Christmas Party Cruise on the Gold Coast: What to Expect
If you're organising this year's Christmas party, a private cruise on the Broadwater is one of the easier ways to do it. One booking covers the boat and the hosts, and In Season Catering can look after the food.
Here's what to expect, from the first email to the moment you step back onto the marina.
Before the day
The planning takes five decisions. After that, it's ours.
Bring your own or fully catered. Bring your own food and drinks, or go fully catered with In Season Catering. Compare both options.
Morning, lunch or evening. Each session suits a different kind of day. More on that below.
How long. Cruises run for three to five hours. We recommend four, which leaves time for two stops with something organised at each.
Your numbers. Up to 30 guests.
Dietary requirements. If you're fully catered, give them to In Season Catering when you confirm your menu and they'll be prepared in advance.
Once that's settled, we'll send a tax invoice for the cruise in your company's name, with payment terms. Captain Kenny then confirms the route and timings with you.
On the day
Board at Marina Mirage. The boat leaves from 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach. It's ready when you arrive, with ice in the eskies and music ready to go.
Out onto the Broadwater. Calm, sheltered water, with the Gold Coast skyline on one side and South Stradbroke Island on the other.
Your route. Every route is planned around your team. A scenic loop of the Broadwater, the skyline at sunset, or a stop somewhere quiet. See the route options.
Food and drinks. Served on board if you're fully catered, or set out from your eskies if you've brought your own.
Back to the marina. A slow cruise home past the skyline.
Pick your time of day
Morning. Grazing boards and a calm Broadwater. Good for teams that start early or work shifts.
Lunch. A BBQ cooked on board by a chef, with a stop somewhere quiet along the way.
Evening. Canapés served as the skyline lights up. Here's what a sunset cruise looks like.
Food and drinks
Bring your own. It's our most popular option. Eskies, ice, a fridge and a BBQ are on board, so bring what your team enjoys.
Fully catered. Food comes from In Season Catering, cooked or served on board: grazing boards in the morning, a chef's BBQ at lunch, or canapés in the evening. A drinks package is available too, with responsible service on board, so nobody on your team ends up pouring. Read more about why we work with In Season.
On board
You'll have the whole boat. Horizon Cat is a Seawind 1160 Deluxe, and it's built for groups.
Two bathrooms
Covered booth seating with glazed windows all round
Shaded lounge and open decks
Bluetooth sound for your playlist
Stable and easy to move around
Paddleboards and a lily pad are on board if anyone's keen, but most Christmas groups spend the day on deck, eating well and talking.
What it costs
Bring your own: the whole boat from $1,600 for three hours, $2,000 for four and $2,500 for five, for up to 30 guests.
Fully catered: catering is booked and paid directly with In Season Catering. Tell us your numbers and time of day, and we'll put you in touch.
All prices include GST. Rates vary by season and day of the week. Request a quote and we'll come back with availability and a price.
When to book
December Fridays and Saturdays go first. Weekdays have the most availability. For a December date, book in October or November.
Frequently asked questions
What should our team bring?
Sunscreen, a hat and a light layer for the breeze. If you've chosen BYO, bring your food and drinks too.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. Give your team's dietary requirements to In Season Catering when you confirm your menu, and they'll be prepared in advance.
Is the boat easy to move around?
Yes. The catamaran is stable and easy to move around. The boat isn't set up for wheelchairs, so let us know about any access needs when you book.
What if the weather turns?
The boat has shaded, covered areas. Our weather policy is set out in our terms and conditions.
Do we need to swim?
No. Stops are optional, and most groups stay on deck.
Can you invoice our company?
Yes. We'll send a tax invoice for the cruise in your company's name, with payment terms, through our booking system. Catering is invoiced separately by In Season Catering.
Ready to pick a date?
Check December dates, compare BYO and fully catered, or call Captain Kenny on 0408 125 312.
The only party on board.
