This post is also available in:
繁體中文
Main Takeaway:
Choosing your food plan for a boat trip mainly depends on what kind of vibe you want. If you want convenience and variety, traditional catering is the safe bet. If you want to boost the party atmosphere with hot, fresh food, an onboard BBQ offers the best value. Bringing your own food (DIY) only makes sense if you’re on a tight budget or have special dietary needs.
Quick Guide for Organizers ：
- Budget-friendly & easy: Order a catering package for the boat trip (about $200-$350 per person)
- Best for party vibe: Book a yacht with BBQ setup + food package (around $250-$400 per person)
- Cheapest but most work: DIY food (roughly $100-$150 per person, but remember to handle transport and storage)
I’ve been organizing yacht events for over 10 years, and every summer I get tons of “help me” questions from organizers: “We booked the boat, now what about food?” The truth is, boat parties aren’t just about the water—what you eat often makes or breaks the whole trip. Imagine everyone’s freezing and starving after swimming, then they’re served cold pasta versus hot, tasty BBQ wings. The experience couldn’t be more different.
Today, I’ll break down the three main food options so you can avoid any pitfalls!
Option 1: Traditional Catering — The Go-To for Easygoing Organizers
If most of your group just want to show up and have fun, or if you have lots of kids and older folks, catering is definitely the top choice.
Pros:
- Super convenient: This is the most hands-off option. When you book your boat through Yacht Holimood, you can usually add catering with just a click. The delivery person drops off the food right at the dock, so all you have to do is eat.
- Lots of variety: From Thai platters and Western pasta to sushi and sashimi, there’s something to please everyone’s taste.
- Ready to eat as soon as you board: Usually, the first thing you do is eat, and catering means you can open the containers and dig in—no waiting for grills or ovens to heat up.
Cons:
- Food temperature and texture suffer: This is the biggest downside. Food is cooked in the kitchen, delivered to the dock, then brought on board—often 1-2 hours later. Fried food gets soggy, hot dishes cool down, and that’s just how it goes.
- Lack of surprise: Unless you order a pricey gourmet catering, common dishes like pasta or curry puffs can get a bit boring since many people have tried them before.
Tip: If you go with catering, try to avoid foods that need to stay crispy, like fries or tempura. Instead, pick dishes that hold up well, like stews, curries, or cold platters for the best experience.
Option 2: Onboard BBQ (Holimood’s Top Pick) — The Ultimate Experience Upgrade
In recent years, more and more people have been choosing yacht BBQs. I remember once organizing a company team-building event—at first, the boss wanted to just order takeout, but I insisted on booking a big party yacht with a BBQ setup. When the grill fired up that day and the smell of steaks filled the air, everyone instantly gathered around with beers in hand, chatting and having a blast. The vibe was easily ten times better than just sitting down to eat.
Pros:
- Awesome party vibe: BBQs are naturally social—you gather around the grill, help cook, and the conversation flows effortlessly.
- Hot, fresh food: There’s nothing like biting into a freshly grilled steak or shrimp while feeling the ocean breeze. Way better than cold boxed meals.
- Staff help (on some boats): This is a big plus! Many luxury cruisers or large yachts come with crew who handle the grill for you or even do the cooking. You just relax, eat, and have fun.
Cons:
- Boat restrictions: Not every boat allows grilling, and not all have the right electric or gas grills. You must pick a “BBQ-friendly” boat when booking.
- Capacity limits: Even boats with grills usually have smaller setups compared to land BBQs, and grilling takes time. With a big group, the experience can slow down. For large groups, combining BBQ with some catered food is a smart idea.
Best for: People who want a lively party atmosphere, enjoy hot food, and don’t want just a simple boat ride.
Option 3: Fully DIY — Budget First
If you’re a college crew or really tight on cash, DIY is definitely the cheapest way to go.
Pros:
- Lowest cost: You can hit the market for frozen meat, meatballs, veggies, and easily keep it under $100 per person.
- Total control over flavor: Want it spicy or salty? You decide exactly how your food tastes.
Cons (Important to consider):
- Super tiring: Imagine carrying 20 pounds of food, several cases of drinks, charcoal (if the boat doesn’t provide it), and utensils in 90°F (33°C) summer heat—walking from the subway to Sai Kung pier. By the time you board, organizers might already be wiped out.
- Food safety risks: According to the Food Safety Center guidelines, raw meat spoils fast at room temperature. You’ll need good coolers and ice packs, which adds hassle to your logistics.
- Cleanup afterwards: While the boat crew cleans the boat, a lot of leftover trash and food scraps can get messy. If you accidentally dirty the deck, some strict boat owners might charge a cleaning fee.
Is yacht BBQ a hassle?
A lot of beginners imagine “clothes covered in ash,” “lots of smoke,” and “danger everywhere” when they hear about BBQ on a boat.
But remember: that’s an old idea from 10 years ago!
- Modern gear: Today, many Western-style yachts on Holimood come with professional, large grills that heat evenly and stay clean—no worries about ruining your clothes.
- All-in-one package: When you book a BBQ package through the platform, the boat crew prepares marinated food, grills, tongs, and even utensils. All you really need to do is show up.
- Safety first: The crew is professionally trained to handle grilling safely at sea—way safer than lighting a grill yourself in a park.
The Ultimate Showdown: Which Option Is Right for You?
| Compare items | Catering | BBQ on board | Bring Your Own Food (DIY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Person (HKD) | $200 – $350 | $250 – $450 (depends on ingredient quality) | $100 – $150 |
| Level of Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Top level) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ (Very low) |
| Food Temperature & Texture | ⭐⭐ (Cools down easily) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Hot, fresh food) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Depends on cooking skills) |
| Party Vibe | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Highly interactive) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Prep Work Beforehand | Very little (order online) | Low (need to check boat facilities) | Heavy (grocery shopping, marinating, transporting) |
Conclusion: If you want the best party vibe, yacht BBQ is the top pick!
Based on years of experience, if your budget isn’t super tight, I strongly recommend going with a yacht BBQ package. After all, you probably only do a boat trip once a year, and that unique combo of ocean breeze and grilled meat is something regular takeout just can’t match.
Ready to set sail?
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q1: Will someone help with the grilling on the boat BBQ?
Yes! On many luxury or large yachts, the crew is trained to handle the grill and often takes care of cooking for you. So you can just relax, eat, and enjoy the party without worrying about the cooking.
Q2: Where does catering delivery usually drop off the food?
Most catering companies (including Holimood’s partners) deliver to public boarding areas at the pier, like Sai Kung Pier or Central Pier No. 9. Make sure to arrange pickup at least 15-30 minutes before your boat departure to avoid delays.
Q3: What’s the approximate budget per person for a boat party? (Including boat rental and food)
It depends on your choices. For a weekday trip with a regular boat and catering, expect around $500–$700 per person. For weekends with a Western-style yacht plus BBQ or wakesurf, budgets usually run between $800–$1,200 per person.
Q4: We have vegetarians—are there options in the BBQ package?
Yes! Most Holimood BBQ packages are flexible. You can add veggie bundles (like corn, eggplant, mushrooms) or order separate vegetarian catering boxes. Just mention the number of vegetarians in your order notes.
