Boat Party Rules and Etiquette: What Every Guest Should Know
The main party boat rules are simple: arrive on time, listen to the captain, wear safe shoes, drink responsibly and leave the boat clean. Good boat party etiquette keeps everyone safe and the night fun. Here is what every guest should know before boarding.
Why do boat party rules matter?
A boat is a small space on moving water. A rule that sounds minor on land, like where you stand or what you drink, can matter a lot on deck. The rules protect you, the crew and the other guests, and they keep the party going.
Be on time
The boat leaves at the time on your ticket or invitation, and it will not wait. Arrive a little early, find the pier and the boarding line, and have your ID ready.
Reply to the invitation
If a friend invited you, RSVP quickly. Space on a boat is limited, and the host has to count heads for food, life jackets and the captain.
Respect the captain and the crew
The captain has the final word on the boat. Follow instructions about where to stand, when to board and when to stay off the bow or the sides. If something worries you, tell the crew calmly and directly.
Take safety seriously
Find out where the life jackets and the exits are. Hold the railings on a moving deck. Stay out of restricted areas. On a sailboat, watch out for the boom. Never climb on railings, sit on the edge or jump into the water unless the crew allows a swim stop.
Wear the right shoes and clothes
Soft-soled, flat shoes grip a wet deck. Heels slip and can damage the floor, and on some boats you take your shoes off. Bring a light layer for the wind. Read our guide on what to wear to a boat party for outfit ideas.
Drink responsibly
Alcohol hits faster on a boat. The US Coast Guard-backed boating safety site says motion, vibration, sun, wind and spray speed up impairment, and that alcohol is involved in about a third of recreational boating deaths. Drink water between drinks, eat before you board and never take control of a boat after drinking.
Bring something for the host
On a private party, a small gift is a nice touch, but not required. A bottle, a snack or ice is welcome. Skip messy food that can stain the deck, and ask the host what is needed.
Keep the boat clean
Use the bins, and ask the crew if you are not sure where something goes. Do not throw anything in the water. Before you leave, check that you have your phone, bag and ID.
Be kind to other guests
Keep the music and the noise in line with the crew’s rules, make space on the deck, and respect people’s boundaries. A boat party is a shared space for a few hours.
What are the party boat rules for swimming?
Swim only at a planned swim stop, and only when the crew says it is safe. Listen to the briefing, stay close to the boat and come back when the crew calls you. Do not dive or jump from the rails. Keep your phone and valuables dry, and do not go in after drinking. Many of these party boat rules exist because the water is deeper, colder and faster than it looks.
What is the etiquette for photos and phones?
Take your photos early, then put the phone away and enjoy the night. Ask before you film or post pictures of people, and do not hold your phone over the side of the boat. A phone that falls in the water is gone.
What if you feel seasick?
Take a remedy before you board, stay on the open deck, look at the horizon and drink water. Tell the crew if you feel unwell, and use the bathroom or a bag instead of the rail on a crowded deck. The Bosphorus is a strait, so the water is usually calm.
What are the party boat rules for sailboats and yachts?
On a sailboat, stay clear of ropes and the boom, move one person at a time when the boat leans, and keep your weight low. On a yacht, follow the house rules: soft-soled shoes only, no food in the cabin unless the host says yes, and no smoking in closed areas. Ask the host about the rules before you arrive.
What should a guest bring?
Bring ID, a small bag, a light layer, sun protection and any medicine you need. If you are a guest at a private party, ask what the host wants you to bring before you buy anything.
What are the rules at our boat party?
Our weekly Bosphorus party is for guests 18 and older, and you must bring your passport or ID. Everything else follows the same simple rules in this guide. See the FAQ and the party details, or read what a boat party is.
Quick checklist
- Arrive early with your ID
- Follow the crew
- Wear flat, grippy shoes and a light layer
- Drink water, drink responsibly
- Keep the deck clean
- Check your bag when you leave
Ready to board?
Follow these rules and you will have a better night. When you are ready, get your ticket.