Ariston

Ariston is $900 per hour from May to October, $1,000 per hour from February to April and $1,100 per hour from November to January, with a 3-hour minimum. Fridays and Saturdays in December require at least 35 guests. A 30% surcharge on the total charter cost applies on public holidays and for weddings.

Wait staff are $300 each, one per 10 guests, and wharf fees are $50 per wharf. A chef fee of $430 applies to catered menus other than the grazing package; the buffet menus note a $300 chef charge for charters of up to 4 hours. BYO food is a $250 flat fee and BYO drinks are $20 per person. A DJ surcharge of $250 applies if you bring your own. A $2,000 deposit confirms the booking, the balance is due 14 days before, and a $1,000 refundable bond applies.

The substantial grazing package is $38 per person (minimum 10 guests): five pieces each, delivered in biodegradable boxes, including rice paper rolls, sushi and nori rolls, pulled pork, chicken and beef sliders, marinated chicken tenders and finger sandwiches and wraps. Platters can be added in multiples of 10 guests: antipasto or cheese at $155, dessert at $220 and seafood at $545. Platter-only orders carry a $65 delivery fee and don't need a chef.

Canape menus are $47 per person (suited to 2-hour charters), $65 (3 to 4 hours) and $75 (4 hours), with extra noodle-box dishes such as fish and chips or curries at $9.90 per person per item. Side-table buffets are $112 per person, with duck pancakes, BBQ salmon and slow-roast lamb shoulder, or $136 per person for yellowfin tuna tartare, oysters, swordfish and beef fillet. Dietary requests are catered for with notice.

BYO food is a $250 flat fee. Cook everything in advance and bring it ready on platters, since the galley is limited to fridge storage.

The Deluxe package is $14.50 per person, per hour, with Corona, Peroni and Cascade Premium Light, New Zealand whites, rose, red and Petaluma Croser sparkling, plus soft drinks, juice, tea and coffee. The Exclusive package is $30 per person, per hour and includes Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label alongside premium reds and whites. Spirits can be added to either for $10 per person, per hour.

Drinks can also be bought on consumption, from beers at $9 and house spirits at $10 to Veuve Clicquot at $130 a bottle. BYO drinks are $20 per person and include ice, eskies, glassware and amenities, except on Fridays and Saturdays in December.

Ariston operates daily, with a minimum hire of 3 hours. Preferred time slots are 12pm to 4pm, 1pm to 5pm, 6pm to 10pm and 7pm to 11pm, and 11pm is the latest finish.

King Street Wharf in the CBD is the most popular pick-up, with the Eastern Pontoon at Circular Quay and Casino Wharf, which can only be booked within 4 weeks of the charter, also available. Other wharves can be arranged on request and may cost extra. Ariston doesn't go to Manly, Campbells Cove in The Rocks or wharves beneath the Harbour Bridge. Wharf fees are $50 per wharf.