Safety and Equipment
Is the boat safe and in good condition?
Yes, the vessel is currently in survey with the RMS, Roads and Maritime Services, which requires comprehensive safety equipment standards and regular safety checks. A safety briefing is given to the charter passengers before embarkation and safety gear will be provided if required. All vessels in our fleet are selected for safety, comfort, quality and cleanliness. We are proud to keep them this way.
What is the maximum capacity of the boat?
8 passengers is the maximum surveyed number allowed on this vessel.
Note: An infant, regardless of age is considered a passenger.
Is there sun and wind protection on the boat?
I Do has a cover which can be put up for complete weather protection.
What toilet facilities are on board?
I Do is equipped with a small on board toilet.
Catered Food and Beverage Options
We wish to have our charter catered for, is this possible?
Yes. We can recommend some excellent local caterers for you to speak with directly to design and deliver the perfect menu to suit your budget and taste.
Can we get alcohol delivered to the boat?
Yes. Please speck to a Sydney Harbour Escapes team member for more information.
BYO Catering
Are we allowed to bring our own food and drinks?
Yes. We suggest that you bring boat friendly food that requires minimum preparation i.e. platter-style cold foods.
Is there a BBQ on board?
Unfortunately La Dolce Vita does not have a BBQ, so all food will have to be brought on board pre cooked.
On Tour
Can we have music on board?
Yes, the vessel is equipped with a CD radio system which is iPod and mp3 compatible. Please ensure your mp3 player is fully charged. You may also like to bring along a selection of your favourite CDs.
Where can we go during our charter?
Your skipper can take you most places within Sydney Harbour, providing it is within the surveyed boundaries. Should your guests wish to go to a specific location within Sydney Harbour please let us know at time of briefing.
Can we extend our charter time during the charter?
Yes, although this is subject to availability. Please note payment will be required at time of extension either by cash or by credit card.
Booking and Payment
Can we view the boat before we book our charter?
Yes. We recommend that you view the vessel so that you know exactly what the boat has to offer and whether it is suitable for your charter. Please call in advance to arrange a viewing.
How do I secure my booking?
A minimum 50% deposit is required to confirm booking, with the balance payable 14 days prior to commencement of the charter.
Upon payment of your deposit, a Skippered Charter Contract will be faxed or emailed to you, confirming details relevant to your charter, which must be signed and returned. Payment can be made by MasterCard, Visa, EFTPOS, Electronic Funds Transfer or Cash. Diners Card, Bankcard and Cheques are not accepted.
Cancellation
If I cancel the charter, can I get a refund?
See General Booking Information below
Wet Weather
What happens in the event of rain?
We cannot offer a 'Blue Sky Guarantee'. If boating conditions are unsafe, as determined by the principal of Sydney Harbour Escapes, we will re-schedule your booking to another date.
Preparations and Arrival
What do you advise we bring along for our charter?
As conditions can vary on the water, it is suggested that you bring along a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimming costumes, and seasonal jumper or jacket. Please wear white-soled shoes or non-marking boating shoes. Strictly no black soled shoes or stiletto-heeled shoes, as this will damage the decking.
Where can our party be picked up and dropped off?
We can accommodate many locations around Sydney Harbour. Feel free to browse the options through the link below, or speak to a Sydney Harbour Escapes Team Member to find out which wharf will be best for you.
Does our party need to get there before the set time of the charter?
All your party should be at the designated pick up point at least 1/2 hour prior to your charter time to allow loading of passengers and gear and to enable enough time for the skipper's safety briefing.
Note: Your charter will start and finish at the times on your contract. If one of your party is late arriving at the pick up point and departure is delayed, you will lose some of your charter time on the water.
Can one of our guests be picked up late and dropped off early from another wharf?
Multiple pick up and drop off points are not recommended as this will shorten your charter time significantly. We suggest that guests wishing to join the charter late or leave early should arrange alternative transportation via water taxi at their own cost. Please ask one of the Sydney Harbour Escapes team members for a Water Taxi contact.