FAQs

Age Restrictions

Is there an age restriction for attending a cruise?
The age restriction for private charters is at the discretion of the charterer. We remind you that proper ID is required for all events. Please contact your event lead for specific details.

Attire

What is the dress code for Mariposa Cruises?
For private charters, the dress code is event appropriate. Please contact your event lead for specific details. Sensible footwear is strongly recommended due to all boarding ramps. We suggest that you bring an extra sweater, as it is always a couple of degrees cooler on the water than it is on land.

Beverages

What do drinks cost on board?
Mixed drinks start at $5.75 each for standard brand liquors, and premium drinks start at $6.42 each. All beer is sold by the bottle, with domestic beer at $5.31 each and imported for $6.42 each. Wine starts at $5.75 per glass. Soft drinks are sold for $1.99 and juices are available for $2.21 each. These prices do not include tax or gratuity. Prices may be subject to change. For a full list of pricing, click here.

Can we bring our own beverages on board?
All alcoholic beverages served and consumed on board must be purchased under our liquor license. To ensure the safety and maximum enjoyment for all guests on board, we do not allow any outside non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages to be brought on board.

Can you order in items that are not on your product list?
We would be happy to arrange for the wine you would like to serve to your guests to be ordered under our license via our wine representative. This arrangement will require advanced planning with our Event Coordinators, and should be completed no less than 15 business days prior to your event date. Conditions apply; please contact your Sales Manager for details.

Clarification of “timing” terms

What is "Boarding Time", "Cruising Time", “Docking Time” & “Final Disembarking Time”?

”Boarding Time” is the earliest our guests may board the ship. This is typically scheduled for 30 minutes prior to the beginning of your cruising time.
“Cruising Time” is the time from departure to docking and the boat is cruising on the water.
“Docking Time” is the scheduled time that the boat will return to dock.
“Final Disembarking Time” is the time allotted for guests to gather their things and say their goodbyes before departing for the evening. This is up to 30 minutes after docking.

For private charters, the boarding time may vary and is at the charterer’s discretion. Please contact your event lead for specific details.

NB: Due to regulations set by Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the following restrictions are applicable to alcohol service.

The bar may only serve alcohol for a maximum of 30 minutes while the boat is at the dock.
The bar may only serve alcohol until 30 minutes prior to the boat returning to dock.

Cancellations

What is your cancellation policy?
All sales are final. There are no refunds or transfers. We do sail rain or shine. Please refer to your contract or contact your Sales Manager.

Cruise Route

Where does Mariposa cruise?
Mariposa Cruises vessels cruise on the sheltered waters of the Toronto Harbour and on Lake Ontario providing stunning views of Toronto’s skyline and Toronto Island parkland.

NB: Due to Transport Canada regulations all ships must remain in the inner harbour after October 31st.

Cruising Season

When does Mariposa cruise until?
Mariposa Cruises’ operates from April 1st to December 31st.

Dancing

What kind of music do you play?
For private charters, we play the music that your heart desires – but we need advance notice. Please contact your Event Coordinator for your customized support.

Decorations

Do you provide décor?
We provide white linen tablecloths for all dining tables as well as all the linen for the buffet stations. We work with a great list of preferred suppliers who can work with you and your budget to provide centrepieces, chair covers, balloons and many other décor options.

May we decorate ourselves?
Yes! Please let us know in advance what you would want to do. Please do not use any confetti, sparkles, sand, lit candles, and/or tape (Thank you!)

What is the earliest that I can begin decorating?
We find that most décor can be completed in 1.5 hours. If you would like more time, we will work with you; additional charges may apply.

Is there a maximum number of people who will be allowed on board to help me decorate?
Yes, please try and limit your decorating team to a maximum of 4 persons.

Directions

How do I get to the ship?
Mariposa Cruises is located at Pier 6. We are at the southwest corner of the intersection at Queen's Quay and York Street.
(Get directions here)

Entertainment

What type of entertainment is offered?
In most cases, DJs are included with your charter fee. Our DJs can play a wide selection of musical genres and it is advisable to name specific genres your group may wish to hear during your event in advance to ensure a smooth flow of tunes! And of course, our DJs are open to accepting requests.

Are there other types of entertainment are available?
Mariposa is partnered with a wide variety of entertainment producers from big bands, caricature artists, psychics, hand writing analysts, roaming magicians, hypnotists and many more. The sky is the limit! Pricing may vary. Please contact your Sales Manager for further details.

Gratuity

Is gratuity included in the ticket price?
A service charge is included in your menu, but does not include gratuity for beverages purchased on the ship or for any outstanding personal service provided by your server. If you are planning a group event and wish to pre-pay a gratuity for your server, please contact your Event Coordinator: (416) 203-0178.

