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Moonshadow - TQC Cruises - Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, New South Wales

The Twilight Dinner Cruise is the perfect dining experience for all occasions. Enjoy appetisers on arrival, followed by a modern Australian buffet featuring a large variety of seafood, Hunter meats and vegetarian options. Tempting desserts, tea & coffee are also included. All meals are prepared fresh on-board. Dance the night away with fabulous live entertainment and purchase a drink from one of two fully licensed bars. The Moonshadow Supercats have two decks of indoor restaurant style seating, triple 360 degree viewing decks, plus an alfresco top deck to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and moon-rises.

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• Fixed / set price only
• Something Different
• Outdoor Dining

Cuisines Modern Australian, Seafood

Price Mains $20 - $30, Mains $30 - $40, Mains over $40

Type Restaurant

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Wamberal Ocean View Cafe

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Your booking enquiry will be sent to Moonshadow - TQC Cruises - Nelson Bay .

This is not a confirmed booking. If you do not hear back within 24 hours we suggest that you phone restaurant as opening times and days may have changed due to COVID.

Sunset BBQ Seafood Dinner Cruise

• Duration: 150 Minutes (approx.)
• Location : Nelson Bay, NSW
• Product code: SSS

'Imagine' is a unique venue, perfect for any occasion...and when we hoist our sails, the atmosphere is truly special.

Whilst dinner is being prepared relax on the deck with a fine wine or a cold beer, get wet in the boom net or take a ride in the dry bow-net!

Once the boat has arrived at a sheltered cove or bay you will have the choice of dining in our downstairs cabin or on our large covered fore deck, alfresco style.

We use fresh, local seafood to cook you a seasonal 2-course BBQ meal, dessert will be served as we depart the cove and sail back to the marina.

It is a sumptuous way to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of our bay.

• 2.5 hour cruise boarding 15 minutes before departure time
• Sunset sail inside the bay
• Set 2-course adult & child menu  (vegan/vegetarian option available) infants do not receive a meal.
• Fully licensed bar with great selection of beers, wines & spirits
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Opportunity to see the resident Bottlenose Dolphins

* BBQ seafood meal is provided unless otherwise specified there is a steak, vegetarian or vegan option available. *Child meal is provided for all child (12 years and under) bookings.

*all cruises subject to weather/sea conditions    * minimum numbers apply

FOOD ALLERGY POLICY

All cruises:  Please note it is the client's responsibility to notify Imagine Cruises of any intolerances or allergies including but not limited to traces of nuts. Whilst all dishes are prepared onboard, our quality produce is supplied by third parties and we therefore cannot guarantee there are no traces of allergens (e.g., nut-free, dairy-free). We also cannot guarantee there will no cross-contamination of allergens during service and we explicitly accept no liability in this regard. For serious food allergies you must make your own decisions on selecting meals. Our staff's comments are only to assist you in making an informed decision.

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AQUILA CRUISES NELSON BAY

 private charter cruise the bay in luxury  , about aquila cruises nelson bay.

Aquila Cruises offers bespoke private charter cruises around the beautiful bays of Port Stephens. 

Leaving from the Anchorage Marina or Nelson Bay public wharf , at a time suitable for you and your guests, experience the bay at its best with gourmet food and champagne. 

Let us organise a special luncheon, morning or afternoon tea, sunset cruise or charter Aquila for the whole day. 

All inclusive of drinks and catering from $985 per hour min 2 hours.   Ask us about our BYO options from $650 per hour min 2 hours.   

Private Charter

Charter the vessel for up to 12 guests/ minimum 2 hours up to a full 8...

