A maritime celebration is a unique experience, offering a stunning setting for both corporate and private events. A party on the water is a unique combination of experience, atmosphere and practicality. An event set amidst an archipelago landscape is guaranteed to be a memorable experience for your guests. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure successful party planning from start to finish - Helsinki by the sea is a sight to behold and a sight to impress.

What is a charter cruise and how is it organised?

A private cruise event is a vessel entirely dedicated to your party, where you can enjoy a tailor-made party experience at sea. At SunLines, we offer a wide range of possibilities for organising different types of events on board our M/S Emma, which is perfect for parties of 50-200 people. Planning your cruise starts with a call to our customer service team, where we will identify your needs and wishes for the event. The most common occasions are corporate retreats, birthdays, and other important events. Booking is simple: specify your preferred date, number of guests and duration of the cruise. Our most popular duration for charter cruises is four hours, which allows you to enjoy the island scenery as well as enough time to party and socialise. Our departure times are typically in the afternoon, usually by 18:00. Read more private charter cruises.

How much does a charter cruise cost for different types of celebrations?

Pricing for a private cruise is made up of a number of elements, allowing for a package that suits every group. Our cruise pricing starts at EUR 2400, which is the base price for chartering our M/S Emma. The price is substantially influenced by:

• Cruise dates (summer season vs. slower seasons)
• Cruise duration (most common is 4 hours)
• Number of guests (minimum 50, maximum 200)
• Your choice of catering (different menu options at different price levels)
• Possible additional services (e.g. music)

The typical total budget for corporate events is slightly higher than for private events, as they often include more extensive catering. On request, we will always prepare an exact quotation according to your wishes.

When to book a charter cruise for a party?

The popularity of cruises, especially in summer, is remarkably high, so booking period should be carefully planned. We recommend booking your summer season (May-August) charter cruises at least 3-6 months in advance to ensure that your preferred date is available. Effect of season on booking speed:

• Summer months: booking 4-6 months in advance
• May and September: book 2-4 months in advance
• Other dates: book 1-3 months in advance

Friday and Saturday evenings are particularly popular, as are the days around public holidays. The corporate Christmas period also fills up quickly. The day of the week has a significant impact on both availability and pricing - weekday cruises are often cheaper and more accessible than weekend events.

What kind of food and drink can be arranged for the cruise?

Our M/S Emma offers a wide range of possibilities for catering services during cruises. Our most popular menu option is the ”Taco Fiesta” buffet, which is perfect for casual partying and is sure to please all guests. We can accommodate any special dietary requirements, as long as these are notified to us in advance. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other special diets can be catered for without any problems. Beverage service can be arranged either as an open bar, on a drink ticket system or charged separately. There are always plenty of non-alcoholic options available. The catering is always planned to suit the duration and timing of the cruise. A typical rhythm for a four-hour cruise is to start with appetizers, continue with a buffet and end with coffee and possible desserts.

What programme can be planned for a charter cruise?

Although SunLines focuses on organising cruises and does not offer a full range of programme services, our ship is an excellent vessel. for a self-designed programme. You can bring your own programme content to the cruise, and we are happy to help with the practical arrangements. The most popular programme options on cruises include:

• DJ
• Speeches and toasts
• Programme items related to the maritime landscape
• Archipelago quiz
• Community games and activities

There is a sound system on board, to which you can connect your own music equipment or computer. If necessary, we can also recommend approved partners to organise the programme. Please note, however, that we do not organise karaoke services.

Successfully organising a charter cruise: tips from SunLines experts

With years of experience, we have put together our best advice to organise a successful cruise event. These tips will ensure that your party is memorable for everyone involved:

1. Start planning early - especially for the summer season at least 3-6 months in advance
2. Define a clear budget that takes into account the rental of the vessel, catering and any additional services.
3. Send invitations to guests at least one month before the event, including clear instructions on how to arrive
4. Be aware of the weather warning - tell your guests that it might be windy at sea and to be prepared with warmer clothing
5. Plan your programme, but also leave time for free socialising and enjoying the scenery

At SunLines, we have extensive experience of a wide range of parties, and we are happy to help with all the practical arrangements. Most importantly, as the host, you can enjoy the event and trust our professional staff. Our vessel M/S Emma offers a fantastic setting for events for 50-200 people, and we will make sure that everything goes according to plan. A memorable party on the water is the result of good planning, efficient organisation and a unique environment. With these tips and our support, it's easy to organise a cruise that will be talked about for a long time to come!