Sightseeing Cruise From Albany

Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Albany runs through Dutch Apple Cruises. Rated 4.8 across 608 reviews. Runs 1 hour 30 minutes. From $39.99.

Overview

Dutch Apple Cruises runs this 90-minute narrated loop out of Albany, departing from the Broadway and Quay Street dock that shares a free parking lot with the USS Slater. A Hudson River historian talks through the whole trip, covering the buildings and sites on both banks along with the river's history. The route passes the USS Slater destroyer escort, the Albany waterfront, the New York State Capitol and the Erastus Corning II Tower before returning to the same dock.

The experience mixes city views with stretches of nature. Bald eagle sightings come up again and again in traveller reviews, and the listing itself recommends bringing binoculars for that reason. One reviewer noted the sights were not very interesting, which is worth knowing going in: the appeal is the narration, the relaxed pace and the wildlife as much as the skyline.

There is indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar and a snack bar on board. Outside food and drink are not permitted. The boat carries up to 120 travellers, and the listing says most travellers can participate. It runs in all weather, so dress for the day.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Broadway dockCheck in at 141 Broadway, Albany, at the intersection of Broadway and Quay Street. Free parking is available in the same lot as the USS Slater.
2. Pass USS Slater DE-766The boat cruises past the USS Slater destroyer escort near the departure point.
3. Pass Albany waterfrontThe historian narrates the buildings and sites along the city's riverfront as the boat moves down the Hudson.
4. Pass New York State CapitolViews of the Capitol building from the water as the boat continues along the route.
5. Pass Erastus Corning II TowerThe route also passes the Erastus Corning II Tower before the boat turns back.
6. Return to meeting pointThe cruise ends back at the Broadway dock, 1 hour 30 minutes after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up consistently in the listing and in what travellers report after sailing.

• Bring binoculars. Without optics the birds may register only as distant shapes.
• Choose seating carefully. The boat has indoor and outdoor areas.
• Food and drink. A full bar and snack bar operate on board, accepting cash and credit, and outside food and beverages are not allowed.
• Dress for weather. The cruise operates in all conditions, so the listing advises dressing appropriately. Reviews mention sunny, breezy and overcast days, so layers are a safe bet.
• Set expectations on scenery. Several reviewers describe the scenery as beautiful, while a few found the sights less interesting and felt the narration and wildlife carried the trip more than the buildings. It is best treated as a relaxing ride with good commentary rather than a nonstop view.
• Group size and pace. The boat takes a maximum of 120 travellers.

Common issues. The listing states the boat is not wheelchair accessible, so anyone with mobility needs should contact the operator directly before booking. One reviewer reported difficulty hearing the narration at times because of the ship's engine noise. One traveller found the sights themselves not very interesting. The cruise requires good weather conditions from the operator's side, and cancellations for poor weather come with a choice of another date or a full refund. No hotel pickup is provided and food and drinks cost extra.

Picking Your Boat Tour