The Fizzbox Complete Guide to
London Party boats
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The ultimate guide to booking a London Party Boat!
Ahoy there, mateys! Forget being limited to a venue with four walls because celebrating on dry land is so last year! It's time for you to kick start your big night out in spectacular style, cruising along the River Thames onboard a London party boat.
What is a Boat Party?
You can probably guess from the name that a boat party is a party that takes place on a boat. Who knew, eh! But why a boat? Well, why not? It's a refreshing change of scenery from the same old land-based bars, pubs and clubs and, trust us, there's no better way to see some gorgeous sights from an unusual perspective and make a night out even more special than heading out on to the river. Whether you're picturing that iconic image of Jack and Rose 'flying' in Titanic or Love Island style glitz and glam, we promise that the real thing is even more fun!
What Happens on a Party Boat in London?
Think this kind of activity is only for sunnier destinations like Ibiza, Albufeira and Tenerife? Think again! London's got some of the most breath-taking and iconic riverside views in the world, making it a top destination for a boat party. Jump on a London party boat for a journey through the water that includes an irresistible combination of drinks, food and dancing that everyone will love.
You can expect a non-stop party atmosphere along the way with a fully stocked bar and onboard DJ pumping out the best tunes. You can sit back and relax on the deck, catching up with your besties and taking in all that stunning scenery before letting loose on the dancefloor of this floating nightclub! Basically, you're in for a ship load of fun!
Why Try a Boat Party?
Simply put, it's one of the coolest nights out in the capital. There are so many different kinds of London boat parties to suit any kind of group whether you want something swanky and sophisticated, wild and boozy, laid-back and family friendly, quirky and unusual or something in between. You can even get food, drink and entertainment included for a complete party package. So, what are you waiting for, guys and girls? It's time to set sail for a night out you'll never forget!
Which Sights Will We See?
These vary from boat to boat but as you journey through the River Thames, you'll get to see the city from a different angle, away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets with its millions of tourists and residents. Look up and admire the gorgeous night sky, breathing in that fresh sea air and gazing up at the stars with a drink in your hand. All together now, aaahhh.
You'll cruise through the centre of the Big Smoke, enjoying the unique viewpoint from the river and taking in loads of famous sights from the O2 Arena to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament to the London Eye, The Shard to the Tower of London, Canary Wharf to Tower Bridge. Get those phones ready to take loads of piccies to make all your social media followers really jealous. We sense a new profile picture being uploaded very soon!
London Party Boat Do's and Don'ts
Never been to a boat party before? Fear not! Just follow our quick do's and don'ts to get your whole group ship shape!
DO
Take lots of photos
You're going to sail past loads of most famous landmarks in England's capital. Beautifully illuminated at night, these sights are made for social media bragging!
DO
Bring cash
Most of the party boats in London have fully licenced bars so bring some cash to get those delicious drinks in.
DO
Wear your dancing shoes
The onboard DJ's going to play loads of songs you won't be able to resist throwing some shapes to so while it's a great idea to dress to impress, make sure to wear comfy shoes.
DO
Book in advance
Places for shared party boats in London get booked up quickly so make sure you've secured your date well in advance and give everyone something to look forward to.
DON'T
Turn up late
Unfortunately, the boat won't be able to turn around and come back for you so please be punctual and get to the dock on time.
DON'T
Forget your limits
There will be a bar onboard and maybe even a few complementary drinks included but don't forget to drink responsibly. We all want to avoid a man or woman overboard situation!
DON'T
Go swimming
We really wouldn't recommend going for a swim in the Thames. It might be fun to jump off the boat in sunny Europe but in London, it's best to stay dry on the deck.
DON'T
Try to start a mutiny
We don't care how much fun it looks in Pirates of the Caribbean, there's only one captain of this vessel so no funny business, OK? Good!
Can We Dance on the Boat?
