Miami Yacht Rental: Food, Drinks & What You Can Bring

Guides · By The VCYC Team · September 17, 2026 · 9 min read

You bring your own food and alcohol on a Vice City Yacht Club charter — coolers and ice are included, nothing is mandatory, and glass is prohibited on most boats.

What You Bring on a Miami Yacht Rental

You bring your own food and alcohol on every Vice City Yacht Club charter. Coolers, ice, and Bluetooth sound systems are already on board when you arrive, and nothing is pre-stocked or charged automatically. Glass containers are prohibited on most boats — pack cans and plastic instead. Optional catering from our onboard menu is available when you request it, but the default assumption is that you provision the trip yourself. Charter prices cover the boat, captain, fuel, and standard supplies; provisions are never hidden in the cost.

This setup gives you control over quality, dietary preferences, and budget. A group that wants craft beer and charcuterie brings exactly that. A family with young children packs juice boxes and sandwiches. A bachelorette crew orders catering and focuses on decorations instead of grocery runs. The boat is yours for the charter window — what goes into the coolers is your call.

What's Already on the Boat Before You Arrive

Every charter includes coolers, ice, a Bluetooth sound system, and all required Coast Guard safety equipment. The coolers are large enough to handle provisions for your group size, and the ice is replenished before boarding. You will not find food, alcohol, or bottled water stocked in advance — those items are your responsibility or an optional catering add-on.

The galley on boats 45 feet and larger typically includes a small refrigerator, a sink, counter space, and cabinets. Day boats under 40 feet rely on coolers exclusively. Fuel for standard cruising is included in the charter price. Bluetooth connectivity works with any phone, and the sound system reaches the aft deck, bow, and cabin areas on most yachts. Bring a playlist or streaming account — the captain does not curate music.

Bringing Your Own Food & Alcohol: What's Allowed

You can bring any food and non-glass beverage containers you want. Alcohol is permitted and expected on private charters — beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are all fine. The captain and crew never drink during the charter, but guests may consume alcohol freely as long as behavior remains safe and respectful. Florida law treats private charters differently than commercial tour boats; open containers are legal on board.

Glass is prohibited on almost every boat in the fleet because broken glass on teak decks, swim platforms, and cushions creates safety hazards that are difficult to clean completely. Pack cans for beer, plastic bottles for wine and liquor, and disposable cups for cocktails. If you forget and bring glass, the captain will ask you to leave it on the dock or transfer contents to plastic before boarding.

Common provisions that work well: sandwich platters, fruit trays, chips, cheese and crackers, pre-made cocktails in plastic bottles, canned beer, boxed wine, and anything that does not require cooking. Avoid items that spoil quickly in Miami heat unless you plan to keep them submerged in ice. The boats do not have full kitchens or stoves — galleys are for storage and light prep only.

How Much Food & Drink to Plan for Your Group

Miami heat, sun exposure, and activity on the water increase consumption significantly compared to a backyard gathering. Plan for at least one beverage per person per hour, and double that estimate if the group includes active drinkers or the charter runs during midday heat. A six-hour charter with ten guests should carry 60 drinks minimum, plus water for hydration. Ice melts faster than you expect — bring twice as much as seems reasonable, or plan to use most of the provided ice for drinks and the rest for food storage.