Floating venues have a charm and elegance that elevates mundane functions to an all-new level. This concept was first brought about on Showboats by combining a dinner cruise with a show ranging from comedy plays to serious dramas to bands. We look at some of the long-standing iconic floating venues around the world that are worth a mention because of their unique history!

Sydney Showboats, Sydney Harbour, Australia

https://www.sydneyshowboats.com.au/sydney-harbour-cruises/christmas-party-cruise

Celebrating 30 Years of Spectacular Cruising, Sydney Showboats is a floating venue on Sydney Harbour that celebrates the best of dining cruises with cabaret performances that form the main entertainment for the evening.

A vessel that exudes old-world charm with a retro-style construction and wrap-around verandas. Showboat mixes contemporary construction with modern luxuries to give its guests an exquisite time. The cabaret show is a visual treat and the main highlight of the Showboat.

The speciality of Sydney Showboats is that it was a purpose-built vessel for hosting shows and awards functions. So all the amenities were thought out and designed at infancy. The glitz of cabaret show and deluxe dining experience makes the Showboat a unique venue resulting in its continuing success.

Sydney Showboats offers a unique and exciting way to experience the city’s iconic harbour. Their fleet of luxurious showboats provide the perfect setting for a night out with friends, a romantic evening, or a special celebration. With a range of cruises to choose from, including dinner cruises, lunch cruises, and special event cruises, there’s something for everyone.

The showboats themselves are impressive, with spacious decks, elegant dining areas, and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities. The cruises offer breathtaking views of Sydney’s famous landmarks, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, while the onboard entertainment features talented performers and live music.

The dinner cruises are a particular highlight, with delicious menus featuring fresh Australian produce and an extensive wine list. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with plenty of opportunities to mingle and dance the night away. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Sydney, a cruise with Sydney Showboats is a must-do experience that’s sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of this beautiful city. With its unique blend of entertainment, dining, and sightseeing, Sydney Showboats is the perfect way to experience the best of Sydney.

Another Sydney Australia tour Showboat company is http://www.sydneychristmaspartycruises.com.au/

The Thekla, Britain

Another iconic ship that is a famous floating venue is the Thekla. In existence for over 33 years, the venue has hosted a variety of events from operas to concerts. Known before as the Old Profanity Showboat. It was a happy hunting ground for numerous budding actors and comedians. John Entwistle, bass guitarist of the famous band ‘The Who’ had graced these stages during the Old Profanity days.

The boat changed hands in 1986 to become the Thekla again. It became a thriving spot for the local bands of Bristol. By the early 2000s till now, the Thekla has been around as a thriving nightclub. And one of the iconic landmarks of Britain.

Goldenrod, Mississippi

The father of showboats. The Goldenrod is the original iteration straight from the 19^th century. Plying the waters of Mississippi from 1909. The Goldenrod continued service till 2001 after which it was unceremoniously abandoned on the Missouri River at St. Charles where it still lies in a dilapidated stage.

In its glory days, the Goldenrod was the most well-appointed and ornate of all Showboats with opulent interiors, making it stand a head higher than its competition. Like the Showboats during this time period, the Goldenrod didn’t have propulsion of its own and had to use the services of a tug boat to move from place to place.

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When in Sydney, a harbour cruise is a must-do experience. And when you can have one comprising entertainment featuring world-class performers who will wow you with jaw-dropping performances, why settle for an ordinary cruising experience. When the sun goes down, the night heats up on Sydney Harbour dinner cruises with high-stakes thrills of live music, comedy shows and much more. Complemented with a sumptuous dinner right in the middle of the city and roving views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the spectacular Opera House. These cruises are an infallible option for a delightful night.

Check out these amazing cruises for an out-of-the-box night on Sydney Harbour:

Sydney Showboat

Fancy a cabaret performance to go with your dinner? Step aboard Sydney Showboats for a three hour dinner cruise and a night full of glitz & glam. Say hello to the glamorous Australian showgirls in shimmering costumes who will welcome you on board and relish on a delicious 3-course entrée. Steal a glance of amazing nightscapes of Sydney Harbour as you pass Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Drumrolls! It’s time for ‘Voyage of Love’, a mindblowing, high-energy cabaret show by talented Australian cast. The exuberant music and flamboyant acts are definite to hark you back to the time when cabaret was king.

