How do I select a Yacht for my next event?
There are many factors which relate to the design of the event you are contemplating. The yacht must accommodate the number of guests and leave enough room for them to move around comfortably. We have provided some excellent choices in the section entitled Party Yachts for you to browse. Our event planning assistants will help you match the best appropriate and available vessel for your party.
What is a yacht?
A yacht was originally defined as, “a light, fast sailing vessel used to convey important persons.” The word yacht is derived from the Dutch word Jacht, meaning "hunt” or “hunter.” Today, the word yacht has come to cover a wider range of vessels, either run by sail, power, or both. A yacht that is not powered with sails and wind is referred to as a motor yacht. Most of the party yachts are designed for entertaining large number of guests and rarely have staterooms while some private yachts have been converted to USCG certification and can take more than 12 passengers. A motor yacht usually has a comfortable feel to it.
How many people can each boat accommodate?
Passenger capacity varies from vessel to vessel. Non-certified Yacht can accommodate either 6 or 12 passengers, regardless of the size. The party vessels which are suited for larger groups and dinner cruises are U.S. Coast Guard certified, which determines their capacity. The capacity for each yacht is listed within the specifications table on all vessel pages. Our company yacht, the Arena Eagle is USCG certified for up to 55 passengers.
Is it more expensive to have a party on a yacht as opposed to a restaurant?
In most cases it is about 25 – 50% more expensive. Most groups who have experienced their first event on a yacht become our repeat customers and this is especially true for corporations wanting something special for its valued employees. The memories and added value of having your company all together in this special and unsurpassed environment is something to consider when looking at this option. When small groups of fewer than 55 guests celebrate aboard the Arena Eagle, they experience something more akin to a lounge party with 360 degree water view - it's priceless!
How do I book an event or cruise on the Arena Eagle?
You can call our event planning staff directly or work with your professional event planner or yacht broker.
What is the policy for the Arena Eagle?
We have incorporated the same policy as did the American Airlines Arena which was that guests remove their shoes unless they are clean deck shoes and everyone is treated to slippers. Shoes are placed in wicker baskets until the end of the charter when they are all returned to the guests. This protects the expensive materials and keeps the yacht looking fresh and ready for the next party.
I want to have a sit down dinner for my event, how do I know what each vessel can provide?
Many of the larger yachts have banquet type pop up tables with table cloths that can be mobilized for your event. The smaller private yachts which are certified have built in seating throughout different locations of the vessel. Most vessels can typically seat 1/2 to 2/3 of the entire vessel capacity at one seating. The dining room arrangements as well as seating capacity are outlined on each party vessel page within the website. Non certified boats typically have a buffet type dining arrangement.
Do we have to have food and beverage service?
Nearly every certified yacht has arrangements for food and beverage, whether it is an in house executive chef or a pick of several catering companies. Most boats will allow the guests to bring their own food or have their choice for a catering company but will charge for a “galley fee” since they are loosing the revenue from the charter. Arena Companies will work with its clients to get the desired menu and quality of food and service desired.
Is entertainment included?
There is a state of the art sound system aboard the Arena Eagle and XM radio. Guests can bring any premixed music or iPod to download and play on the charter along with any video feeds for flat screen TV’s in the main stateroom or the cozy VIP lounge below deck. We have access to more than 100 third party vendors to provide virtually any entertainment requested. Please contact our event planners to learn about themed party options for your next party.
Where do we board the yacht?
The home port for the Arena Eagle is at the Four Ambassadors, just next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at Brickell. It is an excellent location as it is within minutes of South Beach, Coconut Grove, and Key Biscayne.
There are at least 18 convenient locations that can be considered. In some cases, we can bring the yacht to a private dock once our crew inspects the conditions and that there is adequate depth.
Is there a cost savings to leave from your home dock?
Yes, there is a savings to the overall party cost if the group depars from our home dock. Every marina charges a fee to allow another vessel to pick up or drop off passengers. This cost ranges between $200 - $400 depending upon the size of the vessel, number of passengers being picked up or dropped off.
Can you assist our group with ground transporation to and from your marina?
Yes, your Arena representative can provide you with a list of ground transportation options.
Where does the yacht cruise?
Our Arena Eagle crew knows all the best spots for small parties wanting exclusive and private locations. We love to take our guests to the Regattas and a variety of special events that help promote their business or simply to promote company team building. Corporate events are typically brought to the tranquil waters of the Intracoastal waterways. This ensures a smooth sailing and avoidance of any rough waters.
What happens if there is inclement weather?
Almost all of the boats have enclosed spaces which guests can sit out a passing rainstorm. However, if the Captain deems that there is too much wind or rough water it will be the guests option to have either a dockside party or take a rain check.
How do we pay for the event?
Payments are to be made by check or wire transfer. Deposits are to be paid in order to hold your date in the amount of 50% of the total cost. The balance is to be paid within 3 business days of the scheduled event.
Are there any charters which are on a per person basis?
The basic fees for the charter excluding the costs for food and beverages are typically a lump sum fee. Some specialized and promotional cruises are offered on a per person basis.
What type of events do you have on the Arena Eagle Yacht?
The following is a list of possible events to discuss with your Arena representative: Weddings, Corporate and private holiday parties, employee recognition, product launch, big deal closing party, Charity Events & Fundraisers, elegant Lunch or Dinner cruises, Bar/Bat Mitzvah cruises, burial at sea, personally designed events for just about any occasion.
