​I have had the distinct privilege of being a passenger on several Waterways cruises, and without fail, the experience continuously compels me to return. Waterways has mastered the delicate art of high end hospitality: delivering an impeccably luxurious, upper class experience while maintaining an authentic atmosphere of absolute comfort. The vessel itself is magnificent, but it is the incomparable crew that elevates these voyages into unforgettable memories. ​Here is a closer look at the remarkable individuals who define the Waterways standard of excellence: ​ Charlie Having had the pleasure of Charlie's service both behind the bar and at my table, I can confidently say she is an absolute gem. She possesses a rare, effortless sweetness that transforms every interaction into a special occasion. For those with a discerning palate, her mixology skills are unmatched! Charlie crafts a Cold Brew Martini that is, quite frankly, a masterpiece of balance and sophistication. ​Bill Serving the front of house on my third voyage, Bill exemplified the pinnacle of refined hospitality. He brings a wholesome, genuinely sweet nature to the dining room that instantly makes the environment feel both exclusive and deeply inviting. His intuitive attention to detail ensures that you want for nothing, enveloping your evening in a blanket of sophisticated warmth. ​Gary As the Cruise Manager for two of my voyages, Gary truly sets the gold standard for luxury operations. He is the epitome of professionalism and kindness, managing the vessel's endless moving pieces with a grace that makes flawless execution look entirely effortless. Gary remains smiling and composed at all times, anchoring the elite atmosphere of the entire yacht. ​ Captain Miles Commanding the vessel on my inaugural dinner cruise, Captain Miles stood out not only for his expertise but for his incredibly sweet personality. His profound passion for the maritime life is palpable, and he possesses a commendable dedication to the safety and joy of every single passenger. Miles doesn't just navigate... he connects, making you feel elite from the moment you step aboard. ​John Tending bar on my first cruise, John is a consummate professional and a true gentleman in every sense of the word. His presence behind the bar instantly elevates the entire lounge experience, bringing an old school charm and sophistication to the modern luxury layout. To top it off, his Bloody Mary is expertly crafted and arguably the finest you will taste on the water. ​ Captain Jeff ​Captain Jeff is truly the heart of the operation. On our most recent brunch cruise, we had the distinct honor of having Jeff as our Captain. This particular voyage was a milestone for my family, as we were gathering to celebrate my daughter's birthday. Jeff curated an experience for her that was nothing short of magical, touching my heart in a way I won't soon forget. ​What defines the luxury of Waterways is dictated from the top down. When I spoke with Jeff, he humbly insisted that his crew receive the recognition instead of himself. This selflessness speaks volumes about his character. He is a leader who derives his own pride from lifting others up and watching them shine. Jeff went completely out of his way to ensure the absolute comfort and VIP treatment of every passenger on board. He graciously welcomed guests into the pilot house, offering a rare, high class glimpse behind the scenes, chatting warmly, and taking photos. Jeff's leadership is the secret ingredient that makes Waterways both elite and profoundly welcoming. ​These honorable mentions represent just a fraction of the world class staff that make Waterways Cruises a luxurious, comfortable, and deeply rewarding escape. It is an experience that transcends standard dining. Whether you are planning an intimate date night, a milestone birthday, an anniversary, a holiday gala, or a graduation, any occasion is grandly amplified the moment you step aboard a Waterways cruise. Highly recommended for those who appreciate the finer things in life. read more

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What an amazing experience it was with Waterways Cruises! My wife and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary on their happy hour cruise, we were both blown away! The whole crew on board was very attentive and friendly, they also had a decent selection for drinks and food. I would say it was a group of about 10-15 passengers and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, there were a few board games to choose from and great views from both the lower inside viewing area and the upper outside deck. The captain Jeff was a really great host and I could tell he genuinely loves doing these cruises, he enthusiastically showed us the inside of the cockpit after we told him it was our first time on a boat! read more

Waterways Cruises - Me with Captain Jeff - Boat Charters Near Me - Seattle, Washington

went on dinner cruise and thought it was grea. super friendly staff and captain let us steer the ship. totally recommend

It was a very serene trip and the staff were really friendly and the Captain was a great narrator. Julie

