Sightseeing Cruise From Kingston

Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston runs through Hudson River Cruises. Rated 4.5 across 898 reviews. Runs 1 hour 30 minutes. From $43.

Overview

This ninety-minute sightseeing cruise leaves from the dock at 40 Rondout Landing in Kingston, New York, and returns to the same spot. Hudson River Cruises runs the trip with a professional guide on board who narrates the stretch of the river the boat travels, mixing history with stories about the landmarks along the way. Reviewers regularly mention the narration as a highlight, and several describe the information as interesting and informative.

The route passes scenery that several travellers describe as lovely and peaceful, including views of the Rondout and Esopus Meadows lighthouses from the water, plus a variety of boat traffic from small fishing boats to loaded barges. The vessel has three levels: an enclosed lower deck, a shaded but open middle deck, and an open-air upper deck with bench seating. Seating is first-come, first-served, and reviewers advise arriving early to claim a spot in the sun or at the front.

A guide is included in the fare, but food, drinks and gratuities are not. There is a fully stocked bar and a snack bar on the lower deck selling items such as hot dogs and fresh popcorn at your own expense, and outside food and drink is not permitted. The cruise suits most travellers, including families with pushchairs, and it pairs well with the shops and restaurants several reviewers explored near the dock afterward. Kingston sits roughly two hours from NYC by car, and the season runs May through October.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at the dockMeet at Hudson River Cruises, 40 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401. Parking is plentiful and the dock is easy to find, according to reviewers.
2. Board and pick seatingSeating is first-come, first-served across the enclosed lower deck, shaded middle deck and open-air upper deck, so arrive early for a preferred spot.
3. Cruise the HudsonThe sightseeing cruise lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, with a professional guide narrating the river section, including lighthouses and mansions along the banks.
4. Optional snacks and drinksA bar and snack bar on the lower main deck sell alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and light fare at your own expense.
5. Return to KingstonThe boat returns to the original departure point at 40 Rondout Landing.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this cruise, from seating strategy to what to wear on the water.

• Arrive early. The listing notes that seating is first-come, first-served, and advises arriving early if you want to sit in a particular area of the boat. Choosing between the enclosed lower deck and the open upper deck is up to you.
• Bring sun protection. The upper deck is open air, so a hat and sunblock are worth packing if you plan to sit up top. One reviewer wished they had thought to bring both.
• Photography. The three decks give different angles on the river, with the open-air upper deck offering the widest views. The listing notes plenty of seating both inside and above, so you can shift position as the scenery changes.
• Food and drink. Snacks and drinks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, are available for purchase on the lower deck, and several reviewers mentioned enjoying them. Outside food and beverages are not allowed on board.
• Weather matters. Poor weather can force cancellation, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered.
• Pace and feel. Many reviewers describe the trip as relaxing, and the same words come up again and again: comfortable, peaceful and enjoyable. At ninety minutes it is a short outing that leaves time for other plans in the day.

Common issues. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are allowed and the operator asks travellers with limited mobility to get in touch to discuss options. The trip caps at 200 travellers and seating is first-come, first-served, so popular spots can fill up. The cruise also requires a minimum number of travellers and good weather, and it can be cancelled for either reason, with a different date or a full refund offered. Cancelling less than 24 hours before start time forfeits the amount paid.

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