BYOB Done Right: What to Pack and Bring for Your New Orleans Booze Cruise
Here is the best part of cruising the bayou with NOLA Party Barges: every party boat is BYOB with a bar on board. That means your drinks, your way, no overpriced bar tab and no waiting in line. But a great BYOB booze cruise takes a little prep. Pack smart and your cruise goes from fun to flawless. Forget the ice and, well, you will learn that lesson once.
We are NOLA Party Barges, the closest swamp tour to downtown New Orleans, departing from 2101 Paris Road, New Orleans, LA 70129. Our party boats cruise historic Bayou Bienvenue for 1 hour 45 minutes, start from $63 per person, and come with a captain and crew, a Bluetooth sound system and party lights, a bar, a bathroom on board, and heating in winter. You bring the party supplies; we bring everything else.
This is your practical packing and prep guide so your booze cruise is stocked, comfortable, and ready to roll the second you step aboard.
The BYOB Essentials
Start with the drinks, because that is the whole point. Think about what your group actually likes, then bring enough to last the full cruise. A boat full of friends goes through more than you expect, so it is better to over-pack than run dry on the bayou.
- Your drinks of choice: beer, wine, seltzers, liquor, and mixers
- Plenty of ice, more than you think you need
- A sturdy cooler that travels well
- Cups, koozies, and a bottle or wine opener
- Pre-batched cocktails in a pitcher or dispenser for easy pouring
- Water bottles to stay hydrated between rounds
- Trash bags to keep the boat tidy
Don’t Forget the Ice
The single most forgotten item is ice. Bring more than you think you need, especially in the Louisiana heat. Warm drinks can sink a good cruise, so make ice the first thing on your list, not the last.
Snacks and Food
Drinks go down smoother with something to eat. You are welcome to bring snacks on a standard cruise, so pack easy, no-mess options that travel well and feed the crew. If you want the food handled for you, look at the Sunset Cocktail Cruise and Seafood Boil, around $165 per person with your first drink included and a full Louisiana seafood boil served right on board.
- Chips, pretzels, and snack mixes
- Charcuterie, cheese, and crackers
- Fruit and other no-mess finger foods
- Napkins, plates, and any serving needs
Dress for the Bayou
What you wear can make or break your comfort on the water. The bayou has its own climate, breezy on the move, sunny on the banks, and cooler near sunset. Dress in layers and you will be comfortable the whole cruise. In winter, the boats are heated, but a light jacket is still a smart call.
- Check the forecast the day before and plan your layers.
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for moving around the boat.
- Bring sunglasses and a hat for sun on the open water.
- Pack a light jacket or layer for the breeze and sunset.
- Add sunscreen and apply it before you board.
- Bring bug spray for the bayou environment, just in case.
Set the Mood: Music and Extras
Every boat has a Bluetooth sound system and party lights, so the soundtrack is in your hands. Build your playlist before you arrive so there is no scrambling for the perfect song once you push off. If you book a private charter, you get a private cruise with full control of the music and the party, making your playlist the heartbeat of the whole afternoon.
Photo-Ready Extras
Bayou Bienvenue is gorgeous, with cypress trees, Spanish moss, alligators, herons, egrets, ospreys, turtles, and otters. Bring a fully charged phone or camera, and consider fun touches like themed cups, a banner, or simple decorations to make your photos pop. A portable charger keeps the camera rolling all cruise long.
Quick Prep Timeline
A little planning the day before makes boarding day a breeze. Stage your cooler, charge your devices, and build your playlist in advance so all you have to do on cruise day is load up and go.
- A few days out: confirm your booking through FareHarbor and finalize your guest list.
- Day before: shop for drinks, snacks, and supplies, and freeze or buy ice.
- Day before: build and test your Bluetooth playlist.
- Cruise day: pack the cooler with drinks and ice, then load your snacks and supplies.
- Cruise day: grab sunscreen, sunglasses, layers, and chargers.
- Cruise day: arrive at 2101 Paris Road a little early to board without rushing.
The Bottom Line
BYOB is one of the best things about cruising the bayou with NOLA Party Barges, and a little prep makes it perfect. Pack your drinks, plenty of ice, easy snacks, the right layers, and your playlist, and you are set for a flawless booze cruise on historic Bayou Bienvenue. We bring the captain, crew, sound system, and gators; you bring the party. Stock up and set sail.
Quick Questions Before You Book
Can we really bring our own alcohol?
Yes. Every party boat is BYOB with a bar on board, so you can bring your own beer, wine, seltzers, liquor, and mixers. Just remember plenty of ice and a cooler to keep everything cold throughout the cruise.
What is the one thing people most often forget?
Ice. It is the most forgotten item by far, especially in the Louisiana heat. Bring more than you think you need so your drinks stay cold for the full 1 hour 45 minute cruise.
Can we bring food on board?
Yes, you are welcome to bring snacks on a standard cruise. If you would rather have food handled for you, the Sunset Cocktail Cruise and Seafood Boil includes a full seafood boil on board for around $165 per person.
What should we wear?
Dress in layers for the breeze, sun, and cooler sunset air. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable non-slip shoes, and a light jacket. The boats are heated in winter, but a layer is still smart.
Ready to Book?
Now that you know exactly what to pack, all that is left is to set sail. Stock your cooler, build your playlist, and let us handle the captain, crew, and the bayou. Call +1 (504) 264-1056 or email [email protected] and reserve your BYOB booze cruise today.