Attendees occasionally appreciate the opportunity to escape exhibit halls, conference rooms, and other traditional indoor meeting and event spaces. The change of scenery is extra exciting if it involves water and sailing off into the proverbial sunset. A water setting and sunset view are only a small part of the appeal of hosting your next meeting on a boat or barge venue.
Setting sail on the water makes for a relaxing excursion, often hard to beat with any land-based experience. After all, where else could attendees admire dolphins as they race through the water, soak up the sun while city skylines pass by, or watch the sun set into the waters on the horizon? When planning your next corporate retreat, evening reception, teambuilding exercise, or other event, consider one of these boats and barges for a meeting to remember.
Step back in time on a paddlewheel riverboat
In the 1800s, steam-powered paddlewheel boats became a popular form of transportation for both passengers and cargo. Though they gave way to new technologies, paddlewheel boats remain a popular choice for recreational outings and as event venues for meeting planners looking for a bit of nostalgia.
One such example is Showboat Branson Belle in Branson, Mo. Sailing on Table Rock Lake, the Showboat Branson Belle welcomes groups to come aboard. The group sales team can help you plan everything from an afternoon cruise to an evening reception to an awards ceremony—and everything in between.
“The Showboat Branson Belle offers a unique and elegant setting for groups, meetings, and conventions aboard an authentic 1880s riverboat replica,” says sales manager Steven Hyatt. “The 700-seat dining room features flexible banquet-style seating and meal service from our on-board galley, with audiovisual equipment and technical personnel available. With four decks of impressive views of Table Rock Lake and a full-scale theater inside, Showboat Branson Belle is an ideal setting for any group or convention.”
Indian River Queen in Cocoa, Fla.—conveniently located near Orlando, Melbourne, Daytona, Vero, Cape Canaveral, and Cocoa Beach on Florida’s Space Coast—is a triple-deck paddlewheel boat with a capacity of 234 passengers, although most private events typically have 50 to 150 passengers, according to Penny Flaherty, planner and owner. Indian River Queen specializes in private charters for corporate and convention gatherings of all sizes.
“The best way to add a splash of charm to any event on the river is on an old-fashioned paddlewheel riverboat,” Flaherty says. “In addition to first-class F&B service, Indian River Queen offers all the professional services needed to complement any event. Passengers enjoy spectacular sunsets, and sometimes even a rocket launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, during a cruise on the Indian River Queen.”
Flaherty says Indian River Lagoon is considered one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America, offering attendees many opportunities to enjoy herds of manatees, flocks of birds, and playful dolphins.
For smaller groups, Island Rose in Hernando Beach, Fla., accommodates 18 passengers on a replica riverboat sailing for two hours, with or without food and beverage service. The interior is fully enclosed and climate-controlled, but groups have the option to open the windows so they can enjoy the Gulf breezes.
“Island Rose in Hernando Beach offers a unique and memorable meeting place,” says owner Randy Rossi. “Imagine discussing business while enjoying a delicious meal and beautiful Gulf views aboard a comfortable cruise ship. The intimate atmosphere provides a perfect setting for focused conversation, while the scenic backdrop creates a relaxed and enjoyable experience.”
While Perdido Queen in Mobile, Ala., provides a traditional paddlewheel riverboat setting, this vessel also offers an entertainment and teambuilding option for groups: a comedy murder mystery where one of the attendees could be the culprit. Finding out the truth will involve an entertaining show from the talented cast and attendees selected as participants.
Located just behind Mobile Convention Center, Perdido Queen also offers more traditional meeting options, such as an evening reception, a corporate board meeting, or teambuilding events. “Welcome aboard Perdido Queen, a two-level steel riverboat offering panoramic window views and open bows on each deck,” says Anna Jones, event coordinator. “Perfect for events of all sizes, our exciting floating event space provides opportunities for group bookings, private deck rentals, or full boat rentals. Perdido Queen is the stress-free solution for a unique event space or an all-inclusive experience complete with dinner, bar service, and entertainment.”
In New Orleans, meeting planners can combine the historic setting of a paddlewheel steamboat with the city’s iconic jazz music, on either Steamboat NATCHEZ or Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.
A longtime fixture in New Orleans, Steamboat NATCHEZ is the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River. It features three decks of interior space, a rooftop deck, an elevator, state-of-the-art zoned audiovisual, and a commercial kitchen. It is joined by her sister ship, Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, which features three decks of interior space, a rooftop deck, and an elevator. Each boat can be booked for private events for conventions, major corporate sponsors, and receptions. Maximum reception capacity is 500 for the Steamboat NATCHEZ and 505 for the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.
“The CITY, as we call her, is ideal for meetings and events of all sizes,” says Aggie Canales, sales and marketing manager. “We offer her for a full private charter and also for individual deck rentals, even producing separate menus on three decks. The NATCHEZ is available for charters or a rental of the Captain’s Salon, perfect for intimate events.”
Meeting planners also can book a 12,000-square-foot wharf, a 6,400-square-foot pavilion, and an expansive park of green space adjacent to the boats, offering even more event possibilities.
