It’s not often you get to experience an elegant lunch with free flowing Chandon whilst cruising Sydney harbour on a luxury superyacht. And yet, for an affordable $149pp, you can live your best life (well for 3 hours, anyway) on the recently refurbished The Jackson on selected Saturdays throughout October and November.
The glamour starts from the moment we are welcomed onboard by the crew and walk up the dramatic staircase up to the main deck. A glass of Chandon Garden Spritz topped with Rosemary and Orange promptly appears in my hand as we are shown to our table with a chilled bottle of Chandon NV already waiting for us.
Once we select our main course, it’s time to explore – Garden Spritz in hand and cameras close by as the boat leaves the dock.
We are enjoying the majesty of Sydney Harbour as canapes are being served. Fresh prawns are perfectly plump and a hint of sweetness is offset with a spicy Thai chilli and coriander sauce followed by what else but Sydney Rock oysters! Served simply, these creamy, luscious beauties are a delight. Next up are mushroom arancini balls which are as good, if not better, than any we would find at a trattoria in Surry Hills.
Once you’ve had your fill, it’s time for the main course to be served in the beautiful dining room and stunning backlit bar area. Having been on other cruises before – and recognising the challenge of cooking whilst at sea – to be honest, we were expecting a meal the quality of a domestic business class flight ie. good but not amazing. We were blown away by how fantastic the meal was! We choose the Hiramasa Kingfish with mushrooms, greens and delicate soba noodles along with the crispy Roasted Pork Belly with fresh Asian slaw. These are accompanied by some dangerously addictive polenta fries with truffle mayo, a zesty orange and fennel salad and bread rolls. The mains are light but large enough that you don’t feel overly full but just satiated. It is the perfect summery meal to pair with the Chandon bubbles and Sydney Harbour views whilst enjoying subtle but excellent live music in the background.
Time to wander back to the deck for more views and to visit the gelato cart where you can choose from a range of flavours including Hazelnut, Vanilla Bean, Dutch Chocolate or Marscapone and Fig. A lovely light and refreshing finish to the afternoon as the boat winds it’s way back to the dock, dropping you off just in front of Bungalow 8 for those who want to kick on – well, why not?!
All you need to bring is your heels and your besties – and of course your phone for amping up the jealousy factor on your insta posts for those who couldn’t make it….
Bookings here for the Chandon Harbour Long Lunch on selected Saturdays during October and November for $149pp
Boarding from 12pm, Boat leaves at 12.30 and returns at 3pm
Darling Harbour King Wharf 1 (outside Bungalow 8)
