There’s something magical about music on the water—especially when it’s timed with a gorgeous New England sunset.
We were recently booked to DJ a dual retirement party aboard the Captain’s Lady III, a beautiful charter boat operated by Captain’s Fishing Parties out of Newburyport, MA. With 80–85 guests on board, it was the perfect size crowd to kick off an unforgettable evening cruise.
Having a DJ on board brings the entire cruise to life. From boarding to docking, music sets the mood. A great DJ keeps the pace flowing smoothly, energizes the crowd when it’s time to dance, and creates unforgettable memories for everyone on deck.
Custom Playlists & Personal Touches
We worked closely with the guest(s) of honor, Kevin and Barbara, to craft a playlist that mixed nostalgia, fun, and high energy—spanning multiple decades and genres to suit the wide age range of their guests.
As with all our events, we scheduled a detailed planning call two weeks ahead of the cruise. During this meeting, we discussed key songs, timeline, special moments, and the overall vibe they wanted. It’s also our chance to offer creative ideas—and yes, we leave room for a few spontaneous surprises on the night of the event!
Smooth Sailing Setup
We always arrive extra early, and for this cruise, we were on-site two hours before departure. This gave us time to do a full sound and mic check, secure our equipment (more on that below), and troubleshoot any unexpected boat-related challenges.
One big one? Power. Many boats rely on land-based power at the dock, then switch to onboard generators once underway. This can cause power spikes that damage sensitive DJ gear. We brought our own clean, dedicated power source—and backups—so we could deliver uninterrupted sound all night long.
We also secured everything tightly using bungee cords, tape, and clamps. Tables were moving slightly with the tide, so we made sure speakers, lights, and gear were rock solid. Safety and sound quality are always top priorities.
Setting the Mood: Yacht Rock and More
As guests boarded and we set sail, we set the tone with a smooth Yacht Rock set—think Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald. We even timed “Sailing” by Christopher Cross just right as the boat cruised into open water. For those unfamiliar, Yacht Rock is a laid-back, feel-good blend of soft rock from the mid-‘70s to mid-‘80s. It’s melodic, nostalgic, and just right for sunset vibes.
Lights, Music, Dance!
As the sun went down, the energy went up. We lit up the upper deck with 12 wireless uplights set to color-match the party vibe. Uplighting is a game-changer for events like this—it creates instant ambiance and transforms the deck into a vibrant dance floor.
We launched into dancing with “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire—still one of the most requested songs nationwide—and followed it with a high-energy mix of disco, pop, classic rock, and throwback hits that had guests smiling, moving, and singing along.
Of course, we also took requests throughout the night. This often takes the energy to the next level—because there’s nothing like hearing your favorite song at the perfect moment with your favorite people.
Hear What the Clients are Saying:
“Everyone loved Dave. He was incredibly professional from the moment he arrived, did a great job reading the crowd, and kept the energy going all night. People were dancing nonstop—and we’re still getting compliments about how much fun the music was!”
—Sean Callahan, Dual Retirement Party Sunset Cruise, Newburyport, MA
Planning a Sunset Cruise or Yacht Party?
Whether you’re throwing a private cruise, corporate event, wedding on the water, or special celebration, we’d love to help make it unforgettable. DJ Dave specializes in personalized, professional events that are smooth sailing from start to finish.
Let’s make your next cruise or boat party amazing! Drop us a message through our contact form and we’ll take it from there.