$985 p/hr min 2 hrs

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Dinner cruise from hell - Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

• South Pacific    
• Australia    
• New South Wales    
• Greater Newcastle    
• Port Stephens    
• Nelson Bay    
• Nelson Bay - Things to Do    
• Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

We had a beautiful day! We saw a mother dolphin and her calf. My daughters thoroughly enjoyed the... read more

Recently took the relaxing 1.5 hour Dolphin Explorer trip out of Port Stephens. Gorgeous scenery... read more

Dinner cruise from hell

I booked this cruise for my wife and I as something "a little different". Good points: When we boarded we were seated right next to a loudspeaker. We saw empty tables on the upper deck and we asked to move and this was done promptly and without fuss. The bad points: Where do we begin? From the 2 person band that sounded worse than cats screaming, to the bistro food that was luke warm , the soggy prawns, the dry chocolate cake. Put simply, the food was absolutely terrible. The music was hilariously bad. I have no idea where they found these 2 "singers" but it was like something out of a comedy movie. I really have no idea how someone could sing that badly. It was funny for the first 15 minutes then it was just painful. Imagine a really cheesy 80's movie that has bad singers in it as a joke, then times that by 1000. And thats still not how bad it was. We understand the staff can not help the behaviour of other patrons, but there was a group of young adults ( mid - late 20's) that were obscenely drunk and preceded to move the boat furniture, scream, swear, run around the boat etc. The icing on the cake was when the drunk girl lit up a cigarette right near the engines at the rear of the boat. When we questioned her to put the smoke out, she called us some obscene profanities and proceeded to the upper deck. What outraged us, was that a crew member witnessed this, and said absolutely nothing. As advertised the cruise is 2.5 hours = 7-10pm…. I believe thats 3 hours of hell, not 2.5 as advertised. The majority of people wanted to get off and were lined up to get off at the end of the night to get off the boat as soon as they could. DO NOT book this awful, awful cruise. No matter how management reply to this review, do not believe that there is "another side" to this story. There isn't. Its the worst thing you'll do on holidays and save yourself the disappointment.

Dear Gavincato, I can’t tell you how disappointing it is to read how unhappy you were with your recent experience with us in Nelson Bay. The on board entertainers are booked and paid as professional experienced acts. We constantly monitor the standard of professionalism of each act and if we find any particular performance to be unsuitable for whatever reason they are not engaged for a return appearance. Further to your comment referring to a group of “obscenely drunk” passengers my crew inform me that the passengers in question might have been behaving in a vivacious manner but oppose your opinion of their level of intoxication. There is a small area on the vessel where we allow smoking. The area is on the outside back deck, which is not above the engines as you stated. We would actually welcome a non smoking environment, but in our experience it’s more beneficial to allow a small area of the vessel to be smoking friendly rather than have passengers light up in an inappropriate area for a sneaky cigarette. This area is also accessible for our crew to monitor the situation. During the Cruise Director’s welcome speech we make it very clear as to where the smoking area is on the vessel. The girl you refer to on the back deck was in the correct area so her response to you questioning her, although needlessly harsh, might in fact have been motivated by your remarks. The cruise is advertised as boarding at 7pm for a 7.15pm departure. If I’m right in assuming you were on the Wednesday night cruise (15th January), the vessels log entry states the vessel returned to dock at 9.47pm. Maybe by the time passengers disembark it might be 10pm but the actual cruise time on the water is the advertised 2 1/2 hours. Moonshadow Cruises is the recipient of multiple awards including regional & state up to a national level of which we are very proud. To win these awards we have undergone many covert inspections from multiple tourism judges. We have been operating for 33 years in Nelson Bay and more recently in Newcastle Harbour. We operate 5 different vessels and offer a variety of cruises. The aim of our company is to deliver a professional, fun, friendly experience with a high standard of casual dinning achieving great value for money. It is a complex business with many variations to deal with and although we care and try to deliver a positive experience to our guests we can get it wrong sometimes! Your review is brutal and horrible for me to read but having followed up on your issues I believe there may be fairness in regard to your criticism! We may have let our standards slip on this evening and I am honestly sorry and sincerely apologize to both you and your wife. Please be assured your review has had an effect and I along with the management team will be reassessing all our products to ensure we are doing everything possible to provide a positive experience for each passenger. We may not win everybody but we will do our best. I am disheartened that you have a negative image of our company and although you probably will not be on board again please know that your review has inspired product monitoring and enthusiasm for constant improvement. Sincerely, Dianne Annable

