How to host a Christmas yacht party (without even trying)

Last Christmas, I gave you my yacht…

It’s that time of year again: Northern hemisphere skies press down, growing grey and heavy, and the calendar starts its syncopated wind-down towards the festive season. As winter days shorten and the northern light dwindles, the yachting set typically charts a course for the sunlit waters of the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Is there anything more glamorous than a Christmas yacht party? We certainly don’t think so. William Molloy, our Head of Charter (and avid sailor himself) explains the art and science of hosting the ultimate holiday soirée.

Choose your setting (and your sea)

Your first consideration should be one of location. The Caribbean is certainly a popular option, but it’s not the only one, says William.

“A lot of people in the northern hemisphere opt to swap the snow for sand this time of year, heading to warmer temperatures to celebrate the end of the year,” smiles William. “The most famous spot for New Year’s in particular is St Barths, but it’s always fully booked well in advance and for me personally, I’d want to get as far away from the crowds as possible. There are the fireworks in Sydney, Australia, or there’s Lunar New Year in East and Southeast Asia, for example. Raja Ampat is growing in popularity—imagine Christmas in Indonesia. What a unique setting.”

His favourite, however, is a chain of tiny islands in the southern reaches of the Caribbean. “You want to get down to the black sand beaches of The Grenadines, where you might even bump into Mick Jagger at a bar—it happened to me a few years ago!”

Pick your yacht

Once you’ve decided where, the next question is: Which yacht?

William explains: “When selecting a yacht for a festive charter, think about how the space will be used, the energy of your guests, and how the yacht moves at sea. Some of the most elegant celebrations happen on sailing yachts, which are surprisingly stable—many guests assume motor yachts are steadier, but that’s not always the case.”

Within Hill Robinson’s fleet, BOLD is an adventurous choice, perfect for those seeking adrenaline and adventure. AMARYLLIS, on the other hand, feels romantic and intimate by contrast, while the 65-metre ETERNITY—full of a rotating selection of modern art—is great for families with little ones.

As for sailing yachts, PRANA, a 52-metre sloop, is another recommendation of William’s, alongside the 40-metre GENEVIEVE, also a sloop.

“Sailing yachts tend to be more relaxed, barefoot and first-name term environments,” explains William. “By comparison, motor yachts of similar size usually have more deck space. This is because they often have two or three decks. As a result, they offer more options for relaxing and entertaining. This is a holiday, and service is very important. The more crew on board, the better the yacht runs. This helps provide five-star service.

“But a charter broker will know how to match your expectations with the perfect yacht,” says William. “It’s their job to provide the best options for you.”

Set up the vibe

Now, it’s simply a matter of ambiance. How do you want your space to feel? What’s on your table? What music is drifting across the decks? What are the little details your guests may not immediately notice?

William emphasises that it all begins long before guests step on board.

“We always start with the preference sheet,” he explains. “It’s more than just dietary requirements or cabin choices. “Are your guests early risers or night owls? Do they prefer champagne at sunset or a relaxed morning coffee? Do they want festive formality, or a casual, barefoot celebration? Understanding these nuances helps the chef, chief stew, and captain anticipate everything before it’s even asked.”

Your charter team work alongside you to organise everything according to your preferences, from table settings with your chief stewardess to your menu with your chef and your itinerary with your captain.

By the time you and your guests arrive, the yacht seems to have prepared itself, and the celebrations can begin.

Plan Christmas morning (and beyond)

Hosting a Christmas yacht party is really about orchestrating the details so they disappear. From selecting the prettiest sunlit anchorage to setting the mood with crew, food, and music, every element should feel effortless.

The how lies in thinking ahead, anticipating needs, and letting the yacht, the sea, and your team carry the party from dawn to starlight—and dawn again, should you so choose.

“But mix it up, do something different,” says William. “Take the wakeboards out, have the crew set up a treasure hunt for the kids—you’re on a yacht. You can do as you please!”

Take it on shore

After a few days spent from anchorage to anchorage, the call of the shore might be too hard to resist. A few days on land can help you and your guests recalibrate after living with the rhythm of the sea for a few days.

Moravia’s partnership with Little Harbour Estates in Anguilla, for example, is designed to be a seamless experience from sea to shore, but your charter broker can help you find the perfect property for your group.

Create new traditions this Christmas. Contact us to organise your ultimate Christmas yacht party.

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