Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get here at Brisbane Party Cruises. If you have any further questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us by calling our friendly team or leaving a message on our contact page. We will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Pricing and booking
What does an average cruise cost?
A typical three hour cruise with hot finger food catering for up to 30 guests will generally cost around $4,050. Cruising time, guest numbers, catering requests, staffing requirements, and pick-up & drop-off location will all impact cruise cost.
What is included in my cruise?
Your cruise includes:
- Private charter of the MV Island Princess
- Collection and return of guests from your nominated wharf
- All boat crew (Captain, bar staff and deckhands)
- Use of onboard equipment (sound system/DJ speakers, music playlists, PA/microphone, dance floor lighting)
- Specific catering (if included in quotation)
What is not included in the quoted price?
Any damage caused to the vessel by you or your guests, and any decorations you require for your event. Please note if damages or destruction of property occur, any related expenses will be charged to the booking customer via credit card (inclusive of credit card fees) or invoiced to the customer/company directly.
How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
We ask for a $500 deposit at the time of booking to secure your cruise date and time, or $1,000 deposit for Christmas period bookings. The balance of your cruise cost is required within one (1) month of your cruise date. Full payment for your cruise may also be made upfront at the time of booking.
What if I’m unsure of the number of guests attending when I make a booking?
That’s not a problem, as final numbers can be provided closer to the cruising date. We will check in with you just prior to your cruise so we can ensure the appropriate number of crew are assigned to your event.
What if extra people turn up on the day?
In most cases, we can accommodate, however, our vessel is licensed for a maximum of 70 guests on the Brisbane River.
Can I get a refund?
Brisbane Party Cruises has a strict Refund Policy where no refunds will be issued on deposits made. Balances will only be refunded if your cruise is cancelled more than 30 days before your booked cruise date, less any catering or wharf expenses already incurred by Brisbane Party Cruises. If your cruise is cancelled within 30 days of your cruise date, all monies will be retained by Brisbane Party Cruises, however, we will give you the option of rescheduling your cruise (to occur within the next 6 months).
How many crew are onboard?
Crew numbers will be dependent on the number of passengers and the specific requirements of your cruise event.
Can we decorate the vessel?
Yes, you may decorate or theme your event, however, no paint, confetti or fine tinsel is allowed. All decorations must be easily installed and removed by the booking customer immediately before and by the end of the cruise. Any decorations must be discussed with the booking agent to ensure vessel safety guidelines are met.
What methods of payment do you accept onboard?
We accept cash or card.
Can we extend our cruise on the day?
In some instances, this may be possible. It will depend on our cruise schedule for that day and whether other cruises will be impacted or not. Please ask, and we will do our best to accommodate. Please note that additional charter and crew costs will be charged and must be settled during the cruise.
What wharves do you operate from?
We operate from any suitable public wharf or pontoon on the Brisbane River. Some of our most popular “free” wharves are: Northshore Hamilton (close to the City Cat Terminal) and Murarrie Recreation Hub (near Brew Dog Brewery). Some of our “costed” wharves (approx. $500 per use) are: City Botanical Gardens River Hub, New Farm Park River Hub (near Powerhouse Museum), Howard Smith Wharf (Felons Brewery), and Mowbray Park (East Brisbane – 75m level walk from the City Cat terminal) and are subject to booking availability.
Where do we cruise to?
We stay in the Brisbane River, taking in all of the sights our city has to offer. Cruising locations will depend on the wharf location, cruise time available, tide, weather and river conditions.
Are departure times strictly adhered to?
As many costed city wharves have allocated pickup and drop off times, there is little room for delays. If utilising a free public wharf, there may be more flexibility, as they operate on a first in, first served basis.
What if our guests are running late?
If no other vessels are waiting or scheduled to use the wharf, we may be able to wait at the wharf for a short while for the late guests (although your cruise time will have started). Unfortunately, if other vessels are waiting or have booked the wharf, we must vacate quickly. It may be possible for late guests to board the vessel at an alternate wharf location.
Alcohol and catering
Can we BYO alcohol?
As we are a licensed premises there is strictly no BYO drinks. Our prices are comparable to your local hotel/pub prices.
Do you allow minors onboard?
Yes, we welcome all ages onboard. We do have a selection of non-alcoholic beverages for minors if required.
Do you include catering in the price?
We offer catering options based on a per person charge which is in addition to your cruise charter cost. Please note that you are welcome to BYO food. This will need to be discussed upon booking as some conditions apply.
Are the cruise costs the same for small groups e.g. hens/bucks parties?
We offer a small group rate for up to 30 guests. Call us on 1800 466 622 to discuss your cruise options.
What if it rains?
The Island Princess is a weatherproof vessel and can accommodate passengers in the event of inclement weather. Should we need to cancel a cruise due to a severe weather event (notified to us by the Harbour Master), you will receive a refund or can reschedule your cruise.
Conditions onboard the MV Island Princess
Will I get seasick?
Our vessel is very stable and less prone to rocking and rolling compared to some other vessels on the river. If you are concerned or prone to seasickness, motion sickness medication may be of assistance.
What clothing can I wear? (Are high heels ok?)