What an amazing experience! My husband and I had a wonderful time here celebrating our wedding anniversary! I loved the relaxed vibe, we were able to come out to the deck as much as we like and the weather was gorgeous! It was about a good 2 hour boat ride and didn't feel like a tour - the captain would chime in to tell us what certain were but not consistently. The food was spectacular - I had a surf and turf and it was delicious. The other items like salad and dessert were also really good. Tickets are very reasonable considering the experience and dinner. We would definitely recommend and will likely do again. read more

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Staff was so kind and great food was good we all had a great time would recommended this it was a great way to see Seattle

My mom came to town to visit me for the first time in my adult life, and I wanted to make her last night in Seattle really special. A dinner cruise felt like the perfect sendoff--and it was! Waterways delivered a great experience. Check-in was a breeze using just our last name, and the crew was professional, friendly, and welcoming. The cruise itself was mellow and relaxing, with the captain chiming in at intervals to share fun facts, which added a nice touch. We even got a complimentary glass of champagne when we sat down. My mom has a somewhat unusual food allergy (Alpha Gal--basically no red meat or anything from mammals), and I noted this when booking. We both chose the salmon entrée and asked for one to be dairy-free. I was really impressed that they honored this request: we got the same salad, but hers was served without cheese, which was perfect. The salmon plate came with a tasty teriyaki-style glaze, steamed white rice, and a small side salad. Overall, very enjoyable--I'll get to my one "but" in a moment. A highlight of the evening was stepping out to the bow for the classic Titanic-style photo. The captain chimed in over the PA with a perfect dad joke--"You know how that movie ends, right?"--and it gave us both a laugh. A fun, memorable moment. Now for a few notes that I hope Waterways might take into consideration for future cruises: 1. Diesel exhaust during undocking - They left the aft doors open while getting underway, and a lot of diesel fumes entered the cabin. My mom has asthma and had to put on a mask for a bit until they opened other doors to clear the air. As someone who works on boats myself, I understand diesel comes with the territory--but limiting fumes in the passenger area would make a big difference for everyone's comfort and health. 2. Salmon doneness - While delicious, the salmon was a bit undercooked inside. Not an issue for us--we love sushi--but I can imagine this being off-putting to someone expecting fully cooked fish. Possibly a result of trying to keep it from drying out on the warmer? 3. Dessert confusion - We ordered chocolate-covered strawberries without realizing a cheesecake dessert was included with the meal. Not a huge issue (especially since mom can't eat cheesecake anyway), but it felt awkward to tell the server we only ordered one dessert, then be told the meal comes with one. Also, the strawberries came with whipped cream, which mom can't eat either--something we would've asked to omit if we had known ahead of time. A bit more transparency or labeling on the menu would really help. Despite these minor issues, we had a lovely night, and I would definitely recommend a Waterways dinner cruise for anyone celebrating something special. It was a great way to make memories with my mom--and I'll always treasure that. read more

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I went to the valentine dinner cruise and we sat by the window on the second floor. The food was good but it was cold inside where my husband and I had coats on and were feeling uncomfortable because it was cold inside. I prefer to do cruise like this in the summer because we sat by the window and it was difficult to see the waters because it was dark and windows always getting foggy. The service was fine and there was complimentary coffee and tea read more

It was a lovely experience, loved the atmosphere and the mood and the food was amazing. The views were nice and it was a nice, relaxing time together with my husband. Only thing was it was hard to understand what they said over their PA system the few times they said something. read more