Hell yeah, you can! It's not just allowed, it's encouraged! Most boats have dancefloors and a DJ or even live entertainment to get everyone well and truly in the party mood. Forget nightclubs with four walls; this is so much better! You best get ready to show off your best moves as you dance to your heart's content with a stunning backdrop of The London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and more. Clubbing has never looked better!
What Food and Drink is Included?
If the pirate life's for you, you'll probably be drinking rum but there's loads of other drinks available. Most London party boats have fully licensed bars with a range of goodies available to buy from beer and cider to cocktails and wine. Some packages even include something to wet your whistle from a prosecco reception to bottomless drinks throughout the cruise. Food varies too. Choices include a light snack, a buffet, tempting afternoon tea, indulgent four course meals and more.
Are Party Boats Safe?
Have you watched Titanic too many times and started to panic? Please don't; you'll be in safe hands. The crew run a tight ship. There will be safety signs on the boat, and someone will give you a safety announcement before you head off on your journey that'll let you all know about emergency exits and where you can find your life jackets. There will be plenty for all passengers onboard. The crew's main priority is that your London party boat experience is a fun and safe one.
Will We Get Seasick?
Depending on the weather, your London party boat is likely to be rocking on the water. But once it makes its way through the river, most people can hardly notice the movement. If you start to feel a bit sick, it might be worth easing off the alcohol for a little while; that should help. If it doesn't, the friendly crew will be on hand with advice.
What Occasions Are Party Boats Good For?
Absolutely any! Whether it's a once in a lifetime special occasion or you just fancy getting your mates together and splashing a bit of cash on a good time, a London boat party always guarantees a fun night out for your group. They're a really popular choice for hen and stag dos, birthday parties, wedding receptions, baby showers and team building events. In fact, any occasion is more fun when you're floating down the river drinking and dancing!
A party boat in London is a great ice breaker. Even if you're a group who don't know each other that well, you'll soon be chatting about the sights you can see and enjoying each other's company as you wine, dine and dance! Whether there's two of you or 500, there's a boat waiting for you.
What Should We Wear?
Dress code varies from boat to boat, the time of day and the occasion. Smart casual is always a good bet but if it's a night-time celebration, it's a great excuse to dress to impress, especially as you're bound to take loads of photos on the night.
Trainers and sports gear are a bit too casual. However, bear in mind that you're going to want to be steady on your feet as you bob about on the water so it's probably best to leave those skyscraper stilettos at home. You'll want to be able to dance the night away in comfort anyway!
What Happens When We Disembark?
It's totally up to you! After you say your goodbyes to the crew, you might want to head home or go on to another activity. But if you don't want the party to stop just yet, you'll be happy to hear that a couple of the party boats in London offer free nightclub entry after you disembark. Check out our boat party listings for more info about where you can end up.
The Best Boat Parties in London
We've done the hard work for you and written a rundown of the best boat parties in London that you'll fall in love with - hook, line and sinker!
London Party Boats
A disco cruise
This four-hour disco cruise guarantees a wild night out! There's a fully stocked pay bar onboard so get those drinks in and check out London's most iconic landmarks from the deck. The DJ plays a mix of tunes from commercial to old school garage, retro tracks to club classics. You'll also get a party snack box each to help line those stomachs a little. You can even upgrade to the VIP package where you'll get a reserved booth, a bottle of prosecco and spirit of your choice plus mixers. What's more, when you disembark, your group will get free entry to Piccadilly Institute nightclub.
London's Original Boat Party
A classic party atmosphere
With more than 50 years of London party boat experience, this company knows how to show you a great time! Hop onboard for a four-hour cruise along the Thames past loads of the key sights which all gorgeously illuminated at night. Get ready to take tons of pics against this beautiful British backdrop. Tuck into a light buffet and get those drinks in at the pay bar before soaking up the party atmosphere with the DJ spinning anthems from the 80s to modern day that'll get everyone dancing. The fun doesn't stop there because when you get off the boat, you'll get guestlist entry to a banging club nearby.