Groups

What size group can Mariposa Cruises accommodate?
Mariposa Cruises offers private yacht charters for 2 guests to 575.

Do you work with outside caterers?
Even though we know our food is the best, we understand that there may be times when you would like to serve something different. We work with a list of preferred outside caterers who may be able to satisfy your needs. Please contact our Sales Managers for contact information. If you have your own caterer, we would be happy to work with them; a one-time catering agreement must be signed.

Do you offer plated dinner service?
We would be delighted to serve you and your guests with a plated dinner service; some limitations do apply. Please contact our Sales Managers for a customized proposal.

Outside Disc Jockeys

Can I bring my own DJ?
Mariposa cruises is partnered with a DJ company offering some of the best DJs; however, we are happy to work with you should you decide to bring your own DJ. Additional fees may apply, please contact our Sales Managers for further details. Rules & Conditions apply.

Parking

Is there parking close to the ship?
Yes. The parking garage located at 208 Queen’s Quay West is owned and operated by “Standard Parking”, and is just a short walk from our fleet. There are also outdoor parking lots on Queen's Quay. Parking rates there vary from $10 to $20 per day. Prices are subject to change.
(Get directions here)

Is there coach parking available?
Yes. Coach parking is located on the northwest corner of Queen’s Quay West & Rees Street (directly south of The Rogers Centre), a short 2 blocks west of Mariposa Cruise Line’s docking locations at Queen’s Quay Terminal. Arrangements must be made minimum 5 days in advance with the Harbourfront Centre, 416-839-0227.

Payment

What type of payment do you accept?
We accept major credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diner's Club. We also accept traveler's checks, money orders, and certified checks.

Phones

Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
Yes, your cell phone will work on the cruise though there are black out areas on the lake. For the comfort of other guests, we ask that cell phone conversations be held only on the outside decks.

Refund Policy

Do you offer refunds?
There are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise rain or shine.

Seasickness

Will I get seasick?
We sure hope not! But in all seriousness, it is highly unlikely. Mariposa Cruises sails in the calm waters of Toronto's inner harbour and on Lake Ontario.

Seating Arrangements

How is seating arranged on board?
Seating arrangements may be altered based on your requirements. Our Event Coordinators will work with you to meet your needs.

Ship Information

Can you tell me a little about the ship?
All Mariposa Cruises vessels offer interior deck space with seating, outdoor strolling decks, dance floors, full service bars, restrooms and panoramic views. For specific details on each of our six vessels, please click here.

Smoking

What is your smoking policy?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks.

Transport Canada Certification

Are your vessels Transport Canada certified?
Yes. All Mariposa Cruises Vessels are Transport Canada certified and inspected annually to adhere to strict safety regulations. Our navigation and service staff participate in regular safety drills.

Water Taxis

Are your boats accessible by water taxi?
All of our fleet is accessible by water taxi with the exception of the Captain Matthew Flinders. We are happy to arrange a water taxi collection or drop off for you. To contact a water taxi directly, please call Five Star Water Taxi Services – 1-877-706-TAXI (8294).

Wheelchair accessibility

Is Mariposa wheelchair accessible?
Mariposa Cruises offer limited access for disabled passengers. The level of accessibility depends on the nature of an individuals disabilities and equipment required, the particular ship and water levels at the time of the cruise. The Oriole is equipped with a special wheelchair ramp which, pending water levels, can accommodate some wheelchairs.

Once on board, wheelchairs will be restricted to the boarding deck, and restrooms are located on the lower level, thus are not wheelchair accessible. On The Northern Spirit, we are able to provide adequate staff to safely lift a non- motorized wheelchair up the lower level gangway and provide aid to those able and willing to exit the chair to "walk" on board. Power operated wheelchairs cannot be accommodated due to weight. Once onboard, the wheelchair is restricted to the boarding deck and restrooms are not wheelchair accessible.

Gangways vary in slope, width and construction. Due to the design of the doorway on some of our ships, wheelchair accessibly is not possible. The design of the vessels must incorporate water tight doors, sills and bulkheads as per Transport Canada requirements and ship safety design. As such, The Rosemary, Showboat, Mariposa Belle and Flinders are not wheelchair accessible.

As an operator committed to providing both excellent customer service and compiling with Transport Canada safety requirements, it is important that you call ahead to confirm that your particular needs can be safely accommodated without disappointment.

Please contact Mariposa Cruises at 416-203-0178 for assistance in ship accessibility and program options.

For a complete outline of our Terms of Carriage, please click here (PDF)

Questions

I have more questions, who can I contact?
We welcome all questions via phone or email. Please call us at 416-203-0178, 1-866-627-7672 or Contact us directly by filling out our online contact form!