Celebrate On The ‘Magistic Two’: Your Harbour Event for Every Occasion

Planning a celebration on Sydney Harbour instantly sets the tone for something special. Add to that a stylish catamaran, delicious food, friendly service and sweeping views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge — and you get a venue that feels designed for good times. 

The Magistic Two, one of Sydney’s most loved cruising catamarans, beautifully brings all of this together. From small birthday dinners on shared cruises to milestone events on the VIP Top Deck and large-scale celebrations with full-boat charters, Magistic Cruises makes it effortless to celebrate in style.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know before planning your celebration.

Celebrations On Shared Lunch And Dinner Cruises

Why people love celebrating on shared cruises

Shared cruises offer a complete, ready-to-enjoy experience. No event planning, no logistics, no stress — just food, drinks, great views and a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

Guests often book these cruises for different kinds of celebrations in Sydney, such as:

  • Birthdays
  • Anniversaries
  • Family milestones
  • Team achievements
  • Friend reunions
  • Graduations and farewells

Most groups book the package that includes drinks, making the cruise a smooth, all-inclusive celebration.

What’s included in a shared cruise package

The Magistic lunch and dinner cruise packages offer a multi-cuisine buffet with salads, hot dishes and a delectable dessert. Served in a restaurant-quality dining space with reserved seats and waiter service, these experiences treat you to changing views of the iconic Sydney Harbour attractions. For groups, there are curated packages that include beers, wines, sparkling and soft drinks.

Who these cruises are ideal for

Shared celebrations work well for:

  • Families: Perfect for parents and kids who want an easy way to celebrate without planning a full event; kids menu available
  • Couples: A special date night experience with beautiful harbour views ideal for anniversaries
  • Groups of friends: Great for birthdays, reunions or just a memorable night out with your favourite people. 
  • Office teams: A relaxed social setting that feels like a team dinner and a sightseeing experience rolled into one
  • Visitors: A great way to combine dining, sightseeing and a celebratory experience on Sydney Harbour 

When to book your cruise

While planning your cruise, these are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Weekend cruises tend to fill quickly
  • School holidays and summer months see higher demand
  • Groups of 10+ should book at least 2–3 weeks ahead
  • Last-minute seats may be available on weekdays

Private Celebrations On The VIP Top Deck (Up To 80 Guests)

For groups wanting something private yet affordable, the VIP Top Deck is the most popular choice. The ambience instantly lifts the mood — warm lighting, spacious indoor and outer deck, great views and freedom to personalise your celebration.

Why the VIP Top Deck is a favourite

Guests choose it because it offers:

  • A completely private deck
  • The perfect venue for medium-size groups
  • Tailored menu and beverage choices
  • Personalised service
  • A relaxed, exclusive environment

Perfect for:

  • Engagement parties
  • Small receptions
  • Anniversaries
  • Birthdays
  • Office parties
  • Reunions

What’s included in a VIP Top Deck booking

  • A private deck for up to:
    • 60 guests (seated)
    • 80 guests (cocktail style)
  • Choice of menus:
    • Buffet dinner
    • Set menu
    • Canapés + mini buffet
  • Beverage package options
  • Professional waiter service
  • Flexible seating layouts
  • Access to outdoor areas for views
  • Assistance from charter cruise consultants

Theme and styling options

Event hosts often choose:

  • White and gold elegance for engagements and anniversaries 
  • Minimalist modern décor for birthdays
  • Corporate branding and colours for business events

Entertainment options

While these are not provided by the cruise itself, the following forms of entertainment are possible can be organised on board to liven up the event:

  • DJ and dance
  • Live music
  • Other solo/duo acts

Why hosts choose a private deck over a charter

Booking a private deck is a budget-friendly, yet stylish, alternative to a boat hire on Sydney Harbour. This option brings with it the following features:

  • More affordable than hiring the whole vessel
  • Just the right amount of exclusivity
  • No need for complex event planning
  • Easy for medium-sized groups

Full-Boat Charters For Big Events

A full charter transforms the ‘Magistic Two’ into your private floating venue. This option gives you complete control over the event – ambience, event program, décor, entertainment and menu.

Popular events for full charters

Full charters are often booked for:

  • Large corporate gala dinners
  • Wedding ceremonies and receptions
  • Engagement functions with a big guest list
  • Awards nights or charity events
  • Annual staff parties

Charter inclusions

Charter inclusions can be customised for different events based on the number of invitees, theme and budget specifications of the host/company. Custom quotes can be sent for approval before you confirm your event.

  • Exclusive use of the entire vessel
  • Customised menus and beverages
  • Full crew and waiter service
  • Multi-deck seating configurations
  • Branding and theming opportunities
  • Private wharf pick-up and drop-off

Event flow and logistics

Crew members coordinate boarding, dining service and event timelines to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Charter guests can set up:

  • Registration desks
  • Presentation areas
  • Photo booths
  • Welcome signage

Sample charter setups

Corporate Gala (up to 200 guests)

  • Seated dinner on main deck
  • DJ + dance floor on top deck 

Wedding Reception (up to 200 guests)

  • Canapés on outer decks
  • Formal seating indoors
  • Dedicated space for speeches and live music

What You’ll See During Your Celebration Cruise

Key landmarks along the route

The ‘Magistic Two’ cruises past many popular Sydney attractions:

  • Barangaroo
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Luna Park
  • Fort Denison 
  • Lady Macquarie’s Chair
  • Kirribilli House

Of these, the latter three are better visible from the daytime cruises.

Best spots for photos on the Magistic

Cruises offer excellent photo opportunities. Guests often prefer these spots on board:

  • The bow of the vessel
  • Open sky deck
  • VIP Top Deck

Daytime vs Nighttime cruising

The lunch cruises on the Magistic bring with it an excellent view of the Harbour City sights in addition to a scrumptious buffet lunch. Magistic dinner cruises on Sydney Harbour, however, focus less on the sightseeing experience and more on dining, with a three-course buffet dinner on Sydney Harbour and a view of the illuminated city skyline and iconic attractions.

Guest Capacities For Different Event Types

Licensed vessel capacity

  • Licensed to carry: 350 guests
  • Formal dining (total): 260 guests
    • 200 on Main Deck
    • 60 on Top Deck

Capacity by event type

  • Cocktail-style events: up to 350 guests
  • Seated dinners: up to 260 guests
  • Weddings: 120–200 guests
  • Corporate presentations: 100–200 guests
  • Private deck events: 60–80 guests

Floor plan overview

Main Deck

  • Spacious dining area
  • Large windows
  • Flexible seating

Top Deck (VIP Deck)

  • Private indoor space
  • Outdoor viewing areas
  • Best for mid-sized exclusive celebrations

Outer Decks

  • 360° views of the harbour and iconic attractions
  • Ideal for photos, speeches and sunset moments

Final Thoughts

Celebrating on the ‘Magistic Two’ blends the magic of Sydney Harbour with excellent dining, spacious decks and warm hospitality. Small celebrations shine on the shared cruises, medium groups love the flexibility of the VIP Top Deck, while large gatherings enjoy the impact and freedom of a full-boat charter.

Every option is designed to make your celebration easy, memorable and filled with moments worth keeping.For custom pricing or event planning support, simply submit an email enquiry and the charter consultants will guide you through every step. The Magistic is ready to welcome you on board — your celebration begins the moment you step onto the deck.


Posted on December 05, 2025 by Magistic Cruises

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