Private boat or group cruise : what's the difference?
"Is it like the Bateaux Mouches?" comes up regularly in first exchanges. The confusion is common: there are actually two very different products on the Seine, and understanding them helps you know which one fits your project.
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The group (or "narrated") cruise
This is the format best known to the general public: a tourist boat welcomes individual passengers unrelated to each other, on a fixed time slot and a standardized route, often with tourist commentary. You share the boat with strangers, with no control over the program or the mood.
The private boat: your event, your boat
Privatization, on the other hand, reserves the entire boat for your group: only you (or your guests) on board, a schedule of your choosing, a caterer of your choice, decoration suited to your event, and a fully open-ended program — speeches, entertainment, music, service timing.
Why this difference matters for your event
A wedding, a seminar or a birthday have no place on a cruise shared with tourists: the privacy, the freedom to set your own program, and the ability to personalize every detail (menu, music, duration, boarding point) only exist within a fully private cruise.
What about budget?
A seat on a group cruise logically costs less than a full privatization, since the boat's cost is split among many independent passengers. But as soon as it's an event with a defined group — even a small one — privatization is often simpler and more advantageous than booking that many individual seats, while giving you total control over the experience.
How to know what fits you
If you're organizing an event for a defined group (wedding, corporate, birthday, outing with friends), privatization is the right answer. A group cruise remains relevant for individual sightseeing, without the logic of a private event to organize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, your booking is generally confirmed with a deposit, with the balance due before or after the event depending on the terms agreed.
Does requesting a quote commit me to anything?
No, requesting a quote doesn't commit you to anything — it simply gives you a tailored, itemized proposal for your event.
Can I change the date or guest count after booking?
In most cases, yes, subject to availability — just let us know as soon as possible so we can adjust your booking.
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