Liquid Lounge is a family run business, most of our growing up years and greatest memories have had the Vaal River in the background. We all have a deep rooted love for this river and want to share it with people. In the 9 years we have been operating, it is still surprising to meet with people who have never experienced a cruise on the Vaal River before. Our boats are the perfect “vessel” for this purpose. The Vaal Triangle is still known more as an industrial area, we hope to promote our area as an up and coming tourist destination, featuring casino’s, hotels, themed pubs and fine dining restaurants, most of which are based along the banks of the River. The Vaal River itself is a stunning, controlled waterway, which is slowly turning into the “Monte Carlo” of South Africa. Our party boat and new luxury houseboat offers a unique opportunity to local patrons and guests from the surrounding Gauteng, North West and Free State regions. You can take in the sights and sounds of this pristine environment whilst enjoying the company of your family, friends or work colleagues.
Our Crew
Mark vd Merwe – Boat builder and maintenance manager
Charissa Ash – General & Office Manager
Ryan vd Merwe – Skipper and guests relations
Chase vd Merwe – Part Time Skipper
Tyffin Dube – Skipper and Barman
Shadrek Dube – Assistant Chef and Barman
We have 3 competent and licensed skippers working with us. Two of which have been involved in our operation from the beginning. Collectively they can boast over 15 000 driving hours. They are well trained, approachable, and also stern when they need to be. Above all else, safety of our boats and all souls onboard is their top priority.
Our permanent barman and hotel staff will always greet you with a friendly smile, and ensure quality service levels. Our office ladies will assist you in every way they can to put together an unforgettable event.
Safety
We have complied with all safety regulations currently set out to us by SAMSA. Our vessels are inspected annually by SAMSA Representatives, they check everything from safety equipment to hull survey’s to general up keep of the vessels. We have been issued by SAMSA with a commercial licence. The Liquid Lounge has been licensed for 120 guests and 10 crew members. The Liquid Living Houseboat has been licensed for 30 people. We are strict with hours spent on the water to ensure the alcohol consumption be kept at the minimum.
Click here to view the Racing Gallery
Liquid Lounge has over the past few years been a proud sponsor of racing in both Motorsport and Water Sport. Our daring drivers Jared Mortimer and Chase vd Merwe made us proud in 2008 with victories in both Engen Volkswagen Cup Championship and the Emerald Casino Ice Block Challenge.
Engine Volkswagen Cup Winner 2008
Our "speed freak" Jared Mortimer, never gave up....And that was Jared's mantra through out the 2008 season, and it earned him the championship title in the Engine Volkswagen Polo Cup.
Jared and his Emerald Casino/Liquid Lounge Polo went to the final race of the year lying 4th in the title chase. He was, in fact, 11 points off the pace. But, as before during the season, he just got his head down and raced hard. Jared got stronger and stonger as the season progresed and a string of wins brought him into title contention.
While his opposition floundered Jared won the very last race of the year, and was delighted to learn afterwards that he had also clinched the title.
Jared is currently sitting 4th in this years (2009) standings. Once again Jared is fighting tooth and nail from the back and has managed to move up the rankings fairly quickly after a not so good first race. GO JARED!!
Emerald Casino Ice Block Longhaul Challenge Winner 2008
Our "River Rat" Chase vd Merwe has been adamant for a win in the Ice block challenge for a couple of years now as it is his home turf. After a 4th and 2nd place finish in previous years, Chase, along with co-pilot Kieth Mortimer finally got a 1st place finish in the Hard Bottom F3 class, which can you believe was a 4th place finish overall.
This race is not for the faint-hearted. Its a 130km longhaul with over 100 boats competing in various classes ranging from Jetski's to inflatable's to Hard Bottoms. We take our hats off to the co-pilot Keith for hanging in there.
Our refurbished Raven Wildcat with its Pro XS 225 mercury engine proved to be the real champ on the day carrying both Chase and Keith safely over the finish line.
We are looking forward to the Ice Block Longhaul Challenge in June 2009. Although there are some fierce competitors we hope that Chase's fearless driving of our new Raven Wildcat will bring home the 1st place trophy once again. GO CHASE!!
