Lake Austin Riverboats hosts company parties, meetings, banquets, rehearsal dinners and weddings on two stern-wheel riverboats, with room for up to 250 guests on the larger one. The operator is based on Lake Austin in Austin, Texas, five minutes from downtown.
Seminars and company events
The official site lists corporate events, company meetings, club luncheons and group banquets among the events it runs. A meeting here is a chartered cruise rather than a room hire. The boat leaves the dock with your group, a full crew and a captain, then returns at the end of the route. The standard cruise lasts 2.5 hours, including 15 minutes for boarding, and covers roughly 5 to 7 miles up the lake and back. Both boats have air conditioning and heating, covered areas and an enclosed cabin, and cruises run rain or shine. The larger boat has a 75-person minimum.
A sound system covers most of the boat and connects to a phone or laptop. A short corded microphone sits at the bar, and a wireless microphone may be available. DJs and live bands are welcome if they bring all their own equipment.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings and rehearsal dinners are on the list of events. The operator offers catering, bar service, linen service, theme parties and live music, so a reception can be arranged with one provider. Decorating can start 30 minutes before boarding at the boarding location. With more time, access at the marina up to 2.5 hours before boarding can be arranged if a boat is free. Dining and cocktail tables come without tablecloths, so bring your own. Food tables have black tablecloths.
Rooms and capacities
The Commodore has vintage twin smoke stacks and two dining rooms, and it holds up to 250 guests. Indoor space fits about 68 seated, or about 52 downstairs when there is no band. The Commodore's Pup has an open upper deck and holds up to 125 guests. For groups above 250, both boats can sail at the same time.
Catering
The operator provides catering and bar service. Outside catering is allowed on weekends and on weekday evenings after 6:00 p.m., and hot food must arrive in disposable pans under 4 inches tall. Alcohol cannot be brought straight to the boat. For BYOB events it is dropped at the Fort View Road office two business days ahead, by appointment, and beer bottles are not accepted. Host bar events are supplied by the boat.
History and setting
The boats were hand built on Lake Austin. The company describes itself as the longest running riverboat operation in Texas, with more than 70 years of service, and as an official boat of the Texas Navy. The route passes limestone cliffs, Mt. Bonnell, lakefront houses and the Pennybacker Bridge.
Getting there
The cruise starts at one of two boarding points, depending on the event: the Hula Hut boat dock at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, or the LCRA landing at 3701 Lake Austin Blvd, near Tom Miller Dam. Parking is available in the LCRA visitor lot at 3700 Lake Austin Blvd on weekends and on weekdays after 5 p.m., or in the City of Austin metered lot at 1501 Scenic Drive at any time. Your event host confirms the boarding location.
