Frequently Asked Questions
What should we bring on our private charter?
You are welcome to bring snacks and BYOB. (Glass bottles of wine or beer are also totally fine)
We offer complimentary water and seltzer, and a large cooler stocked with ice for your beverages. Please bring plates or cutlery you will need for your snacks, along with your favorite tumbler cups. We have surround sound speakers on board connectable via Bluetooth, so make sure you have a playlist for your excursion!
Bring a towel and bathing suit if you decide to swim. Sometimes the bay gets chilly, so we suggest bringing a sweater or blanket especially if you have booked a sunset cruise. Although the boat is covered we do suggest wearing sunscreen. Bring your polaroid camera to capture the memories! We have surround sound speakers as well as a large boom box & karaoke microphones, so bring your fav playlist and lets dance!
How do I book?
Our up to date and live availability is available online for you to scroll through and book! If you are searching for a time or date and do not see it, please feel free to call us or reach out. Bookings are accepted online through our website & booking platform, as well as over the phone!
Please remember all times and dates are first come first serve, and all pricing brackets are fully adjustable, so if there is a change in your headcount, just let us know and we can adjust for you!
To avoid the 6% booking fee that our platform charges, please call us and we will waive the booking fee!
What if the forecast is not looking ideal?
Weather forecasts in our beautiful town by the sea are constantly changing and have varying degrees of accuracy. We cannot operate in conditions involving thunder & lightning, heavy wind, and heavy rain due to safety concerns for both your group and our crew members. In such cases, a weather cancellation decision is made on the day of your charter. If a cancellation due to weather is made, a full refund is issued to our Guests.
Collaboration between client, captain and crew through communication is essential, and the final decision is made by the captain on the day of your charter (or with strong and accurate evidence of unsafe operating conditions prior to the charter.)
We want to ensure our guests have the best possible experience and will not put anyone in uncomfortable weather conditions. We are also happy to pro-rate part of a charter if weather conditions during charter take a sudden turn (for example a thunder storm pops up on the radar.)
A crew member will be in contact two days prior, the day before, and the morning of the charter if the weather forecast is less than ideal.
Clients should not feel pressure to cancel a trip due to weather and refund concerns. Let us worry about the weather, it’s our job!
What happens if my group size changes?
No Big deal! As long as your group does not exceed 22 we can adjust the payment when you arrive! Our fully adjustable pricing brackets make it easy to add more friends to your party! Our captain and crew must do a headcount before the vessel leaves the dock, so any adjustments can be made then! Any group larger than 19, please give us a call for more information on large party accommodations and pricing.
What is your Cancellation policy?
Newport Boat Ride has a strong reputation for transparency, understanding, and collaboration with our clients to find mutually beneficial solutions. We recognize that unforeseen circumstances can occur. In such cases, please call immediately if your group cannot make the scheduled trip time, and we will make every effort to accommodate a reschedule.
*Notice is required 14 days in advance or more before your scheduled charter to receive a full refund.
* Within the window of 13 days and 24 hours before the charter start, Newport Boat Ride will retain 50% of the trip cost or issue a company gift card for the full trip cost.
* Cancellations made 24 hours or less from charter start will forfeit the full charter cost.
* No-shows will be charged the full charter cost.
* If a day-of cancellation due to weather is made by Newport Boatride, a full refund is issued to our guests.
* Refunds are not available for rescheduled trips, unless Newport Boatride cancels the rescheduled trip due to inclement weather.
What is not suggested on the boat?
For the sake and respect of our local, stunning wildlife, balloons, streamers, confetti, banners & backdrops are not permitted on the vessel as they may break free when the boat is in motion or block visibility of crew members. Comfortable footwear is suggested for dancing, or a spare pair of flip flops, heels are not the most stable footwear on the vessel. Please avoid large bottles of hard liquor. Please try to apply aerosol sunscreen on the dock or before arrival!
What will we see?
There is so much to do and see in Newport Harbor and Narraganset Bay. We can cruise past the inner harbor mansions, Fort Adams, Hammersmith Farm, Castle Hill, Clingstone, you can see four lighthouses and so much more. If you would like we are happy to tell you all about the sights you see. Because this is a private cruise we do not have to stick to a schedule or specific route, weather and condition permitting we are happy to cruise wherever you want.
Can we bring snacks and BYOB?
Feel free to bring snacks and picnic items! We suggest you bring cups and napkins. Beer, wine, hard seltzers & cider is always preferable and easy to serve, please leave the large liquor bottles at home. Premixed cocktails like rum punch and margaritas are fine. You can bring your own cooler or use ours, we will have ice. Call us for suggestions on Charcuterie Board & Lunch Catering ideas!
How do you feel about dance parties and Bachelorettes?
We want you to come out and have as much fun as possible! Bring your bests for a bachelorette cruise. We have a bluetooth sound system we can put music on for you or you can play your own. This is your private Newport RI boat ride, so lets have a dance party!
Can we swim?
Absolutely! We have a large swim ladder, floaties and a splash pad to hang out on. The captain can end swimming if someone in the group becomes unsafe or concerns arise.
Will we see the Mansions?
During your private boat ride we can get up close and personal with the lesser seen private & Gilded Age Newport Mansions, you can see Hammersmith, Harbor Court, Bonniecrest and hear the awesome stories about these still occupied homes.
Do you have a bathroom?
YES! We do! It is a rather small room, so the bathroom is not wheelchair accessible.
What if we get too crazy?
We want you to relax and have a good time, but our crew retains the right to cut off overly intoxicated guests. If guests are behaving inappropriately or are overly intoxicated we will return to the dock early and your payment will not be returned. We do not allow intoxicated guests to go swimming. The captain retains the right to allow swimming.
Do you have an age limit for kids?
No age limit! You are welcome to leave very young children in their stroller and roll them right on the boat! If you book online we do ask you to indicate how many children. Baywatch has high railings all around the boat so you can let the little ones roam a little bit.
Can we bring Dogs?
We LOVE dogs! Bring your pooch (or several) there is no limit to the number or size of dogs, we can even stop and let them jump in the water
Don't
forget
your
bathing
suit!