Downtown Boston Harbor Weekend Cruise with Brunch

Downtown Boston Harbor Weekend Cruise with Brunch offers a delightful way to start your weekend with a relaxed cruise around Boston’s harbor, combined with a hearty brunch. For $106 per person, you’ll hop aboard the elegant Northern Lights, a classic 1920’s style yacht, and enjoy a moderately narrated tour of the city’s most iconic sights. The cruise lasts about two hours, making it a perfect blend of sightseeing, good food, and unwinding.

What we love about this experience is the ability to enjoy panoramic views of Boston’s skyline and harbor islands while savoring a buffet of delicious brunch items. Plus, the historical commentary adds context to what you’re seeing, making it not just a scenic ride but an informative one. A second highlight is the specialty drinks like mimosas and Bloody Marys available for purchase, adding a festive touch to your morning.

A potential consideration is the limited inclusion of beverages, which means you’ll want to budget extra for drinks if you’re planning to toast or enjoy more than one. Also, since the buffet isn’t replenished once items run out, arriving early ensures you get the best selection.

This cruise is ideal for groups celebrating special occasions, out-of-town visitors wanting a relaxed overview of Boston, or anyone who enjoys good food paired with beautiful views. It’s especially appreciated by those looking for an easy, comfortable way to see the harbor and its historic sites without the hassle of walking or driving.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: Enjoy Boston skyline, harbor islands, and historic sites from the deck of a vintage yacht.
• Delicious Brunch: Buffet features pastries, fruit, smoked salmon, eggs, and more, suitable for all tastes.
• Informative Tour: Moderate narration offers insights into Boston’s landmarks and harbor history.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: The 2-hour cruise offers a laid-back way to see the city without rushing.
• Drinks for Purchase: Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and other beverages available, but not included.
• Ideal for Celebrations: Perfect for groups, special occasions, or entertaining visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise

Setting Sail from Rowes Wharf
Starting at Rowes Wharf, behind the Boston Harbor Hotel, the check-in process is straightforward, located in a climate-controlled ferry terminal just steps from the dock. You only need your photo ID and the credit card used for booking — no printing required. The boat, Northern Lights, exudes vintage charm, reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties, adding a touch of elegance to your cruise.

What the Cruise Offers
This 2-hour journey is moderately narrated, meaning you’ll get enough commentary to understand the significance of sites but not so much that it becomes overwhelming. Guides like Jess, Ralph, or Tiffany (according to reviews) are praised for their friendly demeanor and knowledge. They’ll point out highlights such as the Harbor Islands (Castle, Deer, Spectacle, Long, Lovells, Georges Islands), Fort Independence, the Bunker Hill Monument, and historic ships like USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young.

While the narration is appreciated (“Fun cruise, good food and friendly staff,” according to a review from September 2024), some passengers wish for a bit more commentary or trivia about Boston’s history. The views speak for themselves.

The Brunch Buffet
The buffet is a standout feature. It offers a broad selection, including assorted pastries, scones, croissants, along with freshly sliced fruit and berries, yogurt, and cranberry granola. For a savory touch, smoked salmon with cream cheese and jalapeno bagels are available, along with scrambled eggs with herbs and cheddar, and a roasted potato and sweet potato hash that caters well to vegetarians. There’s also Nueskes bacon and chicken apple sausage, plus a summer salad to round things out.

Several reviews highlight the buffet as being “pretty good,” with some noting it’s a well-priced meal for a boat cruise. As one reviewer put it, “food was fresh,” and many appreciated the variety that suits different palettes. However, if you’re a big eater or have specific dietary needs, arriving early to ensure you get your preferred dishes might be wise, as the buffet isn’t replenished once items are gone.

A Relaxed, Festive Atmosphere
The cruise’s ambiance is casual but elegant, perfect for celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply enjoying a peaceful morning. Many guests mention the friendly staff, who go out of their way to make everyone comfortable. You can choose a cozy seat or stand at the bow with a drink in hand, soaking in the views.

