4 October 2026 · 2 min read

A yacht party in Dubai: the drinks checklist

Chartered a yacht? Here's what to bring, how much ice you need in the heat, and how not to end up with warm beer mid-bay.

A cruise past the Palm and the Marina is one of the best things to do in Dubai. Plan the drinks in advance, because there's no shop at sea.

Check with the skipper first

Before you order, ask the charter company:

Whether you can bring your own alcohol (usually yes, but every company has its own rules)
Whether there's a fridge on board, and how much room it has
Where to deliver: to the marina or to your home

What works best on a boat

1Canned beer is the drink of a hot day. A light lager refreshes without knocking you out.
2Vodka or gin plus mixers (tonic, soda, ginger beer) so everyone makes their own.
3Something sparkling for the sunset photos.

Heavy red wine and complicated cocktails on a rocking deck are not a great idea.

Ice is not a detail

In the sun, drinks warm up in minutes. Get 2 kg of ice for every 4 to 5 people for 3 to 4 hours, plus one extra bag. You need it both for cooling cans and for the glasses.

How much to get

For a 3 to 4 hour trip in the heat: 4 to 5 beers or 3 to 4 cocktails per person. And plenty of water: sun and wind dehydrate you faster than you think.

Stay safe

Don't jump into the water after a few drinks, and don't drive after the trip. Remember the basic rules: drinking is fine on board a chartered yacht, not on a public beach once you're back on shore.

Order delivery to the marina ahead of time and set sail with cold drinks.