We have put together 9 items to take care of when you are organising a Corporate Boat Cruise in Melbourne. The list is not exhaustive but it is packed full of great ideas to get you thinking about your Corporate Boat Cruise and to ensure you have an awesome time……”Suns out, Guns out!”
Selecting the ideal boat and destination for your Corporate Boat Cruise in Melbourne
Undertake your research based on the capacity and the amenities onboard each of the available charter services. MatesBoat™ has charters for large groups of 60 plus down to smaller more intimate charters.
Consider the location of the cruise to find the best route or sightseeing opportunities. There are plenty of landmarks around Port Phillip bay and along the Yarra River worth investigating. We also have charter services operating out of Corio Bay.
There are also opportunities to go see and swim with seals and dolphins. You can check out a 2 hour cruise taking in the dolphins and seals in Port Phillip Bay on MatesBoat™ marketplace.
You can review boat Cruises and charters on MatesBoat™ and make contact directly with the owner via the app to negotiate packages, pricing and availability.
Who are you inviting and how to send invitations?
Identify your attendees based on whether it is an in house corporate event or for external stakeholders providing promotional and networking opportunities. You can use Canva to make your invitations appealing and ensure it conveys all the relevant information. Canva is easy to use and will make your invitation building quick, easy and awesome. They have 1000’s of templates for everything you need to make your invitations striking. They can also print them!
You can also use Canva to design your promotional materials. If you are not using Canva now, I suggest you jump onboard and start designing.
How will you manage the invitees and RSVP’S? Maybe use a 3rd party app like EventCreate or RSVPIFY . You can also just do it the old fashioned way with an Excel Spreadsheet.
Make sure you update the guests on any changes or details leading up to the event and have a way to contact them if weather conditions are ominous.
What type of menu are you looking for?
Determine your menu and fitting it within your budget can be a daunting task. First, lets work out a budget for catering. Does your Corporate Boat Cruise service provide a catering package? Can you arrange your own catering company? Does the charter service have any recommendations for local catering services? These are all questions you can find answers to on the MatesBoat™ marketplace and by contacting the owners directly via the app. Teh type of food service can also affect the cost, for example, a sit down 3 course meal as opposed to canapés on the deck. Most of the Corporate Boat Cruise operators offer a selection of food and beverage packages to suite most budgets.
Ensure you have a diverse range of menu options and that you cater for all dietary requirements of your guests. Request your guests provide any specific dietary requirements well before the planned event.
Other things to consider:-
- Do you need additional wait staff on the boat? Make sure there is sufficient staff to cater for your needs.
- Is the Corporate Boat Cruise company licensed to serve alcohol? What will your bar service look like? What drinks will be included? Are you putting money on the bar or are you after a drinks package?
- Does the operator have B.Y.O licence?
Activities and Entertainment for your Corporate Boat Cruise
What is the purpose of your event? Is the event a New Years Eve Boat Cruise, a Xmas Boat Cruise end of year break up with your colleagues or a networking opportunity with your clients? Once you have decided on this you can base your entertainment around this.
Some ideas for entertainment are live artists, DJ’s, magicians, or use the onboard entertainment system to play selected music from your device.
You could consider engaging in team-building exercises or fun games that people can have a laugh and make memories.
Ensure people also have the opportunity to just kick back, relax and enjoy the sea breeze.
Organising Logistics and transport to and from your Corporate Boat Cruise
How are you going to get your guests to and from the departure point? Buses, Ubers/taxis, private vehicles, limos, Helicopters (that would be cool).
If travelling by car is there sufficient parking at the departure point, do you need to pay for parking? Consider car pooling and ensure there are designated drivers if alcohol is being served.
Ensure you have clear and written instructions on departure times and locations to avoid any disasters and people literally missing the boat!
Do you have any persons with special needs or assistance with boarding the vessel? If you do, just let the operator know and they will be more than happy to assist.
What is the check in process for boarding the cruise? Ensure you are aware of this and make it as smooth as possible. The corporate Boat Cruise service operator will need to keep a manifest of the numbers of people onboard the vessel.
Decorations for your Corporate Boat Cruise
Choose a colour scheme for your cruise, maybe your company colours or something else fun. Speak with the operator first to find out what is acceptable to avoid any misunderstandings.
What are the lighting options on the cruise? Are you going at night or during the day?
Try to incorporate some branded materials and signage in a discrete way especially if you are entertaining clients.
Are you using the event to promote your business and network?
Consider using some “Ice Breaker” activities if you are trying to network with or get to know your clients. Keep it low key and fun as sometimes these can be a little corny!
People love show bags…. consider putting together some show bags with fun novelty toys along with some branded merchandise.
Best time of the year for your Corporate Boat Cruise in Melbourne
You can find corporate boat cruises in Melbourne throughout the year but lets face it the best time to go is Spring to early Autumn.
The peak season for boat cruises in Melbourne is Summer when the skies are blue and the sun is shining.
Stunning Melbourne locations including the Yarra River, locations around Port Phillip Bay such as Williamstown, St Kilda, Mornington , Portsea, Corio bay, Geelong and don’t forget Western Port Bay…….
Don’t forget events such as Melbourne Cup day in November, End of Year Work Break Ups, Christmas parties & Australia Day.
How much does a Corporate Boat Cruise cost and how to budget?
How much is all this going to cost? Check out the multiple listings on MatesBoat™ and get in contact with the service provider via the app to get your special package sorted.
MatesBoat™ is not paid for any endorsement or link on this page.