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Electra Cruises

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Why We Like This Place

Click here to see a video showing events Aboard Electra.

In Newport Beach, when people talk about the “prettiest lady” in the harbor, they’re not referring to one of Newport’s many long-limbed beach beauties, but rather to Electra—a 100-foot, classic fantail yacht in her sixties.

Built in 1929 by A.W. Leonard, the president of Puget Sound Power and Light of Seattle, Electra (meaning “shining one” in Greek) was given to Leonard’s wife as a Valentine’s Day present. Since then, this graceful motorized yacht has led a romantic, colorful life. During WWII she was in the Navy’s employ, chasing enemy submarines off Washington’s coast. Later, she journeyed to Newport Beach, where she was revamped into a “party” boat.

Thankfully, publishing magnate Fred Ruffner rescued Electra and spared her further indignities by moving her to Ft. Lauderdale, where she was lovingly restored. Current owner Randy Goodman was a young man growing up in Newport Beach when he first set eyes on Electra and fell in love. Years later, still smitten, he tracked her down in Antigua, and sailed her back to Newport Bay—a stormy 42-day voyage which she endured with nary a scratch. Now, Electra plies the West Coast waters and is a popular setting for weddings, corporate dinner cruises and private parties.

Love at first sight is a common response to Electra. It’s easy to see why—with her dazzling white wood hull trimmed in burnished mahogany, and her brightwork winking in the sun, she is no less beautiful now than on that Valentine’s Day so many years ago. Tie the knot on the top aft deck, accompanied by a blast of the ship’s horn to commemorate the event. Après ceremony, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and spirits with your guests in the main salon, where you can admire the stenciled wood beams overhead. Or, if you wish, take advantage of the sidedecks that run the length of the vessel to wander freely and explore all of Electra’s vintage features. Creaky but seaworthy stairs lead to the lower deck, where guests can peek at the elegantly decorated staterooms. The technically curious will want to take a look at the navigational instrumentation and the original mahogany-and-brass wheel in the captain’s wheelhouse. Others will prefer to relax on the foredeck’s cushioned benches and bask in the sun’s rays, misted by ocean spray. With its distinctive, old-fashioned charm Electra is a novel setting for any event. Here, you can savor “the remembrance of things past,” while enjoying the promise of things to come.

The Electra is only one of several cruising options. The slightly larger Athena, a 110-foot motor yacht with three levels, has a main salon with full bar, baby grand piano and leather lounges. The top deck is covered for comfort, and has large picture windows for watching the coastline go by. It also has a full bar, a music center and a sizeable area for dancing. The lower deck includes a large bridal dressing room with floor length wall-to-wall mirrors. At 83 feet, the New Orleans-style paddlewheeler Newport Princess is a charming, Old World Mississippi riverboat with a lot of character. Another addition to the fleet is Camelot, a 141-foot ADA approved yacht. As with Destiny, a 125-foot vessel, it features an abundance of glass and ultra-modern décor. Electra Cruises’ newest and largest yacht is the 140-foot, ADA-approved Crystal. Spacious enough for 330 guests and outfitted with an elevator, it’s perfect for a large wedding, corporate event, or unique meeting.

Capacity

Ceremony	Reception/Special Events	Meetings
Max. Seated Indoors: 330 Max. Seated Outdoors: 0	Max. Seated Indoors: 330 Max. Seated Outdoors: 0 Max. Standing Indoors: 330 Max. Standing Outdoors: 0	Max. Seated: 330
CEREMONY CAPACITY: Electra’s top deck holds 105 seated guests. The Athena and Destiny each hold 150, the Newport Princess up to 250, and the Crystal can accommodate 330 guests. EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETING CAPACITY: The Electra holds up to 150 guests, maximum. The Athena and Destiny each hold 150, the Newport Princess 250, and the Crystal can accommodate 330 guests.

Fees & Deposits

A $2,000 deposit is required to secure your date; the estimated balance and a $500 refundable security/damage deposit are payable 14 days prior to the event. Electra Cruises offers full wedding packages starting at $72/person. They include the yacht charter, service staff, catering, wedding cake, bar service, rentals, florals, DJ, photographer, event coordinator and a captain to perform the ceremony. Tax is additional. For weddings on the other vessels, packages range $59–94/person based on 100 guests.

Availability

Year-round, daily including holidays, anytime.

Catering Provided BYO Alcohol Provided Location Uses Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/Amenities Catering: provided or BYO with approval Kitchen Facilities: full galley Tables & Chairs: provided Linens, Silver, etc.: provided Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: on top deck Bride’s & Groom’s Dressing Area: yes Meeting Equipment: full range CBA Parking: self-parking or valet, extra charge Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: ship-to-shore Outdoor Night Lighting: yes Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Cleanup: provided View: Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor and city skyline Other: full event coordination

Amplified Music Indoors Outdoors Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Accessible Site Views Cityscape Coastline Ocean/Bay Panoramic Venue Type Banquet Hall/Events Facility Ship/Yacht/Boat Waterfront/Beach Location Restrictions Alcohol: provided, no BYO Smoking: non-carpeted areas Music: amplified OK Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: not required Other: no rice or birdseed

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