Highest rating and recommendations to all. Very impressive experience and perfect date night out. We took the dinner cruise and added most all the add on options available. Lots to see and food is amazing and great portion sizes as well. Parking is within walking distance from the dock at Kirkland location. Metered parking but it was only $1 an hour for parking. Wish I could do it again. The city lights throughout the dinner tour is amazing and route through lake union cruises right along side the boat houses and you get a spectacular view of the space needle too. Many many many photo ops with this one cruise too. You get your money's worth out of it that's for sure!!! read more

We selected Waterways for our company retreat activity and everyone had an amazing time! The staff was super friendly and attentive, the food was great, and the overall experience was really enjoyable. Everyone is still raving about it. In preparing for the trip, RhiAnnon at Waterways was incredibly responsive and accommodating. She answered all our questions and ensured everyone's dietary restrictions were considered. I can't say enough good things about the success of our event. Thanks, Waterways! read more

I went on a night time dinner cruise with a friend who was moving away. I scheduled the date to be on Saturday night and ordered the steak for the main dinner course. The Captain of the boat along with the manager, greeted us onto the boat with warm happy smiles and the staff was happy to get us anything that we needed including some coffee that my friend wanted due to the weather being so cold. We were given Champaign as we sat and waited to cast off. During the online portion, I bought a wine package that paired a wine with every meal that came out. We had got out soup and had not received any type of wine yet. Odd I looked it up and saw that it was for the entire meal that we were supposed to get wine. The next course came and still on wine. When the main entrée came out I finally asked our hostess where our wine was. She responded that she didn't know that my request was on our table and made sure we got at least a glass of something while she went to go and check on the request in the back with the manager. Later on in the evening, the manager came by to apologize for the mix up, as he did have us on his notes for wine but didn't inform the staff. He was very sincere in his apology and offered us some complementary wine while we ate our 4th course. During the entire cruise we had great narration from the Captain about sights and locations and even pointed out movie locations and famous houses along the shores of the lake. Over all I had a great time. I wouldn't call this the bad part of the review, but just something that you should know before booking this dinner cruise. Its cold outside and the boat is heated. So when you think you are going to get a nice clear picture outside the window your sitting next to be advised that you may have to use your napkin to wipe away some of the condensation build up on the window to see out. Pictures should be taken outside so that you don't get hazy or odd looking photos coming from inside of the heated cabin. Some people complained about this so I thought I bring it up. Unless you are drinking alcohol they really don't tend to you for refills as much. As I did get my drink refilled a couple of times I noticed that others, who had alcoholic drinks got more of a prompt service than me who was the DD that evening. Great views of Seattle at night and awesome food and service. I will recommend and be back next time. Price isn't bad for what you get and I think that what I paid for is what I got, excellence. read more

We celebrated my husbands 30th birthday here and absolutely loved it!! We had the Sunday Supper and were happy with the buffet options!

Went on the Seattle dinner cruise out of the Seattle dock. The boats are lovely and set up beautifully. We came as a family of 4 (teen children), and we didn't feel out of place, and this would also be wonderful for a romantic night out as well. It was rainy, but we still enjoyed the views and going out on the covered deck areas. I was very pleasantly surprised by the food. I was expecting meh and it was all done well. We went with a groupon which made it a very good price. I think regular price might be a wee bit too high, limiting it to special occasions. A bit cheaper and we'd go more regularly. We all had a good time and the staff were all friendly and wonderful. read more

Not really worth buying tickets for. They sat us all the way in the back, near windows with so much humidity, it was hard to look out of them. Salt and pepper shakers were dented and covered in what appeared to be rust. Food was mediocre. The only thing I enjoyed was the steak. Beverages were horrid. We ordered the egg cream drink and they were not kidding. It tastes like actual rotting eggs. We also ordered a pineapple juice but it tasted too generic. They didn't even put time into making an actual decadent desert. All they offered was an assortment of store bought cookies, fruit, and lemon cakes. The operations manager was nice but to be a representative you would think, she would at least wear clean clothes instead of bleached-spotted black jeans and a stained button up. Quite disappointing since we paid a lot, when cheaper could be offered at restaurants that actually put money and time into their food, beverages, and interior aesthetic! read more

