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Page Last Updated: 15 November 2011
The Ferryman Blog
Private Charters
Private Charters - Weddings, parties, anniversaries - ANYTHING......
THIS IS WHEN THE FERRYMAN CRUISE VESSEL IS FOR YOUR SOLE USE
PRIVATE CHARTER BOOKINGS: This is when the vessel is for the SOLE use of the client regardless of the number of passengers.
Two pricing structures apply - 30 or less which is a flat rate price regardless if you have 10 or 30 guests and 31-55 guests which is a price per guest. Vessel can seat 55 guests comfortably.
- CONTACT US DIRECT FOR A PERSONALISED QUOTE AND OPTIONS FOR YOUR SPECIAL FUNCTION.
* Departure times can be arranged to suit your timetable for the day.
* All prices include marine park fees, insurance, GST, cruise time and catering.
* All cruises are conducted in protected waters providing a smooth ride with the vessel offering a scenic deck above that offers spectacular views of the waterway and the majestic Glasshouse Mountains.
GENERAL INFORMATION for a Private Charter:
Being a private charter means the vessel is for your sole use (unlike our Group Charters where public can join). Because the vessel is booked solely for your special occasion we personalise the time depending on what you would like to offer your guests such as looking at the tide or timing a sunset experience for you.
The longer the cruise, the further up the marine Park your party will reach. The 2 hour cruises generally head past Toorbul and Donnybrook before heading back. The 3 hour cruise will take guests past Toorbul and Donnybrook, and then to Mission Point, and the 4 hour cruise will head further up the Passage past Mission Point and beyond - more than half way up this magnificent waterway.
If you decide on an evening/night cruise, the boat will stay closer to the main passage due to insufficient lighting for safe navigation further up the Marine Park. Also remember, that once it gets dark, it can get chilly out on the water and you will not be able to see any of the natural sights the Passage has to offer.
Wildlife: Dolphins are seen regularly on our cruises and dugongs and turles also spotted. Many species of birds can be seen through with some of these birds flying each year from the Northern Hemisphere to our shores. Sightings of wildlife can depend on tide, weather and time of year and, unfortunately cannot be guaranteed, however just being out in nature in this vast expanse of untouched waterway can be a real 'wow' with wildlife being an added bonus.
Bar: Because the boat is licensed, passengers are able to purchase their choice of drinks throughout the cruise with beer, wine, spirits and mixers all being very reasonably priced. Stock items include beer of VB, XXXX Gold & Heavy, and Hahn Light. House wines include Merlot, Savignon Blanc and Chardonnay. We also have a range of spirits and mixers available. Champagne and other specialty drinks including specific bottled wine and pre-mixers can be arranged with notice. Alternatively, a bar tab can be arranged where you can set the limit and what you would like this to cover. We do not include bar facilities in our quotes.
Music/Microphone: We have a microphone on board for any special presentation plus a CD player which can pipe music throughout the vessel. We do have a small range of music available, however feel free to bring your own special CD mix if you would like (basic CD recording only).
Cake/other food: Yes, you are welcome to bring a cake on board to be cut and served, however we ask that it come boxed and not require refrigeration. We can then store this until ready, however serving and consuming will need to be factored into the cruise time you finally decide on. No other food is to be brought aboard unless it has been discussed with us prior as some items just do not work. There are no heating or cooking facilities on board so we highly recommend pre-prepared finger food be the option such as cheese/crackers, etc.
Decorations: Due to the vessel structure, suitable decorations are extremely limited. We have large party flags we can raise on the flagstaff and attach to the front deck so the only other decorating permitted is a bunch of helium balloons that can be brought aboard tied together with a weight and must be no higher than 1 metre - we can then put this on the table for you. Photos in a frame or up on a small cork board works well. No other decorating of the vessel is suitable. Wedding decorations are supplied by us. Photos of these can be made available to you.
Dress: Comfortable dress is best and for the ladies, although high heels can be worn, we strongly recommend women wear flat comfortable shoes for their own safety, comfort and enjoyment. During the cooler months or if you are cruising at night, we suggest a light jacket or cover be brought along and if during the day, a hat and sunglasses are a must.
Weather: Rain does not affect the cruise going ahead as guests will be undercover. Wind is also not a major factor as the waters of Pumicestone Passage are well protected the majority of the time. We are very adept at reading the weather and cruise would and can only be cancelled by us if it is deemed unsafe to head out. No charges apply and this situation would be discussed with you should it arise. However, as with any outside event or activity, we do suggest you have a Plan B for worst case scenario.
Bribie Island weather can be very different to the rest of South East Queensland and we keep a sharp eye on the satellite weather radar which shows any weather coming through. Having worked in these waters for more than 35 years, experience has shown that guests have had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience regardless.