DINNER ON THE SOUND Fun sunset dinner cruise on the Puget Sound. We had actually booked a wine tasting cruise with our member winery however it was cancelled. Waterways contacted me and asked if I'd like a refund or I could go on a sunset dinner cruise the same day and time. I said I was interested but had noticed from the website that dinner cruises were less expensive than the one we booked. "No problem", she said, "we will refund the difference to your card AND comp you a bottle of wine, the window seat and a free charcuterie platter for your trouble". "Great!" I said. "We are in!" The cruise was great. For our dinners, my wife had the salmon, and I had the steak. She said it was so-so. My steak was slightly more done than I like it. Medium well vs medium rare. Then again, nobody asked me how I'd like it cooked. Also, you know they cook this stuff before you get on the boat so it has to be cooked to lowest common denominator which, I guess is medium to medium well. The staff were very friendly. We made a connection with a young man who brought us our second bottle of wine. He said he had been working there for nine months and loved it far more than the awful grocery store job he left. Unfortunately the fellow knew nothing about how to open a bottle of wine much less serve it. He struggled with the bottle opener. Turning it the wrong direction after the cork was out half way. "You're going to cork the wine!" I exclaimed in an attempt to save it. At which point he took it in the back presumably to get help from a colleague. He brought it back opened and attempted to pour full glasses for both of us. "No no" I said. " You need to pour a taste for the head of the party first". At which point he did for me and I pretended to spit it out, Ha ha. Anyway, I was surprised the fellow had been there nine months and nobody had taught him wine etiquette. Management please take note. No stars will be deducted for food, since, it's really all about the experience. Being on a boat with dinner a full bar. Enjoying the sound and the sunset. The brisk breeze, the scenery. The houseboats. The only reason I MIGHT deduct a single star is not because the waiter did not know how to serve a bottle of wine. Rather it would be because management had nine months to teach him and failed at this simple 5 minute instruction. Other than that, I was very pleased with the experience and would definitely return. I am sure by then the young man will have learned how to handle a bottle of wine. So four stars. Excelsior. read more

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While my family was here visiting from Texas for their last night here we planned our trip for a dinner cruise. It was a very special experience and memories that won't be forgotten. When they come back to visit again they would like for my family to make reservations again. So in a few years we definitely will be back to make even more memories. read more

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Very horrible experience and a complete waste of money. Do not recommend. Should've known the moment I read "no refunds" in their policy. Booked a reservation for my 2 years anniversary. I was so excited we were looking forward to it all week. Then, when the date arrived the place was closed. We live in Whidbey island so about 2 hrs away from Seattle. Didn't even get a email or nothing. Would not recommend to anyone. 200 dollars basically donated. read more

We took a holiday cocktail cruise on 12/12/24 and had a great time! This was the third Waterways cruise we have taken and it did not disappoint. Captain Jeff was great and made our experience even more memorable when he let me wear his hat and steer the boat. That was really cool! I definitely recommend going on any of their cruises! read more

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The service is top notch! Having dinner on a boat cannot get any more romantic than this. I give 5 stars because it is well deserved read more

Waterways Cruises - Brunch on a beautiful Sunday morning - Boat Charters Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We had a wonderful time with Waterway Cruises and Events--overall, it was a peaceful and scenic night out on the water. The views were fantastic, the atmosphere was relaxing, and the experience was a great way to unwind and enjoy the city from a different perspective. The only downside--and the reason for the 4-star rating--was the service around drinks. We were never approached to place a drink order during the cruise, and when I eventually went up to the bar to order, I was told the drinks would be brought to our table. Unfortunately, they never arrived, even by the end of the cruise. It didn't ruin the night, but it was disappointing and something that could be easily improved. Still, I'd recommend the cruise for a relaxing evening--just maybe be proactive about getting your drinks early! read more

Was excited me to change up our New Year's Eve. Vegas locals, we flew up to do this cruise cost little under 700 taxes and fees etc. Then they charge 28 bucks for 2 diet cokes, I was flabbergasted. Not only did they charge 28 bucks but our server Andrew never came by checked on us, no refill. My gf was super thirsty so I had to go up stairs to find someone not our server to get her some water. Suprised wasn't charged for that. Then the name theme suggest dinner on the lake, we finished all of the 5 course meal at the dock. I could have went to a restaurant on the dock for that. Really was disappointed, would never recommend especially for the price read more

Waterways Cruises - The bill - Boat Charters Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great time for fireworks. Staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. Music was great. read more

Waterways Cruises - Boat Charters Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We did the dinner cruise it was beautiful views but entree took forever to come out. I think they tried to time it to have everyone's come out at the same time but when it did, my food was cold. Also we had gotten back to dock before dessert came out so it went on longer than 2 hours. Good experience for a one time thing read more

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The lunch cruise wasn't what we expected . Horrible lunch vegan options gluten free options . The cruise was ok but hated the music played . The old lady server wasn't the nicest as we asked for more coffee and hot water since it was empty ! Wouldn't do it again ! The food which is a part of it needs an upgrade ! Went there hungry , left even hungrier! Only drank coffee as it was too early for us to drink alcohol ! read more

