Long Beach Holiday Parties on the Water

Why is it that if you take all the ingredients of a great party–delicious food, drinks, music, etc.–and take them out on the water, the whole thing is somehow even better? Why? Because … YOU’RE ON A BOAT! Long Beach is just swimming in outfits ready to party down on the high seas, whether you want to join in on their regularly scheduled fun or plan a private party of your very own.

QUEEN MARY

Of course the party never ends at The Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy), whether it’s great music and karaoke at the gorgeous Observation Bar or during the ship’s famous Sunday brunch. During the holidays, the Queen offers its 12 Days of Christmas running through Dec. 23, including Ugly Sweater Karaoke (Dec. 18) and its New Year's Eve celebration featuring live music performances and one of the best firework shows on the West Coast.

SPIRIT CRUISES

Spirit Cruises (435 Shoreline Village Dr, Dock 9) offers harbor tours and dinner cruises for the public and can also be chartered for private cruises. Options include hosted or cash bar and various menus to choose from, including a champagne brunch, seafood dinner, or Mexican fare. Its New Year’s Eve Party Cruise, from 9PM to 12:30AM, includes an Italian dinner, two free drinks and complimentary champagne toast. Bring your drink to the open air upper deck to take in views of Shoreline Village and the downtown skyline.

GONDOLA GETAWAY

We tend to think of Gondola Getaway (5437 E Ocean Blvd) in terms of loving couples cruising the romantic canals of Naples, but did you know the company also has a fleet of larger, Caorlina-type gondolas able to accommodate groups of up to 14? These larger vessels, operated by two gondoliers, allow you to bring all the food and drink you’d like for you and your friends/family/clients. You can also use its Pizza Cruise complete with pizza from Domenico’s Resaurant –the oldest restaurant in Long Beach–as well as salad, free corkage, ice and cups.

CITY CRUISES

City Cruises (100 Aquarium Way, Dock 6A) has a fleet of five cruising ships that sail out of Long Beach, from the 550-capacity triple-decker Entertainer to the more intimate Mojo yacht. They can be utilized for private parties or corporate events. City Cruises also offers a ton of brunch and dinner cruises around the holidays, i.e. ones on Christmas Eve and Day as well as New Year’s Eve and Day. They come with chef-prepared buffet style dining, full service bar and, in some cases, bottomless mimosas.

HARBOR BREEZE CRUISES

Renowned for offering the best, most informative whale watching adventures in Southern California, be advised that Harbor Breeze Cruises (100 Aquarium Way Dock #2) also likes to party, offering special event cruises tied to Valentine’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day as well as fireworks cruises tied to Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. In fact, it offers TWO New Year’s Eve cruises, one for the family that boards at 7:45PM and a 21+ event complete with fireworks, champagne toast, food, cash bar and live DJ.

LONDON BOAT RENTALS

You’re the captain at London Boat Rentals (186 N Marina Dr), where you can rent an electric boat that reaches a cruising speed of 5 miles an hour; like driving a golf cart on the water. You’re also the party planner as the boats–docked on Alamitos Bay–are always food, drink, and pet friendly! Feel free to bring along your own personal cooler or purchase ice, drinks, snacks, even charcuterie at the London office before your trip. Or, check out the London Boat Rentals website to see the vendors that will deliver food, drink, even flowers to your boat.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.