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Guest Rules & Safety Guidelines
Before We Depart
- Attend the captain's safety orientation and briefing — it's quick, required, and could save your life
- Locate your nearest life jacket and familiarize yourself with the vessel layout before we leave the dock
While Underway
- Keep hands, feet, and belongings inside the vessel at all times while underway and during docking
- No jumping, diving, or entering the water unless the captain has given explicit permission and the vessel is anchored
- Stay off the bow and railings while the boat is in motion
- Remain seated or hold a stable surface during turns and wakes
Safety First
- If you witness an emergency, injury, or man overboard — alert the captain immediately
- No tampering with safety equipment, navigation systems, or vessel controls
- Children must be supervised by an adult at all times
Conduct
- Respect fellow guests, crew, and the vessel
- No smoking anywhere on board except in designated areas (if applicable)
- Excessive intoxication will not be tolerated — the captain reserves the right to return to dock
- Damage to the vessel or equipment may result in additional charges
General
- What goes on the boat, stays on the boat — meaning your trash. Please dispose of all waste in designated bins
- Follow all crew instructions promptly and without argument — the captain has final authority on all matters
- The captain reserves the right to modify or cancel any charter at any time for safety reasons.
Frequently asked questions
General
Safety
Booking is easy. Simply visit our Request Availability page on our website, select your preferred date and charter type, and submit your inquiry. Our team will confirm availability and walk you through the next steps within 24 hours. You can also reach us directly at 516-952-3797 or email info@oysterbayeventcharter.com to speak with a member of our crew.
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekend dates during peak season (June through August). Popular dates — particularly Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday weekends — fill up quickly. For corporate events or large groups, we suggest booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance to ensure your preferred date and time slot.
Our pricing is straightforward and transparent:
Base Rate (all charters): $1,000 / hr (Up to 12 guests)
Minimum Duration: 2-hr minimum ($2,000 minimum)
Additional Guests: $100 / person (Per guest over 12, max 45)
All rates include the vessel, USCG-licensed captain and crew, and standard onboard amenities.
Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees. The charter rate covers the vessel, captain, and crew. The following are not included in the base rate:
Food and beverages (guests bring their own, or arrange catering)
Crew gratuity (15–20% is customary and greatly appreciated)
Optional add-ons such as decorations, specialty catering, or entertainment
Yes, children are welcome aboard. The Vienna is equipped with safety rails as required by the U.S. Coast Guard, and child-size life vests are available in addition to the Type I Personal Flotation Devices required for all passengers. No person under 21 years of age may consume alcohol on board. This is strictly enforced with zero exceptions.
We are committed to making our charters accessible to all guests. Please contact us in advance so we can arrange boarding at one of our accessible floating docks, which features a ramp down to boat level and a seamless transition to the flat deck. Reach us at 516-952-3797 to discuss your specific needs and we will do everything we can to accommodate you.
Absolutely. We operate a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) policy. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, snacks, and beverages. We provide coolers, ice, cups, and water to keep everything fresh throughout your cruise. You may also arrange catering pickup at one of the local waterfront restaurants along our route — just let us know in advance and we will coordinate a dockside stop.
We do not provide in-house catering, but we are happy to recommend trusted local caterers who specialize in boat charters and outdoor events on the North Shore. Many guests also arrange catering pickup at waterfront restaurants during the cruise. Contact us for recommendations tailored to your event.
The Vienna is designed as a floating boutique venue with a full suite of amenities to make your event exceptional:
Spacious open deck with comfortable seating for up to 45 guests
Premium Bluetooth sound system — connect your playlist and set the vibe
Shade canopy for protection from sun and light rain
Onboard restroom / head
Coolers, ice, cups, and water provided
LED lighting for evening ambiance
Inflatable floats for anchored water fun
Professional USCG-licensed captain and crew
Yes! We love helping guests personalize their experience. Balloons, banners, floral arrangements, and table decorations are all welcome. Please avoid confetti, glitter, or any items that could scatter into the water or damage the vessel. Contact us in advance and we can advise on the best setup for your event.
We recommend dressing comfortably and appropriately for the weather. A few essentials to keep in mind:
Flat-soled shoes or sandals (no high heels — they damage the deck and are unsafe)
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for daytime charters
A light jacket or sweater — it tends to be cooler on the water, especially in spring and fall
A towel if you plan to use the floats or swim
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
10+ days before your charter: You may reschedule or receive a credit toward a future booking. A service fee applies.
Within 10 days of your charter: We are unable to accommodate changes, rescheduling, or refunds due to the commitment required to staff and prepare the vessel.
No-shows and late arrivals: No refunds or rescheduling will be offered for no-shows or guests who miss their departure time.
All bookings are final. We strongly recommend planning ahead and arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
The Vienna is a very stable vessel and we cruise the protected waters of Oyster Bay Harbor and the surrounding North Shore bays, which are generally calm. Our cruising speeds are leisurely, minimizing any rocking or rolling sensation. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking an over-the-counter remedy (such as Dramamine) before boarding and staying hydrated throughout the cruise.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This allows time for check-in, waiver signing, and boarding. The Vienna departs on schedule, and late arrivals will result in lost charter time — we cannot extend your trip to compensate for late arrival. We recommend accounting for traffic, especially on summer weekends on Long Island.
The Vienna cruises the beautiful waters of Oyster Bay Harbor and the surrounding North Shore bays, including Cold Spring Harbor and Bayville. Along the way, guests enjoy stunning views of historic waterfront estates, lush shorelines, and the natural beauty of Long Island Sound. Specific routes may vary based on weather conditions, tides, and your event preferences. The captain determines the safest and most scenic route on the day of your charter
The Vienna is the perfect floating venue for virtually any celebration or gathering. We regularly host:
Birthday parties (milestone birthdays, kids' parties)
Bachelorette and bachelor parties
Corporate events, team outings, and networking cruises
Family reunions and group outings
Engagement parties and anniversary celebrations
Graduation parties
Sunset and evening cocktail cruises
Absolutely. The Vienna is a premier venue for corporate charters on the North Shore. With a professional yet vibrant atmosphere, full sound capability, and capacity for up to 45 guests, it is ideal for team-building outings, client entertainment, networking events, and company celebrations. We can customize the setup, atmosphere, and itinerary to align with your company's objectives. Contact us to discuss a tailored corporate package.
We operate seasonally, typically from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, weather permitting. The peak season runs from June through August, when demand is highest and the weather is most favorable. We may open bookings earlier in spring if conditions allow. Contact us for current availability.
We offer flexible departure times to suit your event. Common time slots include:
Morning / Daytime: 10:00 AM departure
Afternoon: 2:00 PM or 2:30 PM departure
Sunset Cruise: Evening departure timed to the sunset
Evening: 7:00 PM departure
We operate 7 days a week during the season. During peak summer months, departure times are more structured due to high demand. Weekday charters offer greater flexibility. Contact us to discuss the best time for your event.
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