FAQ

A group of four friends holding champagne glasses for a toast, sitting outdoors on a sunny day.

  • You can book your cruise directly through our website www.driftandsol.com or for day of public cruises you can book onsite at our tiki-hut where we depart from.

    Simply choose the date, time, and whether you want a private charter or a public cruise, and you’ll be all set to catch the drift. 

    Upon booking, you will receive an email with all of the details and what to expect leading up to your cruise.

    Don’t see a time or date that suits your needs - reach out to us at info@driftandsol.com or (978) 225-7794 and we will do our best to accommodate your party.

  • Please arrive 20 minutes in advance of your scheduled departure to check in with our team at our on-site tiki hut.

    Once checked-in, we encourage you to relax, grab a cocktail, and enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor patio at Michael’s Harborside.

    Our staff will escort you to the boat when it is time to depart.

  • Parking is available steps away at the public parking garage located at 2 Titcomb Street, at the corner of Titcomb and Merrimack Streets.

    There is also meter and street parking throughout downtown Newburyport’s waterfront.

  • Guests should check in at our on-site tiki-hut located at 1 Tournament Wharf next to Michael’s Harborside. Please check-in 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.

    Once checked-in we encourage you to relax, grab a cocktail, and enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor patio at Michael’s Harborside.

  • Yes, Drift & Sol has established partnerships to help you fill a cooler or provide a charcuterie board or snacks. For a list of partners and menu options, including Michael’s Harborside, Leary’s Marketplace, and Otto’s pizza, visit our Catering page or reach out to us at info@driftandsol.com

  • Yes. Massachusetts Sales Tax (6.25%) and a FareHarbor booking fees of 6% will be applied at check-out.

  • Drift & Sol cruises are about good vibes on the water—each cruise is BYOB.  Our boats accommodate up to 14 guests and feature a thatched tiki roof for those that want to get out of the sun, a custom bar, L shaped lounge seating, a Bluetooth sound system to set the mood, and a friendly crew that keeps things easy and relaxed. 

    Want to elevate the experience? We can help coordinate catering (food and beverage) options — just reach out at info@driftandsol.com.  

    Upon check-in, tiki-boat guests will receive a complimentary bounce-back offer for 20% off their next meal at Michael’s Harborside. Be sure to stop back and enjoy another waterfront dining experience with them after your cruise.

  • Yes! The boat is equipped with a marine bathroom. While not overly spacious it is functional.

    Please note that accessing the bathroom requires the use of stairs, and we recommend that any individual who struggles with mobility use the public restrooms prior to boarding. Our staff can direct you.

  • Yes. For public or “open” cruises, passengers must be at least 16 years of age no exceptions. Customers must provide a valid drivers license or other acceptable US Government form of identification.

    For private cruises, children above the age of 3 and weighing over 30lbs will be allowed provided they are under direct adult supervision for the entire time.

    Children 13 or under must wear a life vest at all times, no exceptions.

  • A private charter lets you book the entire boat just for your group —perfect for birthdays, graduations, bachelor or bachelorette parties, celebrations, or corporate outings.  Children over 3 are allowed with adult supervision. 

    A public (open) cruise allows individuals or small groups of individuals to share the experience, making it a great option for couples, friends, or anyone looking to meet new people and enjoy the vibe on the water.  All passengers must be 16 years or older and possess a valid drivers license or another acceptable US government form of ID to verify.

  • Public cruises require a minimum of six passengers to drift. If 24 hours before your scheduled departure, we do not have six passengers booked, we will notify you and work to schedule you on another cruise or provide a refund.

  • No, gratuities are not required but are encouraged and greatly appreciated if you feel you have been provided exceptional service!

    100% of gratuities will go to the staff.

  • All Drift & Sol cruises are BYOB, so you’re welcome to bring your favorite drinks, snacks, and anything else you need to catch the drift.  Of course, all passengers must be of legal drinking age, provide valid ID, and must drink responsibly.

    Want a catered experience?

    Conveniently located near our departure point, Michael’s Harborside offers a curated catering menu featuring charcuterie boards, seafood favorites like shrimp cocktail and lobster shack sliders, and sharable small plates perfect for enjoying on the water.

    Looking for even more options? Leary’s Fine Wines andOtto Pizza can provide delivery directly to your boat. Simply call the store to place your order, and you can add anything from the shop, including wine, beer, spirits, pizza and gourmet goods to create your perfect cruise spread.

    For more details and to see a full menu, visit our Catering page or contact us at info@driftandsol.com

  • If you opt to BYOB, you will be responsible for your own serviceware.

  • No glass serviceware due to safety concerns. Wine and liquor bottles are acceptable, but drinks must be consumed in appropriate barware (cans, plastic, or stainless steel barware)

    No weapons of any kind.

    No pets of any kind

  • Yes! Private charters include access to our state-of-the-art Bluetooth sound system, so you can connect your playlist and set the vibe. For public or open charters, the Drift & Sol team will offer vibe-appropriate tunes that you’re sure to love, and our crew will do their best to honor special requests.

  • Cruises typically run in light rain and moderate weather, but trips may be canceled if conditions become unsafe. If we cancel due to weather, you’ll have the option to reschedule, receive credit, or get a refund.

  • Safety is our top priority! 

    “Shearwater” is a Coast Guard inspected vessel approved for up to 18 passengers and 2 crew.

    All captains hold a U.S. Coast Guard Master's license (25 GT or higher) and the boat is outfitted with all required USCG safety gear

  • We depart from downtown Newburyport along the Merrimack River (next to Michael’s Harborside)

    Street and metered parking are available but downtown Newburyport can get busy in the summer months so we strongly suggest using the Newburyport public parking garage at the corner of Merrimac and Titcomb St.

    Once checked-in at the tiki-hut, we encourage you to relax, grab a cocktail, and enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor patio at Michael’s Harborside.

  • Cancellations made more than two weeks in advance of your scheduled departure are eligible for an 85% refund.

    Cancellations within two weeks of the scheduled departure are eligible for a refund only if we are able to backfill the cancellation with another charter. 

    Cancellations within 48 hours of your scheduled departure and no-shows are non-refundable, no exceptions.

  • Unfortunately, no. We love all furry friends, but we are not allowed to have them onboard due to insurance restrictions.