FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Three Commodore Events Yachts at Pier Are yachts much more expensive than banquet rooms?

How far does my yacht cruise? What is its route?

What about safety on The Bay?

How about safety at night for a prom?

What about the wind and the water?

Where is your home port?

How many ports do you serve?

How may I see the yachts?

98% of your events get a "10" rating—are you actually that good?



Q.	Are yachts much more expensive than banquet rooms?
	More expensive, yes, much more, no. As a custom event company, we work within budgets that run from $40 to $200 per guest, plus tax and service. If you’re flexible with your day of the week, you may enjoy a dockside two-entrée buffet dinner, with beverages, aboard a magnificent yacht for just $40 + tax/service (include an hour's harbor cruise for another $10/guest.) Too, a 3 hour brunch, 10AM-1PM, is only $52 + tax/service. Your event is an investment in Life's Memories and you should think of it as such. Is your event special? Do you want good attendance? Do you want it to be fun, exciting and memorable? If so, WELCOME ABOARD!

Q.	How far does my yacht cruise? What is its route?
	We always recommend leisurely cruising, rather than darting around the Bay at higher speeds. Departing San Francisco, with sea conditions dictating (because your guests don’t expect to "rock and roll" except on the dance floor) you’ll cruise, beneath the Bay Bridge, along the City Front, past Coit Tower, the giant Sea Lions at Pier 39, and Fisherman's Wharf. Your captain will give you a "Gull’s Eye View" of the Wharf by cruising inside Pier 45, where fishermen unload their catches. Depending upon the size of ocean swells and your wishes, you may cruise beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and over to Sausalito. If time permits, you may see the Tiburon Peninsular, Belvedere, Angel and Alcatraz Islands and even sail behind Treasure and Yerba Buena Islands to glimpse giant container ships calling at the busy Port of Oakland. Departing from the East Bay, you'll greatly enjoy viewing the famous House Boat Village on the shores of the Oakland/Alameda Estuary. Next, you’ll get a close-up view of the charming restaurants of busy Jack London Square, named after the author who at one time was the most widely-read in the world. Cruising down the Estuary with San Francisco looking like Brigadoon in the distance, you’ll pass perhaps a half-dozen giant container ships unloading their wares from around the world. Ask your captain to give you a gull’s eye view of the Giants baseball park, especially pleasing if there’s a game being played. You’ll then pass beneath the Bay Bridge, cruise the City Front to that gull’s eye view of Fisherman’s Wharf, and then go out to Alcatraz. You'll return towards Treasure and Yerba Buena Islands. Speak with your booking agent to express your interest and with your captain when you come aboard. We work for you. "Always Exceeding Your Expectations" is our motto and goal.

Q.	What about safety on The Bay?
	San Francisco Bay is a Coast Guard training area. If your U.S. Merchant Marine Captain requires their assistance, it is merely minutes before that assistance is along side. Also, other passenger vessels, if summoned, will come along side to render aid. Should someone require medical attention, your captain will phone for an ambulance before docking the vessel at one of numerous landings around the Bay.

Q.	How about safety at night for a prom?
	CommodoreEvents.Com runs a tight ship and it is one of the safest venues for students. One reason given by schools that annually book our yachts is that students are unable to leave—they are onboard for the duration. We don’t permit backpacks or packages that are not inspected. We provide free passage for chaperones and we require them to do their job of supervising students and keeping them safe. In addition, our yacht staff constantly patrols, particularly darker areas of the vessels and restrooms.

Q.	What about the wind and the water?
	We remain within one mile of shore at all times, with land masses blocking the high winds that create swells farther out in the ocean. If a guest is concerned about the motion on the water, we suggest that person remain by a window, looking out in order to maintain equilibrium. Your U.S. Merchant Marine Captain is charged to keep your yacht course as even and calm as conditions permit. The only "rocking and rolling" you want is on the dance floor. Besides, we have our glass goblets and china to think about!

Q.	Where is your home port?
	CommodoreEvents.Com 2394 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda, California 94501. We're on the Estuary, right across from Oakland's Jack London Square. See Driving Directions. Our parking is still free.

Q.	How many ports do you serve?
	At last count, 16: from Redwood City to Stockton. Redwood City South San Francisco San Francisco Oakland Alameda Sausalito Tiburon Emeryville Berkeley Vallejo Napa Martinez Benicia Pittsburg Antioch Stockton

Q.	How may I see the yachts?
	We have weekly Meet The Fleet Open Yacht Tours, open house events with dockside dinners on Wednesday from 6 PM - 8 PM where you can tour the yachts, speak with an event planner, the yacht staff, and the executive chef. Get your questions answered. Enjoy a three-entree gourmet buffet dinner, including wine and champagne. A time can be arranged to see the yachts at your convenience. See yacht photos and descriptions on our website and also view our yacht videos to see actual events! Call us at 510.337.9000 or toll-free 1.877.346.4000. Or email us - see Contact Us.

Q.	98% of your events get a "10" rating—are you actually that good?
	When you attend one of our Wednesday Meet The Fleet Open Houses, you will quickly see why this is so. You'll meet Michael Tobias, your executive chef who graduated first in a three-year culinary program with 465 students. You'll judge for yourself if the food and White Glove Service meet your standards. Too, you're always welcome at our close-by offices to inspect these ratings that are compiled by captains, cruise directors, and hosts.

	See also Plan your event.

Serving 16 ports in the San Francisco Bay area:
Alameda, Antioch, Benicia, Berkeley, Emeryville, Martinez, Napa, Oakland, Pittsburg, Redwood City, San Francisco, Sausalito, South San Francisco, Stockton, Tiburon, Vallejo