How to Decorate a Boat (What Actually Works on the Water)

A Charleston booze cruise is one of the easiest, most fun things you can do on the water – but showing up unprepared will cost you. The short answer: bring your drinks, your sunscreen, your ID, light layers, and a great playlist. That covers 90% of what you need. The other 10% is what separates a good cruise from an absolutely legendary one.

Here’s everything you need to know before you step foot on the Friki Tiki.

What Is a Booze Cruise in Charleston, SC?

A booze cruise Charleston style means a BYOB boat charter on Charleston Harbor, where you and your group bring your own drinks, cruise past iconic landmarks like the Ravenel Bridge and The Battery, and enjoy a few hours on the water without a bar tab anywhere in sight.

The Friki Tiki is a 32-passenger party boat departing from Brittlebank Park right in downtown Charleston. Coolers, ice, cups, and bottled water are all provided onboard. You focus on bringing the good stuff.

That’s the setup. Now let’s talk about what actually goes in your bag.

What Should You Bring on a Booze Cruise Charleston Trip?

Your Drinks (The Most Important Thing)

This is a BYOB experience, so your drink choices are yours to make. Beer, wine, hard seltzers, champagne – all welcome. High Noons are practically the unofficial drink of the Friki Tiki at this point. One rule: no hard liquor. That applies to every charter, no exceptions.

Pro tip: there’s a Publix literally across the street from the dock at Brittlebank Park. You can grab everything you need, walk over, and be onboard in under ten minutes. No need to stress about pre-packing the night before.

How much should you bring? A safe rule is two to three drinks per person per hour for a two-hour cruise. For a bachelorette group celebrating hard, maybe lean toward three. For a corporate team looking for a relaxed afternoon, two is plenty.

Sunscreen – Seriously, Don’t Skip It

Here’s a fact that surprises most first-timers: the sun on the water hits differently. You’re getting direct sun from above and reflected UV from the water’s surface at the same time. People who would never burn on land have walked off this boat looking like lobsters.

Apply before you board. Bring the bottle with you for reapplication. SPF 30 minimum. SPF 50 if you’re fair-skinned or booking a midday cruise in summer. Your future self will thank you.

A Light Layer for the Evening

If you’re booking a booze cruise Charleston at sunset – which, honestly, you should – the temperature on the water drops faster than it does on land once the sun dips. Bring a light jacket, a zip-up, or even just a long-sleeved shirt you can throw on. You don’t need much. Just enough to stay comfortable as the sky turns gold.

Comfortable Shoes (or No Shoes at All)

Leave the heels at the hotel. The Friki Tiki has a deck surface, and sandals, sneakers, or bare feet are the way to go. Nobody wants to navigate a moving boat in stilettos, and nobody wants to worry about twisting an ankle when they’re supposed to be having the best afternoon of their Charleston trip.

Snacks and Food

Coolers, ice, and water are provided – but food is BYOB just like drinks. Grab a charcuterie board, some sandwiches, chips, or anything easy to eat without a fork. Grazing works well on a boat. Big heavy meals, not so much. If you want something more elevated, check the catering add-on options – you can have food brought directly onboard and set up before you arrive.

A Valid ID

If you’re bringing alcohol, carry your ID. No exceptions, no workarounds. This is a US Coast Guard-certified vessel and the crew takes it seriously. Keep your ID somewhere you can actually access it – not buried at the bottom of a beach bag.

Your Phone (Fully Charged)

You’re going to want photos. The harbor views, the skyline, the golden hour light – it’s all genuinely stunning in a way that even mediocre photography can capture. Charge your phone before you leave the hotel and consider bringing a small portable charger. A waterproof phone case is a smart add if you’re planning to hop on the Sunchill floats during a summer charter.

Cash or Venmo for the Crew

Gratuity isn’t included in your charter price, and the crew earns it. Budget 15% to 20% on top of your cruise cost and plan to tip at the end. Cash is always appreciated, and most crews also accept Venmo. A good crew genuinely elevates the entire experience – they keep the vibe right, they handle logistics, and they make sure everyone has a good time from the moment you board.

What NOT to Bring on a Booze Cruise Charleston Charter

You’d be surprised what people try to bring. Here’s the short list of what to leave behind:

• Hard liquor – Not allowed. Beer, wine, and seltzers only.
• Glass beer bottles – Cans only, please. Glass on a boat is a safety issue.
• Glitter, confetti cannons, or loose decorations – Fun for about 30 seconds, nightmare for cleanup. Skip it.
• Candles or open flames – LED alternatives work great if you want that aesthetic.
• Your entire wardrobe – Pack light. Locker space is limited. One bag per person is ideal.

What Does the Boat Already Provide?

This is where the booze cruise Charleston experience stands apart from other charter options. The Friki Tiki comes fully stocked with:

• Coolers and ice for your drinks
• Bottled water for everyone
• Cups for games and drinking
• A premium Bluetooth sound system (connect your playlist before you board)
• A restroom onboard
• Sunchill floating mats for summer swim stops (May through September)
• A USCG-certified captain and crew

You’re not roughing it. You’re walking onto a floating party that’s already set up and ready for you.

Packing List by Group Type

For Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties

On top of the essentials, bring a portable Bluetooth speaker as a backup, themed cups or koozies for the group, a printed or laminated banner if you want decoration, and any “bride tribe” accessories. The crew is totally on board (literally) with making it feel like a celebration.

For Corporate Groups and Work Events

Keep it simple and professional. Nice cooler with a variety of drink options, a few snacks, maybe a branded banner or tablecloth. Focus on the experience – the harbor does the heavy lifting for team bonding.

For Couples and Small Groups

This is a sunset cruise situation. Pack champagne or wine, a light snack, and a camera. Less is more. Let the Ravenel Bridge glow and the sky do the work. This is why people fall in love with Charleston.

For Birthday Groups

Bring balloons (secured tightly), a small cake or cupcakes, and themed accessories for the birthday person. Arrive early to set up. The crew will help make it feel special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we bring a cooler on the boat? Coolers are already provided onboard with ice and water. You’re welcome to bring a personal cooler with your drinks already inside if it’s easier for your group.

Is there a Publix near the dock? Yes – there’s a Publix directly across the street from Brittlebank Park at 185 Lockwood Drive. You can grab everything you need last-minute.

Can we swim during the cruise? Yes, during daytime charters from May 1 through September 30. Sunchill floating mats are provided for swimming in the Ashley River.

What if it rains? The Friki Tiki cruises rain or shine. Quick summer showers are common in Charleston and usually pass fast. If conditions are genuinely unsafe, the captain makes that call and you’ll receive a full refund or reschedule option.

How early should we arrive? Aim for 15 to 20 minutes before your cruise time. If you’re on a public or semi-private tour, the boat leaves at the scheduled time. Don’t be that person who misses the boat.

Ready to Get on the Water?

Book Your Booze Cruise Today

You’ve got the list. Now you just need the boat. The party boat Charleston groups keep coming back to is ready when you are – private and semi-private charters available daily, departing from right in the heart of downtown. Book now and lock in your date before it fills up.

Want to Level Up Your Experience?

From live music and a DJ to a professional bartender and catered food, there are add-on options that make the whole thing completely effortless. Visit our add-ons page and build the cruise your group actually deserves.

Questions Before You Book?

Call or text us at 843-990-8454, or email info@tikitoursofcharleston.com. We’re happy to help you figure out the right charter type, plan the perfect packing list for your group size, and make sure your booze cruise Charleston experience is everything you’re imagining.