Hire a cruise for a corporate outing or event

Ingrid van de Loo · 10 Aug 2026

Chartering a cruise for a corporate outing or event is an excellent way to offer colleagues, clients, or business relations an unforgettable experience. Instead of a standard meeting venue or company party, you choose a dynamic environment on the water, with an atmosphere that naturally combines collaboration, connection, and relaxation. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about chartering a vessel for business purposes.

What makes chartering a ship unique as a corporate outing?

Chartering a ship as a corporate outing is unique because it literally takes participants out of their everyday environment. On board a sailing ship, the usual distractions disappear, a shared adventure emerges, and attention is fully focused on the people around you. That makes it a powerful setting for team building, inspiration, and informal connection.

What sets a sailing ship apart from an ordinary sightseeing boat or event venue is the experience itself. The sound of the wind in the sails, the movement of the ship, and the view of open water create an atmosphere that is hard to match. Participants remember such a day or voyage for years to come. That makes a luxury sailing cruise not just a fun activity, but also an investment in company culture.

Moreover, a ship offers a private environment. There are no other guests, no bystanders, and no chance encounters. This gives business conversations and presentations a level of confidentiality you simply cannot have at a public venue.

For what occasions can you charter a cruise?

Chartering a cruise is suitable for a wide range of business and semi-business occasions. Think team building, client relations, product launches, anniversary celebrations, management retreats, or closing out a successful year with the entire team. Both small groups and larger parties can be accommodated on board.

Popular occasions include:

Team building and staff outings: a shared experience that strengthens mutual bonds
Client events: surprising customers or partners with an exclusive day or evening on the water
Product launches and presentations: a distinctive venue that reinforces the message
Anniversaries and milestones: a fitting celebration for a special moment in company history
Management retreats: strategic sessions in an environment that promotes calm and focus

The combination of an impressive setting, professional facilities, and a unique atmosphere makes a sailing ship a surprisingly practical choice for all of these occasions.

How many people can come on board for a corporate event?

For a luxury corporate event on board a three-masted clipper, the maximum number of passengers depends on the type of event. For multi-day charters with overnight stays, 14 cabins are available, accommodating up to 28 people at two persons per cabin. For day trips or evening events without overnight stays, the capacity can be higher.

The relatively small group size is intentional. It creates an intimate atmosphere in which everyone actually speaks to one another, rather than getting lost in a large crowd. For companies accustomed to large events, this can be a deliberate choice to offer a select group of key relations or executives an exceptional experience.

What is the difference between a day trip and a multi-day charter?

The main difference between a day trip and a multi-day charter is the duration and depth of the experience. On a day trip, the group sails for a few hours and returns to the home port on the same day. On a multi-day charter, the group stays on board for several nights and visits different destinations.

A day trip is well suited to a team outing, a client event, or a presentation on the water. The logistics are straightforward and the time commitment for participants is limited. It is an accessible way to experience the atmosphere of a sailing ship without adding travel days.

A multi-day charter goes a step further. Participants sleep on board in the cabins, dine together at the table, and experience the rhythm of the ship from dawn to dusk. This deepens the connection between colleagues or business relations considerably. It is the choice for companies that want not just to organize an outing, but to create a truly shared memory.

What is possible on board during a corporate event?

On board a sailing ship, the possibilities for a corporate event are surprisingly extensive. The longroom, the spacious dining hall on board, offers space for dinners, presentations, and meetings. Outside, there is an outdoor bar and ample space to network while the ship is underway.

Possible activities and facilities include:

Dinners and lunches: prepared by the chefs on board, tailored to the group’s preferences
Presentations and pitches: in the longroom, with an unforgettable view as a backdrop
Cocktails and drinks receptions: at the outdoor bar or on deck while sailing
Active sailing participation: those who wish can help operate the sails under the guidance of the crew
Team building on the water: working together on board an authentic sailing ship creates a bond that is hard to replicate in an office environment

The crew is young, engaged, and friendly, which contributes to a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. They ensure everything runs smoothly, so the organizer can focus entirely on the guests.

How do you plan a corporate event on a sailing ship?

The best way to plan a corporate event on a sailing ship is to start early, be clear about your objectives, and communicate well with the shipping company about the group’s wishes. The planning does not differ fundamentally from that of other events, but there are a few specific points to keep in mind.

