Moonshadow-TQC Cruises

Pro

Capacity: 200 guestsCategory: Boats

Highlights

Seven-vessel fleet, from a 22-passenger power cat to catamarans licensed for 250 to 300
Private functions catered for up to 200 guests, with menus and drinks packages tailored
Wedding charters include exclusive use, a wedding coordinator, bridal and cake tables and a PA

About Moonshadow-TQC Cruises

Moonshadow-TQC Cruises is a family-owned operator that has worked the Port Stephens waterway for more than four decades. Alongside its daily dolphin and whale cruises, the company runs private charters across a fleet of seven boats, which means groups can match the vessel to the head count rather than squeezing into whatever is free. The fleet runs from Envision, a fast 12-metre power cat licensed for 22, up to Moonshadow V, a three-deck 26-metre catamaran with a stage and dance floor. Hinchinbrook Explorer adds large air-conditioned indoor areas, while MV Osprey has a fully enclosed cabin with oversized windows. For functions the team caters for up to 200 guests, and charters can range from an intimate sunset trip for ten to a full gala. Corporate groups can book a table on a scheduled cruise, take over a whole deck or have an entire vessel to themselves. The galley team cooks during the cruise using regional ingredients, with breakfasts, lunches, dinners or canapes, and the bars are fully licensed with arrangements tailored to each booking. Office Christmas parties and team-building days are a regular part of the charter calendar. Weddings are handled by an in-house specialist who guides the couple through planning, and a cruise director runs the day on board. Packages cover exclusive use of the vessel with skipper and crew, bridal, cake and gift tables, tableware, a PA for speeches and music, and a choice of stand-up cocktail or two- and three-course seated menus. Send an enquiry through Party Hero to start a quote.

Inclusions & amenities

Vessel Type

CatamaranLarge Function Boat

Features

Cocktail/StandingBanquet/Sit-Down

Location

Port Stephens

Food & Drinks

Catering AvailableBeverage PackagesBYO Food

Facilities

KitchenDance FloorSound SystemMicrophoneAir Con

Pricing

Moonshadow-TQC Cruises does not publish private charter prices; each booking is quoted by the functions coordinator on the vessel, group size, menu and drinks package chosen. Public dolphin, whale and island cruises are sold separately as per-person tickets.

Food

Food is cooked in the galley during the cruise from regional ingredients, with breakfast, lunch, dinner and canape menus that can be shaped to the budget. Wedding menus run from stand-up cocktail food to two- or three-course seated meals, with gluten-free and vegetarian options on the standard menu. BYO food is possible on private charters by arrangement.

Beverages

All vessels carry a fully licensed bar with a range of reasonably priced drinks, and beverage packages or bar arrangements are tailored to each charter. BYO alcohol is not permitted on board. Complimentary tea and coffee is included with wedding menus.

Wharfs & Availability

Charters board in Nelson Bay: Moonshadow V and Hinchinbrook Explorer from the end of Dock C at d'Albora Marina, MV Osprey from Dock D, and Moonshadow IV, MV Spirit of Port and MV Spirit from the Wharf 1 cruise passenger terminal. Cruising covers the Port Stephens harbour, with ocean-going vessels able to head out to the offshore islands. Charter length is set when the quote is tailored.

Frequently asked questions

How many guests can a Moonshadow-TQC private charter hold?

The charter team caters functions for up to 200 guests, choosing from six vessels for events. Moonshadow V, a three-deck 26-metre catamaran, is licensed for 300, while the smallest boat suits groups of around ten.

Can we have a whole boat to ourselves?

Yes. Corporate and private groups can reserve a table on a scheduled cruise, book an entire deck, or take exclusive use of a full vessel. Wedding charters always include exclusive use with a skipper and crew.

What food is served on a private charter?

The company's chefs cook every dish in the galley while the boat is out, using regional ingredients. Menus cover breakfast, lunch, dinner or canapes, and wedding menus range from stand-up cocktail food to two- or three-course seated meals.

Can we bring our own alcohol on board?

No. Every vessel is fully licensed, so BYO alcohol is not allowed. The bar carries a range of drinks and beverage packages or bar arrangements are tailored to each charter. BYO food can be discussed for private charters.

Is the fleet wheelchair accessible?

The vessels are not easily suited to wheelchair access. A guest who can board without the chair may bring it onto the main level, but crew cannot lift wheelchair users aboard for safety reasons.

Suitable occasions

Christmas Party Corporate Event Team Building Wedding Reception

Reviews

See all reviews for Moonshadow-TQC Cruises on Google

Eric Scheeren

2 months ago

Did a whale watching cruise and saw quite a few whales and were lucky enough to have one breach nearby. The boat was great with plenty of room and a good commentary from the skipper. Crew were great and answered all our…

Charlie Lim

4 months ago

First time dolphin watching. My kids love it and the air is fresh. The only challenge is the strong wind and cold temperatures. Worth a visit to see the beautiful dolphin

Paula McGowan OBE

4 months ago

What an incredible experience with Moonshadow – TQC Cruises. The crew were exceptionally friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable from start to finish. It was obvious that they had a deep understanding of the sea, whale beh…

Rebecca K

5 months ago

Originally booked a whale watching tour but it got cancelled due to weather conditions. The staff was very helpful in helping us change it to a dolphin cruise which was still available. We managed to catch at least thre…

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