Nelson noted that at the end of 1999, Hong Kong hosted a tea party for 5,000 people. But, he said, Guinness did not sponsor that event, and the organizers still have not supplied Guinness officials with supporting evidence like video footage.

The "Spirit of Boston" holds 650 people, and Nelson said the company hoped to reach that number throughout the day. But attendance seemed to fall far short, with only about 50 people at 11:30 a.m., and some partygoers criticized the event's lack of publicity.

The Soutis family, who just arrived in the United States from England, said the event was badly advertised and that there weren't enough signs. But the new residents of Arlington said they appreciated the festive details.

Despite the chilly breeze, families were greeted outside the ship by a cheerfully costumed white bunny.

Participants were given free candy and Guinness Book of World Records t-shirts and escorted aboard the ship.

The boat, which was surprisingly motionless in the choppy waters of Boston Harbor, was decorated with multicolored spotlights. Dozens of tables interspersed with trays of snacks were arranged around a dance floor.

Most of the children gathered on the ship's lower level, where they were entertained by costumed characters from Alice in Wonderland, including the Queen of Hearts and Alice herself.