or coastal destination where you’re planning the hen weekend.

London is an obvious choice, with the River Thames giving you some seriously good views as you cruise past famous landmarks. You could see the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and plenty of the city skyline from the water, making it a fun way to see the capital while you celebrate.

Brighton is another popular option for hens, particularly if you fancy combining a boat party with a weekend by the seaside. You can spend time on the water before heading into the city for dinner, bars and a night out.

Other destinations can work well too, including cities and coastal towns with rivers, harbours and marinas. When you’re searching, think about where everyone is travelling from, how easy the departure point will be to reach and what you’d like to do before and after the cruise.

It’s also worth checking the length of the boat trip. A shorter cruise could be perfect if you’ve got a packed itinerary, while a longer sailing gives you more time to relax, drink, dance and enjoy yourselves without constantly checking the clock.

If you’re planning a hen do in a specific destination, search for party boats in that city first, then compare the departure point, duration, food, drinks, entertainment and price. That’ll help you find something that works for the whole group rather than booking the first boat you come across.

Party Boat FAQs

Are party boats good for hen parties?

Yes, they can be a great choice for a hen party, especially if you want an experience where everyone can stay together. You’ll have music, drinks, views and entertainment all in one place, with no need to move between venues during the cruise.

Can you drink alcohol on a party boat?

Most booze cruises have a bar on board, although what’s available and whether drinks are included will depend on the package. Check the details before booking so you know whether you’ll need to pay for drinks separately.

How long does a hen party boat trip last?

This varies between cruises. Some trips last around an hour or two, while others can run for several hours. Check the exact duration when booking, especially if you’ve got dinner, accommodation or another hen party activity planned afterwards.

Can you eat on a party boat?

Many party boats offer food, although the options vary. You might find snacks, buffets, meals or other food packages available. If anyone in your group has allergies or dietary requirements, check these can be catered for before you book.

Can we decorate the boat for a hen party?

Some boats allow decorations, while others have restrictions because of safety or the venue’s rules. It’s always worth asking beforehand if you want to bring balloons, banners, sashes or other hen party decorations.

Can we wear hen party outfits on a boat?

Usually, yes, but check with the organiser if you’re planning anything especially extravagant. Matching outfits, sashes and accessories can make your group easy to spot and look great in your photos.

Are party boats suitable if not everyone drinks?

They can be. You don’t need to drink alcohol to enjoy being on a boat, dancing, listening to music and spending time with the girls. Look for cruises where the focus isn’t solely on drinking if you’ve got a mixed group.

What should we wear on a hen party boat?

Check the dress code before you go. For most cruises, you’ll want something comfortable enough for dancing but smart enough for photos. Bring a jacket too, as it can feel cooler outside on the water, even when the weather is warm on land.

Do party boats go ahead if it rains?

That depends on the boat. Many have indoor areas, so a bit of rain won’t necessarily ruin your plans, but weather conditions can affect some cruises. Check the cancellation and weather policy before booking.

Can we combine a party boat with other hen party activities?

Definitely. A boat trip can work well as part of a bigger hen weekend. You could book a daytime cruise before dinner, head out on the water in the evening before going to bars, or use a shorter trip as a fun break between other plans. Just leave enough time between bookings to get everyone where they need to be without turning the day into a mad dash.

Ready to Book a Party Boat for Your Hen Party?

Time for you and the girls to set sail on the good ship lollipop! Sail around and take in the sights and scenery (and not just the bar)!

You and the girls can throw on your glad rags and find your sea legs attached to some high heels and enjoy this activity during the afternoon or late in the evening, depending on which destination you choose.

The type of vessel, bar and music will vary depending on the supplier and the destination you choose.

Please note that food and drinks on board are sometimes included and sometimes they’re not. You can chat with your Booking Manager to double-check the details of the booze cruise in your chosen destination.