Book Your Private Event In York With City Cruises!

Our private charter cruises are perfect for special events, parties, and corporate functions. With an impeccable safety record and over 30 years of experience on the water, you can trust us to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

Group Travel Organisers, Itinerary Planners, Coach Operators, Education Travel Organisers, to book a Group Tour in York please E-Mail [email protected].

Tell Us About Your Event

After form submission, you’ll receive a customized offer from an experienced Account Manager matching your event vision.


Prefer to call? Reach us at 020 77 400 411

  • Weddings & Related Celebrations

    Your special day, with a one-of-a-kind view. Picture saying “I do” with a breathtaking backdrop you’ll treasure forever, surrounded by loved ones. With our dedicated event planners, custom décor options and packages for any budget and style, your day on the water awaits! But if you also have a wedding venue in mind, you could spend your Engagement Party, Hen Party or even renew your vows on the water!

  • Corporate Events & Hospitality

    Corporate events on a private boat offer a unique and memorable experience for employees or clients. You can choose to have team-building activities, dinner parties, or even product launches onboard. With catering and entertainment available, a private boat is a great way to impress and reward employees, as well as building relationships!

  • Celebrations & Social Events

    Marking a special occasion aboard a private vessel offers an ideal opportunity to commemorate and rejoice! Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or a delightful gathering with friends, it promises an extraordinary and enduring affair. Accommodating both intimate gatherings and larger parties, we are dedicated to crafting an unforgettable celebration for you and your guests!

  • Ashes Scattering & Memorials

    The serene waters of the River Ouse can provide a peaceful and dignified farewell for your dearly departed. Many individuals have an affiliation and special memories of the River Ouse, be it growing up in the city, fishing on the banks or taking walks along the riverside - our compassionate team will ensure a respectful and memorable experience, honouring the life and legacy of your loved ones.

  • Christmas Events

    Host a festive event to remember on board one of York’s most unique and best Christmas party private hire venues! Cruise the Ouse and celebrate in style on board with us. Perfect for private celebrations and company parties and events.

For more information, please fill out the enquiry form or contact one of our dedicated team members to start planning your ceremony at [email protected].

Request More Information

 or Call 020 77 400 400

Our Customers

Great night with brilliant memories made. Many thanks for making it easy and stress free.
- Dianne M
The cruise was spot on. Special thanks to the crew who were super friendly and accommodating especially given it was the hottest day of the year. Definitely a day to remember.
- Alistair P
We all can’t thank you and the amazing team enough, the day went as planned very emotional but so precious to us all.. the food, the ship. EVERYTHING was perfect.
- Sara J
It was a great party. Dancing the night away downstairs and peacefully cruising on the river on the upper deck. Staff helpful and DJ great. It couldn’t have gone better
- Andrew N
It was absolutely fantastic! Everyone had such a great time and commented on how brilliant and different it was. Thank you for all your help with it all, it made it all so easy.
- Deborah J

Our Fleet

FAQs

What is the latest time that our private charter can finish?

The latest possible finishing times for private charters are 10:15 p.m. at King’s Staith and 10:30 p.m. at Lendal Bridge.

Can we provide our own catering for Private Charters?

It is not possible to bring your own catering for a private charter event. Nonetheless, you can choose from our broad range of menus. To find out more, kindly send an email to [email protected].

Can we provide our own DJ for the Private Charter?

You can only book a DJ through ourselves due to licensing laws.

How do we book a band onto our Private Charter?

To book a band for your event, the organizer will need to arrange and pay for their services. Additionally, an “entertainment license” fee of £25 will be required to be paid to City Cruises York.

What is the longest length of time we can charter a boat for?

The maximum duration for a daytime boat charter is 4 hours, only available from 12 noon to 4 p.m. On the other hand, for evening charters starting from 7 p.m., the boat can be hired for 2 to 3.5 hours on Sundays and Thursdays, and 3 to 3.5 hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Can we bring our own alcohol on the Private Charter?

Only wine or sparkling wine/Champagne may be brought on board for a private charter, subject to prior agreement with the office and payment of the corkage charge (£7.00 per bottle of wine/£10.00 per bottle of sparkling wine/Champagne). The wine must be dropped off at our Sales Office at least one day before the cruise. Guests who bring unapproved and unpaid alcohol on board will have it confiscated upon boarding, and it will be returned to them at the end of the cruise when they disembark.