Constellation

Pro

Capacity: 400 guestsPricing: From $900 per hour, minimum 4-hour charterCategory: Boats

Highlights

Three-level, 100-foot power catamaran for 20 to 400 guests
Two licensed bars and two dance floors with club-style sound
Catered menus or a BYO option on most dates, for a surcharge

About Constellation

Constellation is a 30-metre power catamaran built for big groups on Sydney Harbour. The family behind Constellation Cruises runs her from King Street Wharf, and she can host anything from a 20-person gathering to a 400-guest party spread across three levels. The two lower decks are enclosed and climate controlled, so a dinner or dance party carries on in any weather, while the open sundeck up top gives guests a clear view of the bridges, the Opera House and the city skyline as the boat cruises. Each enclosed level has its own licensed bar and dance floor, with a club-style sound system you can plug a phone or USB into. Wireless mics and wall-mounted screens that take a USB stick handle speeches, slideshows and presentations, and you can bring your own DJ or band. The onboard galley prepares canapé menus and fuller catering packages, and the crew can add styling, a celebration cake service and dance-floor lighting. Constellation is also one of the few large function boats on the harbour to offer BYO food and drinks, with a per-person surcharge that covers galley use, crockery, linen and cleaning. BYO isn't offered on Saturday nights, public holidays, special event dates or over the Christmas period. The boat suits weddings with a celebrant on board, milestone birthdays, school formals with supervised dancing, product launches, staff recognition nights and end-of-year parties. A dedicated event planner works through the menu, drinks, timings and extras with you before the day.

Inclusions & amenities

Budget

$$$ (Higher)

Vessel Type

Large Function BoatCatamaran

Features

Cocktail/StandingBanquet/Sit-DownParty Vibe

Location

Sydney Harbour

Food & Drinks

Beverage PackagesBar TabPay-As-You-Go DrinksCatering AvailableBYO FoodBYO Drinks

Facilities

Air ConDance FloorDJ FriendlyKitchenMicrophoneSound SystemTV/Presentation Facilities

Pricing

Hire starts from $900 per hour for Monday to Thursday daytime charters between February and October, with a 4-hour minimum. Weekday evenings, Friday to Sunday and Saturday nights cost more, and from November to January rates run from about $1,250 to $1,500 per hour. Extras include a wharf fee for each stop, a $15 per person BYO surcharge, and licensed security guards, with at least two required and more for larger groups. Rates change by day and season, so confirm the quote for your date.

Food

The onboard galley prepares canapé menus, from five canapés for $49 per person to seven for $65 per person, as well as hot and cold buffets, grazing tables, boxed lunches and formal three-course dinners for weddings. On BYO charters you can bring your own food or your own caterer, and the surcharge covers galley use, crockery and cleaning.

Beverages

Two licensed bars serve beverage packages: beer, wine and sparkling for about $60 per person, or add spirits for about $80 per person, based on a three to four-hour cruise, with a soft drink package also available. You can instead run a cash bar, a consumption bar or a set bar tab. BYO drinks are allowed on most dates, but bring your own ice.

Wharfs & Availability

Constellation is based at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour, and guests can board at other harbour wharves for a fee per stop. Charters run for a minimum of four hours, day or evening. Supplies and decorations can be loaded before the cruise at Balmain if the boat and crew are available, arranged in advance.

Frequently asked questions

How many guests can Constellation take?

Between 20 and 400 guests across three levels: two enclosed, air-conditioned lounges and an open sundeck. The layout works for seated dinners, cocktail receptions or a dance party.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes, on most dates. BYO carries a per-person surcharge that covers use of the galley, crockery, cutlery, linen and cleaning. It isn't available on Saturday nights, public holidays, special event dates or during the Christmas period, and ice isn't supplied with BYO.

What does a charter on Constellation cost?

Hire starts from $900 per hour for weekday daytime charters outside the peak months, with a 4-hour minimum. Evenings, weekends and the November to January period cost more, up to about $1,500 per hour, and wharf fees, security and catering are extra.

Where does Constellation pick up?

The boat is based at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour. Each wharf stop carries a fee, and pre-access for loading supplies can be arranged at Balmain when the boat and crew are free.

Can we swim or use water toys?

No. Swimming isn't allowed from Constellation and there are no water toys on board. She is set up as a floating function venue, with the entertainment on the dance floors and decks.

Can we have a DJ and speeches?

Yes. Bring your own DJ or have one arranged, and plug phones or USB music into the sound system at no extra charge. Wireless mics and screens that play from a USB stick are on board for speeches and presentations.