Whether you’re seeking a personalized whale-watching expedition or a large-scale boating experience aboard an aircraft carrier, there’s no shortage of options along the coasts of the U.S.
Here are eight group-friendly highlights that can work for planners wanting to hold an amazing outing or memorable event on the water. Bon voyage!
Hornblower Cruises
(California, New York and Texas)
Hornblower Cruises offers a variety of boating options across the U.S., with emphasis on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, with a primary setup in California and some memorable opportunities in New York.
“Hornblower New York’s combined fleet includes over 50,000 square feet of event space; allowing us to accommodate really any size of meeting, conference or private event, big or small,” says Cameron Clark, vice president and general manager of Hornblower New York.
Hornblower’s New York fleet includes the 30,000-square-foot Hornblower Infinity, which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests and measures in at 210 feet in length. The boat sails out of New York Harbor and features an open bow, covered sky deck and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Meanwhile, the Hornblower Hybrid is an eco-friendly luxury yacht with room for 600 guests.
In San Diego, groups can partake in a new four-hour Blue Whale Watching excursion (seasonal from June 27 through Sept. 6) during which attendees can catch sight of whales, dolphins, sea lions and birds. A number of other year-round boating tours and meeting packages are available in California.
USS Hornet Museum
(Alameda, Calif.)
The USS Hornet is a famous aircraft carrier that participated in World War II and led recovery efforts for the Apollo 11 manned space mission. In 1998, the ship was moored at Alameda Point on San Francisco Bay.
Located within 20 minutes of San Francisco via ferry or coach, the ship combines the thrill of being on an aircraft carrier with some serious meeting space for groups ranging in size from 30 to 3,000.
“Overlooking the San Francisco Bay, with an exquisite view of the San Francisco Bay Bridge and skyline, the National Historic Landmark USS Hornet Museum provides a multitude of options,” says Marie T. Riccobene, event sales director with the USS Hornet Museum. “From the massive hangar bays that provide large floating party rooms to the intimate setting of the officers’ wardrooms.”
Possible event ideas include a dinner for 50 on the ship’s fantail with bay and city views, an elegant cocktail reception for 2,000 on the Hangar Deck among vintage airplanes and space artifacts, or a flight deck concert for 3,000 with the San Francisco skyline as a backdrop.
In addition to holding their actual meeting on board the famous vessel, groups can participate in ship tours, flight simulator rides and other interactive teambuilding activities.
Ride the Ducks of Seattle
(Seattle)
Groups meeting at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle can arrange to hop aboard a fleet of private “duck” charters that can accommodate groups of 10 to 500 for a land and water adventure.
A typical Ride the Ducks tour lasts 90 minutes and showcases Seattle mainstays, including the Waterfront, Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market and the downtown shopping district. And while the Ducks don’t go into the ocean, they do take groups into Lake Union, with views of the city skyline.
“Special events are a huge part of our business,” says Tammy Guill, director of sales with Ride the Ducks of Seattle. “We took 1,000 guests inside the Boeing Factory Tour in Everett for a private tour down the Boeing flight line. Planners are delighted at how much fun their groups have had on board and told us repeatedly that the Duck experience was the highlight of their conference!”
Ride the Ducks runs year-round. Private Duck Tours with restaurant packages are available for groups of 25 or more and the new GEO Duck teambuilding package is available for groups of 30 or more.
Atlantic City Cruises
(Atlantic City, N.J.)
Atlantic City Cruises works with area resorts to bring groups aboard its Cruisn 1 U.S. Coast Guard-licensed vessel, which can accommodate up to 130 passengers.
“One of the more popular seasonal outings in Atlantic City is an afternoon Dolphin Cruise passing along the Atlantic City skyline or an evening Back Bay Cruise in the intercoastal waters aboard Cruisn 1,” says Barbara Flamenbaum, DMCP, president and owner of Atlantic City Ambassador.
Crusin 1’s enclosed main deck offers panoramic views and is encircled by a walk-around deck. The ship’s upper deck can also be enclosed with perimeter seating, creating an airy environment, ideal for a meeting or reception with dining and entertainment. The enclosed lower and upper decks are heated to accommodate cruises year-round.
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Atlantic City Cruises offers a number of special excursions, including Morning Skyline, Dolphin Watching, Afternoon Delight and Happy Hour options. The ship departs from Historic Gardner’s Basin.
Jungle Queen Riverboat
(Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Greater Fort Lauderdale is known for its vast array of yachts and private charter boating options, but the Jungle Queen riverboat offers something a little different (and lighthearted) for groups.
The Jungle Queen is available for corporate functions of up to 410 attendees, who can partake in a sightseeing tour and even take a visit to the Jungle Queen’s nearby private tropical isle with an alligator exhibit, monkeys, birds and more. Planners can choose to include an all-you-can-eat barbecued rib, chicken and shrimp dinner while enjoying a variety show.
The sightseeing tour typically lasts three hours and takes groups to historic New River, Millionaire’s Row (home of Fort Lauderdale’s rich and famous) and the aforementioned tropical island stop.
Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters
(Miami)
Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters works with a number of luxe Miami resorts to host group outings, including the EPIC Hotel, a Kimpton Resort, which is currently offering a two-hour private yacht cruise as part of its “Pick Your Perks” promotion for groups booking a minimum of 50 rooms per night for two nights (F&B not included).
The Biscayne Lady is the largest vessel in the fleet, and can support groups of up to 380 for cocktail receptions, 220 for seated dinners and 200 for buffet-style dinners. Both the Venetian Lady and Miami Lady can support smaller groups of up to 140. All of the ships are available year-round.
Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters executes over 200 charters a year and it has connections with many local businesses in Miami that can enhance a meeting or event, such as photographers and cake designers. The Biscayne Lady yacht offers a modern conference room, so groups can actually conduct business on board the ship.
Biloxi Cruise Company
(Biloxi, Miss.)
The Biloxi Cruise Company offers both inshore and deep sea fishing opportunities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, working alongside nearby resort properties, such as the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, with over 50,000 square feet of meeting space.
Planners can arrange a three-hour fishing trip or private charter on one of the booking company’s 35 partner charter boats around the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and groups can seek out redfish, mackerel and even shark, depending on the time of year.
Charter options range in size from 30’ feet up to 50 feet, and pricing (starting at $135 per person for deep sea fishing) includes fishing license, bait, tackle, rod, reel, captain and crew.
Argia Mystic Cruises
(Mystic, Conn.)
The 81-foot, three-masted schooner Argia offers half-day or sunset cruises for up to 49 guests. The traditional windjammer is ideal for corporate entertainment and teambuilding.
The schooner allows room for passengers to move around (even at capacity) and a smaller Main Salon space provides shelter for anyone in the group who might want to get out of the sun and rest indoors.
“The vintage Argia schooner gets groups out on the water and offers an easy way for people to relax, and you can bring your own picnic and food on board, or they can bring in a caterer,” says Karin Burgess, president of Whiting Burgess, a public relations and marketing firm. “If you want to make a fun evening experience, the sunsets are amazing. That’s a great thing for groups to do, right in downtown Mystic.”
Argia sails out of Schooner Wharf in downtown Mystic, Conn., from May 1 to mid-October. Private charter rates vary, and are said to be more cost-effective if scheduled midday versus in the afternoon or evening. A shorter one-hour River Cruise is also available.