The captain and staff were friendly, helpful and made the 2 hour trip pleasant. We did the brunch cruise and there was plenty of food. The made to order omelets were delicious. Full bar on board at an additional cost. We toured Lake Union, into Lake Washington, to the Ballard docks and back to the pier. read more

I've lived in the greater Seattle area for over 50 years now, but had never been on a cruise of Lakes Union and Washington with a local company. My wife and I and four other friends, all with September/Virgo birthdays, decided it was the perfect time to celebrate with a dinner cruise. This was it. Plus we were able to use a coupon deal with a well-known travel company. We had an outstanding time with cooperating weather and an opportunity to discover waterways and attractions from a boats eye view. Service was excellent, the crew was ultra friendly (especially our server, Bill, who was an absolute delight...and was born and lived in the same tiny Rhode Island town where I went to college!), and points of interested were pointed out. Our salmon and chicken dinners were delicious. Only complaint: the very ordinary, mushy, overcooked and unadorned white rice. Had a bit of a snafu with our dock site...had to be changed on the day of the cruise...but all worked out fine, though parking was a bit of a challenge. All in all, we'd all gladly do it again. read more

Such a wonderful Thanksgiving on Waterways! Exceptional food and service. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and the views were fantastic! read more

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I think drinks should have been included basic fountain drinks for the amount of money I spent and gratituty. The dessert could have been better presented and warmed. read more

It is ALWAYS fun hanging out on the lake with friends and family on Waterways cruises. Staff are very friendly and they serve delicious food. My wife and I have made these outings on Waterways dinner cruises but on special occasions like Mother's Day, the staff of Waterways cruises take our spending time together to another level through exceptional service They are so fun and reasonably priced too! Thank you dearly for your dedication and service, Waterways cruises! You're the best in this business! read more

Waterways Cruises - Boat Charters Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The port was very hard to find!! Better directions are needed!! The email also posted the boarding times incorrectly, it's the tiny attention to details that matter! I enjoyed my time on this cruise!! The main floor and tables were beautifully decorated and I felt very fancy! Loved that the drink menu was all on theme!! The food was amazing, the charcuterie board was huge and so filling! I ordered the bottomless mimosas and they did not disappoint!! I was low key a little board because the drag show left me wanting more. The queen only performed twice and then did musical chairs. So that felt frustrating because the purpose was a drag brunch, which in my opinion should have included performances happening during the entire trip. I might recommend bringing cards or a game to pass the time while you boat around! Views were epic!! read more

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I received my dinner cruise as a birthday gift. I booked our cruise Aug 17 & picked our entrees, my husband chose sirloin steak. Sept 3 I got an email saying they were switching from spring/ summer menu to fall/ winter menu- sirloin steak will be substituted for Braised short ribs. Didn't they know 2 weeks in advance when seasonal menu is changed? When the food was delivered to our tables, others ordered steak & lobster. Not sure if it was Filet Mignon. Upon arrival you are greeted with a glass of champagne or apple cider, which was refreshing. Also we told upon boarding the women's bathroom was broke, we had to use upstairs bathroom. I've never been on a yacht, no idea which toggle switches were to flush. Tiny trickle of water came out to " flush" thru a tiny hole. Person before me left their TP in bowl. It was an embarrassing situation. I came out & had to get help from a waiter. Not sure if men's bathroom was the same. We had never been to that area & there are NO signs in parking lot/ entrance. It was helpful they send you a map where the yachts are located. I thought it was supposed to be narratated by the captain. Only thing he pointed out was Gas Works park. Silence the rest of the cruise. Soon as you pass under Lake Union bridge, all you really see is black, unless you go outside. The food was delicious, considering its not cooked on site. Our server was Andrea, she was fantastic! Bottom line is: for salmon, rice & 2 veggies, short ribs, mashed potatoes.... Personally I would not recommend it IF you are a local. If your a tourist, go during the day, so you can actually see the sights. $150 per person is expensive!! read more

