Ardelle Small Group Private Charters
Ardelle Small Group Private Charters
Maritime Heritage Charters offers Small Group Private Charters aboard our schooners Ardelle and Isabella from May-October. Small Group Private Charters are a perfect way to gather together for company outings, family events, weddings, birthdays, and memorial services. Whatever occasion you wish to celebrate, we can help you arrange for a memorable sail. If you are planning a family get together or birthday celebration for later in the season, do consider booking early because our schedule fills up quickly.
Rates
We are currently offering Small Group Private Charter for groups of up to 9 passengers* at the rates of:
$450 for a two-hour charter
$750 for a four-hour charter
$950 for an seven-hour charter.**
*There is a charge of $50/$75/$95 per additional passenger up to a total of 12 passengers. For groups of more than 12 passengers, please see more about our Large Group Private Charters.
**All 7-hour charters must conclude and all passengers must disembark by 3:00 PM to qualify for the discounted price of $950. If you wish to book an 7-hour charter that concludes after 3:00 PM, there is an additional charge.
Book Online

Small Group Private Charter availability is updated regularly throughout the season. Charter availabilities are subject to change until a booking is confirmed and the required payment has been received. Please check back if you do not find the event you are interested in at this time.
Small Group Private Charter availability is updated regularly throughout the season. Charter availabilities are subject to change until a booking is confirmed and the required payment has been received. Please check back if you do not find the event you are interested in at this time.
Small Group Private Charter Information
Booking a Small Group Private Charter
Small Group Private Charters are available throughout our sailing season from May–September, based on availability.
2 Hour Small Group Private Charters can be booked online here. For longer Small Group Private Charters please give us a call at 978-290-7168 or email us at info@maritimeheritagecharters.com.
All charter bookings are handled on a first come, first served basis.
To reserve your Small Group Private Charter we request full payment at the time of booking.
Our charters depart from and return to Maritime Gloucester, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA.
If you would like to arrange a charter from an alternate location, please give us a call to arrange pricing.
All private charters include the exclusive use of the vessel and the services of our Captain and crew.
Catering
We do not have any catering restrictions for food or vendors and we are happy to share a list of caterers we’ve worked with.
We have ample space to lay out food, and will be happy to provide photographs of the deck arrangement upon request.
Please note that we do not have any space for the cooking, re-heating, or refrigeration of food available on board.
Beverages
Due to our liquor license, we are required to provide and serve any and all alcohol consumed on board.
Beverages are not included in the charter price.
We have soda, water, beer, wine, Prosecco and rum punch for sale on board. Our house beer and wine are sold for $5, soda and water for $2, Prosecco, and our upgrade wines are $7/glass.
We can provide an open bar with a running tab, drink tickets, or a cash bar depending on your preference.
A copy of our Alcohol Policy will be provided upon request.
Guests are permitted to bring any non-alcoholic beverages aboard.
Guest Conveniences
There are bathroom facilities available on shore at Maritime Gloucester and there is a marine head available aboard the vessel.
Charter Timing
Our charter times from May through the first week of September are typically: 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm, 3:30pm-5:30pm and 6pm – 8pm.
From the second week of September through the first of October our charter times are typically: 10am-12pm, 12:30pm-2:30pm, 3:00pm-5:00pm and 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
Accessibility
Please give us a call if any of your guests have limited mobility or difficulty walking.
To board the vessel, passengers must travel down a sloped gangway, across floating docks and up a short staircase.
We are not wheelchair accessible. The safety of our guests is our primary concern.
Music & Photography
The Ardelle can accommodate musicians and their instruments. If you would like to book an acoustic ensemble for your cruise, we can provide you information on local musicians who have played for our guests.
You are free to bring a photographer on board to record your celebration. We ask that you inform your photographer that he/she will be expected to conform to all safety instructions issued by the Captain and Crew.
All musicians and photographers must be inculded in the total passenger count for your charter.
Parking
There is a small parking lot located at Maritime Gloucester and limited metered parking on Harbor Loop. There are two, metered lots located on Rogers St. that are less than a two-minute walk to the vessel.
Please be aware that Gloucester has a vibrant calendar of festivals, block parties, concerts and events throughout the summer that may impact parking.
Payment
For Small Group Private Charters we require full payment at the time of booking to reserve your charter.
Weather & Cancellation Policies
New England weather forecasts are not entirely reliable and we do not cancel trips based on the forecast.
The Captain decides whether it is safe to sail close to departure time.
If the Captain decides to cancel because of weather, we will work with you to reschedule your charter or provide a refund.
If you choose to cancel your charter with less than 14 days notice, your deposit will not be refunded regardless of the weather forecast.