Also in New Orleans, Creole Queen provides many options for meetings. The vessel features three private rooms, but the entire boat can be rented as well. For intimate gatherings, the King’s Room can seat up to 64 guests or host receptions for up to 90 attendees. The Queen’s Room is slightly larger, seating up to 80 guests or accommodating up to 120 attendees for a reception. The vessel’s largest room, the Creole Room, seats up to 188 guests or hosts a maximum of 250 attendees for a reception. When booking the entire boat, Creole Queen can host a maximum of 600 guests.
“In addition to our versatile meeting spaces, we provide an extensive selection of culinary offerings, including menus tailored to various preferences, hors d’oeuvres, and customizable drink packages,” says Gena Purvis, director of reservations. “We offer an array of entertainment options. Whether you are interested in caricature artists, gaming tables, live jazz bands, or energetic DJs, we have the resources to make your gathering unforgettable. Each space is equipped with essential amenities, such as TVs, podiums, and projector screens to facilitate seamless presentations. Our dedicated staff ensures flawless execution from start to finish, while the backdrop of the mighty Mississippi River, featuring iconic landmarks like Jackson Square and the Domino Sugar Factory, provides a picturesque setting for your event.”
Explore history below the surface
Who knew you could host a meeting or event on a World War II submarine in Arkansas? At Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, in North Little Rock, attendees can tour the USS Razorback, the longest-serving combat frontline submarine in the world. Adjacent to the submarine, USS Hoga, which assisted USS Nevada during the attack on Pearl Harbor, offers tours of the historic tugboat.
“If you are looking to make a splash with a meeting or evening reception, Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum will make an impression,” says Heather Kouns, director of tourism development for North Little Rock Tourism. “Surrounded by rich naval history, visitors can experience firsthand a World War II-era submarine and a tugboat known for fighting fires during the Pearl Harbor attack, and take in the beautiful view of the city skyline over the Arkansas River.”
The submarine is kept as authentic as possible, which means visitors must use a 14-foot ladder to enter the interior. Planners will need to keep this in mind when considering accessibility for all attendees.
Set sail along the Gulf Coast
Not surprisingly, the Alabama Gulf Coast overflows with on-the-water offerings for meetings and events. “As a coastal destination, we encourage meeting planners and attendees to get out and explore our natural resources, from the beach and a biodiverse state park to our many waterways,” says Michelle Russ, vice president of sales, sports, and events at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. “Sunset sails and dolphin/nature cruises present experiential ways to discover the area and connect with fellow attendees. Wild Hearts, a 53-foot catamaran operated by Sail Wild Hearts, offers private charters for up to 49 people—ideal for on-the-water meetings and teambuilding.” Sail Wild Hearts can provide full catering, plus plan the cruise based on individual group time preferences and other needs. Options include dolphin-watching tours, lunchtime sails, sunset cruises, and everything in between. With docking spots in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Perdido Key, Sail Wild Hearts is convenient to most groups’ original meeting locations along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Ship Island Excursions in Gulfport, Miss., operates two 100-foot-plus passenger vessels ideal for entertaining attendees. Meeting planners can choose either the Gulf Islander, which accommodates up to 150 guests, or the Capt. Pete, which accommodates up to 125 guests. Both vessels have two decks with a bar and dance floor, as well as an open-air deck, where passengers can enjoy the fresh air and scenic views. “A private charter with Ship Island will deliver a memorable experience for your guests,” says Kevin Buckel, director of sales for Ship Island Excursions.
Operated by the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi, the Biloxi Schooners are replicas of the originals that sailed along the coast from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Meeting planners can book either the Glenn L. Swetman (up to 44 passengers) or the Mike Sekul (up to 39 passengers) for two-and-a-half hours, four hours, or eight hours.
“The Biloxi Schooners are great for meetings because they offer a unique experience, like taking a step back in time aboard a ‘White Winged Queen,’” says Robin Krohn David, executive director of Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. “There is no telling what fantastic ideas will come out of the meeting. Also, you can use them for teambuilding activities, with teams competing to put the sails up the fastest, take them down the fastest, racing each other, and numerous other activities.”
Splurge on luxury
Approximately 30 minutes north of Charlotte, N.C., the Carolina Grace in Cornelius welcomes meeting attendees to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Norman as they cruise along the waters. From receptions to teambuilding events to corporate outings and much more, the Carolina Grace offers a relaxing setting for any excursion. All bookings include the captain, crew, bartenders, tables and chairs, and linen rentals.
“As the largest yacht on Lake Norman and in the Carolinas, the Carolina Grace is truly a one-of-a-kind meeting venue,” says Travis Dancy, director of sales. “The 100-foot luxury yacht was custom built for Lake Norman, with corporate, wedding, and special events in mind. It is the only yacht on the largest man-made lake in the Carolinas capable of accommodating meeting groups and, with its heated upper deck, can host events year-round. Whether it is a meeting of 10 to 100 attendees, Carolina Grace is the perfect one-of-a-kind venue to host your next meeting.”
