From California to New York City these cruises have you covered

Boasting ports throughout California, and New York City, these cruises from Hornblower offer something very personal and unique.  For a chance to see some of the country’s top attractions, in a fun and relaxed way, we suggest you set sail on one of these great cruises…

1.    Alcatraz

Recently named as the #1 attraction in the USA by TripAdvisor and #8 worldwide, this former prison is one of America’s most recognized world attractions. Alcatraz is often associated with Chicago crime boss Al “Scarface” Capone, who was imprisoned in Alcatraz in the 1930s. In fact, many A-list criminals passed through this former maximum-security penitentiary, including dapper kidnapper George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Morton Sobell, the military contractor found guilty of Soviet espionage along with Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. But a tour to this National Park is more than just seeing the inside of an old prison. You can also see some of San Francisco's top attractions on the scenic ferry ride across the bay to Alcatraz, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and Angel Island (the Ellis Island of the west).

2.    Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

An American architectural icon, “Lady Liberty” proudly stands on Liberty Island, guarding the entrance to New York Harbour. The 305-foot Statue of Liberty was given to the United States from France to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the young country’s independence. Once on the island, you can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum to view the original torch and an explanatory exhibit before taking in a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty on the 10th floor. A tour to Liberty Island from NYC is a great way to see this iconic landmark.

3.    Niagara Falls

Pounding water, glistening mist and an engineering feat, Is it any wonder Niagara Falls is a top tour in Canada.  Located at the border of Ontario and New York, Niagara Falls combines the brute force of water with engineering to create magnificent waterfalls. Whether you witness Niagara Falls via boat, helicopter or from the Observation Tower, you will marvel at the amount of water crashing through the falls each second.

4.    Whale Watching in San Diego

Sseasonal Blue Whale Watching Adventure cruises,  are available through to September. Departing from the convenient location of Embarcadero downtown San Diego at 970 North Harbor Drive, daily tours start boarding at 8:45 a.m. for the 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. daily excursion. Price is $75. per person ($40 for children 4-12), with the addition of tax, service charge and landing fee. This specialty cruise is designed for those that love whales, dolphins, sea lions and sea birds. After boarding, you will speed out to sea on one of the fleet’s comfortable yachts and pass barking sea lions and pods of leaping dolphins in search of the legendary blue whales. During the four-hour tour, you will be treated to a live narration by an experienced captain and an on-board naturalist (from the San Diego Natural History Museum).

5.    New York Imbible Cruise

You are welcome aboard to down rum cocktails while experiencing the best views New York City has to offer from the East River with Lady Liberty herself. Created by world-renowned mixologist, spirits educator and author Anthony Caporale, “The Imbible: Rum Drinks…And Pirates!” tells the story of rum from its origins right up to modern-day. Join the cast of Imbible for their thirty-minute musical spectacular and gain access to this exclusive experience by anchoring on the Private Pirate Deck to learn all about the history and science of cocktails. Imbibing in this Boozy Musical Experience not only provides access to one of the hottest theatre tickets in town, but also gives the chance to try three complimentary cocktails aboard one of NYC’s premier yachts.  You must be 21 and older to attend, scheduled for Thursdays and Sundays through to September.

6.    Historic Harbor Tours of the Marina

Enjoy the sight of Marina del Rey from the comforts of a classic yacht.  The 45-minute tour is narrated by one of Hornblower’s Captains with information about local landmarks and its 50 plus year history.  The cruise features sightings of local marine life and an introduction to local environmental efforts. Available through September. 

7.    Newport Beach Wild Goose Dockside Tour

On this tour you are invited aboard to experience one of the most famous yachts in Newport Beach, the Wild Goose. Once the yacht of acting legend John Wayne, this legendary vessel boasts  an impressive history. The tour includes informative narration that guides you throughout the yacht, highlighting interesting facts and intriguing stories. 

8.    San Francisco Dinner Cruise

If you are interested in taking in the stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, passing by two of the top ten attractions in the United States (Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge), this 2½ hour cruise is available on Friday and Saturday nights, with boarding at 6:30pm, is for you.  You will enjoy a four-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing, full no-host bar and scenic San Francisco Bay views. 

As background:

Hornblower Cruises & Events has been the leading charter yacht and public dining cruise operator headquartered in California for over 35 years. The company operates over 70 vessels, including the three largest dining yachts on the West Coast and has ports in San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, San Diego and New York City. Two Hornblower subsidiary businesses, Alcatraz Cruises and Statue Cruises, are National Park Service ferry concessioners to Alcatraz Island, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. In 2014, Hornblower Cruises & Events began operating the third subsidiary, Hornblower Niagara Cruises, out of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

For more information visit: www.hornblower.com

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