Frequently asked Questions
SAFETY
The vessel is currently in survey with the RMS, Roads and Maritime Services, which requires comprehensive safety equipment standards and regular safety checks. Your skipper is a certified qualified skipper, with deckhands to assist. 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. Eclipse is in excellent condition, launched in 2002 and is exceptionally stable.
Maximum number of passengers
220 passengers is the maximum number allowed on this vessel.
(An infant, regardless of age is considered a passenger.)
FACILITIES
Dining and seating arrangements
Cocktails 240
Buffet seated on one level 120
Buffet seated on two levels 200
Formal seated on one level 120
Please note that this vessel requires final numbers at least 14 days in advance of the charter.
Seating areas are available in the main dining room, lounge, front and top deck, upstairs wheel area and lounge.
Is there sun and weather protection on the boat?
There is ample room inside the boat to accommodate all passengers.
Strong plastic clears can be positioned on rear outdoor areas in the event of rain.
What amenities are on board?
The vessel is equipped with 3 male and 3 female toilets.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS
We wish to have our charter catered for, is this possible?
Yes. This vessel has menus available, which have been chosen for excellence in food and service. For more details, browse menu links.
Is the vessel licensed?
Yes. There are a range of options to choose from. Please refer to beverage packages in the menu listings on this page or ask us.
Can menus be tailored to suit our specific dietary requirements?
Our executive chef can tailor a menu to suit special requirements if this is prearranged at time of booking your menu selections.
Are we allowed to bring our own food and drinks?
Unfortunately, due to our liquor license we cannot allow BYO beverages on board, though we can special order beverages for your cruise should you wish to serve a particular brand of drink. It is also our company policy that we do not allow BYO food. However, our chef will gladly tailor menus to suit your specific requirements.
ENTERTAINMENT AND WEDDING OPTIONS
Can we hold our wedding ceremony on board?
Yes. Exchanging your vows on board whilst anchored amidst Sydney's beautiful harbour is our specialty. Our complimentary wedding coordinator will be happy to help you to plan all the details for your perfect ceremony. Please contact us for further details.
What facilities are available for music, speeches, and presentations?
This boat is well equipped for both interior and exterior gatherings. The entertainment system comprises of the following:
TV (main saloon)
DVD
VCR
20 stack CD player
Sound system
Dedicated dance floor area
If you have requests for presentation facilities other than the above, please call us and we can arrange to have it hired for you.
Can the vessel be decorated?
Yes we provide the following complimentary decorations for your wedding cruise:
* White table linens
* White linen napkins
* Fresh seasonal flowers with greenery in glass vases
for the guest tables and restrooms
* Gold or silver table runners, with matching ribbon tied in bow around linen napkin.
* White ribbon on the bow of the boat
Can I provide my own decorations? If so, when do I need to drop off all the table decorations, cake, etc.?
Yes. If you wish to organise other decorations, this must be organised in advance to schedule a time for the decorations to be installed before your charter. We can recommend decoration and theming companies that can accommodate your requests. Delivery arrangements for the cake, bonbonniere, place cards, etc. need to be finalised with the wedding coordinator 7 working days prior to the wedding.
Can we have candles on board?
We do allow tea light candles and floating candles. However, we cannot allow any other types of candles on board the boats.
Can you suggest any extra entertainment ideas to make the event more memorable?
Yes we can arrange a host of options to suit both corporate and social events. Some of these include: Decorations and theming, comedians and magicians, live music, DJs, karaoke, harpists and string quartets. Please ask us for more information and quotes.
Can we bring our own CD’s or digital player on board?
Yes, you are more than welcome to provide your own music to play whilst on board. In order to ensure that the music you wish to hear is played when you want to hear it during your cruise, we strongly advise you to provide us with written instructions detailing your requests in advance of your charter.
Can we arrange our own DJ / Entertainment? Yes – there are no additional costs for you to arrange your own DJ or band. Please be advised that they must have proof of their own public liability insurance to be able to play on board. If, however, you do require assistance in sourcing a DJ, band or other entertainment, our wedding coordinator will be happy to help you find an option to suit your tastes and requirements, but please note that additional costs do apply.
Can children be accommodated?
Yes, There are children's lifejackets available, railings on the decks and good indoor space.
Is this vessel wheelchair accessible?
Yes. If you need access for a wheelchair, please discuss this with your coordinator in advance of your booking.
CHARTER NOTES, PICK UP AND DROP OFF
Length of charter
Minimum charter length is 4 hours.
Can the bride & groom embark and disembark from a separate wharf to the guests?
Yes, but please note that adding additional wharves to your pick up & drop off points results in less cruising time around the Harbour. A popular alternative is for us to pre–arrange a water taxi for the happy couple.
Can we extend our charter time during the charter?
Yes, if the boat is available. Many people are having such a fantastic time when they are on the water they wish to extend. Should this be the case, please ask the skipper to contact the owner to confirm whether the boat is available for the time requested. Please note payment must be made before we will extend the charter period.
Where can we go during our charter?
We can go to most places in Sydney Harbour. You have the choice of setting your own route or leaving your skipper to organize a route to best suit your group and conditions.
Does the vessel anchor throughout the cruise?
Yes, we are happy to anchor the boat during meal service. There are a number of scenic locations around the harbour where we can anchor. The captain will choose a spot that is most suitable to the weather conditions on the day.
Arrival at the wharf
We recommend that your party arrives at the wharf 30 minutes prior to your charter. The boats need to book the wharves and have a limited time to pick up and drop off your guests.
Preferred pick up and drop off locations
This boat can pick up and drop off at most public and private wharves in Sydney Harbour. We can advise you of the most suitable wharf near you. Preferable wharves are Rose Bay, Double Bay and Watson’s Bay ferry wharves.
Multiple pick up and drop offs
We do not recommend multiple pick up and drop offs as this can waste a considerable amount of your charter time. Instead, we are happy to supply you with a water taxi contact number that can deliver or pick up guests at their convenience. The guest must cover this cost. We like to recommend that you inform your guests of a Water Taxi's phone number. It's a great idea to print a phone number on invitations. Then, if needed, guests can call a water taxi operator, who will radio our vessel to find our location.
What to bring
As with any outdoor venue, we recommend that your guests dress for the season (i.e. sunscreen and a hat in summer, a warm jacket in winter).
AS THEY DAMAGE THE DECKING, WE ASK ALL GUESTS TO WEAR SOFT SOLED SHOES- NO STILETTOS OR HEELED SHOES. Guests wearing these types of shoes will be asked to wear socks or bare feet.
Can we view the boat before we book our charter?
Yes, we can arrange a time with the owner for you to view the boat before you book. We recommend that our clients view vessels so that they know exactly what the boat has to offer and whether it is suitable for their type of charter.
Boat inspections are welcome by appointment.