Everything You
Wanted to Ask
Nineteen questions answered plainly — legality, pricing, boats, weather and the logistics nobody thinks to ask about until the week before. If your question isn't here, call us.
How far ahead should we book?
Six to ten weeks is comfortable for private events; December and Melbourne Cup week book out months ahead. A provisional hold — free, no obligation — protects your date while you finalise details.
What deposit is required?
25% secures vessel, crew and date; the balance is due 14 days before sailing. Quotes are itemised and locked before the deposit lands — no surprises after.
Can we customise a package?
Every event is custom — packages are starting points, not contracts. Add tables, entertainment, catering upgrades or full bespoke design; the quote itemises every line so you see exactly what each choice costs.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund 30+ days before sailing; inside 30 days, a reschedule credit valid for twelve months; weather cancellation by the vessel's master means a free reschedule or full refund. Read the complete policy.
Do guests need to know poker?
Not at all — roughly half the guests at a typical event have never played a hand. Our dealers teach at the table, the first level runs as a tutorial round, and the casino floor has games that take thirty seconds to learn.
What do non-players do all night?
Whatever they like — lounges, live music, chef-led dining, open decks and skyline views run all evening alongside the games. Non-players routinely report the better night.
What is the dress code?
Set by you. Our nights have hosted black-tie galas, themed twenties parties, Christmas-in-July and barefoot-on-deck corporate socials. We style the room to match your brief — see the dress code guide.
Is there a prize for winning?
Always — championship trophies and medals come standard, and most clients add a prize table: hampers, experiences, sponsor donations or (for charities) auction lots. Prizes are prizes, never cash — that keeps everything compliant.
How long does an event run?
A standard evening is four to six hours — two hours of play, a dinner interlude, a final table at sunset, then the after-party. Multi-day tournament series and overnight voyages run longer.
Where do the ships depart from?
Station Pier, Port Melbourne — ten minutes from the CBD with parking, tram and taxi access at the gate. Seasonal departures also run from Sydney and Cairns; boarding instructions arrive with your confirmation.
How many guests can you host?
From a private salon for eight to a full-ship charter for four hundred. Tournaments run best from twenty players; casino party nights from thirty. Tell us your number and we match the vessel.
What happens in bad weather?
Port Phillip Bay is sheltered and our salons are fully climate-controlled — rain rarely registers with guests. If conditions are unsafe, the master reschedules the sail and you choose: new date or full refund.
Will guests get seasick?
Our vessels are large, stabilised and cruise calm bay waters — genuine seasickness is rare. For the cautious, ginger chews and wristbands are at the bar, and most guests forget they're on water within twenty minutes.
Can we bring our own entertainment?
Yes — your band, your MC, your photographer are all welcome. We coordinate power, staging and timing with them in the fortnight before so they slot into the night seamlessly.
Is gambling legal at your events?
Our events are social gaming productions — guests play with fun-money chips for trophies, prizes and charity outcomes, never cash. This keeps every event fully compliant with Victorian law while preserving all the theatre of a real casino.
Are you insured?
Yes — $20M public liability, full workers' compensation, and every vessel operates under its own commercial marine survey and insurance. Certificates are available for inspection before booking.
What are the age requirements?
Private events set their own policy — family events are welcome. Licensed areas run under standard RSA rules, and public sails are 18+ unless advertised otherwise.
Is alcohol served on board?
Every vessel holds a liquor licence operated by trained RSA staff. Beverage packages range from welcome-only to full premium; dry events and early finish times are equally easy.
What happens to our data?
Guest lists stay private — never published, never sold, never used beyond your event. Corporate clients may request an NDA; all enquiries are handled under our privacy policy.
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A producer will walk through your event in fifteen minutes — no obligation, no scripts, no sales pressure.