This is a warning to other people who may want to use this company for a cruise to Broughton Island. Don't do it! It is a real scam in my opinion. They advertise this cruise as a luxury and modern cruise but it's nothing like that. We had a terrible experience on the boat, which is not the one you see in the pictures, the big catamaran. It is a very small and old boat, which they overfill with people to the point there is no room to move. The trip was horrible, big waves and very rocky. A lot of people got sick, including me and a lady was so sick that an emergency helicopter had to pick her up from the island. Children were crying and at one point I got really scared. By the time we arrived, I was so physically sick I could not enjoy anything. Couldn't eat, couldn't walk and couldn't swim. I only wanted the "cruise" to be over. In my opinion they should have used a bigger and modern boat, like the one in the pictures, to do this so called cruise. If I knew the boat was so small and old, I would have not taken this cruise.

Dear Annalig It’s disconcerting to receive such negative feedback regarding your recent experience with Moonshadow Cruises, but of course I must acknowledge and accept your opinion. It’s not our intention to mislead a passenger concerning any information. Moonshadow Cruises operate 6 vessels of different style and size which depart from a variety of locations including two vessels from Newcastle Harbour. The vessel we use for the Broughton Island cruise does not depart from the same area as the larger vessels mentioned in your review. It was a very windy day, with the forecast for choppy sea conditons in the morning but improving cruising conditions in the afternoon. Because of this the skipper made two announcements to ensure all passengers were fully informed and to give the opportunity to disembark before we departed the jetty. A refund or transfer would have been organized to passengers wishing not to continue with the cruise. I know two passengers decided to disembark the vessel. This cruise did have a large number of passengers seasick, but can I say that every day is different as people and conditions are different and we have no control of how passengers react to the motion of the vessel on the ocean. Before departure the crew did recommend that a sea sick remedy should be taken. A passenger did require urgent medical assistance because of an on going medical condition and our crew acted accordingly in calling for assistance. I assure you your review has had the impact you desired and we are extremely disheartened we were unable to meet your expectations. Regards, Dianne Annable

My boyfriend, his mother and i went on this lovely cruise including the lunch option which we found pretty tasty and there was plenty of food. We thought the staff were friendly and the captain had a good sense of humour. The ride itself was very relaxing and we got to see quite a few dolphins. There is a lot of space and you can chose where you want to sit or stand. It's nice that you can purchase alcohol on board and we had a few refreshing drinks and sat at the front of the boat, was a very enjoyable day. They also put the boomnet down for anyone that wants to get in the water but we chose not to but think its fantastic for the kids etc. Would definitely chose Moonshadow cruises again and maybe next time try a different experience that they offer.

Hi RWCB01 Thank you for taking the time and writing a positive review of your recent cruise experience with us in Nelson Bay. It’s gratifying for us to know our passengers have had an enjoyable time. I especially thank you for acknowledging our crew as they try very hard to deliver a great cruise experience with Moonshadow Cruises. I hope we do get to welcome you and your party on board for another of our cruise options in Port Stephens or Newcastle Harbour. Regards, Dianne Annable

We enjoyed the FerryLink cruise on the MV Tanboi Queen from Nelson Bay to Lemon Tree Passage and return with time to visit the Lemon Tree Passage foreshore walks and waterfront dining. The captain, Daniel and deckhand, provided informative commentary on all aspects of the scenery of Port Stephens Harbour as we travelled the expansive waterway. Booking was easy and informative the previous day. It was a relaxing, friendly way to spend the day enjoying the harbour scenery for a low cost.

Very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your day out on our new Ferry Link tour to Lemon Tree Passage aboard the MV Tamboi Queen. Thank you for giving us a positive review. We hope to be able to welcome you aboard one of our vessels again in the future. Kind regards Jane

Wonderful day out, lovely staff, quality boat, lots of space. We chose to have lunch onboard. Food was decent but not great, although there was lots of it.

Hi, Thank you so much for taking the time and writing a positive review of your recent cruise with us in Nelson Bay. I hope we have the opportunity in the future to welcome you on board again for another of our cruise options in Newcastle Harbour or Port Stephens. Thanks again for the review it is appreciated. Regards, Dianne Annable

We took the cruise for dolphin watching in December 2013. It was a cold cloudy day which made it hard to fully enjoy the experience but after some time they said there are some dolphines around. Overall it was nice but I was expecting maybe more as it felt it was all rushed. We were told now look left, now look right and people running around trying to catch a glimpse of the dolphins. Staff were friendly. There was complementart tea served which was quite nice on such cold day.

