Creating Extraordinary Memories in a Remarkable Space
Charters and Private Events
The Virginia V is available for charter as a venue for weddings, holiday parties, office events, birthdays, anniversaries, and other intimate celebrations. Whether you are celebrating dockside at our homeport on Lake Union or treating your guests to an tour of Lake Washington and Puget Sound, this historic ship provides the perfect setting. The ship's long history and all-wood construction add instant charm. The size creates intimacy for any celebration. Excursions provide stunning views of Seattle's skyline and surrounding neighborhoods that are sure to make a lasting impression. Check out the our Wedding Photo Gallery and Virginia V Facebook Page for more photos.
Put some steam into your event plans!
Now's the perfect time to begin planning your fall or holiday season charter or dockside rental.
Ship Capacity
- A maximum of 140 passengers (including caterers and other vendors) can be accommodated for casual events in good weather.
- 85 - 90 can be seated in the main (indoor) passenger salon. This is the recommended maximum guest count for an on-board wedding or an off-season event.
Charter Rates
- See our Virginia V Charter Information 2022 - current as of 3-23-22 for rates and details.
- We are already booking events for 2023. Please review our Virginia V Charter Information 2023 - current as of 7-22-22
- Please review the Foundation's VIRGINIA V Covid-19 Guidelines as of June 2022. All charter and rental clients need to agree to compliance with this policy before signing their contract.
- For details about dockside rentals or other questions, please inquire at charter@virginiav.org.
- Discounts: Members of the Foundation receive discounts on charter fees if they pay by check.
Request Information
Contact us with any questions, special requests, or to arrange a tour of the ship. Or send us a quick message using the contact form to the right and someone will be in touch with you.
charter@virginiav.org
206-624-9119
Chartered Excursions
Our general itinerary after departing from our South Lake Union homeport includes 3 hours cruising Lake Union and Lake Washington. You will meet with the VIRGINIA V staff in advance to discuss any special requests, including timing and stopping locations for wedding ceremonies and memorial services.
- Departures from other docks may be arranged with prior approval. Additional docking fees and repositioning fees to/from South Lake Union apply.
- Cruises through the Ballard Locks into Elliott Bay are available. Additional hourly rates apply.
Standard Provisions
Charter contract standard time is 3 hours, including:
- Mutually agreed upon set up time
- ½ hour to board passengers
- 3 hours underway (total cruise time)
- A reasonable amount of time for caterers to load on, set up and then clean up and load out
Tables and chairs
- 130 white folding chairs
- 4’ rounds that seat six (17 available)
- 6’ buffet tables (3 available)
- 6’ narrow buffet tables (2 available)
- 2’ guest book table (1 available)
- bistro tables (4 available)
Audio/Visual Equipment on aboard
- 5-CD changer
- mp3 hook-up
- tuner
- speakers
- PA system
- hand-held, corded microphone
- projector and screen are available.
- For dancing, a professional PA system is recommended.
Special Notes
- Linens, plates, glasses, cutlery, etc., are the responsibility of the charterer. They are NOT included and are usually arranged through your caterer.
- If you choose to use tables or chairs or a sound system other than what the Virginia V provides, rental of those items is the responsibility of the charterer.