The holiday season is upon us. That means it’s time for a corporate holiday event. This time of year, companies all across San Diego are booking up banquet halls, restaurants and other traditional venues for their end-of-year soirees, but you don’t want to throw a corporate holiday party like all of the others. Hosting your party on a private yacht can be just the way to help your event stand out from all the rest. Here’s what makes holiday yacht parties so great.

Incredible Views

From out on the ocean, while catamaran sailing, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the San Diego skyline. Many people in the area decorate their boats for the holidays. You’ll also get to see all of the twinkling lights as you sail through the harbor and out to sea. There will be plenty of photo opportunities so be sure to encourage your guests to bring their cameras along, or you can hire a professional photographer to capture all of the fun and excitement. A group shot from the party can make a great holiday gift for your team after the event. A team shot from the deck makes for a great upload to your companies Social Media account.

A Festive Environment

There is something about being on a boat that gets people in the mood to party. Use that fact to your advantage. Keep the music playing to keep the energy level high throughout the night, and encourage guests to mingle with those who work in other departments. Depending on your corporate culture, you may want to include some party games, like a white elephant gift exchange to bring even more fun to the party. Don’t make the whole evening scheduled, though; give your guests plenty of time to just relax and have fun.

Food and Beverage Included

With many yacht charters, you can order catering and bartending services for your trip. Keep in mind, people will most likely be standing. It’s a good idea to choose foods that can be eaten easily with one hand so your guests can hold a drink with the other. When it comes to cocktails, try to keep it simple. This will allow your bartender to serve your guests quicker so they can spend more time enjoying the party and less time waiting in line at the bar. It is up to you whether to host the bar or have your guests pay for their own drinks. Keep in mind that open bars encourage people to drink more than they otherwise would. You’ll have to take care to ensure that no one overdoes it.

A Chance to Recognize Your Top Employees

The end of the year is the perfect time to reward your best employees and thank them for all of their hard work throughout the year. Order customized trophies or plaques to give to the winners at the event. You may want to include small gifts for them as well, like gift cards to local businesses, extra paid vacation days or anything else that feels appropriate. Don’t let those who aren’t being recognized go home empty handed. Have a raffle or other giveaway so everyone has a chance to win a prize. To really up the ante, have a few large prizes, like a TV, tablet or other high-end gift to get people excited.

Tips to Help Your Event Run Smoothly

Hosting a corporate holiday party on a yacht brings a few complications that you wouldn’t have to deal with in a traditional venue. Here’s how to deal:

  • Remind Your Guests to Dress for the Weather – Even if the weather is unseasonably warm onshore, it can still be quite cold out on the open sea. Temperatures typically drop about 20 to 30 degrees once you get out of the harbor. Your guests will want to dress in layers. If you are having your party during the day, remind guests to wear sunscreen, as the sun reflects off the water, increasing its power. Make sure to include this information on your invitation so they know what to expect.
  • Head Off Seasickness – Nothing can ruin a party quicker than your guests all getting sick. Before the event, remind your team that anyone who is prone to motion sickness should take proper precautions before boarding. Be sure to have a supply of seasickness medication, like Dramamine, on hand just in case anyone becomes ill unexpectedly.

Choosing the Right San Diego Yacht Charter Company

There are many yacht charter organizations in the San Diego area. You want to be sure you are working with a reputable one. Check to see if a company is licensed and insured to protect you and your guests. Ask about the captain and crew’s experience level to ensure that they are prepared in case of emergency situations. Online reviews can be a great source of information to help you make your final decision and give you a better sense of what to expect.

Here at Adventuress Luxury Catamaran, we have been taking companies out on holiday cruises for years and have the skills and experience to ensure that everyone in your party is safe out on the water. We offer catering, photography and live entertainment services while on board, enabling you to customize your event to suit your group. All of these add-ons are optional, so you can pick and choose the ones that make the most sense for your attendees and your budget for the party.

We would love to tell you more about our services and how we can help you make your next corporate event a wild success. The holiday season can be quite busy. Be sure to call as soon as possible to book your trip before your preferred dates are gone. Our associates will work with you to iron out all of the details to make your corporate holiday party one that your team will never forget. Contact us today to start the planning process for your holiday bash on a yacht.