Question 1

Is alcohol served to students?

Accepted Answer

No. Under-18 guests are not served alcohol under any circumstances — that's the law and it's not something we'll be flexible about. For a student formal we can run the night completely dry, or keep a bar open for supervising staff only, whichever your school prefers. Tell us which and we'll put it in writing before the booking is confirmed.

Question 2

How does supervision work, and do our teachers count in the guest numbers?

Accepted Answer

Your school provides supervision and sets the ratio — you know your requirements better than we do. Supervising staff do count toward the total number of people on board, so include them when you tell us your numbers. Our crew works alongside your teachers, not instead of them.

Question 3

Can students leave part-way through the night?

Accepted Answer

Once we're underway, no — and for most coordinators that's the reason they choose a boat. Everyone who boards stays until we come alongside at the agreed time. There's no slipping out to a car park and no coming back in.

Question 4

How do you stop gatecrashers?

Accepted Answer

There's one gangway and it's staffed at boarding. Give us your guest list and nobody who isn't on it comes aboard. Once we depart, the guest list is closed.

Question 5

What if a student arrives already intoxicated?

Accepted Answer

They don't board, and we'll bring your staff into that decision at the gangway rather than making it for you. It's far better handled on the wharf than at sea, so we check at boarding rather than after. Agree the approach with us beforehand and everyone knows where they stand on the night.

Question 6

How do you handle allergies and dietary requirements?

Accepted Answer

Send them through with your final numbers, at least 14 days before the formal. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available. Please note we're not able to cater for coeliac, so if any student is coeliac let us know as early as possible and we'll work out an approach with you. If a student has a serious allergy, flag it specifically.

Question 7

What if a student is unwell or there's an incident?

Accepted Answer

The crew are trained for it and there's first aid on board. Nominate a staff contact for the night and we'll come to them straight away. If anything needs shore-side attention we can be back alongside quickly — Sydney Harbour is not a remote location.

Question 8

Can we control the music?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bring your own playlist, your school's DJ, or a DJ we can point you to. Either way you approve what's played — send the playlist through in advance if your school wants it vetted, and the crew will keep to it.

Question 9

Can the school be invoiced directly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can invoice the school against a purchase order and work to your standard payment terms. Tell us your finance process when you enquire and we'll match it.

Question 10

What happens if the weather turns?

Accepted Answer

The formal runs. Every student can be under cover — the lower deck is fully enclosed and level two is covered — so a wet forecast doesn't change the night.

Question 11

How far ahead should we book?

Accepted Answer

Formal season runs tight and schools book early — often nine to twelve months out for a Friday or Saturday in term four. If your date is locked to the school calendar, get in as soon as you have it approved.

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