Top Reasons to Host Your Work Christmas Party on a Private Boat – Gold Coast Style
Organising the work Christmas party usually means balancing a budget, colleagues’ availability and the details needed for approval. A private boat cruise can keep the team together in one place, with a plan built around conversation, food and time on the Gold Coast waterways.
Inspiration Cruises accommodates up to 25 guests aboard our 51ft motor yacht. Use this checklist to take a workplace celebration from the first enquiry to the boarding point.
Confirm the budget and decision-maker
Before you poll the whole office, confirm who approves the booking and whether the budget covers just the yacht or also catering, drinks and transfers. Check whether partners or clients are included in the guest count.
The standard charter price is $690 per hour including GST and the fuel levy, with a two-hour minimum of $1,380. A three-hour charter is $2,070, which is $103.50 per guest for a 20-person team before food, drinks and extras. See current rates and confirm the arrangements for your selected date.
Choose dates and get a firm headcount
Ask colleagues to choose from a short list of possible dates and times, then check cruise availability. Allow time for travel from the workplace as well as the cruise itself.
Confirm the full guest count, including any partners, within the 25-guest limit. Discuss access and boarding needs before booking. If suppliers will join the cruise, tell us so their requirements can be included in the plan.
Secure the booking and record the deadlines
A $500 deposit secures a standard advance booking, with the balance due two weeks before departure. For bookings close to the cruise date, check the amount due at checkout.
Share the confirmation with the person handling accounts and record payment and supplier deadlines. Read the Terms & Conditions before promising the team that a date can be changed or a payment refunded. Rescheduling is subject to those terms.
Plan inclusive food and refreshments
Collect dietary requirements before choosing food. BYO food and drinks are welcome, with no red wine onboard. Include water and non-alcoholic options for guests who do not drink.
We supply a large esky, ice, cups, plates, plastic champagne flutes and tumblers. Optional catering is arranged separately. Confirm what your catering order includes, who will bring it and how it will be served; a bar or catering package is not automatically part of the charter.
Keep the onboard programme simple
Leave time for boarding and the crew’s briefing, then plan food, a short thank-you speech or gift exchange around the cruise. Discuss any presentation equipment, entertainment or special setup with us before booking it.
You can connect a phone to the sound system. Small, removable decorations are welcome, but decorations and styling are not supplied. No confetti or permanent adhesives are permitted. Routes and stops depend on duration, conditions and the skipper’s assessment.
Send a useful invitation and reminder
Include the confirmed date and start and finish times, plus the public pontoon at 73 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217. Guests should arrive 10 minutes early, with extra time to park and walk.
Circle on Cavill and surrounding street parking are paid. Link the cruise information in your reminder so guests know about footwear, BYO and boarding.
For other team occasions, see our corporate cruise planning guide. For a celebration with family or friends, use the Christmas party checklist.
Book your work Christmas cruise
Explore Christmas party cruises, check availability online or send your event brief with your date, headcount and preferred duration.