Which boat for a 30-person birthday party? The points to consider

Thirty guests is often the point at which a birthday party changes scale. The group is still small enough to feel genuinely sociable, but you already need to think about how people will move around, the meal and the music if the evening is going to run on.

The right choice therefore depends less on the number alone than on what you want to do during your time on board.

A private boat to keep a group atmosphere

For a birthday with 30 guests, a private boat can help maintain a fairly intimate atmosphere. It's an appealing option when the programme is mainly built around drinks, a dinner or a cruise with close friends and family.

A barge for more space

If you want to set up a dinner, a music area or a dance floor, a barge can offer more room. You still need to check the exact layout of the boat, though: a capacity of 30 doesn't tell you how those people will be spread out on board.

How much space do you need for dancing?

A party with dancing needs clear floor space. If tables stay in place, the available space may be reduced. So it's best to plan how the evening will flow rather than looking at each part in isolation.

The right questions to ask

Before booking, specify the number of guests, the type of meal, whether you'd like a DJ, the length of the event and whether you'd prefer to cruise or stay moored. This information makes it possible to check whether the boat really suits your plans.