Events & groups

Havana Nights on the Empress: A Pittsburgh Corporate Event on the River

By · · Updated · 1 min read

The open top deck of a riverboat set for an event, with wicker peacock chairs, patterned poufs, bistro tables and a tropical-print cocktail table facing the downtown Pittsburgh skyline

From the archive. This event recap is from a past season. To plan your own company event, see corporate events or start with Plan Your Event.

Quick answer

The Troy Miles Group chartered the Empress, our largest boat (up to 400 guests), for a Havana Nights corporate event with tropical décor, a cigar roller, a custom menu and custom cocktails. Gateway Clipper hosts corporate charters for up to 400 guests; contact info@gatewayclipper.com or (412) 355-7965.

Book your corporate event, holiday party or team outing aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet!

One May evening, the Empress hosted the Troy Miles Group, and the event took the fleet by storm. Tropical décor, lush flowers and even a cigar roller: the boat was decked out and party ready. Our events team worked closely with Troy and his dream team to make this event a true success.

A custom menu and custom cocktails

Our culinary team created a custom menu to match the onboard theme. Chili verde chicken sliders, Cuban-inspired bruschetta and tamales were just a few of the items guests enjoyed that evening. Troy requested custom cocktails too: a mojito and a custom daiquiri.

A cigar roller in a straw fedora rolling cigars at a table on the riverboat deck, beside a framed "Fresh Rolled Cigars" sign and a row of finished cigars

Entertainment and décor

We had all hands on deck to prepare, set up and pull off this event, and what a success it was. Onboard entertainment and production included:

  • A DJ
  • A photo booth
  • Up-lighting and pin spot lighting
  • A custom floor monogram
A host in a white linen outfit speaking into a microphone on the riverboat dance floor, with tropical plants, a Havana Nights banner and lighted marquee numbers behind him
A tropical floral arrangement with bird of paradise, orange lilies and protea on a palm-leaf print tablecloth, with a small candle beside it

Plan your own corporate event on the river

Client nights, team outings, networking receptions, employee appreciation and holiday parties: a corporate event on the river trades the usual boardroom for the Pittsburgh skyline. Charter the whole boat for up to 400 guests, take one deck of the Three Rivers Queen for a mid-sized group, or bring a smaller group aboard a public cruise through our Group Sales team at (412) 355-7951.

Every charter includes food prepared by our culinary team and brought aboard, bar service and a cruise director, with entertainment like a DJ, photo booth, karaoke or trivia available. Charters can also board at docks downtown and on the North Shore, close to offices and hotels.

Start with Plan Your Event, or contact our events team at info@gatewayclipper.com or (412) 355-7965. We reply within 1–2 business days.

Event credits

All photos courtesy of Kara Himich Media.

Frequently asked questions

How many guests can a corporate event cruise hold?

Corporate charters are available for up to 400 guests. The Empress, our largest boat, holds up to 400 guests standing or 316 seated for dinner.

What if our group is smaller?

Smaller groups can book seats together on a public sightseeing or dining cruise. Call our Group Sales team at (412) 355-7951.

How is a corporate charter priced?

Food packages are priced per person, plus a 24% service charge and 7% PA sales tax, and minimums vary by vessel, and some packages have a per-person minimum. For a full quote, including minimums, fill out our request form at gatewayclipper.com/request-info and a sales manager will contact you.

Plan your event

Private charters for up to 400 guests, with food, bar and a cruise director handled by our crew. Our events team replies within 1–2 business days.

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