Hi, Thank you for taking the time to write a review on your recent Dolphin Watch experience with us in Nelson Bay. The Dolphin Watch is a different experience on every cruise as the dolphins are wild and we do nothing to modify their behaviour. The experience depends on what they are doing naturally at that particular time of day. Sometimes they might be in a playful mood, feeding/hunting, mating, travelling. They can be in very large pods or maybe just be a couple of individuals. Everyday a different experience! I’m sorry the cruise did not reach your expectations but I hope we do get another chance and see you on board again in the future. Regards, Dianne Annable

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The Poyer's Dinner Cruise

The Poyer's Dinner Cruise with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises has become one our most popular special event cruises on the event calendar.

Join us as we cruise to Lemon Tree Passage on board 'MV Spirit of Port Stephens' to The Poyer's Restaurant.

Enjoy a four course menu curated by Chef Ludovic matched with wines from Peterson House, Hunter Valley. 

Bookings essential, this cruise is normally a sell out so hop onboard and book now. 

Boarding Time: 4.30pm for a 5pm departure on 'MV Spirit of Port', Dock D, off Dock C, d'Albora Marina, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay.

Return to Dock: 10.15pm

Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

d'Albora Marinas, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay and Cruise Passenger Wharf Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay

Stardust Circus

Thursday 28 March - Sunday 7 April - Times vary

Welcome to Stardust Circus! come and experience the fantastic array of talent and fun all under one Big top!

What So Not live at SBCC

Thursday 28 March 2024, Shoal Bay

Kick off your Easter long weekend with What So Not at SBCC

Daughters & Dads Football

Term 1 2024 - Thursdays 5.30pm to 7pm, Merewether

The Daughters and Dads Football program introduces football to fathers or father figures and their daughters through a range of physical and social activities. The program aims to break the barriers to female participation and increase representation of women and girls in football.

Whats on at The Cheeky Dog Bar

Weekly, Soldiers Point

The Cheeky Dog is the place to be for indoor and outdoor eating and drinking in Soldiers Point. A family friendly pub with bistro, beer garden, sports bar and TAB.

Tours & Activities in Nelson Bay

Book your Tours & Activities with Bay Booking Office

Imagine Cruises

Imagine Cruises are all about you experiencing the best of what Port Stephens has to offer. A complete marine discovery package within the largest and most scenic Marine Park in NSW.  Dedicated to the protection of dolphins and whales we have tailored a unique style of cruise, combining our love for the environment with the natural beauty of the port.

We offer Dolphin Watching and Snorkelling trips in the warmer months between Nov – April then Whale Watching trips May – October.

SV Imagine is a modern 54ft sailing catamaran designed to handle offshore seas and the shallow waters of the bay, so whenever possible we will hoist the sails and share our passion of sailing with you!

Little Beach Boathouse offers everything you could need to dine out in Port Stephens. We have a beachside setting. Our food is cooked with local produce. The menu is fresh modern Australian cuisine. It has beachy furnishings and interiors.

Launched in August 2016 the Little Beach Bar has been relaunched as Below Deck Cafe and Bar last August 2019 and is the perfect complement to the upstairs restaurant. Taking advantage of the stunning seaside view, it is a popular choice for any event, from a catch-up with friends all the way to corporate events and functions.

Events + Functions

This unique location is the perfect place for your next function or event. Whether it’s a birthday party, a Hens day, or just a get together with friends and family. Little Beach Boathouse will deliver something that suits your needs and will make your day memorable.

ENJOY BEAUTIFUL FOOD, GREAT WINE & CRAFT BEER

Little beach boat house | nelson bay, little beach boathouse offers everything you could need to dine out in port stephens..

We have a beachside setting. Our food is cooked with local produce. The menu is fresh modern Australian cuisine. It has beachy furnishings and interiors. We also sell local products to take home.

