Is the service charge on food and beverage the same thing as a Gratuity? The service charge applied by Watereways to each customer for their event does not include a gratuity for the event staff. The service charge covers the administrative costs of planning an event and standard tables, chairs, china, flatware, linens, chafers, other equipment and the service staff provided to a customer for their event. The service charge is based on the food and beverage billing for each event, based upon the number of guests confirmed. Additional charges may apply to off-premise events and when additional staffing, equipment or specialty items are requested by the customer.
Should I leave a Gratuity for the staff? Waterways encourages each customer to evaluate the service they have received from their event staff and give a voluntary gratuity, if earned. 100% of all gratuities paid by Waterways customers are distributed to our event staff.
What types of cruises does Waterways Cruises offer? Waterways offers Private Yacht Charters for groups from 10 to 225 guests; regularly scheduled Public Cruises, Special Events and Holiday Cruises as well as CruiseTours™ for up to 150 passengers open for groups and individually ticketed passengers.
Does Waterways Cruises operate year round? Yes. Waterways operates Private Yacht Charters 12 months per year. Public Cruises, Special Event and Holidays Cruises and CruiseTours™are available from February through December.
On what days are dining cruises, open to the general public, available? Captain Brunch Cruises are available on Sundays, Sunset Dinner Cruises are available on selected Fridays and Saturdays. Special Event and Holiday Cruises are scheduled on Valentine's Day, Saint Patrick's Day, Opening Day of Boating Season, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, Seafair week, Halloween, Thanksgiving Day, for special December holiday cruises and New Year's Eve. Check the calendar for the complete schedule, description and pricing of upcoming public cruises.
Can I book a cruise online at Waterways Cruises website? Reservations on Waterways Public Cruises for individuals or groups under 8 guests can be made through our Online Reservations system. Call 206-223-2060 to make reservations for groups of 8 or more passengers. Reservations for Private Yacht Charters must be booked by calling Waterways' office.
When booking a Private Yacht Charter am I limited as to when my charter can be scheduled? One of the major advantages of Waterways Cruises Private Yacht Charters is that we cruise to your schedule - morning, afternoon or evening -- any day of the week, any season of the year, for as long or as short as you desire, from any location, to any location. Your Waterways' yacht is your private yacht for the time of your booking.
Tell me about Waterways Cruises food? CaterArts Catering is Waterways exclusive caterer and operates from Waterways HomePort at The Lakeside Event Center. Our chef has created a number of menus specifically for our cruises and private yacht charters and offers a wide selection of custom menus.
Can I bring my own caterer on a Waterways private yacht charter? No.
Can I bring my own food aboard Waterways' yachts? No.
Can we BYOB (bring-your-own-beverage) on Waterways yachts? Waterways operates its vessels under a liquor license issued by the Washington State Liquor Control Commission and all alcoholic beverages served aboard Waterways vessels must be provided by Waterways trained and licensed crew. Guests can bring their own wine/champagne to be served by Waterways Cruises staff, a per bottle corkage fee will be charged.
Do all Waterways vessels operate under supervision of the U.S. Coast Guard? Yes.
Do all cruises operate from Waterways HomePort at The Lakeside Event Center? All dining cruises open to the public operate from Waterways' HomePort. Private Yacht Charters boarding and disembarkation locations are selected by each of our customers - often starting at Pier 66 on the Seattle waterfront, Shilshole Marina in Ballard, the Kirkland City dock in Kirkland, or from private docks on Lake Washington or Puget Sound. Most cruises start at Waterways HomePort.
How can I locate Waterways HomePort or the other locations from which Waterways operates its cruises? Waterways Cruises HomePort is located at 2501 N. Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103 - on the north end of Lake Union midway between Gas Works Park and Ivar's Salmon house, on the waterfront (N. Northlake Way) Directions & Parking.
Does Waterways Cruises have parking available at their HomePort? There is a generous amount of parking available in the vicinity of Waterways HomePort. Plan to arrive in the area approximately 10 minutes before your cruise's boarding time and you or your guests will have no problem finding a parking place. For private yacht charters your host often arranges valet parking in advance for their guests.
How long has Waterways Cruises and Events been in business? Waterways Crusies was founded in 1994, growing from one vessel to the three luxurious yachts currently operated - the Emerald Star, Olympic Star and Destiny. In 2005 we acquired The Lakeside Events Center, which now serves as the HomePort to Waterways yachts, and CaterArts, the exclusive caterer to all four venues. With the ability to host shoreside events at The Lakeside in addition to yacht cruises, our company became Waterways Cruises and Events.
Who are Waterway's major corporate customers? For the last nine years Waterways has hosted the CEO Summit aboard the Emerald Star. Waterways is a Microsoft Preferred Provider. Boeing uses Waterways' vessels for a number of its customer and employee entertainment events. All of Seattle' major financial institutions are among Waterways customers. Many of Seattle's legal and accounting firms, real estate and construction firms, public utilities, universities, etc. have hosted events board our vessels. If you would like references please do not hesitate to ask us.