We participated in this weekend's brunch cruise on 18 Feb, and it was unequivocally enjoyable! Cleanliness & service was on point; the food was fabulous; and the scenery extraordinary! My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the island, and highly recommend this to all couples and families. I took one star, which was at no fault of Waterways. Unfortunately, a large group of friends (8) at the table across from us were celebrating a birthday and gradually became loud and obnoxious towards the end of our cruise. Nonetheless, Waterways definitely had their A-Team on deck! And, while my last brunch was less than desirable, this recent attendance has surely restored my confidence in this organization. Thank you to all the Waterways Team for making this wonderful brunch a great success! read more

Waterways Cruises - Omelette, toasted bagel, fried potatoes, bacon, charcuterie spread, champagne, & chocolate covered strawberries. - Boat Charters Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Tremendous service and food top notch. Plus you get a ship tour. Just amazing in all aspects and I highly recommend it. read more

Waterways Cruises - View from ship - Boat Charters Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Decided to do a dinner cruise for a date night. Overall, it was a nice evening. The 2hr cruise experience started at the docks in South Lake Union and went to Lake Washington (by Bellevue). There was a small "tour" of the cruise which consisted of 6 short facts. It was neat learning about the lakes, but wish it had more substance. The majority of tables were couples but there were also a few larger and louder parties, which ruins the mood. So if you're looking for a romantic night, this might not be for you. The servers also always asked if we wanted something to drink throughout the whole night. I had a long day so I was good with just water. But the servers came by at least 10 times asking if I wanted something to drink. Nice gesture, but got annoying after the first few times. Food wise, it was pretty standard. - bread + butter: artisanal warm bread with unsalted butter. - butternut soup: very rich and indulgent with a hint of butternut flavor. Was okay. - salmon dinner: salmon was cooked just right, maybe slightly over cooked. Could've had a little more sauce. But that's being nit picky. The steamed veggies were basically frozen veggies you get at buffets. - short ribs dinner: super tender meat with a Demi-glance sauce. Paired really nicely with the mashed potatoes. - Carmel Apple cheesecake: fluffy and had nice chunks of apple. However whipped cream tasted watered down and a little off :( Overall, fun night and neat experience! But I'm not sure if I will be back. read more

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My boyfriend and I took the brunch cruise on a Saturday to celebrate our anniversary. The pier was a little hard to find (I think more signage would be helpful) and there are no public bathrooms until you get on the boat. If you have accessibility concerns, just know that it's a bit of a walk down the wooden pier, and then you have to get up two steps onto the boat. Unbeknownst to us, we were sitting upstairs, so more steps--not a problem for us, but you might want to make sure that you are on the main floor if it's a concern for you. We paid extra money for a window table but laughed when we saw that aside from one long table, they're all window tables! Staff was very courteous and professional. The views are gorgeous. I live in Seattle but it's always a treat to get out in the water, especially when the mountain is out. The coffee on the boat is a crime against humanity--so watered down and weak. You can't serve that in Seattle! The food was pretty mediocre and very cold (not lukewarm, actually cold)! So that was disappointing for the price point. The boat is clean. The downstairs bathrooms are like a standard public restroom, the upstairs is like what you typically find on boats and I could not figure out how to flush the toilet (and neither could many others, from the looks of it). Staff kindly helped me, but maybe put some instructions up, because that was embarrassing! All in all, a pleasant way to spend a morning, especially if you are a tourist or new for the area. But I can't say that it felt like the best value. Still, probably a better experience than some of the more crowded vessels, like Argosy. read more

Waterways Cruises - We did get a nice long view of Mt. Rainier. - Boat Charters Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I had the BEST experience with Waterways Cruises over the holiday break. My mom was in town for Christmas and I wanted her to get a skyline view from the water so a dinner cruise it was! That said, we actually booked the holiday booze cruise for that evening which ended up being cancelled. Not only did Waterways reschedule us (for free) to the dinner cruise the same evening, they provided us with multiple complimentary items during our dinner which was SO above and beyond. As for the cruise itself, it was super relaxing and a fun experience especially for someone from out of town. We were greeted with complimentary champagne, the playlist was amazing, and there were great views from both the top and bottom floors of the boat. We both ordered the steak entree and while all the sides, apps, and desserts were good, I will say the steak itself wasn't my favorite (my literal only complaint). I'd just opt for salmon next time :) All in all a wonderful experience, super easy to get to and tons of parking near the pier, and extremely nice staff. I'll absolutely be booking a cruise with them again! read more