Boathouse Stories

The Most Magnificent Lunch

Everything was perfect

What a great evening we all had

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– NEW YEARS EVE –

31st december 2023, 3 hour new year’s eve cruise.

3 hour New Year’s Eve Cruise 31st December 2023 6.30 – 9.30pm

Join us for a sail around the bay for the last sunset of 2023 Local fireworks at 9.00pm

The cruise will include: • 3 hour onboard sailing catamaran Imagine • Gourmet finger food • Complimentary Drink on arrival (sparkling wine, wine, beer or soft drink) • Fully Licensed “Mermaid” Bar onboard. Great selection of beers, wines and spirits • Complimentary tea and coffee

Prices: Adults $129 , Children $99 (4-14 years), Infant $50 (0-4 years) Special Rates: Concession $115 (14-16 year or senior card)

• Glass of Bubbles on arrival (or Beer, Wine, Soft Drink)
• Sweet and Savoury grazing plates with an assortment of cheese, antipasto, fruit, crackers, savoury and sweet treats
• Fresh Oysters and King Prawns with condiments
• Bloody Mary Oyster Shot
• Rockmelon Prosciutto and Bocconcini Skewers
• Jerk Chicken Sliders with Mango Salsa
• Thai Style Pork Kebab: Crispy shallot and peanut crumb
• Potato and Pea Pakora Balls with Mint Labne

All cruises: Please note it is the client’s responsibility to notify Imagine Cruises of any food intolerances or allergies including but not limited to traces of nuts. Whilst all dishes are prepared onboard, our quality produce is supplied by third parties and we therefore cannot guarantee there are no traces of allergens (e.g., nut-free, dairy-free).

VIEW OUR CRUISES

WHALES: MAY – NOV

DOLPHINS: NOV – APRIL

SNORKEL: DEC – MAR

Shop 7 The Cascade Walk 6 Stockton Street Nelson Bay 2315

Phone: +61 (0)2 4984 9000 Email: [email protected]

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▶ PRIVACY POLICY

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• Life & Culture

What’s it like to dine on Tampa’s new riverboat cruise Craft? We took a ride

• Helen Freund Times staff

TAMPA — We almost didn’t make the boat.

Traffic snarled through downtown Tampa and stretched onto the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, delaying what would have been a 45-minute drive from St. Petersburg to nearly an hour and a half in stop-and-go congestion.

We had reservations for Craft, Tampa’s brand new riverboat dinner cruise set to depart at 7:30 p.m. — and a friendly confirmation email reminding us that our purchase was non-refundable. We’d been encouraged to arrive 45 minutes early, when we would have presumably been able to commence a leisurely boarding, river breeze in our hair, champagne flute in hand.

Life had other plans. At 7:25 p.m., my dinner date and I swung our car into the Garrison Street parking lot, narrowly avoiding getting struck by an oncoming streetcar.

Following a quick security wand-down (the boat adheres to U.S. Coast Guard rules) and a $30 event-fueled parking fee (Tim McGraw was playing a show at nearby Amalie Arena), crew members greeted us with a quick photograph and a glass of bubbly before sending us on our way.

“Welcome to our maiden voyage!” they exclaimed as we rushed aboard.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., we were off, out of the Ybor Turning Basin and into the sunset.

Described as a “culinary and cocktail river journey,” Craft debuted its inaugural dinner cruise on March 15. The multi-million-dollar project is the latest endeavor from Jill and Troy Manthey, who also run several other entertainment-on-the-water concepts, including Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi and the Bay Rocket.

Designed with European river boats in mind, the 130-foot-long vessel boasts a sleek, white silhouette with less than 11 feet of vertical clearance — meaning it can comfortably drift beneath many of Tampa’s low-lying bridges. But this ship’s real appeal lies in the coupling of an elevated culinary program, contemporary aesthetic and craft cocktails.

A trip aboard Craft includes a two-hour cruise up and down the Hillsborough River and a three-course prix-fixe meal. To start, there are lunch, brunch and dinner trips on deck, but a happy hour option may soon be in the works.

