The table on board
Buffet, drinks and diets on board
How dinner works on a Cairns catamaran: the buffet, the welcome drink, the bar, dietary labels, allergies and what guests say about the food.
Book dinner on Trinity Inlet ↗Quick answer
Dinner on the Cairns catamaran is a hot and cold buffet with fresh seafood and local produce, and the ticket includes one welcome drink. The bar sells everything else. Tell the operator about dietary needs when you book, because menu items are labelled for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan diets.
A buffet, not a set menu
The dinner is a hot and cold buffet featuring fresh seafood and local produce, served in the air-conditioned dining room. A buffet lets you take the dishes you want and skip the rest, and guests on the booking page describe a generous spread, with one saying it is best to go there hungry. Another says the buffet felt average at times and could be restocked faster, so expect a large choice rather than a chef's tasting menu. The operator describes the food as fresh local produce and seafood, and the dishes on any night can differ from the last.
The welcome drink
On arrival you receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink, which is part of the ticket. The shorter sunset cruise from the same marina also includes a drink, but that is a different boat and a different operator. For the dinner cruise, the welcome drink is the only drink included, so the licensed bar covers everything after it. If you want a second drink with dinner, plan for it, and remember that a welcome drink handed over at the pontoon is a good moment to find your seat.
The bar
The vessel is fully licensed, with additional beverages and cocktails for purchase. The operator says to bring cash, EFTPOS or a credit card for bar purchases. You may not bring your own alcohol on board. One guest found the drinks expensive and another called them good value, so judge by the bar's own prices on the night and set a limit before you board. Cash, EFTPOS and credit cards all work, which means you do not need to carry a lot of notes.
Dietary labels
The operator says menu items are labelled with codes: GF for gluten-free, DF for dairy-free, V for vegetarian and VG for vegan. Its FAQ adds that the buffet includes vegetarian and other special-diet dishes, and asks you to mention dietary requirements when you book. The same page warns that menu items are subject to change without notice, so the labels on the night are the ones to trust.
Allergies
The operator's terms say it endeavours to provide safe food for all passengers but does not guarantee a completely safe environment for anyone with a severe food allergy, including anaphylaxis. A buffet means shared serving spaces and shared utensils. If you have a severe allergy, contact the operator before you book and decide with that answer in hand, not on the day. The operator's contact page is the place to ask, and your booking confirmation carries the reservation details to quote.
Children at the table
Child fares apply to ages 4 to 14, and infants aged 0 to 3 are permitted free of charge. The operator says that if an infant needs a meal, a child fare must be booked. There are no high chairs or changing facilities on board, so a toddler needs a plan for the buffet queue, and children must stay under parental supervision at all times. Bring anything a young child needs for feeding, because there is no baby-changing space to fall back on.
Who this isn't for
Guests who need a guaranteed allergen-free kitchen, or who want a plated multi-course dinner with a fixed menu, will find a shared buffet a poor match. The same goes for anyone who wants all drinks included, since only the welcome drink is. A fixed-menu dinner cruise on another vessel may suit that kind of evening better, and its own booking page is the place to check.
Frequently asked questions
Are vegetarian and vegan dishes available?
The operator's FAQ says the buffet includes vegetarian and other special-diet dishes, and menu items carry V and VG labels. Mention your needs when you book.
Is the buffet safe for severe allergies?
The operator does not guarantee a completely safe environment for anyone with a severe food allergy. Contact it before you book if this applies to you.
Are drinks included?
Only a welcome glass of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink is included. Further drinks and cocktails are bought at the licensed bar.
Sources