Emerald Casino Ice Block Longhaul Challenge 2009
2009 proved to be a memorable occasion for Mark vd Merwe, it being his first year of racing in the Ice Block Challenge. Thankfully we had some experience in the boat with Chase vd Merwe co-piloting.
This year’s race was choco block with main stream racers and amateurs alike. Races were delayed two hours due to heavy mist on the surface of the river, creating both excitement and tension for all competitors. The best part of the race is the start. With the sound of roaring engines and the smell of fuel in the air is something I encourage all people to experience. You don’t need to be a “river rat” or boat fanatic to enjoy it.
With the sound performance of our Raven Wild Cat and some heroic driving from Mark, our team finished 3rd place in the H2 class. Although not a win, we are sure Mark will want to race again to improve his standings, we think the bug has bitten him. We are looking forward to 2010
Emerald Casino Ice Block Longhaul Challenge Winner 2010
2010 saw Liquid Lounge entering two boats. Our Champion Raven Wild Cat that still preforms with gusto, and a sponsored racing monster from Twin Boats.
Chase vd Merwe took up the reins again in the Raven for the 2010 Emerald Casino Ice Block Longhaul Challenge. Along with our experienced driver was Sean Venter, new the racing scene. Although full of jitters at the start of the race, Sean proceeded to handle the whole experience like a pro. Chase and Sean went over the finish line in style, taking first place in the H2 class, and 6th place overall. An all together great win, and thumbs up to Sean who hung in there.
Mark vd Merwe who did not want to be left out of this years race took the helm on the second boat, along with co-pilot Fanie Nortje. The race proved to be tough with some debris in the river that could not be avoided. The boat hit a log sitting just below the surface, knocking a hole in the hull, thus ending the race for Mark and Fanie. Thank goodness there are great "watering holes" along the river to lift your spirits. The day’s entertainment for our drivers continued...
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors that contributed to this year’s race.
Enserve (Gary) | Delta Bricks (James) | KC Steel (Donna) | AMS Rentals (Mark) | Cosmic Digital Solutions (John) | Twin Boats & Trailors (Andre & Riaan)
HI Charissa,
Thank you to you and the staff of Liquid Lounge for an awesome boat trip! Each and every one of our clients loved the experience and your staff were extremely friendly and welcoming.
Much appreciated
Regards,
Natassja Moorgas
channel co-ordinator
Great, thank you so much. We had an amazing time and everything was perfect. Everyone loved it and a few of my friends will be booking parties soon. Also one of my friends is an online journalist and may write a piece on it on cool parties to have. Thank you for your help. And pls thank ur team for their great service and food. Have a great day Lauren.
Hi Charissa
Thank you so much for all your patience and assistance in booking us 18th of February . The cruise was a great success and I have been receiving positive and overwhelming feedback from all the guests that joined us. Everyone had a great time and wants to do it again so I have more cruises to think of to invite old and new guests on your boat and to join us for all sorts of cruises.
I personally had a blast and everyone that was on board had great.
I just need to find new names for cruises but I will definitely be using your boat for all the cruises, I simply cannot wait for the next one.
Once again, thank you so much for your great humility and assistance, the staff at the boat were awesome and so friendly. We were received with utmost respect by the staff and had great fun mingling with everyone.
Thank you kindly
Kind regards
Dineo Matau
Events Coordinator
Morning Charissa
The weekend has only started, and already it has been fantastic.
Everything is just perfect. From myself and Yvette. Thank you.
I spotted Mark this morning, and briefly said Hi. Please extend our gratitude to him as well.
You guys have got a great thing going here. Shadrack is an asset.
Everything is much appreciated.
Regards
Derek and Yvette.
Hi all
We have had our weekend! To Ryan and Shad - you spoilt us rotten and the food was better than MASTER Chef. Thanks for all your time and caring - Liquid Living can be proud of you! To Liquid living - not one complaint! Just one word and that is WONDERFULL!
We all had a weekend to remember and will be back.
Thanks again form all 5 sisters and mom (Francien)
Dear Charissa!
Thank you so much for organising a wonderful afternoon for us for my husband's 40th birthday party on the Liquid Lounge. Our guests were stunned and in awe. I will bet you that you'll get even more bookings from them. I know that my stepdad might even have his 70th on the Liquid Lounge towards the end of the year.
The food was 5 star and today I wish I ate more. Your staff, the decor, the music, everything is exceptional. You can be very proud of this venue.
Please thank the staff again for us, we did give them each a little extra something for their professionalism and friendliness.
We will definitely refer more people to you. Have a wonderful evening.
Delia Oosthuizen
Dear Charissa
It was truly the most incredible holiday!! We loved every second and very much didn't want to leave!! The food was amazing the staff incredible especially Shadrack.
We will certainly recommend the boat to everyone. We wish you all the best with the business for the future.
Thank you again for everything.
all the best
Josette
Hi charissa
Thank you very much for arranging such a wonderful venue .We had a awesome time and will most definitely be back .
Thanks Sharda Govender
Once again thank you for ensuring that everything ran smoothly on our function. Everyone raved about the service and the food was absolutely delicious.
The boat itself was awesome. What a perfect day and place to have a venue.
I will definitely market your venue from my side.
To you and your staff have a wonderful Xmas and New Year.
Kind Regards
JOANNE HALL
TELENETIX TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD
Accounts Department
Thank you a million times for a lovely evening. The food was absolutely stunning.
From everyone thank you for all the arrangements and please thank all the personnel on our behalf. Louise Horn Personal assistant
Thanks for an awesome day on your boat, and please compliment the Hotel for the food.
It was very tasty and everyone really loved it.
We will definitely book the same cruise next year, but for a couple of hours longer.
I will contact you towards the middle of the year to confirm some dates.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Karin
Thanks for your email – we had a great time, the vessel was beautiful, the food and staff where great!
Thanks again for all your help
Aninda Blignault
District Secretary
8.ta Charissa
By the GRACE of the LORD I am very well and happy. I am extremely humbled and over the moon with the excitement and treat we experienced by the cruise on the Liquid Lounge.
Thank you very much; something very creative and different and rest assured you us proud. What an experience..!
Have a wonderful weekend
Noah Notoane
Sales Manager Telkom Business : North Eastern Region
I’m very well thank you.
I must thank you guys as well for the wonderful experience we had. All my guests thoroughly enjoyed it and we will most definitely book another trip in the near future.
Once again thank you and take care.
Speak to you soon when I will be making my next booking.
Rashida Cassim
Afternoon Clarissa
Thank you for getting back to me.
I would like thank you for a wonderful time on Liquid Lounge. We have only had rave reviews. We will direct any requests directly through to you.
I also appreciate your offer of the houseboat. I will definitely fill it with some friends of mine.
Regards to Mark, I wish him a speedy recovery.
To you and your team - thank you.
Regards, Derek Kinnear Managing Director
Hallo Charissa!
Oooooooh….. If ever there was a time of my life….then this was it!!!!
And the same and more for all my guests – (their first time).
It was for them something totally unimaginable- something that happens to other people- not to them.
And it is my experience that the majority of people (me included)who have been on this cruise- were there because of the efforts of their employer- so you cannot believe how impressed they are with small town girl like me- doing this!
It was everything I ever hoped it to be- I wanted to blow them away ….and I did!
I wanted to inspire them….and I did!
I wanted to imprint on their memories something that they will never forget….and I did!
I wanted to thank them for things they have done for me- that I can never repay them for….this I did!
You have no idea how many ideas people got from there- some want their matric farewell there- renew their vows….get married there…their eyes have opened to a whole new world!
Thank you Charissa! Thank you so very much- to all of you.
You have been very kind- very professional – very accommodating.
May this business just prosper.
I truly cannot thank you enough for superb service!
Thanks again.
Devine Lottering
Professional Nurse
International Medical Case Manager
Yes thank you so much we all had an awesome time I would also like to thank all of your staff on the boat especially the bar man as he had to put up with all of us really had a great time thank you so much
Stephanie Hewetson
Motor Accident Group
Thanks for everything, we all really enjoyed it and will definitely do it again in future, it was worth it.
Say thanks again to your brother for being so hospitable.
