Knowing what to pack for your PRIVÉ charter takes about five minutes of preparation and makes a significant difference in how smoothly the day runs. Here is the complete guide: what to bring, what to wear, and what to leave at home.
Food and Drinks — PRIVÉ Is BYOB
PRIVÉ allows guests to bring their own food and drinks, which means full control over the menu and the ability to keep costs in line with your group’s budget. The onboard rules:
- Cans only — beer, wine in cans, hard seltzers, sodas, canned water. No glass bottles.
- Plastic cups only — no glassware of any kind.
- No red wine — stain risk to the upholstery.
A large cooler is available onboard. Bring ice, or pre-chill everything the night before in a separate cooler and transfer before departure. For a brunch charter or a group that wants a catered experience, contact a local DC-area caterer ahead of time — some will deliver to Gravelly Point Boat Ramp before departure.
Pro tip for bachelorette and birthday groups: canned champagne and canned rosé are widely available at DC-area Total Wine and Party City locations and work perfectly within PRIVÉ’s container policy.
What to Wear on Boat Experience
The Potomac River in peak season runs warm, but moving water creates wind that drops the temperature when the boat is underway. Dress in layers for evening charters or overcast days:
- Non-slip shoes for boarding and docking. Flip-flops are comfortable once you are onboard, but wear closed shoes from the parking lot to the dock.
- A light jacket or cover-up — particularly useful for sunset charters when temperatures drop after 7 PM.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses — UV reflection off the water intensifies exposure.
- A hat with a brim for extended daytime charters.
- Darker colors or printed patterns if your group is bringing drinks — spills happen.
Entertainment and Tech
Both PRIVÉ vessels are equipped with Bluetooth sound systems. To make the most of it:
- Bring your phone fully charged with your playlist downloaded offline. Cell coverage on the water can drop in certain stretches of the Potomac corridor.
- Designate a playlist curator in your group before boarding and have the Bluetooth connection ready to go. The safety orientation will cover how to connect.
Boat Decorations
Decorations are welcome onboard with the following rules:
- No glitter or confetti — these cannot be fully removed and will trigger a cleaning fee.
- All decorations must be removed by your group at the end of the charter.
- Streamers, banners, balloons, fabric table covers, and cardboard signs are all permitted.
For birthday and bachelorette charters, this is more than enough to create a properly decorated space. Buy lightweight and compact items — you are loading them from the parking lot on foot.
Other Useful Items
- Trash bags — bring at least two. You are responsible for clearing the vessel. Trash left behind may result in a cleaning fee.
- Camera or waterproof case — the Potomac River corridor produces some of the best skyline photography available from any vantage point in the DC area.
- Cash or payment app for your captain’s tip at the end of the charter.
- Sunscreen for reapplication — a two- to four-hour charter on open water requires more coverage than a day on land.
What to Leave at Home
- Glass bottles or containers of any kind
- Glassware
- Red wine
- Glitter, confetti, or sparkle decorations
- Smoking products (strictly prohibited on all PRIVÉ vessels)
Parking and Arrival Note
Gravelly Point Boat Ramp parking is public and fills quickly on summer and fall weekends. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your departure time. Coordinate your group to arrive together if possible — you will be carrying coolers and bags from the parking area to the dock.
Ready to get on the water? Book your private charter at privedc.com.