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The dinner cruise was a great experience. The boat was spacious and all the diners had a window table. The service was excellent!! Every server was super nice and knowledgeable about the menu. I'm gluten intolerant, and they brought me gluten free bread without being asked. This was based on my inquiry about the menu when I booked the trip. A note had been made in our reservation. The entire menu is basically gluten-free, with the exception of a few sauces. The cruise was very peaceful and leisurely, with a background of what I would call "yacht rock". For a June day we did not have the best weather, but it was a very calming trip with very good food and friendly service. I would definitely attend again. read more

We were a party of four and went on the smaller boat which was cozy, nicely decorated and warm, which was good since it was November in Seattle! The food was absolutely delicious, and plenty for seconds. Complementary hot coco with yummy toppings upon arrival. The service was good too. The only thing I would say to improve would be to ask if we wanted more drinks and what the extra cost is, we wanted to order coffee and had to ask, and then got one coffee, not sure what happened. Also, if you want to leave a tip you can do that when you book or you need to ask the waiter to leave a tip and they will take your credit card. Overall, the whole trip was perfect, the food great! I would definitely book a trip again in the future. read more

We tried the weekend brunch cruise, overall amazing service. It was a typical rainy Seattle day therefore could not get a lot of views. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The food was great alongwith the occasional commentary. The brunch included an omelette station, toast, mimosa, egg Benedict, muffins, pastries, parfaits and this amazing bread pudding (favorite item). Additional alcohol available for purchase. Pro-tip: try looking for group deals for additional savings (beware of some hidden costs) read more

Waterways Cruises - Brunch Spread on the cruise - Boat Charters Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Waterways Cruises hosts dinner cruises, brunch cruises, private events, etc. We went on the weekend brunch cruise this summer and it was a wonderful experience. Reasons why: - Smooth reservation process on their website - Tons of parking spaces - The sights and captain's narrations were nice - Staff on board were very friendly - Yacht's interior was clean - Food and drinks were decent (didn't have high expectations) Basically there are two made-to-order omelet stations, and a buffet-style section with assorted pastries, fruits, salad, belgium waffles, roasted potatoes with veggies, and apple-wood smoked bacon - the bacon was GOOD!! There is room for improvement though. First of all, the line for obtaining food moved painfully slow. This was partially due to a hiccup in the beginning when the staff forgot to explain to customers the procedures for getting food, and partially due to covid as only one table was allowed at a time to get up for food (which resulted in some upset "last table" customers waiting 40 minutes for their turn while they watched others eat). Another recommendation to Waterways is to get rid of the few middle seats. Nobody likes those. Keep just the window seats. During my cruise every customer that was assigned a middle seat ended up leaving to the upper deck to find a better seat. read more

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It was a pleasant experience. The staff was attentive and friendly. Definitely worth the money.

I find it very hard to believe that anybody had "the BEST" experience on this Waterways Mother's Day Brunch Cruise. I have to say, I was not just underwhelmed, I was a little offended. What was offensive? Let's start with the bathroom situation. The bathroom situation on the boat I was on was similar to the porta-potty hygeine situation. There was a toilet and then a spat of water, no towels and very little with which to wash one's hands properly. When I came out of the toilet, the bar staff informed me that "here's a papertowel." Now, I'm not a outdoorsy prude. I can rough it with the rest of them, but my concern was mainly that THIS WAS THE SANITATION AVAILABLE TO THE SERVERS. Yes, this was billed as a "brunch buffet cruise." So, I don't care what anybody says, this boat lacked the proper facility for a waitstaff to keep thier hands clean to serve food. Speaking of waitstaff, I gotta tell ya, having been a fine dining waiter for at least 20 years, I found the staff was lacking mainly because they were obviously young kids who didn't really care about service. They were probably underpaid and just doing this job in the interim to some other goal: finishing school and getting a "real" job or actor. There was no real "service" other than "on that tray over there is your free warm flute of "champagne" and the buffett will happen soon. Note: You must pile ALL the food you think you may want on your plate in the first go around because if you wait to have your sweet little finger pastry after your breakfast you will be disappointed because someone else piled much more on their plate the first time around than you and the food will not be replenished because the cruise is going to be over soon! OK. Besides the food, this was supposed to be a cruise to learn about the history and geographic interest of Seattle, Lake Union, Lake Washington, etc. in the small cruise area that Waterways takes it's unsuspecting diners on. But the Captain or whomever was supposed to be pointing out points of interest, history, etc. of the areas visible from the boat was not very clear on the mic. Their enunciation was poor. I couldn't understand one thing that was being said about the points of interest that we were floating by. That was frustrating because I lived in Seattle for about 13 years and am now an islander. I would have liked to brush up on my Lake Wash. Lake Union, Seattle history. I couldn't hear a thing. I don't think it was noise from the boat. I think the person talking on the mic didn't know really how to talk on a mic. So opportunity missed there! Anyway, my beef if you're going to charge more than $100 a ticket, make it better. And, oh yeah, the food was OK. Kinda like a hotel buffet. They can't really do it well without a good staff. Pay your service staff more! Incentive to do better. IMHO. read more