Westminster Party Boats
A big boat for a big bash
Westminster Party Boats has more than 20 years' experience and can accommodate groups as small as two, or a big as 250 people. If you want to throw a big bash, they can even help with decorations, catering, casino tables, live entertainment and DJs with shared party cruises and exclusive private hire options available. Their modern Mercedes vessel has two decks with a fully stocked bar and seating area on the lower deck and a space for discos, BBQs, buffets and cocktail evenings on the big open viewing upper deck, the perfect place to take photos and make memories.
Thames Boat Party
Themed party boat
Cruise past the heart of London and lots of its iconic sights for four fun hours with a fully stocked cash bar, tasty finger buffet to soak up a bit of the alcohol and a live DJ. Whether you're out with friends, family, a loved one or your workmates, this novel way to party always puts smiles on faces. They offer a range of packages and parties for loads of occasions including Halloween, Sizzling Summer Nights and Festive Fireworks as well as private and shared disco cruises that'll help you become the envy of all your social media followers.
West End on the Thames
A decadent night out
Combine prestigious events with modern boats for a decadent night out to remember. Whether there's two of you or 500, you want to celebrate in the daytime or at night, West End on the Thames can accommodate your group, giving you a beautiful venue to float down the Thames on, no matter what the occasion from hen dos to birthday parties, weddings to team jollies. Soak up unrivalled views of the riverscape including the O2 Arena, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London, The Shard and many more with your favourite drink in hand. They can also help with catering, photography and entertainment.
Types of London Boat Parties
Chilled out Boat Parties in London
Do you fancy taking your party to the water but in a more laid-back way? We can help with that!
B-Bakery Thames Cruise
Add a bit of relaxation and sophistication to your day out in the capital as you combine good food and sightseeing. These pretty Elizabethan and Edwardian tea boats cruise down the River Thames for around three hours and feature a commentary so you can learn about everything you're seeing on the way. Head to the upper deck to soak up the sights and take some photos before taking a seat downstairs to tuck into a decadent French-inspired afternoon tea that's packed with flavour and includes homemade sandwiches, pastries, cakes and scones that are oozing with jam and clotted cream. Yum!
BBQ Boat
Travel around the West India Quay dock in this BBQ Boat for a really chilled-out experience with your friends, family or workmates. These round boats can accommodate up to 10 people and your journey lasts around one hour and 40 minutes. Bring your food and a couple of drinks along, cook it on the boat then tuck in! We all love a BBQ come summertime but that's not the only time you can try out this activity; you can even hop on this boat in the autumn and winter, just bring blankets and marshmallows and snuggle up around that fire. Snug as a bug!
Bateaux London
If you fancy a super laid-back London party boat, you'll love this relaxing afternoon tea on a floating restaurant that combines stunning views, food, drink and music as you bob up and down, docked on the River Thames. You'll tuck into a delicious afternoon tea featuring a selection of tasty teas, sandwiches, cakes and traditional scones with clotted cream and jam. Lovely live music will be provided by a solo pianist, helping create the perfect ambience for you to sit back, relax and soak up the stunning city sights. You'll cruise past loads of landmarks as you make your one hour and fifteen-minute journey along the water.
Showboat Dinner Cruise
A delicious dinner, live entertainment and gorgeous sights combine on the three-hour Showboat Cruise. The fun starts straight away with a sparkling wine reception. Sip on the fizz as the onboard singer begins the entertainment. You'll then sit down to a sumptuous four course meal with half a bottle of wine each. Dishes include soup, chicken, smoked salmon, cake and more to really get your mouth watering. The singer will perform pop hits and West End musical favourites as you tuck in. When you've finished, it's time to admire some of those riverscape sights including the spectacularly lit up Thames-side landmarks before you dance your socks off!
Afternoon Tea Cruise
Relax to the max on MV Jewel of London as you chow down on a taste bud tingling afternoon cream tea and take in some magnificent sights. Each of you will be greeted with a glass of prosecco to toast your special occasion or fun day out before it's time to sit back and unwind on the cruise. The friendly team at London Party Boats will serve up cups of English tea alongside homemade scones oozing with jam and clotted cream plus fresh cakes and sandwiches. To add a touch of class to your chilled-out afternoon, you'll dine to a soundtrack of soft jazz. You can even add bottomless prosecco throughout your hour and a half sitting. Cheers to that!
Boozy Boat Parties in London
For the most hedonistic adventure on the river, you've got to try out a Booze Cruise in London! What better way to break away from the norm and have a night out to remember?
London Party Boats
Make this London boat party a boozy affair by adding a generous drinks package. How about having the Full Works? This package includes a Champagne reception, unlimited draft beer and cider, house wines, prosecco, single spirits and soft drinks for your whole group for the duration of this fun-filled activity. As well as all this, on their four-hour disco cruise, you'll also get a party snack box each and a non-stop party atmosphere where the DJ will get everyone throwing their most outrageous shapes. Perfect for revellers who want to go all night, your group will get nightclub entrance after you disembark. Go big or go home, right?
Rock the Boat
This regular boozy boat party is hosted by The Macbeth of Hoxton. Hop onboard for the ultimate R&B party with a talented DJ spinning 90s and 00s R&B classics from TLC, En Vogue, Mary J Blige and Missy Elliot with some more modern stuff from Drake and Beyoncé thrown in for good measure. What's more, you'll all get bottomless alcoholic punch for 30 minutes to really get the good times flowing! Want to make things that bit more special for a birthday, hen do or other big occasion? You can reserve a table and add a couple of bottles of prosecco for your guests. Whatever you're celebrating, you can always expect a fun-loving crowd and a killer soundtrack.
The Rhythm and Booze Project Boat Party
Head to the Golden Hinde at London Bridge for an intoxicating night of live music and whisky tasting with an open bar (yep, you read that right!) plus plenty of mischief onboard a ship. A talented duo, Felipe and Paul, will perform a live selection of blues, folk and roots music as well as teaching you all about the mouth-watering whiskeys you're about to taste. Sip your way through a selection of 10 delicious drinks including mouth-watering single malts. This replica of Sir Francis Drake's famous ship isn't actually seaworthy or even in the water but it's a brilliantly quirky venue for any boozy night out.
Absolute Party Cruises
This weekly disco cruise in London is packed with party spirit and a fantastic choice if you're looking to splash the cash for a New Year's Eve celebration to remember forever. Hop onboard the MV Royalty where you'll take prime position of the River Thames to hear the iconic chimes of Big Ben and watch the world-famous and fabulous firework display. You can enjoy unlimited spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks from the bar and a mouth-watering hot fork buffet. Once the fireworks are over, it's time to dance the rest of the night away. Away from New Year's Eve, Absolute Party Cruises also holds weekly, four-hour disco cruises with an onboard buffet and DJ.
Bar and Co
Get ready to go wild on the River Thames at one of the city's hidden gems, a moored party boat that boasts a buzzing atmosphere and top selection of cocktails. Docked at Temple Pier, outside Temple station and just five minutes from Holborn, you'll enjoy gorgeous views of Big Ben, the London Eye and Oxo Tower as you party the night away. Onboard, you'll find a fully licensed bar, restaurant and nightclub that's open until 3am. Where better to celebrate a big occasion like a hen party, stag do or birthday? Or even just a quirky night out with your mates.
Unusual Boat Parties in London
Are you an outside the box thinker? We like your style! If you fancy a quirky boat party in London, we've got a few top-notch options for you.
Pirates of the Hidden Spirit
Fancy a London party boat with a difference? Welcome onboard this real pirate ship that's docked for an immersive theatre experience. For a fun-packed hour and 40 minutes, you'll join convincing actors on an adventure to steal long-lost treasure from the Governor. You'll join Captain Jack Cassidy's undercover crew, taking on an epic journey and enjoying three delicious cocktails each. Costumes are also provided to help all of you unleash your inner pirate and get stuck into this new world of mischief. The pirate ship doesn't actually move but you'll be having way too much fun to care!