Elize
Hi Charissa Hope you are well. Yes, indeed, we had an absolutely wonderful weekend & everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. Our sincere compliments & thanks to Ryan & Shadrack for their wonderful service & care of us all. Many thanks again. Kind regards Jenny
Lovely lovely,continue to b flexible.your entire treatment was superb Notsi
Dear Jet,
Just a quick note to say thank you soooo much for such a lovely weekend on your very impressive house boat. Did the Great Barrier Reef on a Catermaran (sp?) and nothing like yours - have emailed my son in Sydney and told him that this is how it is going to be from now on!!
Ryan and Shadrack were amazing - so please give them a big thank you
Many thanks again and hope to see you soon.
Marie
Morning to you, I would like to really thank for what you have done for us as a family on Saturday. It was an AWESOME experience. Everything was perfect and on time. I want to pray that God will always be with you and BLESS your Buss so that U can be a Blessing to others. Will promote U where we go tx Frank
Hi Charissa,
Our guests had a wonderful time and all the comments were that it was well organised and very classy event and like you say we are were so blessed with warm weather.
Well done Charissa you had 3 people emailing you all day long and you remained so professional and polite.
Well done and thank you very,very much.
Sharon
Hi Charrisa
Just to let you know that the ladies had a wonderful time in the boat on Woman’s day.
The food was good and the dessert was marvelous, not even a single complain from the ladies and your crew was very welcoming and friendly.
The ladies rocked your dance floor.
Hoping to see you soon
Liquid Lounge ya Rocka
Refiloe Tsolo
Dear Charissa The cruise was lovely and the food delicious, music was super relaxing. I will definitely be back for more. Thanks you so much Regards, Selinah
Thank you for all your assistance and patience, couldn’t have done it without you!! We really enjoyed it even though we had a few hick-ups (none attributable to Liquid Lounge!). Ryan and the rest of the staff were excellent representatives and did an excellent job!
We’ll definitely do it again!
Hantie
We would like to thank you for a GREAT day.
We all have enjoyed it thoroughly. This was the best one ever.
Thank you to you and your staff for making our day a memorable one.
Have a great day!
Anneke Duvenage Customer Service Supervisor
Thank you again to you and your team for a fantastic evening on the Liquid Lounge. Already I had feedback from my clients telling me that yesterday evening has been the greatest cruise so far this year!
Happy long weekend!
Nelia
Hi Cooch,
Thanks so much for everything!
Most of my guests have either personally popped in or phoned to say that it was one of the nicest weddings they've been to and I certainly cannot take all the credit! Im so grateful for all your assistance/ advice and for being so accommodating throughout the entire process!
Thank you for helping me make this day extra special for my dad and Suzaan! You guys did a flawless job! But I knew you would!!! My dad was so impressed by how you guys run things!
Much Love and Appreciation
Donna
We would like to thank you for your excellent service last week. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the MD was very pleased.
Hilda Knoetze Marketing Practitioner Corporate Affairs Sasolburg Sasol Infrachem
Dear Ryan, Charissa and Liquid Team,
This year I decided to do something completely different for our year end function and decided to use Liquid Lounge, BEST choice I ever made, the management, staff and their spouses could not stop talking about the function and agreed that it was the best we ever had.
Thank you to all of you that made our day so special and memorable. For the best function ever I will recommend Liquid Lounge to everybody.
Till next time
Doret Saunders Multisource Telecoms
Morning
I am so grateful for everything you did to make last night FANTASTIC! I know that we started off roughly, but once we'd arrived the night went on so smoothly; and that was entirely due to you. Your staff was amazing, the food scrumptious, the band delightful, the cruise spectacular and you completely accommodating and helpful. Please thank everyone who was involved - on your side - on my behalf!
THANK YOU :)
Zinhle
Hi Lianne
A short mail to record our thanks to you, Ryan, Clarissa and the Liquid Lounge team for the great cruise yesterday – all the staff thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Thanks to Ryan for being so obliging and anchoring the boat to allow some of the staff a quick swim!
Please pass our thanks onto all involved.
Thanks and regards
Liezel Pienaar
Baie dankie vir 'n fabulous dag Sondagmiddag Charissa!
Die kos was goed voorgesit en smaaklik, daar was 'n goeie verskeidenheid nageregte, Schalk met sy kitaarspel en sang is 'n uitstekende musikant en dan natuurlik die baie "relaxing"
boottrip - dra asseblief ons dank oor aan elke personeellid
wat hard gewerk het op daardie Sondag, om vir ons as besoekers dit so aangenaam te maak!!!
