Does it get any more envy-inducing than telling your friends that you’re spending an afternoon on a Champagne and Canape Cruise in the Sydney Harbour on a $15m superyacht?! We can assure you that it doesn’t. Better yet, why don’t you grab a gaggle of your girls and have a truly fabulous afternoon together?
It’s a stunning summer afternoon as we strut down the red carpet at King St Wharf to board the majestic staircase up to the middle deck of this beautifully refurbished superyacht. We are greeted by several staff attired in the iconic yellow of Veuve Clicquot uniforms offering a welcome drink as we head to our plush booth by the window. We love that they are presented in wide tulip-shaped glasses rather than the ubiquitous flutes, which better allows the toasty brioche flavours that Veuve is famous for to really shine. We’ve barely sat down and already we know that we are experiencing something truly luxurious that doesn’t happen every day to us mere mortals.
The Jackson is spread across 3 decks, with the top two being dedicated to the Veuve Clicquot in the Sun experience. No expense has been spared so the furnishings are elegant and sophisticated. A stunning bar, carpeted dance floor, plush seating with gold topped tables feature inside. Outside is across 2 levels and has a mix of outdoor lounges, high top tables and chairs and bright yellow striped Veuve sunloungers, perfect to soak up some of the glorious sun whilst taking in Sydney’s iconic sights from the harbour and beyond.
Before we know it, the boat is moving and the Oyster Bar opens featuring 3 types: au naturale, topped with salmon roe or a grilled pineapple salsa. And there is also a roving Oyster Shucker coming round to guests throughout the afternoon which is a treat. This is followed by a regular stream of beautifully presented items from the Veuve inspired canape menu created by their onboard Head Chef. First up is the saffron arancini dipped in parmesan fondue paired with truffled sweet potato fries. Then onto the seafood course with prawn brioche sliders, which have a beautiful creamy dill sauce balancing out the sweetness of the brioche buns; along with mini tuna tartare, avocado and salmon roe cones. Then a few more sliders to soak up the champagne as we are into the 2nd hour of the cruise by now – chicken katsu and halloumi with pesto.
By this time, the crowd are in full swing on the dance floor as the DJ plays an upbeat mix of classic hits, guaranteed to get you bopping along to songs you know the words (and moves) to whether you are 19 or 90! Definitely a fun vibe, otherwise, you can head out to the deck to pick up a gelato fro the cart and catch the last of the views for the return journey.
Before we know it, the last drinks are being poured and the DJ is being implored for ‘one last song’ as we glide into the dock back at King St Wharf. The 3.5 hours flew by with incredible food, free flowing champagne, stunning views and lots of fun in a beautiful setting. We definitely could get used to this luxury on a regular basis….a dangerous precedent has now been set and life expectations have definitely been raised!
The standard ticket is a very reasonable $145pp and includes 2 glasses of Veuve and the beautiful canape menu for the 3.5 hour cruise. However, we went all in and opted for the VIP experience which also includes premium boarding, generous window booth, full table service and a magnum of Veuve for an additional $125pp – definitely worth doing for the full experience.
The Jackson Veuve Clicquot in the Sun
Runs most Saturdays from 12pm at No. 1 King St Wharf (opposite Bungalow 8)