To make a firm booking: We require a $200 non-refundable deposit which secures the date & time of your booking. No booking is kept unless a deposit has been received. After the deposit is received we would then be in touch about 10 days prior to the cruise to discuss final details such as drinks, food, timing, decorations etc. Your final numbers are due 7 days prior with final payment due prior to cruise leaving. An invoice can be issued.
Payments: Please note - NO credit card/eftpos facilities are available. Payments must be made in cash, cheque, money order or by Electronic Funds Transfer. Details are provided on all invoices issued.
SOME IDEAS: 2 hour sunset (simple or specialised nibbles), 3 hour dinner, 2 hour morning tea - cake or fresh scones/jam/cream, 4 hour lunch (a range of catering options), 4 hour nibbles & dinner - the list goes on.......
The Ferryman Cruise vessel is perfect for:
Birthday Parties Ashes Scatterings Wakes Family Re-unions Small Casual Weddings Product Launches Anniversaries Work functions Christmas Parties
We personalise our Ashes Scattering cruises with tide, wind & sunset taken into account. Bring along a photo of your loved one and some music they loved. We can then play this during your last goodbye whgile you watch the flower petals gracefully float away and become part of nature.
These are extremely popular and perfect for loved ones who served in the Navy or at Sea, in any War, or just lived here &/or loved fishing and the water.
Experience has shown that family and friends come away grateful and at peace with their loss having celebrated someone they truly loved.
The Ferryman has a fully licensed galley bar (Please note - due to our current Liquor License there is absolutely no provision for any BYO alcohol in any way. Due to the legalities of this, a BYO facility is totally non-negotiable.)
Any special drink orders can be catered for.
All prices include GST, Marine Park fees, insurance, cruise time and catering as listed.
Music/CD player is available aboard.
A microphone is available for presentations.
Contact us for a personal quote for your private function.
Please provide your ideas on the following:
*Length of cruise - 2, 3, or 4 hours. (Anything longer than this, from our experience, has been found to be too long for guests. A 6 hour Skids Explorer cruise to the top of Bribie as a private charter can be arranged but can only be scheduled on certain tides.)
*Type of catering (ie: no catering/bare boat, nibbles (basic or boutique), barbecue, buffet, with prawns and oysters as an additional special touch.
* Proposed numbers – less than 30, or 31 to 55 guests
* Type of event (birthday, anniversary, wedding, etc)
We will personalize a quote especially for you taking the sunset and tide into consideration.
Check out our 'Cruise Schedule' page to check if a date is available for your function.
TERMS OF TRADE - PRIVATE CHARTER
DEPOSIT: $200 non- refundable deposit is to be forwarded to Ferryman Cruises, Bribie Island to confirm your booking. Dates are not held until deposit is received. Cruise is only transferable once up to six weeks prior to cruise date. Payment of this deposit confirms your acceptance of these Terms of Trade for a Private Charter. This deposit is totally non-refundable. It secures your booking but also goes towards any costs incurred during the booking process including staff liaison, meetings checking tides and suitable times, sandbanks etc.
FINAL SETTLEMENT IS REQUIRED: Either in cash on the function day prior to departure, by cheque one week prior to allow cheque to clear, or by Electronic Funds Transfer two (2) working days prior to cruise date to allow processing of transaction. Bank details will be provided. Please note: No credit card facilities currently available.
Children 5 years and overare charged at the same rate as adults. Children under 5 yearsof age travel at no charge. Number of children under 5 years must still be advised with confirmation of final passenger numbers.
FINAL PASSENGER NUMBERS PAYMENT: Balance due will be for the number of passengers advised at confirmation of the cruise which is seven (7) days prior to cruise date, regardless if your passenger numbers are less on the day, and price per person will be relative to confirmation number and quoted pricing.
CANCELLATION DUE TO UNSAFE WEATHER CONDITIONS: Cruise will only be cancelled by us if weather is deemed UNSAFE for cruising, otherwise cruise will proceed. Only the Master of the MV Ferryman has the right to cancel any cruise due to weather conditions deemed unsafe for cruising. Should there be any weather concerns, client is contacted a day or two prior to discuss the situation. Cruises are conducted in protected waters and vessel has undercover facilities if raining. Wind is the biggest concern and we are very adept at reading weather forecasts. However, we do recommend you have a Plan B just in case of late cancellation and althernatively your booking can be transferred to another mutually agreeable & available date.
Ferryman Cruises vessel is a fully liquor licensed vessel and the current liquor law requires the distribution of alcoholic on the vessel to be under the control of the master of the vessel. Absolutely no beverages are to be brought aboard.
PASSENGER BEHAVIOUR: Should there be any concern with guest behaviour, the cruise may be terminated and no recompense given.
Come Party With us!! Slideshow: Ferryman’s trip from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia to Bribie Island was created by TripAdvisor. See another Bribie Island slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.
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