Q. Is the Lady Cutler weather dependent?
The Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat is built to Lloyds A1 Safety Standards and is completely safe and enclosed for cruising in all weather conditions, literally rain, hail or shine! We have been operating for over 10 years and have never had any safety issues and have never cancelled a cruise due to weather conditions.
Q. Where is the Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat located and where do I board her?
Berth 14, Central Pier Docklands 3008. She is located on the right-hand side of the Central Pier off Harbour Esplanade, opposite Channel 7
Q. How do we get there?
Train - Southern Cross Station
Tram - Stop D2 Central Pier and Harbour Esplanade (Route 35, 70, 75)
Car -
Etihad Stadium, Central Pier, Wilson Parking
Q. Is there parking area?
Yes, however parking options are very limited in Docklands. There is Valet Parking on Central Pier for between $20 - $40, there is very limited meter parking on surrounding streets. There is also paid parking at Etihad Stadium.
Links: Etihad Stadium, Central Pier, Wilson Parking
Q. Where does the Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat cruise?
Cruising downriver under the Bolte and Westgate Bridges into Williamstown, Port Melbourne and then into the Bay to see the views of Melbourne and its sea side suburbs. We will take you to places you have never been before, to see from the water the Spirit of Tasmania and Station Pier, the yachts at St Kilda jetty and the boat houses of Brighton Beach, as well as Webb and Swanson Docks, to view the activities of the large container ships.
Q. How long does the cruise go for?
For private hire, our basic cruise package is 3.5 hours including boarding and disembarking time. Cruising time can be extended or shortened by consultation. Bar closes 30 minutes prior to the event conclusion. For ticketing events, please check our website at www.melbourneshowboat.com.au.
Q. What is the maximum number of people you can take on the Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat?
Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat is licensed to carry up to 367 passengers including crew.
Q. Is the Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat wheelchair accesible?
The Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat is not properly built for disable acecess, however certain types of light and manual wheelchairs can access the upper deck through our stable ramp. Please note, toilets are located on the main deck and unfortunately there are no disabled toilet facilitie. The toilets need to be accessed by stairs to the main deck.
Q. Will I get seasick?
The Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat is a large stable vessel and our cruise will tour the smooth waters of the rivers and the calm bays. It is extremely unlikely that you will suffer from any form of motion sickness, in fact in 9 - 10 years of cruise not one guest has been motion sick. Occasionally you would feel it moving but is very unlikely to get rocky!
Q. Is smoking permitted?
Yes, only on the lower level, outside decks. We have installed butt collectors for your convenience.
Q. Is there a cloak room?
We have a storage facility on board in the lounge area. You are more than welcome to leave your items, jackets and coats etc at your own risk. However, we do not take any responsibility on any of your items. Make sure to take all the valuables with you during the cruise.
Q. Is there any dress code?
Your dress code is up to you but we do insist that passengers wear footwear. Some cruises have themes and best dressed prizes. It can be more fun to dress up on these themed events to spice up the nights experience, but not compulsory.
Q. Can payment for a cruise be made via credit card, cash, cheque or direct deposit?
We do accept all of the above payment methods. All payments to be finalised 10 days prior to the event date. Please see the following instructions:
Credit cards
Please call office 03 9499 9371 with your credit card and invoice/booking reference number to process. There will be 3% credit card surcharge on Visa and Mastercard. 5% on AMEX.
Direct deposit
Bank Name: Bendigo Bank
Account Name: JGM Pty Ltd
BSB: 633 000
Account Number: 128600905
Please quote your invoice/booking number as a reference.
Cash
Please contact info@melbourneshowboat.com.au to arrange the date too come to the boat for cash payment.
Cheque
Please make cheque payable to: JGM Pty Ltd, and post to: PO BOX 2139, East Ivanhoe, Victoria 3079
Please allow 5 days for postage and bank clearance.
Q. How do I confirm my booking for ticketing events?
Immediately after booking and initial payment, you will receive an email confirmation and payment receipt. Please screenshot or print out the page with the following image and provide it when you check in. Please ensure you have a copy of your booking number as reference.
Q. What do I need on the day?
Please screenshot or print out the order confirmation page with the image above and provide it when you check-in. Also bring your ID with you just in case!
Q. How do I get a quote for a private boat hire?
Please fill out our online enquiry form. We will tailor a package to suit your specific needs, budget, occasion and requirements. We have hosted over 1200 successful cruises and will ensure your event is exactly what you dreamed of!
Q. Can I leave a deposit for a charter or group booking?
We require $1000 non-refundable deposit for private charter to secure your date, a 30% deposit for group booking on ticketing events to secure your booking at time of consultation. The full amount to be paid and final number of guests to be confirmed 10 days prior to the event date. (1 month prior for the christmas cruises)
Q. How Can I change / reschedule the date of my ticketing event?
Please note that there will be a $20 p.p. charge to transfer to another date within 28 days prior to the event date. No date changes can be made within 10 days prior to the event date (No changes less than one month before Christmas and NYE cruises). These charges are restricted because we spend considerable time and great effort in our forward planning of our cruises and tickets are limited. Tickets may be used by other persons with Management knowledge. We appreciate your understanding.
