Dreaming of a memorable maritime experience that will amaze your guests? The Helsinki archipelago offers a great setting for a party in the lap of the waves. A maritime party environment automatically creates a unique atmosphere that is difficult to achieve in a conventional venue. Our SunLines vessel M/S Emma provides the perfect setting for birthdays, corporate events and other special occasions you want to make truly memorable. To make your maritime party experience as successful as possible, we've put together a comprehensive guide to planning a shipboard party.

What does it take to organise a party on board?

Organising a maritime party requires slightly different planning than organising a normal party on land. Careful preparation is the key to a successful boat party. The first step is scheduling - we recommend booking your cruise at least 2-3 months in advance, especially during high season. Planning for the number of guests is particularly important for on-board events. Our M/S Emma has a capacity of 50-200 people, and for private events the minimum number of guests is 50. This should be taken into account when sending invitations and requesting confirmations. When budgeting, please note that the departure price for a private cruise is 2400€. This includes the rental of the boat and the staff. Additional services such as catering and drinks will be priced separately according to your wishes. Our SunLines booking service through you can easily:

• Check available dates
• Plan the duration of your cruise (the most popular is a 4-hour cruise)
• Choose the right dishes
• Sopia itinerary and schedule (cruises typically start at 18:00)

There are a few special features of a maritime party space that are worth bearing in mind. It always makes sense to book for the weather, although our M/S Emma is designed to operate in a variety of weather conditions. It is also worth noting that guests should arrive at the port of departure on time, as the ship departs at the exact time agreed.

When is the best time to organise a party on board?

The weather conditions have a significant impact on the atmosphere at boat parties. In Finland, the sailing season is at its best from May to September, when the weather is usually most favourable for sea travel. During the summer months, you can enjoy light nights and warm weather, which makes cruising particularly pleasant. Spring and early autumn are also popular times, when the archipelago is bathed in a variety of beautiful colours. Pricing should take into account seasonal fluctuations - summer months are the busiest, so prices tend to be higher and bookings should be made well in advance. Sunset cruises create a particularly magical atmosphere. The silhouette of the Helsinki archipelago against the sunset sky provides a breathtaking backdrop for your celebration and unforgettable photo opportunities. Our M/S Emma is available throughout the summer season. We also offer seasonal special packages, such as:

• Easter cruises in spring
• Midsummer cruises in mid-summer
• End of summer sunset cruises

When choosing a date, it's also worth considering the nature of the event - a corporate event at sea can fit in well on a weekday, while birthday parties on board are often held at weekends.

How should you organise the catering at a boat party?

Catering is an essential part of a successful party experience at sea. A buffet is often the most practical option in on-board conditions, as it allows guests to move freely and eat at their own pace. This is particularly suitable for party cruises and more relaxed occasions. SunLines catering offers a variety of options for different occasions. Our most popular choice is the Taco Fiesta buffet, which offers a taste sensation for all guests. It is perfect for both corporate events and birthday parties on board. Catering for special dietary requirements is important to us. Please let us know any allergies and dietary requirements in advance to ensure that all guests can enjoy our specialities. The menu is always designed to suit the nature of the occasion - finger food is suitable for more relaxed party cruises, while for more festive occasions we can arrange a buffet dinner. Good planning in advance ensures a smooth catering experience that suits both the style of the event and the practicalities of the on-board environment.

How much does a private party on board cost?

The price of a private cruise on a SunLines vessel starts from €2400, which includes the charter of the M/S Emma and professional staff. This basic price covers the use of the ship for the agreed period, typically 4 hours, which is the most popular cruise duration. Services included in the price:

• Use of the vessel for a private event
• Captain and other necessary crew
• Basic sound system
• Cleaning up after a cruise

The pricing of additional services is determined by your choices:

• Catering from 25€/person
• DJ services at extra cost

The impact of group size on price is an important factor in budget planning. For our private cruise, the minimum number of guests is 50, and M/S Emma can accommodate up to 200. With larger groups, the personal cost often decreases as the basic costs are shared between more participants. There are seasonal variations in prices - weekends in the summer season are the most popular and therefore often the most expensive. Weekdays and quieter months can offer a more cost-effective option for corporate events or parties. There are options to suit different budgets, for example by tailoring the duration, timing or catering. We will be happy to help you tailor a package to suit your budget.

Creating a maritime festive experience on SunLines ships

With the SunLines partnership, you can focus on enjoying your event while we take care of the practical arrangements. Key tips for a successful boat trip:

• Communicate your wishes clearly in advance
• Take weather conditions into account and inform guests about appropriate dress
• Consider your schedule - you can't delay your cruise at the last minute
• Plan your programme to be loose enough to allow guests to enjoy the scenery too
• Take advantage of the unique atmosphere of the Helsinki archipelago in the theme of the celebration

When planning a party on the M/S Emma, please go through these steps:

1. Contact us to check availability for your desired date
2. Confirm the number of guests (remember the minimum of 50 people)
3. Send invitations to guests well in advance and stress the importance of arriving on time

We invite you to learn more about the SunLines offer on our website. Contact us and together we will create a maritime party experience that will exceed expectations and live long in the memory. The Helsinki archipelago and our M/S Emma ships offer a stunning setting for both corporate and private events - let the sea bring a touch of magic to your celebration!