What to do for a unique corporate cruise that won’t break the bank?

Party planning is no small task, especially if you want your staff to love it. Office parties are an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships within the team and boost morale. We’ve hosted hundreds of impressive corporate events over our 20 years in the charter business. Here are our top tips to help you make your work-do a roaring success.

1. Choose the best venue in town

You want something away from the hustle and bustle, a beautiful venue. Preferably with 360° breathtaking views. Like a luxury vessel! Could there be a better corporate party venue than a Perth boat cruise? Treat the team to a sunset, Swan River, or wine-lovers cruise around the Swan Valley. Why not make a day of it in the pristine waters off Carnac Island or a day trip to Rottnest Island? Sounds like a dream, right? Venue…tick.

2. Let everyone in on the action

Involve your staff and ask for their input. You could start an ideas board or suggest four or five ideas for your staff to vote on and add their thoughts. Planning an office party together can make it more fun for everyone (and there’s less chance of disappointment!).

3. Choose your timing wisely

Don’t limit your employee party to the holidays. Holding your party during the busy Christmas can make it difficult to tailor your event as planned. You may miss out on securing your ideal vessel if you’re trying to book simultaneously as everyone else. Caterers may not be available, and entertainers may all be booked out. Celebrations are fun at any time.
Outside of the ‘usual’ party season, everyone has an opportunity to get more excited about your unique event! Why not try a weekday cruise or a Sunday if possible – you may be able to get a significant discount on charter hire fees and add more value elsewhere.

4. Choose a theme

Planning suddenly becomes much easier once you define a theme for your event. Decorating, music, food and beverage can all serve your theme, which makes it much easier to choose from all your options. Some easy and popular themes include a Mexican fiesta, nautical theme, a particular decade, eg. 60’s or 80’s party, Hawaiian party or Hollywood theme. Whether they admit it or not, most people love getting dressed for a particular theme, and chatting about each other’s outfits helps break the ice on arrival.

5. Delegate tasks and minimise the pressure

Don’t leave all the particulars to one staff member; it will consume them. Delegate different tasks to different staff, or ask your cruise manager to help you arrange all the details. When you can get catering, beverages, entertainment, transport and decorating all organised in one place, it saves you a lot of time, angst and money.

6. Include some fun and games

Team building exercises are a great ice-breaker; when managed well, they can increase productivity and boost your staff’s morale. Get people mingling with those they usually wouldn’t in the usual office environment. Have them work together on fun tasks, games and activities. They’ll have much fun, get to know each other better, and operate more cohesively when back at work. Win-win!