Q. How can I get a refund?
All tickets for events at LCMSB are not refundable after purchase. Any refunds made due to the cancellation of the event will be processed to the credit card you have used for booking, or we will ask you to send us your bank details. Refunds may take up to 7 days to process refund. If purchased through an agent, please refer to the agent's terms and conditions. In any cancellations made by LCMSB management due to unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive a full refund of the price.
Q. I missed departure!!!
Unfortunately refunds or transfers are not permitted due to a missed departure. For the enjoymentof all guests, we cannot delay our departure for any late arrivals. We strongly recommend that you check travel / traffic conditions on the day of your event, in particular when there are special events (e.g. marathon, parade, festivals etc) as these can often cause traffic delays. On heavy traffic days we highly recommend travel via train or tram to reduce your stress and long delays.
Q. Can I request a window side?
Requests for tables of two and window seats will be taken into consideration on fine dining cruises, but cannot be guaranteed. We endevour to meet all guests' wish list.
Q. How do I redeem promo codes and vouchers?
As you go through the booking process, you will see a space to redeem promo codes and vouchers on the payment page. Please type in your promo codes to receive the discounts or deals!
Q. My promo codes do not work!!!!?
All of our promo codes are subject to availability, so there may not be enough availability for your selected date. Please contact info@melbourneshowboat.com.au with your booking reference number, full name, event name and date, number of guests and all the promo codes.
Q. Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
A. We always do our best to cater for your dietary requirements, please advise our office (info@melbourneshowboat.com.au) at least 10 days prior to your cruise to accommodate your needs where possible. On the day of your event, please introduce yourself to one of our catering staff so that we can find and serve you directly. We endevour to do our very best but unfortunately cannot be held responsible for consumption / cross contamination with regards to allergies or dietary requirements. On the cruise, please alert key staff if you are not receiving allocated food, as they may be not able to find you in the guests.
Q. Can we BYO Alcohol or Soft Drinks onboard?
There is strictly no BYO drinks on all of our cruises to control consumption of Alcohol onboard. There will be plenty of water station around the boat.
Security mey check your bags upon boarding.
Q. Is BYO Food allowed?
Yes and No.
For your Private Cruise: You are more than welcome to nominate your own caterer or BYO. There will be an Extra Charge for use of Galley / Kitchen facilities and for safety reasons we include a trained staff member to assist you with the equipment and cleanup. All you need to do is sign the disclaimer form and leave the galley nice and clean as you found it!
For Ticketing Events: Guests are welcome to bring their own cakes for your group. We can keep the cake in the cool room until you sing a birthday song :) Please bring your own disposable cutlery, crockery, candles etc.
Q. Do you run a Bar Tab?
We can organise Bar Tabs for your group or event! Amount and items to be nominated by clients. The bar tab can be pre-paid or the amount can be simply fixed at the end of the cruise. Please hand in your credit card before boarding. No split bills allowed.
Q. Is BYO DJ, Band and Entertainment allowed onboard?
Yes you are more than welcome to supply your own DJ or other entertainment. Please make sure they bring their own sound and light equipment. Please note we do charge a small fee when clients BYO DJ to cover staff facilitation and admin costs. We have regularly provided a wide range of entertainment . Please ask our sales staff for our current Entertainment list.
Q. Is there adequate power onboard for Bands and Djs etc.
Yes, we have Three Phase power to both Dance floors and 240V to all areas onboard.
Q. IS BYO Decoration allowed?
Yes, however decorations must not create any excessive mess and must not damage the vessel. Balloons, Ribbons etc are allowed, but No CREPE STREAMERS, NO SPIDER WEB as it stays on carpet.
Q. How can I set up / pick up and unload / reload equipment?
You have two hour bump in prior to the boarding time to set up entertainment and decoration. Please advise one of our staff about your preferred set up and pick up times in advance. You can park your vehicle in front of the vessel when unloading the equipment, but all vehicles need to be removed as soon as unloaded. Please note that no vehicle access to the vessel after 6pm.
Q. Do you carry Public Liability Insurance cover and other Certificates as required by Government Authorities.
We have all the correct certificates as per Transport Safety Victoria's requirements for operating as a Commercial Passenger carrying Vessel in Victoria Class 1E and 1D. We have a Certificate of Survey, (on display next to the Bar onboard) which is renewed every year and part of that is our Management Safety Plan, fire safety certificates and the air receiver in the engine room.
Part of the Ship's Certificate of Survey is that we carry the required insurance, suitable for a vessel the size of ours. Ship's Insurance is divided into Hull and Public Liability. We carry a $500,000,000 USD Public liability Policy.
We have also completed (above requirements) RSA's for every person working on the vessel. We also carry Work Cover for staff.
We also have an on premise Liquor License and a City of Melbourne Health Certificate for our Kitchen/Galley. Every year we have Food safety handling and management inspections and on certificate for Food safety is current and of high standard.