Weet dat dit opreg waardeer word.
Vriendelike groete
Judi Muller
To all of you wonderful people
Thank you to each and every one of you who contributed to our amazing wedding on Saturday. Without all your hard work and excellent service levels our day would not have been the success it was. Words cannot convey our gratitude & admiration. Please let everyone who worked on Saturday know how much we loved & appreciated everything. All our guests were totally blown away by the beautiful setting and how everything was so flawless.
To Charissa, you are awesome! Your attention to detail is absolutely magnificent. Thank you for all the organization and how you amazingly transformed everything. Thank you so so very much. It really is hard to put into words just how much we thank you. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
To Ryan & Dominquez – what can we say – You two are so awesome & you put that personal touch to our wedding. Thank You!
To David & staff – the food was absolutely MANUFIQUE!!!!! So many people commented on it. Well done. Thank You!
To Chase – the best DJ! Every request was immediately played! Your music selection suited our day. Well done. Thank You!
To Lee-Ann – thank you for joining us! You have to be proud of what your team produced on Saturday.
TO ALL OF YOU – YOU ROCK! LIQUID LOUNGE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All our guests could only comment with praise and admiration. Not one single thing went wrong!
WE LOVE YOU ALL.
All our thanks & appreciation.
Nadine & Wayne Nunan
We had a lovely time on Friday thank you. I think the majority of Staff really enjoyed themselves.
Thanks for the good service
(Mrs) Lee Arnold Senior Documentation Administrator FNB Commercial, Legal and Credit Support
Hi Charissa and Ryan
Just a short note to thank you most sincerely for the excellent function held on the Liquid Lounge on Thursday 2 September.
I must commend you on the professionalism of the staff on the boat. The group thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
I hope I get an opportunity to book the Liquid Lounge again sometime in the future.
Jennifer Bailey Conference and Event Management
Hi Kelly
Even though I dealt with JP on this one and he's no longer there, I didn't send the feedback at the time but am sending it now because your staff deserve to hear what AEL thought of their conference.
This was the feedback I got from Megan de Lange on 12 th May :
Everything was great
* Ewan Sellers who was in charge of the conference was very happy indeed
* Everyone loved the Liquid Lounge
* There's a very good team at the Hotel
* Brilliant service
* The staff run around making sure everything's perfect - they're quick and very, very helpful
* Megan and Ewan were very impressed with the staff
So, overall it was a resounding success. Please do pass this feedback onto Craig. He and his staff really do a fantastic job, as to Belinda and hers. I really like using Emerald Resort so hopefully will be doing lots more with you as the year progresses.
Thanks so much to everyone who went out of their way to ensure AEL's conference was such a success.
With my kind regards
Paula
Dear Charissa,
Thanks, the cruise was absolutely awesome. Everyone so helpful and professional. We’ll definitely make use of you guys again.
Thanks
Rey Kruger
Hope you are well today.
On behalf of Access I would like to thank you for a wonderful party. The decor, food the whole trip was awesome. Management was very pleased.
Thanks again for everything
Just a pity I did not get to meet you.
Bashna Singh Customer Controller Access Freight Africa (Pty) Ltd
Thank you for a really wonderful experience abroad the Liquid Lounge.
The staff was professional and we enjoyed the food.
The feedback I have received from our staff is positive and the best year end to date.
Thank you to you for all your assistance and professional service.
Desiré
Please pass on my sincere thanks to the staff and crew of the boat. We had an absolutely amazing time and the staff and crew went out of their way to ensure that our cruise was thoroughly enjoyed.
Once again thank you
Yours sincerely
Ps Dave
Hi,
Thank you, we really had a great time and our team thinks this was the best ever!! We really appreciate your hospitality…
Adre
Good day to you Charissa, Lize and Tim, as you can see below, my Managing Director was really impressed and so was all the employees of the year end function that you helped me pull off so succesfully last weekend. I would really like to thank you for everything you did to ensure that this was such a great success.
No the next plan is for me to find the next venue and ideas to beat this one next year.
Pricsilla Bouwer Executive PA to Managing Director