Running any kind of marine operation comes with steep operating costs — including fuel, dock rental fees and staffing — and the experience here is priced accordingly. But it still comes with a good deal of sticker shock. For two people on a Friday evening, we paid $392.59 for the boat ride and the three-course dinner — not including gratuity or drinks.

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I love a fancy boat ride as much as the next person, but the pricing gave me pause.

Would the experience be worth it?

Things were a lot smoother once we got on board.

We entered through the front of the boat, or bow, and were shown to our seats inside a narrow dining room, flanked by windows overlooking the water. Wood paneling combined with slight nautical touches lent the space a warm, industrial chic vibe.

Servers clad in white collared shirts and gray aprons whisked back and forth between the tables, balancing martini coupes and taking orders. In an attempt to let the crew develop their sea legs, the boat wasn’t fully booked that evening, but the dining room still felt abuzz with excitement and curiosity.

Clutching our champagne, we glided through Sparkman Channel at dusk, glitzy Harbour Island homes glowing in the evening light as a Maggie Rogers track played softly in the background. We let out a collective exhale as the chaos of the day faded away.

Over the course of the roughly two-hour cruise, the boat steered up the Hillsborough River, passing Riverwalk landmarks including the Tampa Convention Center, Armature Works and Ricks on the River, before turning around and heading back.

Guests were encouraged to explore the boat. The Bow and Stern bar, beautifully designed and fashioned out of a vintage 1914 cruiser, provided additional seating in the rear for those looking for more of an al fresco experience.

Throughout the evening, the crew moved back and forth between the dining room, the bar and the kitchen, sometimes stepping out on the deck to alert passengers when their meals had been delivered. Guests roamed the boat taking photographs, while patrons inside chatted up their neighbors, much of the voyage illuminated by the lights of downtown Tampa.

Craft’s strongest selling point is its culinary program, and the menu here is a far cry from the goblets of white wine and dry chicken associated with most dinner cruises.

Designed by chef Allison Beasman (formerly of Edison: Food + Drink Lab), the list of contemporary New American dishes runs the gamut from a black grouper served with Little Neck clams and Pernod cream to a Wagyu coulotte with kabocha caramel and a Korean barbecue octopus. As part of the prix-fixe deal, guests are able to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert from a menu of roughly 13 different dishes.

Part of what makes the vessel stand out is the addition of an open kitchen with gas stoves, and the concept’s design allows guests to get a peek of the action if they’re on their way to the bathroom or the bar.

When it came time to order dinner, our server patiently guided us through the menu, pointing out the additional dishes we could choose if we wished to add a little something extra onto our pre-paid meal. We opted for the olive oil-marinated sheep and goat’s milk cheese ($18), which was just as tasty as our server touted. It arrived in a rich red pepper-packed pisto, drizzled with a healthy glug of olive oil and served with crusty bread for dipping.

Dishes are made to order and don’t necessarily arrive at the same time as other passengers’ meals. Our appetizers showed up roughly 45 minutes into the trip, a delightful baby kale salad lightly dressed in a white balsamic vinaigrette that was toothsome with chicory and shaved carrots and plumped up with fried baby potatoes and a healthy shaving of ricotta salata. Also good was the hearty tomato bisque with roasted bone marrow and blackened cipollini onions.

For our entrees, a seared duck breast arrived fanned out over silky whipped potatoes and a creamy goat cheese fondue, framed by Brussels sprouts and fat wedges of roasted golden beets. Though the duck was cooked a little past the requested temperature, it was still delicious. A plate of sweet and sour braised short ribs packed powerhouse flavors that paired beautifully together, all served over a sweet and sticky coconut rice sidling bok choy and juicy tangerine segments.

For dessert, we paired a perfect few scoops of pistachio ice cream with a chocolate espresso dacquoise, an intensely rich and sweet layer cake featuring a tart blackberry curd and creamy dark chocolate ganache.

The fine print

The water was calm that night and the entire service appeared well-rehearsed — absent of any major hiccups and even graceful at moments. As far as I could tell, there were no sea sick passengers or man-overboard scenarios, which felt like some kind of success, though I did wonder what type of balance or physical dexterity would be required to maneuver trays of wobbling martini glasses over stormier seas.

