Private Charters, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Below we’ve listed some of our most frequently asked questions for our Private Charters.
Boat Hire & Charter Rates
Why is there a surcharge for Premium Rate Piers?
A 15 minute embark & 15 minute disembark from a Standard Rate Pier is included within our charter rates. Premium Rate Piers are usually busier piers on the river & as a result we are charged a premium while using them.
As part of our commitment to providing affordable boat hire on the River Thames we charge a premium to embark or disembark from Premium Rate Piers rather than increase our charter rates overall. This allows clients to operate from a Standard Rate Pier at a more affordable rate.
Can I view the boat before booking?
Yes, we strongly encourage all clients to view the boat before paying their deposit. A viewing is free & usually takes place at Westminster Millennium Pier.
How much is a deposit for boat hire? When do I have to pay the full balance?
We charge a £500.00 deposit for charters on-board our Class V party boats. The full balance is required no later than 14 working days before your charter.
Where can we embark / disembark?
We can operate from more than 20 piers on the River Thames including Waterloo Millennium (London Eye), Westminster*, Tower Millennium*, Bankside, Millbank, Greenwich* & North Greenwich.
Hospitality
Are refreshments available on-board?
Our Class V party boats (M.V Avontuur IV & M.V London Rose) both have a fully licensed bar which will be open for the duration of your charter. This service is included in the charter rate.
We also have a range of services including drink receptions to compliment your charter.
Can I provide my own drinks? Do you offer corkage?
No, as our vessels are a licensed premises we do not allow any drinks to be brought on-board. We also do not offer corkage on-board our vessels.
Do you serve food on-board?
Our caterers can provide a wide range of menus including canapes, finger buffets, hot buffets, bowl food, barbecues & fine dining. All catering must be prearranged & paid two weeks before your charter.
Can I provide my own catering?
Yes, we charge a £150.00 (+VAT) surcharge for own catering. This cost covers costs including the disposal of all rubbish.
Please Note: Viscount Cruises catering facilities are not available for the use of outside caterers. While we do have table linen for hire we do not hire any catering equipment, cutlery or crockery.
Facilities On-Board
Are there toilets on-board the boats?
Yes, all of our vessels have toilet facilities.
Is there Wi-Fi on-board the boats?
Unfortunately, we do not have internet on-board our vessels. We do have a Wi-Fi network on-board M.V Avontuur IV & M.V London Rose but this is only to operate our audio guide.
Is there a smoking area on-board?
The interior spaces of the vessel are strictly non-smoking however we do permit smoking on the open deck.
We do not accept the following charters on-board our vessels:
Football or sporting transfers, 18th or 21st birthdays or functions involving entertainment or activities of a sexual nature. We also do not accept bookings for ticketed events such as club nights or tribute nights. We also do not allow clients to charge guests to attend events on-board our vessels without prior authorisation from Viscount Cruises.
Click the button below to view our full Terms & Conditions.
At Viscount Cruises we have been hosting party cruises & private charters on the River Thames for over 30 years. Our versatile Class V party boats are perfect for a wide range of corporate & private events.
Our competitively priced private hire vessels boast spacious outside decks and panoramic views.
We can accommodate 12 passengers aboard M.V Churchill & up to 180 for private parties or sightseeing cruises on-board our Class V vessels.
Click the link below to make an enquiry & arrange a free viewing of one of our vessels.
All of our Class V passenger boats have spacious open decks, heated saloons, fully licensed bars & a dance floor.
We provide a wide range of catering & dining options, perfectly paired with our extensive wine menu. Our entertainment options & decorations can also make your event truly unique.
Our vessels are available for corporate & private hire. Our vessels are not available for clients intending to host ticketed events or sell tickets for the charter.
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