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Allen Gardiner Harbour Cruise Restaurant
AddressWilson's Wharf, Durban Harbour
Telephone084 456 4000
TimetableTimes may vary, particularly during peak periods, especially November and December
About The Harbour
The Allen Gardiner cruises Durban Harbour, leaving from Wilson's Wharf. You will cruise the calm waters of the harbour along the Maydon Channel (one-time landing strip for the UK Royal Mail flying boats), seeing the largest raw sugar terminal in the world, the grain terminal, the Prince Edward dry dock and the floating docks. The cruise continues along the Silt Canal, past the protected conservation mangrove swamps and Pelican Island, turning where the Silt Canal ends at the Bluff.
On return they cruise to the harbour entrance, turning at the Point, and cruising past the largest container terminal in Africa, passing close to towering container ships with a close-up view of the working harbour. Returning to Wilson's Wharf they usually visit the yacht marina.

The Cruises

The Allen Gardiner Harbour Cruise Restaurant is designed to provide a different and exciting dining experience. The vessel cruises the calm waters of Durban Harbour during which freshly-prepared fine foods are served. They can accommodate special dietary requirements with prior notice.
Examples of an a la carte menu choice could be:-
POSH Prawn Cocktail, prawns and mango on a rocket salad
dressed in a mild curry mayo.
Mushrooms oin a port cream sauce, served on garlic toast.

Slow-Roasted Lamb Shank rubbed with fresh rosemary and herbs
served with a mint sauce.
Roasted Kingklip, served with a champagne and shrimp sauce.

White Chocolate and Whisky Croissant Pudding, with ice cream.
Malva Pudding with freshly whipped cream.

The Allen Gardiner is licensed for 50 passengers, but depending on the cruise, usually takes a maximum of 35 passengers, accommodated on deck and in the leggant dining saloon. For formal dining around the saloon table a maximum of 20 persons is recommended.
Cruises operate al year round, including Christmas Day. There is an informative commentary throughout the cruise and a fully stocked bar is always available. A 10 percent service charge is added to all prices. The Allen Gardiner is available for private charter or individuals may book iondependently sharing with other passengers.

The Boat

The Allen Gardiner is a 20 metre wooden built World War II historic vessel, weighing over 46 tons gross register. She was built for the SAAF (South African Air Force) as an air-sea rescue boat with maximum speed of 42 knots.
With a maximum of 20 passengers on the lunch and dinner cruises, there is plenty of space, both on deck and in the dining saloon.
She is named after Captain Allen Gardiner RN who, in 1835, called the first public meeting in Natal, at which the planned new township was named D'Urban, after the then Governor of the Cape.

Booking Info

Allen Gardiner cruises are ideally suited for birthdays, anniversaries, visitors to Durban, ornithologists, photographers, family or club outings, office parties (with Christmas a speciality).
Other options include:
Private whole boat charters for longer (or shorter) cruises, including intimate romantic charters for just two persons, corporate hospitality and entertainment, company incentives, business, training or board meetings.
It is advisable to book well in advance, although they will endeavour to accommodate late bookings.


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