Generally, most attire is fine and you can dress according to your cruise event, however, we strongly suggest being mindful of footwear and skirts, as there is a ladder between the lower and upper decks that you’ll need to navigate to access both levels of the vessel.
What if someone gets injured or is sick?
Members of our crew are trained to respond and assist where necessary. If an incident or circumstance requires a passenger to disembark the vessel, the Captain will be notified and will determine the most appropriate wharf for the passenger to disembark.
How fast does the vessel go?
The vessel can cruise comfortably at 4 to 6 knots (about 12 km/h). The vessel is capable of up to 14 and 16 knots.
How many decks/levels are there?
There are two passenger levels referred to as the lower and upper decks. The upper deck is accessed by a secured railed ladder. The lower (main) deck features two unisex toilets and washrooms, a saloon/bar, dance floor and a smoking area. The upper deck features the wheelhouse, a large internal (covered) lounge area and an external sundeck (uncovered) lounge area suitable for up to 30 passengers.
Is there a dance floor?
Yes, the lower deck is often used as a great dancing location given its wider floor space and coloured laser lights. Our live DJ, if requested, will also set up on the lower deck.
Is the vessel safe and stable?
The MV Island Princess is a very safe and stable vessel that complies fully with all national regulations under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
How many passengers can you carry?
We can carry up to 70 passengers and 7 crew, making the total carrying capacity of 77 people.
How many toilets are there?
There are two unisex toilets onboard for guests to use, both located on the lower (main) deck. Please note that the toilets are not wheelchair accessible and require a carer for assistance. Our friendly crew will do everything possible to assist you in any way.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
The main entry gates on the side of our vessel can accommodate a wheelchair up to 800mm in width. The lower (main) deck area is the only area that can accommodate a wheelchair, as it is more spacious and level. Unfortunately, not all wharves along the Brisbane River are wheelchair accessible, so assistance may be required from a carer.
Can we stay overnight on the vessel?
Unfortunately, no, as the vessel is not licensed for overnight accommodation for guests.
Cruise termination
What do you do if an individual is intoxicated/disruptive?
We want everyone to have a great time, but under Australian law, the Captain has a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of all passengers at all times onboard. Should a person present as intoxicated and/or disruptive, the following will apply:
Level 1: Verbal warning and service of alcohol ceased
The person will be provided with a verbal warning and will not be served any alcohol, the cruise organiser will also be advised. Soft drinks and food (where available) will be offered to the person and our crew will closely monitor them. Note that if other individuals attempt to circumvent these measures by ordering and supplying alcohol to the person, the bar will be closed for the remainder of the cruise to all guests.
Level 2: Second verbal warning and cruise organiser notified
If necessary, a second verbal warning will be issued and the cruise organiser will be advised again. The person will again be advised that any further offending will result in their immediate removal from the vessel at the nearest available wharf and that the Queensland Police Service may be called.
Level 3: Docking and disembarkation of an intoxicated/disruptive person
Any further non-compliance will result in the vessel docking at the nearest available wharf, where the offending person will be required to disembark. The cruise organiser will be responsible for any berthing fees associated with the use of the nearest available wharf. Should the crew have concerns for the safety of the person the Queensland Police Service may be advised and may meet the vessel at the wharf.
What if our entire party of guests misbehaves and is unruly?
We want everyone to have a great time, but under Australian federal law, the Captain has a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of all passengers at all times. Should the group present as intoxicated and/or disruptive, the following will apply:
Level 1: PA Warning
Should a number of passengers behave in a manner that is unruly or a danger to themselves or others, the Captain will stop the music and use the vessel’s public address system (PA) to instruct people to behave and comply with the safety rules.
Level 2: Official PA Warning
Should passengers continue to behave in a manner that is unruly or a danger to themselves or others, the Captain will again stop the music and use the vessel’s PA to instruct people to behave and comply with the safety rules. The Captain will advise over the PA that this is an “official warning” and request the cruise organiser to visit the wheelhouse. The Captain will explain their reasoning to the cruise organiser and advise that, should issues continue, the bar will be closed.
Level 3: Alcohol service ceased and “final warning” issued
Continued non-compliance will result in the cessation of all alcohol being served, closure of the bar and a final warning issued over the PA system stating that any further misbehaviour will result in the immediate termination of the cruise. The cruise organiser will be briefed again on the Captain’s reasoning.
Level 4: Cruise terminated, and all passengers will be disembarked at the closest wharf
Continued non-compliance will result in all passengers being mustered to the lower deck, house lights turned on and music stopped. The vessel will moor at the nearest available wharf, where all passengers will be required to disembark.
If the Captain terminates the cruise due to passenger misbehaviour, will we get a refund?
Should your cruise be terminated due to poor passenger behaviour, no refund will be provided. Additional charges will apply if cleaning of the vessel is required (e.g. due to vomiting, misuse of food and drink, inappropriate toileting etc.). Please note if damages or destruction of property occur, any related expenses will be charged to the booking customer via credit card (inclusive of credit card fees) or invoiced to the customer/company directly.
Contact
Brisbane Party Cruises
If you have any further questions or would like to make a booking, please contact our friendly team today. We look forward to hosting you and your guests!
