If you don’t find answers to your questions about memorials and ash scattering aboard the Fremont Avenue, please contact us.
How do I book a private charter for a memorial? Contact us by email with your plans, we will confirm your date and time. We then send you a charter agreement for signature. If you departure is more than 60 days out, we take a 50 percent deposit of the fees with the remaining 50 percent due 30 days out. If your departure is within 60 days, we ask for full payment at booking.
Do we need special permission to scatter ashes? We hold a Final Disposition Permit from the State of Washington that allows us to scatter ashes on any of the waters of Washington State. You do not need any additional permission.
How many passengers can you carry? Our Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection limits us to a total of 42 passengers (not including the crew). These passenger counts include all individual people, no matter their age or size, and also include any clergy, caterers or other helpers you might bring.
Where can we scatter ashes? We can scatter ashes anywhere on the waters of the area. Our Coast Guard Certificate allows us to take passengers anywhere inside the Ballard Locks (Ship Canal, Lake Washington, Lake Union) as well as on the salt water of Shilshole and Elliott Bays.
Should we use a biodegradable urn? We highly recommend the use of biodegradable urns. The ashes are placed into a weighted container that is placed in the water and will sink and dissolve over time, eliminating the possibility that ashes will blow back onto the boat.
Can we scatter flowers? Yes, you can scatter flowers or other biodegradable items. We ask that you not plan to release balloons or other non-biodegradable materials. We welcome thoughtful ideas for your memorial, but please check with us first.
What kinds of ceremonies can we plan? You can make your memorial as simple or elaborate as you would like. Just keep in mind time and passenger count constraints. We have hosted many memorials and can help you plan a ceremony that will work smoothly.
Where do you depart from? Our base is at Fishermen’s Terminal, at the south end of the Ballard Bridge. Fishermen’s Terminal has ample free parking and easy access to the boat for guests and caterers. If you have another departure point in mind, let us know and we will see if that will work.
What if we need to cancel? We understand that plans can change, but hope that you understand that our booking slots are a perishable commodity. If you cancel more than 60 days from your departure date we will refund your deposit, less a fee. No refunds within 60 days, unless we book your exact time with another customer, in which case your fees will refunded.
Can I reschedule? If your plans change and you need to reschedule we will try to find a solution that works for both of us. More than 60 days out we can move you to any new slot that is available. Within 60 days we can offer slots less in demand, or a prime slot late in the season.
What is the weather is unpleasant? The weather in Seattle is. . .variable. The only weather that we cancel and provide refunds for are lightning, severe fog or severe smoke. The cabin is heated and there is lots of indoor space and covered outdoor space if the weather turns less than ideal. There are lots of sheltered places we can go if the wind kicks up.
Do you have free parking? There is ample free parking at Fisherman’s Terminal. All of the other departure points noted above require paid parking.
How should we dress? Dress up as much as you would like, but keep in mind that you are on a boat. Boats move around, and you should have comfortable, stable shoes, especially if you are handling the ashes. Outside of summer, weather can change quickly, so be sure to have appropriate outerwear.
What if we are not ready to depart on time? On-time departure is the biggest challenge for most groups. The host decides when we depart, and if any late people get left behind. The arrival time back at the dock is the time written on the charter agreement, not the elapsed time from actual departure..
Do you have restrooms onboard? We have two restrooms on the main deck.
Is the boat ADA accessible? We do not meet ADA requirements for accessibility, but we make every effort to accommodate people with varying mobility needs. See our page on accessibility.
Will I have time to set up before the charter? We generally allow 30 minutes for you to set up catering and decorations and for your guests to board. Schedule permitting, we can allow for additional set up time. This time does not count against your cruising time.
Can we bring out own catering? You are welcome to bring any food or arrange any catering you would like, and we have guidelines for what works best on a boat.
Do you have cooking facilities? No. You will need to bring prepared food. The galley has hot and cold water, and we have some freezer space (we are the ice cream boat!) but no refrigerator space. We have limited 110 volt power on board, so you can bring small appliances like warming trays or crock pots.
Can we bring alcoholic beverages?. Yes. But you must have a state banquet permit which is easy to get online. This establishes that you are responsible for complying with all applicable laws.
Can we smoke on board. No. State and federal laws prohibit smoking of anything or vaping while on board a passenger vessel.
Who takes care of cleanup and garbage? We will take care of all cleanup and garbage. You just need to assemble any leftover beverages and catering you would like to take with you, as well as any decorations, meeting materials, swag etc.
Do you have a music system? Yes, we have a music system on board that you are welcome to use. We have speakers in the main cabin and on the upper deck. You can use your own device to connect to the system by Bluetooth.
Can we decorate? Yes, we encourage you to bring flowers, photos and any other decorations that will make this a memorable occasion. Just keep in mind that all decorations must be easily removed and we can’t have anything that might fly off the boat.