Which boat should you choose for a dance party? The key criteria to check

At some point during the evening, the first chairs are pushed back and a few guests move closer to the music. That's when you find out whether the boat was actually chosen with dancing in mind. A dance floor is not just a few square metres left free: the entire flow of the space needs to have been considered.

In practical terms, the number of guests, the meal format and the space taken up by the DJ or musicians all need to be considered together.

Free floor space is essential

A boat can accommodate a large number of people without having a large dedicated dance area. For a dance party, you therefore need to check where guests will gather once dinner or the cocktail is over.

The meal has a direct impact on the dance floor

Fixed tables, a buffet and a cocktail do not use the same amount of space. If dancing is central to the evening, the furniture layout should be planned from the outset. The key point to check is the amount of space actually available in the chosen layout.

The music needs to be planned around the boat

A DJ, band or playlist does not necessarily require the same set-up. Depending on the boat, the space available for equipment and the technical conditions can vary. You should also check the rules that apply to sound levels and timings.

For dancing, don't choose based on capacity alone

A high maximum capacity does not guarantee a comfortable dance party. When comparing two boats, look instead at the interior layout, the planned dance floor, circulation and available equipment. In practice, having a few fewer guests can sometimes leave much more freedom in the space.