Bob Downe Comedy Cruise

Bust your gut with the Prince of Polyester. When in Sydney, do not miss the comedy cruise presenting Bob Downe, the man of enduring comedy characters. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and spectacular Harbour views as Bob entertains you with with his unique moves and cheeky laughs. Sydney Harbour also has many other comedy cruises that run daily, serving you a sumptuous dinner sided by plenty of laughs.

Latino Dinner Cruise

Rave up your night with Latino entertainment, live drum beats and energetic music aboard Vagabond cruise. With a live floor packed with performers in vibrant Brazilian costumes dancing to explosive music topped by a tantalizing menu and million dollar views of Sydney Harbour, every second here feels like a fiesta.

Tribute Cruises

Are you a concert-goer? Enjoy a gig on water aboard one-of-the-many tribute cruises on Sydney Harbour. Trip down memory lane with bands and solo artists singing to repertoire of greatest performers like ABBA and Elvis Presley. Some cruises also host crossover shows like the ‘Beatles meets Elvis Tribute Show’. And if your legs get tired of dancing, lean back and relax to take in amazing views of Sydney nightscapes.

Retro Cruises

A fan of classic hits? Jollo at spectacular 80’s party on board a retro cruise on Sydney Harbour. The lurid colours, freaky hairstyle, dodgy mullets and wide moustaches will take you back to memories of old school discos, prom night and also of the first time you ever stepped on a dance floor. Adding to the fun is a sumptuous meal to fill your stomach. Most cruises also have an on board bar for offering martini to go with your samba moves.

So board a cruise and let the dazzling stage sets, brilliant performers, modern hits and timeless classics come together to create a night forever to cherish!

http://www.sydneychristmaspartycruises.com.au/

https://www.sydneyshowboats.com.au/sydney-harbour-cruises/christmas-party-cruise

The post Dine & Dazzle On Board A Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise appeared first on Tours Australia | Australian Tours Sydney | Brisbane | Melbourne | Perth |.

When we look at the history of dining, ancient Romans were the ones who started hosting dinner parties with exotic and intricately prepared dishes. During or after the dinner, the Roman Emperor and senators would congregate and discuss matters of state. The English dinner parties hosted in the late 1880s were more formal affairs, with printed invitations and elaborate food displays. They would be followed by entertainment that included singing or poetry recitals.

The first entertainment accompaniments with dinner were string music and jazz. Having a live band playing tunes gave the place an elegance that was missing from the average restaurant. As times progressed, there would sometimes be a lead singer accompanying the band, or there would be a routine from a stand-up comedian who would make the audience erupt into peals of laughter, as they tucked into their meals.

A little later, dining started to get more innovative, especially in cities like Sydney, which boasts the most beautiful natural harbour in the world. There are many dinner cruises on Sydney Harbour that offer it’s guests a luxury dining experience, while enjoying brilliant views of the city’s iconic attractions. There’s even one that offers a gourmet three-course meal as well as a live cabaret show on a vessel that’s designed like a New Orleans-style paddle wheeler.

As the world moved to new ages, multiple activities were being clubbed with dining. Dining became less of a recreational pastime, and more of a stage for other activities. It’s the stage for business meetings or interviews for potential job aspirants. The food aspect of dining seems to have been side-lined with other activities taking centre stage.

You get more for your money’s worth now though, with all the added entertainment inclusions. But are we missing out on something – the core part of dining, the food? We used to select a restaurant or a diner based on the dishes they were known for, and not the entertainment options available. Dining used to be a passionate affair, tasting eclectic flavours and enjoying the flavours and spices that went into making it. All these added accompaniments might have also lowered the standards of cuisine, as the main focus has shifted from dining to entertainment elements.

The experience of dining is only remembered during festive occasions like Christmas or Easter, when everyone sits down to share a meal, taking in the flavours and expressing gratitude to the ones who toiled in the kitchen to put the feast on the table. There will be lively discussions and conversations with each other, but the food and feasting always hold centre stage!

It’s sad though, that we are not able to experience this joy of dining more often, appreciating the flavours and the good work that goes into making each dish.

http://www.sydneychristmaspartycruises.com.au/

https://www.sydneyshowboats.com.au/sydney-harbour-cruises/christmas-party-cruise

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