Though tiered pricing exists for Craft — for different seats, times of day or days of the week — there’s no overlooking that a trip aboard the vessel isn’t cheap.

With neither drinks nor gratuity included in the booking price, if you’re looking to enjoy the evening with a couple of libations, it’s going to cost you. The add-ons can feel excessive, from a $50 king crab leg tray to the pre-boarding photograph crew members try to sell you at the end of the night. A suggested gratuity is presented on your bill, based on the total sales tallied for the table that evening, including the cost of the original reservation.

Some changes are bound to be expected as the company assesses guest interest and feedback. Even after the first week, it appears some prices have been slightly adjusted. Dinner for two people seated in the dining room with window seats now comes to $369.89 after taxes and marine fees, while weekend brunches for the same seats start at $89.95 per person.

It’s hard to imagine making dining here a regular occurrence, but for a special occasion, an evening aboard Craft can be a real delight.

Next time, though, I’ll remember to leave myself plenty of time to get there.

Helen Freund is the food and dining critic, reporting on and reviewing restaurants throughout Tampa Bay. Reach her at [email protected].

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We are open all of the Easter Long Weekend | Daily Dolphin Cruises & Broughton Island on Sun 31st

Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise

Ride, slide, splash in the beautiful calm waters of Port Stephens after searching for our resident Bottlenose Dolphins.

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 Hours
• Clock Times: Daily at 11:00am and 1:30pm, extra 4pm cruise for Summer School Holidays
• Info Note: Boarding time is 30 minutes prior to cruise
• User Swimming: This cruises slide lands directly into the beautiful waters of Port Stephens, therefore to swim on this cruise passengers must be able to swim competently.

High Success rate in dolphin sightings!

Cruise Inclusions:

• Cruise spectacular headlands and eastern harbour
• See our resident wild Bottlenose dolphins
• Ride, slide, splash on our awesome waterslide
• Time for fun in the boom net
• Twin level with walk-around decks
• Licensed bar and snack food available
• Live, informative, fun Captain’s commentary
• High success sighting rate, complimentary return cruise if no dolphins sighted (standby basis). Terms and conditions apply
• Available November to April

A fully licensed bar is aboard and snack foods are available.

Vessel : MV Spirit is a 60″ fast Stable Catamaran, with 2 walk around all weather viewing decks. Licensed bar with snack food available for purchase. A large boom net, water slide.

What to Bring

• Comfortable casual clothing & footwear
• Swimmers & towel if using boom net
• Sunglasses, hat & sun cream are recommended
• Dress warmer for winter months

Please ensure all Travel Terms and Conditions are adhered to prior to booking.

• Chevron down Bookings

Tours run daily in season Private individual and group tours available by request. We accept MasterCard, Visa or EFT.

• Chevron down But what’s the difference between Dolphin Discover Cruise and Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise?

1.5hr Dolphin Discovery Cruise just has the boomnet. The boomnet is activated on the return journey to the marina

2hr Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise  stops to activate the slide which lands into the open waters. The boomnet is activated on the return journey to the marina. We recommend confident swimmers for this cruise if they wish to utilise the slide.

Related Cruises & Charters

• Ticket All Ages
• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure

Journey Port Stephens harbour and outer islands while searching for our resident bottlenose Dolphins!

Join our 1.5hr Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure with a high success rate in dolphin sightings, and entertaining commentary onboard the MV Osprey. Enjoy picturesque views of the harbour, and explore the outer islands of Port Stephens.

• Ticket Ages 5+
• Hour Glass 6.5 Hours

Broughton Island Cruise

Next Cruise – Sunday 31st March

Explore the hidden gem of Port Stephens!

Explore, relax and snorkel with a full-day adventure cruising offshore to the beautiful Broughton Island National Park!. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch onboard or on the island. A must-do adventure.

• Hour Glass 3 - 3.5 Hours

Port Stephens Island Snorkelling Adventure

Our pristine Marine Park is home to lots of fun and fabulous creatures – and we always meet a few of them on our way to the Outer islands!