Accessibility
Accessibility Guide – Downloadable PDF
Bookings
Tickets must be purchased in advance for our cruising restaurant. You can buy these on our website. If you need help with booking or would like to further discuss your access needs, please contact our friendly sales team on 03 8610 2600 or info@melbcruises.com.au.
Visitors with Reduced Mobility
The Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise operates on the Spirit of Melbourne cruising restaurant and is wheelchair accessible. Downstairs is a step free space. Our upstairs dining space has 9 steps to access, there are handrails available on both sides of the staircase. Please leave a comment on your booking if you would like to be seated downstairs.
Sensory
The Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise has soft background music during the cruise. Sometimes it can get loud if there are birthday parties or lots of people, especially on busy nights. If you don’t like loud noise or big crowds, it’s better to book on a weekday. You can also call our team on 03 8610 2600 to ask how many people are expected on the night you want to come.
Bringing noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses can help make your cruise more comfortable, especially if you’re sensitive to noise or light.
Once the boat leaves, you will need to stay on it until it comes back. You can’t get off in the middle. If this worries you, you might want to try a shorter sightseeing cruise first.
Seating Arrangements
You will be assigned a table by our team which will be private to you and any further guests who are joining you. At the start of the cruise our team will tell you which table is yours. Our chairs on the boats can be repositioned to allow space for mobility aids. The height of our dining tables is 69cm. If you know you’ll need to sit in a quieter area, please add a note when you book your cruise. This helps the staff prepare for your needs.
Social Story – What to Expect
We have created a social story about what to expect during your cruise with us at the Spirit of Melbourne Cruising restaurant. Read the social story by clicking Spirit_of_Melbourne_Social_Story
Assistance Dogs
Guide Dogs and Assistance Animals are permitted in accordance with Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth). Please let us know prior to your booking so we can let our crew know.
Toilet Access
We have a bathroom on the boat which is available for use at any time during the cruise. Please note our bathroom is not fitted with hand railings or accessible toilet features. The width of the toilet cubicle doors are 60cm.
Food and Drinks
Yes, the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise includes a four-course gourmet meal with beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks. You’ll be asked to choose your entrée and main meal before the cruise day. If you are sensitive to food smells or have any dietary needs/allergies, it’s a good idea to check the menu early and let our staff know what you need.
Emergency Information
Our staff are trained to handle emergencies, though they are very rare. At the start of the cruise, the captain will explain what to do in an emergency, including where to find life jackets and other safety instructions. If you have any questions you are welcome to ask our crew. You may also ask for a written version of the safety instructions.
Accessibility Guide – Downloadable PDF
Booking
Our tickets can be purchased through our website or directly at the ticket kiosk. If you need help with booking or would like to further discuss your access needs, please contact our friendly sales team on 03 8610 2600 or info@melbcruises.com.au.
Visitors with Reduced Mobility
Unfortunately, our sightseeing cruises are not step-free due to vessel limitations. We apologise for the inconvenience and welcome guests to contact us to explore suitable alternatives. When boarding, each vessel has around four steps down with a grab rail on the right-hand side. Our chairs on the boats can be repositioned to allow space for mobility aids.
Sensory
Sightseeing cruises include commentary through a speaker system to tell you about the sights. The atmosphere can change depending on how many people are on board — sometimes it’s quiet, other times it may be noisy. If you’re sensitive to loud sounds or crowds, it’s best to book during quieter times, like weekdays or early mornings. You can also ask our team about options that are usually more calm or quiet.
Passengers are welcome to bring noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, fidget tools, or any items that help you feel comfortable.
Seating Arrangements
When you arrive for your sightseeing cruise you may choose where you would like to sit on the boat. You may also stand outside on the back deck area of the boat.
Carers and Companions
A person accompanying someone with a disability who holds a valid Companion Card, Carer Card, or WeCare card is entitled to a free ticket on Melbourne River Cruises on all of our sightseeing cruises and Williamstown ferries. Please show the card when you arrive at our ticket kiosk to our team.
Social Story – What to Expect
We have created a social story about what to expect during your sightseeing cruise with us. Read the social story by clicking Sightseeing_Cruise_Social_Story
Communication Tools
A communication board is available, please ask our crew on board if you require this during your cruise. These have been developed for persons who may live with autism spectrum disorder, a Language Disorder, Social Communication Difficulties and/or a Cognitive Delay/Disability.
Assistance Dogs
Guide Dogs and Assistance Animals are permitted in accordance with Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).
Toilet Access
All of our boats have toilets on board. Please note our bathrooms are not fitted with hand railing. You may use the bathroom any time during the cruise.
Food and Drinks
There is free tea and coffee on our sightseeing cruises. You can also buy other snacks and drinks on board. These can be purchased at the bar location on the boat. Please do not bring your own food or drinks on our sightseeing cruises and ferries.
Exceptions are okay for:
- Baby food
- Medical or emergency dietary items
- Water
Emergency Information
Our staff are trained to handle emergencies, though they are very rare. At the start of the cruise, the captain will explain what to do in an emergency, including where to find life jackets and other safety instructions. If you have any questions you are welcome to ask our crew. You may also ask for a written version of the safety instructions.