Silent Sounds on the Thames
The Dutch Master is a two-storey party boat in London that'll take you past iconic riverside landmarks whilst you choose the soundtrack to your night out at a fun-packed silent disco! You'll dance along to a range of dance floor fillers and party anthems, picking the channel you like best from your very own headphones. Whether you like disco, hardcore house or something in between, there's something to get you grooving but don't forget to take a break from all that dancing to get the drinks in at the bar and raise a glass to your big night out.
Hot Tug
Ever sat in a hot tub and thought, “do you know what'd make this even better; if we were floating down a river?” Probably not but trust us, this is the most fun you'll ever have in a hot tub! Each boat can fit up to seven people, sat in a circle, enjoying the warm water that's heated to a lovely 38˚C. The wood burning stove makes sure it stays warm throughout your 75-minute trip around either City Road Basin and the main canal or Canary Wharf. You can bring your own drinks onboard to get the party started but one of you will need to be the sober designated driver.
Battersea Barge
This unusual, award-wining venue is a boat that's moored on the Thames in the Nine Elms area, just a few minutes' walk from Vauxhall station. They hold a huge number of public events from a floating jazz club to spooky ghost ship parties, album launches to storytelling evenings. Any party here has an iconic backdrop of Battersea Power Station, perfect for selfies and group shots. If you want to celebrate at a venue that's quintessentially London, the Battersea Barge will leave you with loads of great memories. With a bar, restaurant and stage, it's also a great place to hire out for a private function.
Alfred Le Roy Canal Cruises
This isn't your traditional party boat in London but rather a quirky canal cruise on the River Lea. Depart from Hackney Wick to head out on an East End voyage with an upbeat and eclectic playlist in the background. Enjoy the view through the windows or soak up some sun in warmer months when the boat's roof can be retracted. Your ticket includes one cocktail per person. What will you go for? If you fancy some more, the bar is open throughout your cruise and sells wine, Champagne, craft beer, cider, spirits and soft drinks so there's something for everyone. You can also order some traditionally British grub if you're feeling peckish.
Child Friendly Boat Parties in London
If you want to hop aboard a London boat party that's a bit more family friendly, the capital doesn't disappoint with tons of choice for celebrations with kids and teens.
Capital Pleasure Boats
Give your child the birthday of a lifetime with a mini-disco onboard the Golden Star, available in the afternoon or early evening. The resident DJ will spin a wide range of tunes with chart toppers old and new that'll get children of all ages dancing. When they need a breather, they can enjoy unlimited soft drinks and soak up the glorious riverside sights. You can even add a buffet, birthday cake and children's entertainer for a totally hassle-free experience. The boat has just one level so you can keep a close eye on the kids as you get a drink or two in at the bar.
The Golden Hinde
Yo ho me hearties! It's time for your special little pirate to have an epic birthday adventure onboard a replica pirate ship! It features five decks of history and fun for a swashbuckling adventure they'll never forget. Your child and their friends will take control of the ship for an hour and three quarters, being entertained by the Golden Hinde's talented crew of actors who'll feed their imaginations. Expect singalongs, games, treasure hunts, learning how to fire a cannon, pirate storytelling, a feast below deck and much more! Fancy dress is a must! All you need to do is sit back and watch their faces light up!
Enjoy the Best Views in the City
So, there you have it. You're now a London boat party expert! There's only one thing left to do and that's to hop onboard and let the good times roll! Whether you want something boozy, sophisticated, family friendly or quirky, you'll find it in the Big Smoke.
No matter if you're ready to book right this minute or would like a bit more information, check out our full listings for London party boats. We also offer a range of top party boats in other UK and European destinations. Take a look now to see which tickles your fancy. What are you waiting for, ladies and gents? All aboard!
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