FAQs
So what is the ‘London Boat Party’?
We appreciate that before making a booking or in the excitement leading up to setting sail, you or your group may have various questions, or want to gain a better understanding of what to expect. That's why our Crew have drawn on the frequently asked questions over numerous years to compile an extensive list of answers for you. And, if the answer you're looking for isn't listed, then please don't make us 'walk the plank'. Ask us and our friendly crew will be happy to help - they love an unusual question!
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What’s included in the ticket?
- 4hr cruise past all the key sights
- Resident Thames DJ playing party anthems from the past to the present
- Light Buffet (ask us for a sample menu)
- Fully licensed bar at pub prices
- Great party atmosphere
- Central London Pier (by Westminster, Embankment and Waterloo stations)
- Free guest list night club entrance after the cruise (must be requested)
- Exclusive ‘pre-cruise’ party packages at a nearby riverside venue
When does the party start?
On Fridays, we party 7pm – 11pm and on Saturdays it’s 8pm – Midnight. On the odd occasion, this may vary by approx. 15 minutes.
The boat will arrive at the designated pier 15 minutes beforehand for boarding, so don’t panic if you arrive early and can’t see it!
Once we’ve set sail, the boat cannot return for anyone running late, so get a shuffle on and make sure you’re all on time.
Where do I catch the boat from?
The boat party will depart from a Central London Pier, usually within walking distance of Westminster, Waterloo or Embankment Stations… the exact pier will be confirmed on your e-ticket, which we send to you on the Monday before the event!
But if you want to start the party even earlier, we have exclusive ‘pre-cruise’ party packages available at a nearby riverside venue – ask us for more info!
How much money will I need to bring for drinks?
Our fully licensed bars are super reasonable – no pirate pricing here! You’ll find all the usual favourites (wine, beer and single measure spirits with mixer) covered by £5 a drink and soft drinks by £2.50. But, please remember to drink responsibly!
What is my boat like?
With unrivalled access to the biggest fleet on the Thames, we have a range of boats that you may be sailing on. Each vessel used is fully equipped, maintained to a high safety standard and has plenty of dancing room!!
I’m in a wheelchair, is the boat accessible?
Some our boats are easily accessible, while some are trickier – so please contact our events team before purchasing tickets to gauge the suitability.
Will I get sea-sick?
Once we get going, you’ll barely notice you’re on the Thames – so we’re confident that you won’t feel sea-sick on one of our boat parties! Of course, if you do feel unwell (or any other medical emergency) the captain is able to pull alongside a pier to let you off.
What if the weather is terrible?
We live in the UK, we’re pretty used to inconsistent weather – thankfully, come sun, rain or even snow, nothing stands in the way of our boat parties! Well, except severe fog, which may cause us to cancel. We’ll be sure to give as much notice as possible in these situations!
I’m a smoker – where can I have a cigarette?
We’re still under land-laws when we’re out on the river, so it’s strictly no smoking inside, but you’re able to light up on the sundecks.
Can I wear my new all-star Converse?
Yes, yes you can! But remember that if we’re arranging nightclub entrance for you, our venues do have a strict ‘no leisure wear’ dress code, so do bear that in mind.
On the boats though, almost anything goes – dress up your Stags, dust down the ‘L Plates’, channel your inner Jack Sparrow or just come as you are. But please ensure any fancy dress is deemed non-offensive.
What tunes will the DJ be playing?
Feel Good Party Music!!
Our resident DJs have tracks for all occasions, from past to present, from Chart Toppers and RnB Bangers to Club Classics and Cheesy Party Anthems… if you want to hear something particular, all of our DJs will happily take requests on the night.
Warning: dodgy requests may result in your fellow sailors making you walk the plank.
I’m not ready to go home, what’s next?
If you “can’t stop, can’t stop your feet”, then we are able to get you free guestlist nightclub entrance at Piccadilly Institute (subject to change) where you can party until 3am. This must be requested at the time of booking.
Can we leave the party before the end?
We’re sure that you’ll love every minute of our parties and simply won’t want it to end, but, in case of a mutiny, we’re not able to stop the boat until the advertised time – however, if it’s a medical emergency, our captain can pull alongside and allow the relevant party to disembark.
Do you take Stag-Dos?
Whether it’s Ladies Night, a Rugby Social, a Hen Party or a Stag Do – we don’t discriminate here, you’re all welcome, we just ask that you sign a ‘behaviour bond’. Please note however that free guestlist nightclub entry is not available to ‘all male groups’ as specified by the nightclub's terms and conditions.
Can I bring my own food or drink?
Our caterers and vessels all have exceptional food hygiene ratings and run a tight ship when it comes to health and safety. For that reason, party-goers are not permitted to bring their own food or drink.
We’re a large group, will you offer us a discount?
Tickets are usually priced at £33pp, but if you’re a group with over 20 guests, we’ll lower that price to £32pp and even throw in one free ticket for every 20 paid for tickets, how does that sound?
Do you take table or area reservations?
We’re all about creating a fun, enjoyable party atmosphere, therefore any seating on our party boats is unreserved. But, if you want to reserve an area nearby to start the party pre-cruise, just let us know and we can give you some more info!
We’ve got a few vegetarians and someone who doesn’t eat gluten, what can they eat?
Let’s face it, we’re all a bit more conscious of what we’re eating and we get that – so just let us know your dietary preferences when you book and we’ll ensure you’re covered.
Are you able to refund me if I have to cancel?
Boat Party tickets are non-refundable, but we will always try and be as flexible as possible. So, if you give us with as much notice as you can, we are sometimes able to move you to a future date for no extra cost. Note that this is not guaranteed though folks.
I’m ready to book – what’s next?
Awesome! Click here to book and pay online, or send an email to [email protected] if you’d like our details for a bank transfer
I’ve seen a similar cruise on another website. Why should I book with you?
We get that it can be confusing with various websites all offering boat parties. We have a few different websites ourselves. We also have numerous party planning Agents and Suppliers that place their bookings with us. So even if you don’t book with us directly, there’s a likelihood that we’ll still be welcoming you aboard our ship. This emphasises our long standing credibility and that you can book with confidence. And don’t forget our PRICE MATCH PROMISE! With an increasing number of ticket selling platforms, please be warned ‘me hearties’ that there are also some ‘Pirates’ out there that make invalid claims, or only offer a limited number of dates and tend to use older/smaller boats. Where as we have run ALL year round for 50+yrs and use a large fleet of boats of all sizes. We also receive calls from disgruntled customers informing us of their cruise being cancelled and having to chase refunds for months. We recommend that if there’s no Company address or a landline phone number, take caution.
Is there a cloakroom
We use a variety of boats, ranging in size and facilities. As space is limited onboard, many do not have a cloakroom. They do have a rail to hang your coat but this is unattended. Most people utilise the rail or hang their coats on their chairs. The benefit of being out on the river is that nobody can run off during the cruise with someone else’s belongings (unless they want to jump ship and swim!). Everyone embarks and disembarks together.
Will I get cold?
The boats are heated. Whilst they all have outside areas, these are merely additional deck space/areas for you to enjoy the sights and breeze in your hair, or to have a cigarette. The PARTY happens inside, so cold weather or rain won’t affect your enjoyment, nor your hairdo!