Boston City Harbor Cruises Turns 100 (5 stars)
Boston Harbor City Cruises turned 100 last month, and they celebrated with a “dockside showcase” about their history and future, docked at Boston’s Rowes Wharf. They are America’s oldest and largest private operator of passenger vessels, where you can take a dinner cruise of Boston Harbor, a guided sightseeing cruise to learn about history, go whale watching, or take ferries to Provincetown or Salem.
The dockside showcase took place on The Boston Odyssey, a four-level dining vessel that we’ve reviewed before (5 stars). Food is a key element for Boston Harbor City Cruises, which never brings in outside caterers. Rather, they hire top chefs to prepare all the food served, and have entire restaurant team of wait staff, bar tenders and servers. This ensures that guests get top notch food as if they were in a top-notch restaurant. Nothing is left to be generic or low quality. “We throw parties for a living,” said Bob Lawler, General Manager. Guests were treated with a buffet of seafood including snow crab claws, oysters, shrimp, and the famous Boston lobster rolls. We also found squash ravioli, salmon, roast beef, glazed ham, Italian seasoned chicken, and much more.
In addition, the boat served a full bar, with a good selection of beer and wine, and with two signature cocktails: the ever-popular Mojito and The French 75, which a mix of Prosecco, gin and lemon. There is easily an adult drink for all, and of course soft drinks if that’s your jam.
The ship’s Captain Hans was welcoming and allowed a quick tour of the ship’s bridge, the brain of the vessel where it is piloted. Hans, who was originally from Rotterdam, began as a simple deckhand with Boston Harbor Cruises. Within a year he had taken his test to receive his pilot’s license for a 100-ton vessel. He was made captain and has been for the last 5 years.
Although not in attendance, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu sent a special envoy for the celebration. She declared August 26th Boston Harbor Cruise Day in Boston. Then they served a birthday cake to mark the 100 year anniversary. And if we weren’t stuffed enough, there was a dessert table complete with carrot cakes, tiramisu and macaroons, and with fruits for healthy eaters.
Boston Harbor City Cruises offer scenic cruises across Boston Harbor that include dinners, lunches, and brunches. Or take a historic cruise that goes by the Boston Harbor Islands, the old Navy ship USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”), and the Bunker Hill Monument, learning about the American Revolutionary War and Boston’s maritime history. They have special cruises such as their lunchtime buffet Bingo Cruise, lunch with Santa, or fireworks cruise. Of course, you can also reserve a boat for private events. Or try Codzilla, a speedboat ride that feels like stunt driving up to 40 mph on the water (5 stars).
For more information, check out cityexperiences.com/boston.