When renting a private luxury yacht in New York for your special events, there are many questions you might have before getting started. Whether it’s your wedding, a sweet sixteen party, or other special celebration, we have everything you’re looking for and more. Below is a Q&A to help answer your most basic questions, but please feel free to contact us anytime with questions.
How much does it cost to charter the Royal Princess?
Before we can give you a price, we ask the questions “How many people are you expecting? Do you want to go out of New York or New Jersey? What port? Daytime or evening? What night of the week? What type of menu and bar are you looking for? Are you tax exempt?” This way, we can price it accordingly. We often email proposals with ALL the relevant fees so you know exactly what the bottom line is. Many people want to know “How much per person?”. We like to be specific with pricing because we need to meet certain minimums. Please call 888-755-BOAT or click here to request a quote.
What is included?
Captain, crew, waitstaff, bartenders, Cream Linens, china, utensils, house centerpieces. We have a House DJ and Karaoke and other entertainment options.
What kind of food is served?
We have onboard chefs that prepare buffet and stations menus for your charter! (Some Ethnic foods available, just ask!). With larger parties, we recommend cocktail stations menu.
How many people are comfortable on the Royal Princess?
Royal Princess is certified for up to 180 passengers. We can seat a maximum of 175 downstairs for dinner.. One thing to remember- people don’t like to sit for very long on the yacht. Instead, people will utilize the whole space, talking, enjoying the views, dancing etc. The experience is totally different from a traditional catering hall, though we can maintain certain traditions if we’re hosting a wedding or more formal event.
Can we bring our own caterer?
Here’s the thing. Royal Princess, like a restaurant, earns income not only from the charter fee but also from Menu and Bar. We have a fabulous chef who is flexible. It’s better to take a menu package and add specialty dishes. If you are Kosher, you would still need to meet our minimum income to utilize the space but we would include a DJ (or use of sound/light equipment) and a limited bar.
How long do the charters last?
Minimum sailing is 3 hours. We give you 1/2 hour prior to your cruising time to board and 1/2 hour to disembark.
Are cruising times set in stone?
No. Since Royal Princess is for private charter, you control the boarding and sailing times. Usually, weeknight cruises are 3-hours and weekend cruises are 4-hours, but this is not set in stone. We like to end daytime charters by 4pm and evening charters begin after 5pm.
Decribe the flow on the Royal Princess?
When people board, we have a beautiful stationary display of hors d’eouvres and the bars are open We give you 30 minute boarding period, but we don’t leave the dock until you tell us. If we have passed hors d’eouvres, we begin passing them once the yacht embarks. The cocktail hour takes place while we’re cruising. People are mingling and enjoying the views. Then, after an hour, we make an announcement that dinner is served, or the buffet is open. Dinner usually lasts about 45 minutes. Afterwards, people get up and continue to walk around or dance and sing if the mood warrants it. If it’s an evening charter, this all takes place while the sun begins to set and the lights of Manhattan slowly begin to glow.
Where does the Royal Princess cruise?
We cruise down (or up) the Hudson River, around Battery Park, up the East River under the Bridges, to the Statue of Liberty and back, You will see the magical New York skyline including the Empire State Building, Intrepid Sea- Air Space museum, the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge — the second-longest single-span suspension bridge in the world. Of course, the highlight of our cruise is the Statue of Liberty, one of the most celebrated landmarks in the world.
How early can I arrive to set up for my cruise?
We allow vendors to come onboard for set up two hours before guests arrive. For weddings, we must limit the number of guests to 4 for set up because it interferes with our staff trying to set up. If we’re picking up at a port other than our home port, vendors must board and set up at the home port prior to the time the yacht leaves for pickup.
What port do you leave from?
Royal Princess is berthed at Liberty Harbor Yacht Club in Jersey City, NJ.. We can pickup at other locations.
How do I reserve a date?
To secure a date, we send you a contract and require a deposit by check, credit card, or wire transfer.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes, Only for deposits. We accept checks or wire transfers for balances and funds must be cleared before the charter. All prices reflect a 3% discount if not paying by credit card.
What number should I call to book. or to make reservations?
NY (212) 496-8625 or Call Toll Free at (888)755-BOAT (2628)
How far in advance should I make reservations?
You are competing with every bride who wants her wedding on a Saturday night. If you’re planning for a large group, call us as soon as possible. A few months will make it easier to accommodate all of your preferences.
Do you have DJ entertainment, flowers, Mock Casino, etc?
Yes, we have fabulous house DJays who will honor your music choices. Music is very important to set the mood of the charter, especially for weddings. This is a one stop shopping center. We can help you with Flowers, Decor, Photography, Mock Casino Gambling like tridewi, Caricaturists, Tarot Readers etc.
Can we get married on Royal Princess?
Of course! If it’s nice weather, we host ceremonies outside on the top deck! Or, we set up the dance floor area with two rows of chairs. People board and we hold the ceremonies dockside in the beginning of the charter so the focus is on the bride and groom. We also have wedding package which are on the website.
Is parking available?
Some marinas are better equipped with parking than others. Liberty Harbor has plenty of parking for only $5 per car within walking distance to the marina!
Do you sail in foul weather?
Absolutely. Royal Princess is climate-controlled for your comfort. We sail — rain or shine — year round .
Will I get seasick?
It’s highly unlikely, though some people are more sensitive. Royal Princess is a very large yacht, and she operates in New York Harbor, on the Hudson River and the East River, which are all very calm bodies of water. You may feel a slight rockiness at the dock and near the World Trade Center where currents come together. If you are prone to motion-sickness it is suggested to bring motion-sickness precautions, such as motion-sickness wristbands, non-dramamine, or ginger candy.
What is your smoking policy?
Smoking is permitted on the outer decks only.
Do you have the names of service providers such as florists and photographers that you highly recommend?
Over the years, we’ve worked closely with many excellent professionals that have helped make our clients’ celebrations very special and memorable. For more information about them, click here >
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