The Island Party Boat Review

Review By Celeste Greinke

Get ready to set sail on the high seas (aka the Brisbane River) – here is a venue with a difference! For people looking for a unique dining and clubbing experience, I strongly recommend getting a group of friends together to spend a night on The Island Party Boat; the iconic Brisbane cruise ship that offers good times and even louder music! With fluorescent glowing lights and exotic palm trees that envelop the diameter of the ship, The Island Party Boat is a landmark that definitely attracts a second glance from passers by. The ship has meandered up and down the Brisbane River since 1966, and caters for all types of urban evening dwellers. The cruise exclusively offers guests the opportunity to either relax whilst consuming a full buffet dinner or a fully decorated party deck available with your choice of either a live band or DJ for those who want to forget the hassles of city living and dance the night away!I’ve jumped aboard The Island for a St Patty’s Day cruise where patrons were encouraged to dress up and go green. The first thing that really strikes you about this place is the casual, upbeat atmosphere that allows you to relax and enjoy the great party atmosphere whilst soaking up the panoramic views of Brisbane City by nightfall. I was at first a little tentative that drinking on a cruise boat would only end up messily as I tend to get sea sick, but to be honest, you can’t even feel the motion of the boat and at times forget your even on the water.

The fully licensed bar is available throughout the evening and prices are pretty reasonable by nightclub standards. The island-themed decor comprising a wooden deck, beach chairs, palm trees and tropical island bar really makes you feel like you have stepped out of reality and onto an exotic pacific cruise. Just like any holiday, the time passes pretty quickly onboard and for the duration of the cruise, you don’t even notice you have journeyed down the river and back. The only criticism is that you may feel as though you still have your sea legs once disembarking!

The main features of The Island would have to be its gorgeous bar set up and dance floor, which plays most contemporary tunes whilst throwing in a few golden oldies. A buffet dinner will set you back around $67 and general boarding for deck hire on a Saturday night is just under $30. This venue is best suited for special functions such as 21st, corporate parties or hen’s nights as drink packages are available and the setting does tend to suit private functions. The cruise boat runs most Saturday nights, boarding at 7pm for a 7.30 departure. Be sure to contact The Island for further details as specific themed nights and events will also run Saturday evenings. Reservations are essential.

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