Private Boat Hire vs Ticketed Cruises: What’s Best for Your Group?

Choosing between private boat hire and ticketed cruises depends on the day you want. This guide explains the difference so you can book with confidence.

1. Private vs ticketed: which suits your group

Private hire is best for hens parties, birthdays, families, corporate teams, and mixed-age celebrations. You control the atmosphere, music, food, and guest list. It feels relaxed and personal. Ticketed cruises suit travellers or people who want a loud, high-energy shared boat. They are cheaper per person, but offer no privacy.

2. Comfort and atmosphere Private hire gives you room to move, permission to set your own vibe, and space to relax.

Ticketed cruises often feel crowded and unpredictable because the atmosphere depends on strangers.

3. Safety and stability

Private charters are usually operated on more stable vessels, with crew focused solely on your group. Ticketed boats prioritise capacity and set schedules.

4. Value for groups

Private hire looks more expensive at first, but becomes affordable when shared across a group. You also get a better experience per person.

5. When private hire is worth it

If you care about comfort, photos, drinking safely, or celebrating something meaningful, private hire is the better choice. If you just want a cheap party surrounded by strangers, ticketed boats are fine.

If your priority is connection, comfort, and a smooth day, private boat hire will always feel better for Gold Coast group events.