Boat Cruises: Open For Business Or Shutting Down?

Boat cruises are a fun and unique way to travel, offering convenient travel and accommodation rolled into one. They are a great option for families, couples, and groups of friends, with many cruise lines offering entertainment, activities, and catering. Boat cruises are available in many locations, including Philadelphia, New York City, and Houston, and can range from a few hours to several days or weeks. They can also be a great way to celebrate special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays. So, if you're looking for a memorable travel experience, a boat cruise might be the perfect choice.

Boat cruises in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a great city to explore by boat, with its scenic and historic waterfront along the Delaware River. The city's boat cruises offer a range of experiences, from dining and sightseeing to private charters. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your visit to Philadelphia by boat:

Types of Boat Cruises

Dinner Cruises

A Philadelphia dinner cruise is a great way to enjoy stunning views of the city skyline while dining on a buffet of freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts. These cruises typically last for 2.5 to 3 hours and offer live DJ entertainment. You can also purchase creative cocktails, wine, and beer from a well-stocked cash bar. Casual attire is recommended for this romantic and festive experience.

Brunch and Lunch Cruises

You can also enjoy a delicious brunch or lunch aboard a boat while cruising along the Delaware River. These cruises offer a full brunch or lunch included in the price, with iconic views of the city skyline and historic waterfront. Some cruises are tailored for families with young children, offering an exciting and delectable dining experience.

Sightseeing Cruises

If you're more interested in sightseeing than dining, there are cruises that depart from Penn's Landing, offering a unique perspective on the city's landmarks. You can also opt for a narrated harbour cruise, which provides an overview of the Delaware River and an awesome view of the city skyline. These cruises usually last for about an hour and are a great way to learn about the city and its waterfront communities.

Private Charters

For a more intimate or customised experience, you can charter a boat for your group. This option is perfect for special events such as weddings, retirement parties, or engagement parties. You can work with the charter company to create a unique and memorable experience for your guests.

Popular Landmarks and Sights

When cruising in Philadelphia, you'll have the opportunity to see some of the city's most popular landmarks and sights, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You'll also cruise along the Delaware River and, in some cases, the Schuylkill River, taking in the city's beautiful waterfront and skyline.

So, whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a fun family outing, or a unique way to explore the city, boat cruises in Philadelphia offer a range of exciting options to suit your needs.

Boat tours in Houston

There are several boat tours in Houston, Texas, that are open to the public. Here are some options to consider:

Port of Houston Authority M/V Sam Houston Boat Tour

This 90-minute free boat tour offers an educational and leisurely trip along the Houston Ship Channel. The tour provides an opportunity to learn about the port and the maritime industry while enjoying views of international cargo vessels and operations at the port's Turning Basin Terminal. The M/V Sam Houston vessel is 95 feet long and can accommodate up to 100 passengers, featuring air-conditioned lounge seating and outdoor standing room on the deck. Reservations are required and can be made online.

Buffalo Bayou Boat Tours

Although I could not find much information about this tour, it seems to be a popular option for boat rides and cruises in Houston, as mentioned on the Visit Houston Texas website.

Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours

For a more active experience, you can opt for the Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours. This tour offers a unique perspective of Houston from the water and is suitable for all skill levels. The tour guide, Jeremy, is mentioned in a review for his excellence and patience.

Other Water Activities in Houston

In addition to boat tours, Houston offers a range of other water-based activities, such as hover flyboarding on Lake Houston, swimming and paddleboarding at Clear Lake, and various fishing charters and tours.

NYC sightseeing cruises

Boat cruises are open for business, and there are plenty of options for those looking for an NYC sightseeing cruise. Here are some of the best ones:

Circle Line Cruises

Circle Line offers a range of daily and seasonal cruises with award-winning guides and breathtaking views. Their cruises depart from two convenient locations: Midtown and Downtown at Pier 16, South Street Seaport. Here are some of their offerings:

• Liberty Super Express: The fastest way to see the Statue of Liberty from Midtown or Downtown.
• Complete Manhattan Island Cruise: The only sightseeing cruise that completely circles Manhattan, offering views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building.
• New York City Harbor Lights Cruise: Experience the city at twilight, with illuminated landmarks and the sparkling skyline.
• July 4th Fireworks Cruise: Enjoy an open bar, food buffet, live DJ, and front-row seats to the Macy's Firework Spectacular.

Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Cruise

This cruise offers a unique perspective of the New York City skyline and its iconic landmarks. Hop aboard a 1920s-style yacht and sail around New York Harbour, Liberty Island, and the Hudson River. Sip on an included drink while admiring the Statue of Liberty from the solarium or open-air deck.

Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

This distinctive tour offers a different perspective of the city, allowing you to learn about New York City's architectural landmarks from the water. The cruise includes one beer or glass of wine, as well as soda.

New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

If you're short on time but want to get up close to Lady Liberty, this 50-minute cruise is the perfect option. Departing from Pier 16 on John Street, it's the fastest way to get breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty.

New York Dinner Cruise

Combine sightseeing with a delicious dining experience on this dinner cruise. Indulge in a buffet dinner and groove to DJ'ed music while floating around New York Harbour and Manhattan. Enjoy stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and more.

Private boat cruises

Private cruises are perfect for families or small groups, with no set minimum number of passengers required to book. You can charter a small yacht for an intimate experience or a larger yacht if you're seeking more space and amenities. Some companies even offer expedition-size ships for groups of 50 or more.

When it comes to destinations, the options are endless. You can book a charter cruise anywhere there is an ocean or river and an available ship. Popular destinations include Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and even more remote locations like Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands.

If you're looking for a truly luxurious experience, consider a private yacht charter. These charters offer exclusive access to international ports-of-call and can be customized to your wants and needs. You can work with a charter holiday expert to design the yacht charter of your dreams, including choosing your dream destination, whether that's the pristine waters of the Caribbean, the historical coastline of New England, or anywhere else your heart desires.

So if you're seeking a unique and memorable travel experience, a private boat cruise could be the perfect choice. With the flexibility to make the trip your own and the exclusivity of sharing the experience with your chosen group, it's an excellent option for those seeking privacy and a tailored journey.

Boat rides in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a great city to explore by boat, with a range of cruises and boat tours on offer. From the water, you can take in the city's scenic and historic waterfront, skyline, and famous landmarks.

Boat Tour Operators

Patriot Harbor Lines

Patriot Harbor Lines offers daily sightseeing tours and charter services on the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. Their boat tours are a great way to see the city from a different perspective, with an educational focus on the rivers and the waterfront community. Their one-hour narrated Delaware River Harbor Cruise gives an overview of the river and an awesome view of the city skyline.

City Cruises

City Cruises offers a range of experiences, including dinner cruises, brunch boats, lunch cruises, and cocktail cruises. Their signature dinner cruise includes a relaxing evening on the Delaware River, with a buffet dinner, a live DJ, and a dance floor. They also offer sightseeing cruises departing from Penn's Landing, as well as private charter boats.

Ben Franklin Yacht

The Ben Franklin Yacht is a family-owned and operated 3-level private vessel that has been offering cruises along Philadelphia's waterfront for over 20 years. They offer a range of experiences, including dinner cruises, bottomless mimosa brunch cruises, and Sunday brunch cruises, with options for families and adults-only. Their cruises include food, drinks, music, and fireworks, and they also offer private boat charters.

Boat Ride Options

Frequently asked questions