Q. Sounds a good deal, what else do I need to pay for?
You’ll need to arrange your own transport and somewhere to sleep if remaining in Cardiff. Spirits are sold separately onboard. Also, be at the departure point on time and get ready for a party to remember!!!
Q. Free drink? That cheap foreign stuff is it?
No, actually we stick to the main brands (typically these are Carlsberg/Fosters Lager, Strongbow Cider, John Smiths/Worthington Bitter, Liebfraumilch White Wine, Merlot Red Wine, Coca-cola/Pepsi cola and diet cola
Schweppes/7up Lemonade, Bottled Water) to ensure you drink what you know and like. Not included, but for sale are spirits (typically Sambuca, Smirnoff Vodka, Jack Daniels Whiskey, Capt. Morgan Rum, Bacardi) and flavoured (apple, blackcurrant, cherry, cola cube) ‘shots’.
Q. Can I hire the boat exclusively?
Yes, for exclusive hire on a date which we are already advertising, all places will have to be paid for. If you hire HMS69 for a cruise outside our advertised schedule you will need to pay for a minimum of 30 people. Specific details can be found here.
Q. What is the deposit I need to make and can I reserve places?
Sorry but we do not take deposits, we take full payment in advance using this website.
Spit roast, er, I mean BBQ hot dogs
Q. Some of us are vegetarians, what do we get to eat?
Vegetarians receive a Quorn hot dog in place of a BBQ item and our muffins are suitable for vegetarians.
Q. One of us is not allowed to eat beef/pork/wheat/yeast what do we do?
Unfortunately we are not a big enough business to cater for individual diets and catering for one person is not something we can do… you can still drink though!
Q. How long is the bar open for?
By Law, we have to give time for ‘drinking up’, in order for us to comply with these regulations, last orders announcement is 30 minutes towards the end, the bar will CLOSE 20 minutes before the end and the music will finish 10 minutes before the end of your trip, leaving 10 minutes for you all to find your things and head to the after-party.
Q. I’ve broken my legs, can I still come?
Of course! When boarding there is a ramp which is suitable for people on crutches or using a wheelchair.
Q. There are loads of us who want to come onboard, can we get a discount?
Discount is available for private hire any Sunday-Thursday where the price is only £32pp. Details can be found here on our Private Charter page
Q. I have chosen the wrong date and need to change it
Oh-no! not to worry we can do this for you, but because it has to be done manually it incurs a £10 fee, when checking out please write in the message box the new cruise date. (£6.80+£3.20 booking fee =£10)
Q. Can I get a refund?
Yes, however an administration fee of £5 will be deducted, if the value of the transaction to be refunded is over £100 then there is also a charge of 10%. Within a 14 day period before the cruise a refund will not be possible. In order to process the refund we need an email confirming the date and number of places to refund from the person who made the original booking to be sent to accounts@hms69.com.
Q. Where does the cruise start from?
You can Board HMS69 at Taffs Mead Embankment, Near the Millennium Stadium, Wood street entrance (Postcode is CF11 6RA). After leaving Cardiff Central Station, turn LEFT and heading towards Wood Street Bridge, the Millennium Stadium and Vue Complex should be on your right. Cross the bridge and turn left at the pedestrian crossing, heading under the railway bridge. The pier is on your left. To see a map click here.
Q. Can my children come, can I bring a baby?
Under 18s (including toddlers and babies) are only allowed onboard if it is a private party, not for dates listed on our website.
Q. HMS69 sounds expensive to me!
No problem, come aboard a weekday or for a special event when the price is often reduced.
Q. In what circumstances would the cruise be cancelled?
During 2009 only 3 cruises were cancelled. The first was due to there being less than 9 people onboard (its a large boat to fill with only a handful of people onboard), the other two were due to the extremely high winds we experienced during November 2009 where it was decided that for passenger comfort and safety we should not sail. In all of these circumstances an alternative date was offered or a full refund including booking fees.
Q. How do we get into TigerTiger?
As of 1 July 2010 we will no longer be able to provide free entry to TigerTiger, if you still wish to go to the club you can contact them here: TigerTiger Cardiff
HMS69 brings people closer together!
Q. Do I have to dress up in fancy dress?
Of course you don’t, but you might find you’re the only one who doesn’t!
Q. Can we be dropped of at Mermaid Quay instead of the Millennium Stadium?
Yes, but your time onboard will be reduced by 1 hour
Q. What kind of music do you play?
Party / dance / dance floor / current chart / sing-along. We have music onboard with a vast selection of tunes and requests can be made on the night, if you have any specific tunes please bring a USB stick with your music on and we will happily play them.
Q. How long does the trip last?
Every cruise lasts for 3 hours
Q. What do I need to bring?
ID is required by everyone. You will need to make arrangements for transport to and from Cardiff City centre. Please also bring the good times!
Q. Do you have any facilities on board to do a quick video or slideshow?
We do have 2 plasma screens which are used to show the rugby and are available to be used when HMS69 is hired exclusively. The screens are connected to our computer allowing you to use powerpoint (version 2003) or play a home movie.
Woman Overboard!
Q. Can I smoke?
You can, but only at the stern (back) of the boat which is open to the elements.
Q. I get sea sick, is the boat stable?
Cardiff Bay and the River Taff are typically calm and relaxing waterways, our boat is stable and unlikely to trouble you
Q. What route do you guys take and where does the boat actually go?
The cruise starts near the Millennium Stadium Wood Street entrance on Taff Embankment navigates down the Taff, along the River Ely and around Cardiff Bay and returns 3 hours later. The route we typically take can be seen by visiting this page which has a map.
Q. There are only 6 people in our group
That’s no problem as long as you don’t mind sharing with other like-minded people.
Q. Do you meet safety regulations?
Our vessel complies fully with the appropriate safety regulations and licenses as set out by Cardiff Harbour Authority, The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and of course our staff have training in Fire Safety and First Aid.
Q. Can I get a VAT receipt?
Sure, no problem at all, it will be sent when full payment has been made.
Q. Why must I pay upfront?
To confirm the booking we have to pay costs upfront too, book early to avoid disappointment.
Q. My tickets haven’t arrived?
We no longer post out tickets, we operate a guest list for each night, don’t forget to bring your booking confirmation with you!
Q. How can I pay?
We accept most major credit cards (using this website only) and BACS transfers (for transactions of £700 or more).
Q. What happens if it rains?
No problem, everything is indoors and protected from our lovely British weather
Q. I need to ask a question that isn’t answered on this page?
No worries, please ask it using our form and we’ll get back to you with an answer.