Beverages & Extras
Beverages like mimosas or Bloody Marys are available to purchase with credit card, allowing you to toast your morning comfortably. Multiple reviews mention the price of drinks being reasonable (“Good prices on beverages”), which enhances the overall value of the experience. Remember, tip is not included, so plan accordingly.

Who’s Going to Love It?
This cruise appeals most to groups celebrating special occasions, families with out-of-town guests, or anyone wanting an easy, scenic overview of Boston’s harbor. It’s also suitable for small bridal parties or wedding celebrations. The moderate narration and calm atmosphere suit travelers who want to relax and enjoy the city from a different perspective.

What Makes This Cruise Stand Out?

Authentic Vintage Charm
The 1920’s style yacht adds a special touch, making the cruise feel like a step back in time. It isn’t just a boat ride; it’s an experience wrapped in classic elegance, perfect for photo ops and creating memorable moments.

Panoramic Views and Historic Sights
From the deck, you’ll get unobstructed views of Boston’s skyline, the harbor islands, and waterfront landmarks. The narration helps connect these sights to Boston’s story, making your sightseeing more meaningful than just snapping photos.

Gourmet Brunch with Variety
The buffet offers something for all, from pastries and fruit to smoked salmon and eggs, all prepared fresh. The inclusion of vegetarian options like herb eggs and roasted potatoes shows a thoughtful approach to catering. Many reviews mention enjoying the good quality food amidst the relaxing setting.

Good Value for Money
At just over $100, the cruise provides a combination of sightseeing, food, and a memorable atmosphere. Considering the scenic views, historical commentary, and quality buffet, most find it a fair deal. The availability of drinks for purchase adds to the festive feel without inflating the price significantly.

Flexible & Convenient
The cruise usually departs in the afternoon, fitting well into a relaxed weekend schedule. The easy check-in process and flexible cancellation policy (full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance) make it a low-hassle option for travelers.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This Boston Harbor brunch cruise is a wonderful way to combine sightseeing, good food, and leisure into a single outing. It offers stunning views of Boston’s skyline and harbor islands, paired with a delicious buffet that satisfies most appetites. The vintage yacht creates an atmosphere of understated elegance, making it suitable for celebrations or simply enjoying a peaceful morning afloat.

If you’re someone who values authentic experiences with a touch of nostalgia, this cruise will deliver. The friendly guides and relaxed pace ensure you won’t feel rushed, and the scenic setting guarantees plenty of memorable photo opportunities. It’s especially well-suited for groups, special occasions, or visitors wanting a straightforward, enjoyable way to see Boston from the water.

However, if you’re craving more extensive narration or a fully replenished buffet, you might find it less satisfying. Still, for the price and the overall experience, it’s hard to beat the value.

In short, this cruise strikes a fine balance between relaxation, scenery, and good food — making it a worthwhile addition to any Boston itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, offering enough time to see the sights without feeling rushed.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes a moderately narrated tour of Boston and the harbor along with a gourmet brunch buffet. Beverages are sold separately.

Where does the cruise depart from?
The boat departs from Rowes Wharf, behind the Boston Harbor Hotel. Check-in is at the Ferry Terminal on the wharf, just steps from the dock.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks such as mimosas and Bloody Marys are available for purchase with credit card but are not included in the ticket price.

Can I bring food or drinks onboard?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but the buffet offers a variety of options to enjoy during the cruise.

Is the cruise suitable for people with food allergies?
You should contact the provider in advance to inform them of food allergies. They’ll do their best to accommodate, but not all allergies can be catered to.

Is this cruise good for groups or celebrations?
Absolutely. It’s popular for groups celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or even small wedding parties. The relaxed setting and scenic views make for a memorable gathering.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid photo ID, your credit card, and perhaps a light jacket or layers, as it can be breezy on the water. No pets or smoking are allowed onboard.

The Downtown Boston Harbor Weekend Cruise with Brunch offers a delightful, authentic way to experience Boston from the water, with a good balance of food, scenery, and comfort. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic, and tasty outing with friends, family, or out-of-town guests.

You can check availability for your dates here: