Frequently asked questions about Private Charters and Weddings!
Chartering a Yacht for a Private Event on Hornblower is a Breeze!

What is the cruise route? Do you go out in the ocean?

The cruise route is at the discretion of the Captain who takes into account tide and weather conditions. To assure a smooth and comfortable cruise, our yachts do not go out into the open ocean.

What if it rains? Are my guests going to get seasick?

We cruise within calm, protected waterways which enable us to offer year-round cruising. All our yachts have enclosed, climate controlled decks and are designed for a smooth cruising and dining experience.

Are the boats safe?

For your comfort and safety all Hornblower yachts are U.S. Coast Guard inspected and meet regulatory and safety requirements. Our yachts are staffed by qualified, licensed captains teamed with well-trained, experienced crew.

What do we do if we have late-arriving guests?

When you charter your own private yacht, we do not leave the dock until you give the go-ahead, so you may wait for your late-arriving guests. However, regardless of when we leave the dock, we will return to the dock at the regularly scheduled time unless you decide to purchase additional cruising time (which can be arranged on board).

Can I use my own vendors (florals, entertainment, etc.)?

One of the services we provide is to handle all of the details with outside vendors - from booking to payment - so that you only have to deal with one contact. Hornblower screens all its vendors to ensure proper insurance coverage, business practices and knowledge of our onboard events. We have worked with our vendors many times and feel confident about their abilities and products. If you prefer to hire your own vendors, you may, but it is your responsibility to review and coordinate all your event details with them.

What cruise length do you recommend?

Our typical event is 3 hours which is the minimum time needed to enjoy your event and meal service. If you wish to include time for cocktails/hors d'oeuvres and dancing, you will want to have a four-hour event or longer. The length of your cruise should always depend upon your program and what you want to accomplish. Our sales managers can help you determine the appropriate length of time for your needs. (4-hour minimums apply on Saturday nights and some holidays.)

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

As we are licensed like a hotel or restaurant, we need to provide all food and beverages for your event. We are proud to feature professionally trained chefs to prepare your food fresh on board, and uniformed, trained wait staff to serve your guests. You can expect the same quality of food and presentation as you would receive in many of the finer restaurants and hotels. We offer a wide selection of items and are always happy to customize your program to meet your specific needs.

Do you prepare food overages?

All our meals are prepared fresh on board, and the quantity of food purchased is based upon the guaranteed final guest count. Unlike a hotel or restaurant, we do not stock food on the premise. To ensure our high standards of quality, a minimum number of extra entrées will be available which can often accommodate a couple of extra guests. We would not turn away your additional guests, but are unable to guarantee their entrée selections.

How soon should I book with you?

We highly recommend placing a tentative hold on the yacht and date of your choice as soon as you can. We can hold this yacht for you for up to 7 days as we work up a proposal that meets your needs. At 7 days, we require a deposit and signed contract to confirm your event. Please note that we have many dates throughout the year that sell out.

Wedding FAQ's
Questions regarding Chartering a Yacht for your wedding and reception on Hornblower!

How do I reserve our Yacht?

Placing your deposit and signing the contract will secure your yacht, date and time. All additional details are flexible and may be changed up to 30 days prior to your event. Deposits may be made by Credit Card or by check, payable to Hornblower Cruises and Events. Feel free to fax or mail your deposit in. Fax: 619.686.8733 Mailing address: 2825 5th Ave SD CA 92103

What is the Deposit and Payment procedure?

Wedding Deposits are non-refundable, and they do come out of your final balance. The deposit may be placed on a credit card, and this is the only time we can take payment by credit card. We will need a Guarantee Guest Count 7 Business days before you sail, we, this count cannot decrease however, you may add guests up until the event. Your Final balance will be based on this amount of guests. Final Balance is due in the form of Cashier’s Check or Money Order Only.

What is the parking like? Metered parking is available directly across the street from the boarding location and on the Broadway Pier. Meters are free after 6pm, and all day on Sundays and Holidays. In addition, there are two pay lots that are run by the City of San Diego ranging in rates from $1.00 to $7.00 per car. These are located next to the cruise ship terminal and at the corner of Broadway and Harbor Drive. Please note the port closes the cruise ship parking lot to the public for security reasons when a cruise ship is in port. Please allow ample time to locate parking. If you would like a map please visit our website www.hornblower.com and click on San Diego and click on Maps to 1066 N Harbor Dr. include in your invitations. Please refer to your proposal for boarding location and parking information

Will we have a Rehearsal?

Rehearsals are not generally needed for the yachts. Should you feel you would like one, we will be happy to schedule one for you. The cost is $150.00. It will be added to your contract and a tentative time will be scheduled, however, the rehearsal day/time is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Is the ceremony legal?

Your ceremony is legal. Our captains are licensed, ordained non-denominational ministers. You will need to provide your marriage license issued in the state of California. You may provide your own officiant if you like.

Can we write our own vows?

The Ceremony performed by the Captain is a standard, traditional non-religious ceremony. Should you wish to make minor changes to the vows please feel free to do so. All changes made to the vows need to be submitted for approval no later than one month before the date of your wedding.

Can we have the ceremony on the outside deck?

On certain yachts, the ceremony can be performed on the outside deck. Keep in mind there is nothing like a sea breeze to mess up a beautiful hair and make-up job not to mention what it does to a veil!

Additional Services Hornblower is a full service event planning company. Flowers, photography and entertainment are just a few of the things we can assist with. Once you book your wedding with us we will provide you a list of our Contracted and Recommended Wedding Professionals. You will have all of the names and numbers you need for a beautiful event. You can set up meetings at your convenience to choose the things you like.