Define the objective: Is it team building, a client event, or a strategic session? The objective determines the structure of the day or voyage.
Choose the type of charter: Day trip, evening cruise, or multi-day charter? The choice depends on the available time and desired intensity of the experience. Contact us for a personal proposal tailored to your wishes.
Think about the program: Do you want a presentation, a dinner, a drinks reception, or a combination? Coordinate this with the shipping company so that the spaces and catering are arranged appropriately.
Communicate dietary requirements and special needs: The chefs on board are happy to accommodate, but need timely information about allergies or special requests.
Book in advance: Popular dates, especially in summer or around public holidays, fill up quickly. Booking early gives you the most choice.

Also bear in mind that weather conditions and circumstances on the water can affect the program. A good shipping company thinks proactively and offers alternatives when necessary.

How Clipper Stad Amsterdam helps with a corporate event on the water

We offer a complete solution for companies looking for a distinctive venue for an event, outing, or charter. On board the Clipper Stad Amsterdam, our 76-meter three-masted clipper, we combine an impressive presence with a high level of service befitting a professional corporate event.

This is what we offer for corporate events:

Day trips and evening cruises in the Netherlands, suitable for client events, drinks receptions, and presentations
Multi-day charters through Europe or in the Caribbean, for in-depth team experiences
A spacious longroom for dinners and presentations, with an outdoor bar on deck
Catering by our on-board chefs, fully tailored to the group’s wishes
An engaged and friendly crew that ensures the event runs smoothly
Maximum capacity of 28 people for multi-day charters with overnight stays in 14 cabins

Our pricing is tailored to your specific wishes, the chosen charter type, and the duration of your voyage. We would be delighted to put together a personal proposal for you. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation, or view the available dates and options to book directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a corporate event on the Stad Amsterdam?

For popular periods such as the summer months (June through August) and around public holidays, it is strongly recommended to book at least three to six months in advance. Outside the peak season there is generally more flexibility, but even then the rule applies: the earlier you book, the more choice you have in available dates and routes. Contact the shipping company early to avoid disappointment and to allow sufficient time for thorough preparation.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of our event?

A professional shipping company like Stad Amsterdam monitors weather conditions closely and proactively considers alternatives. Depending on the situation, the route can be adjusted, more time can be spent in a sheltered harbour, or activities can be moved to the longroom. It is wise to agree clearly on the cancellation and modification policy for extreme weather conditions when booking.

Can I bring an external speaker, entertainer, or team-building facilitator on board?

Yes, in most cases it is possible to bring external speakers, trainers, or entertainers on board. Do coordinate this with the shipping company in good time, so that any technical requirements such as audiovisual equipment, a presentation screen, or a special arrangement of the longroom can be taken into account. The crew is happy to help set up the space optimally for the desired part of the program.

Is a multi-day charter also suitable for participants who are not used to sailing or who are prone to seasickness?

Absolutely. A three-masted clipper like the Stad Amsterdam is a stable and large vessel, which significantly reduces the likelihood of seasickness compared to smaller boats. Participants do not need any sailing experience; the professional crew handles all nautical tasks. For those who are susceptible, it is advisable to use preventive seasickness remedies and to discuss this with the shipping company in advance, so they can seek calmer waters where possible.

What are the costs of chartering a sailing ship for a corporate event?

Charter pricing is tailored to your specific wishes and depends on factors such as the duration of the voyage, the number of participants, the chosen route, and the desired catering and additional services. Rather than a standard rate, we offer bespoke proposals that reflect the exclusive, all-inclusive nature of the experience — covering crew, catering, and full use of all on-board facilities. We warmly invite you to get in touch for a personal quote.

What destinations are possible on a multi-day charter?

The Stad Amsterdam is a seaworthy vessel that sails both European and international routes, including destinations in the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. The exact options depend on availability and the season. For companies planning a shorter voyage, Dutch waters and neighbouring European ports are a popular and logistically straightforward choice. Discuss your desired destination early in the planning process with the shipping company to explore the best options.

How do I ensure that my colleagues or business relations get the most out of the day on board?

The key to a successful event on board is a good balance between structure and freedom. Allow plenty of room for informal interaction, as it is precisely those spontaneous moments on the water that make the experience special. Communicate the program and dress code clearly in advance (comfortable, wind-resistant clothing is recommended), and make sure the shipping company knows the dietary requirements and any special needs of the participants in good time. A well-prepared organizer enables the crew to ensure everything runs smoothly, so that you as host can be fully present for your guests.