Over a year ago, my wife and I celebrated our anniversary on a brunch cruise and had a pleasant time. This time, we took the opportunity to celebrate my mother in law's 60th birthday on the boat. We went with the same excitement that we would have a similar experience as before, however, that was not the case. The dinner cruise was extremely disappointing. We went on the boat and for the first 45 minutes, other than the servers coming to see if we wanted drinks, they gave us no briefing whatsoever on how the dinner was going to work or if this was our first time or not. Furthermore, we were put upstairs where we couldn't see the food. So, I took the initiative and asked one of the servers and found out that we'd be called to get dinner. After almost an hour of being out on the lake, we were finally told we could get in line for dinner, but by the time we reached the food, the salad was gone (with no more replenishments as we had asked two different servers), and the rest of the food was almost gone. Thankfully, there were more of the other dishes available, but I cannot believe that the kitchen staff did not fill up the dishes that were almost out before they were gone. It took us telling them that there is no more food for them to put more out. This isn't quite a "buffet" feeling. Now, it isn't like there were hundreds of people on this boat that the staff couldn't keep up. There was a max of 40 people on this boat IF THAT. Another huge disappointment was how the tables were laid out on the boat. Your website is extremely misleading with false advertisement because when we were booking it, there was a box to check for "guaranteed window seating" for $25/table. Because it was my mother-in-law's special day, we wanted to make sure to opt-in for this to add a special touch. Once we boarded, I quickly saw that every single table was window seating. For someone who did not know that, this is extremely disappointing as nobody on that boat needed to have purchased window seating then. I believe that our 2 hour experience was NOT worth the price. The servers were kind, but that was pretty much all they have going for them. Kindness does not equate to good service though. They did not check on us frequently, and they did not seem to take very good care of us overall. They were just apologetic about not having enough salad and the food running out instead of perhaps wanting to make the situation right with perhaps offering us complimentary drinks or such to make up for what happened. I took the time to contact management first with hopes to rectify this terrible experience somehow, but even after 2 weeks, I have yet to receive a response from them which leads me to believe that they don't really care what customers feel or what their experience was like. The boats feel extremely outdated, and what they offer for the price you pay is disappointing. If you could at all opt to do the Hornblower cruises at available locations (SF area, San Diego area), make that your first experience instead. They offer an incredible experience with amazing food, service, and views all for a very similar price to what Waterways offers. I cannot believe Waterways gets away with charging what they charge for operating such a small boat with minimal amenities. I am never giving them another dime to this business. EDIT: I have not changed any content in the above posted review. However, the customer service has been exceptional so far and I always appreciate that about businesses. I understand businesses can fall short at times, but how they choose to act after is the true identity of that business and Waterways has so far been good at owning up and genuinely talking to us about our experience. read more

Everything was amazing from the process of boarding, the viewing deck, drink and food options, everything was perfect and even provided us with a happy anniversary card signed by everyone. Will definitely be back! read more

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Horrible horrible boat company. I had everything set with them for my bosses birthday event and after getting everything set and promises made the event manager just cancelled on me and is ignoring my calls. So unprofessional and ruined our whole event. Never ever do business with them. read more