Today I went on a birthday brunch with my bestfriend here. The food was good. All the host were very welcoming and friendly. I paid extra for the cake and seating to get a good view of the whole experience. Now, about the service. I have to say that it really wasn't worth the price I paid (and it wasn't cheap). It was buffet style. The thing was no one told us that we were allowed to start our meal. None of them were attentive. It was so terrible that I had to wave at them to get their attention several times, too many. I hate doing that. They all knew it was a birthday brunch but no one cared to ask if we wanted the cake or when it should come out. I had to ask the bartender to bring it out when we were done with our meal for 15 minutes and we were almost arriving to the docks. Until the meal was done, I ask for a box for a to go box for my 1 pound cake. She wrapped in plastic wrap without a box. I ask her if I could get a box. They said they were out. Sadly, the table next to us asked for a box too. They got one! I think that is very rude. Again I shouldn't have to keep asking them. They never ask me how we were doing or that we wanted something else. It's not like I'm at a small diner or something. This is a 5 star place. I expected the best from this place no matter the food, place, and especially the service. My boyfriend, the birthday boy was very dissatisfied. I felt bad for picking this place. I was hoping he would have a great birthday but the staff there was not doing their job right. I might be the fact that we're Asian. I know some might think oh no don't got there. Oh I am. They treated us differently from the table who were white. I also worked as a server before. I've treated everyone fairly. Why not they do the same? read more

This is a hard one to write without being unfair. I loved the cruise on one level, thought the food was great and wanted to give it 5 stars. Except...the boat's heat did not work. Apparently this has been going on for a little over a week (which is why you'll read complaints from those who took the New Year's Eve cruise). They have apparently been trying to get the heat fixed all day every day, and so far have had no luck. So, with no heat other than a few portable ones, it's not toasty cozy inside. Plus, the windows fog over, so you can't see the sights being pointed out. We kept trying to dry a spot on our window with our napkins. The crew has put up fans by some of the windows, and the fans help keep the windows clear. But the fan by our window didn't work, so we had a fogged up window the entire trip. We were each given a $20 gift card towards another cruise, so they are aware that the heat problem is a major issue. So, would I rather have them call me and tell me their heat is out which causes the windows to fog, and did I want to come anyway or reschedule for a time after the heat if fixed? I think that would be a better idea. But I can see what that could cost them for each cruise that doesn't fill up enough to be cost effective. This really is a great trip with good service and good food. I think the best approach is to be understanding. If you are going to book, call and ask them if they have their heat fixed yet. If not, wait a week or two and ask again. If you're reading this, then you know of the problem, and if you book without asking, then I'd expect no complaints. By the way, the blueberry coffee cake that they put out before the buffet opens, is absolutely yummy, and I haven't enjoyed salmon so much in a long time - very nicely done. Update: We went back again a couple of months later. The heat was working, and the cruise was delightful. The captain and crew are very polite and friendly. read more

I had taken the brunch and dinner cruise throughout the years with friends and family and always had a great time. Really nice food and a relaxing boat ride with great service. When we were hosting a large family reunion AND a 20% Groupon showed up in my inbox I decided it would be a great event. It was only a couple of weeks out but they could accommodate all of us. We boarded in Kirkland, which was another fun trip for out of towners. The food was plentiful and good. The service seamless. It was a perfect end to our long weekend. We had 56 people in our group and everyone found it wonderful. Bloody Marys were "awesome" according to those who imbibed. I highly recommend! read more

The brunch cruise was really fun. It was an intimate crowd which surprised me... thought it would be too big. The captain was funny and informative and the food rocked. I will definitely bring people from out of town on this. It's a great way to see the lake. ps. we brought our 10 month old and it was great for her. Clean high chairs (which is rare) and they gave us some food to keep her busy when we were getting started. read more

The wine tasting and dinner cruise was AMAZING!!!! Best experience I had in Seattle by far. Would definitely do it again!

Came here on a breakfast cruise last winter. The food was all super good and the cruise was great! They did an amazing job and would totally go again. read more

I've been to a short cruise before but this cruise doesn't have much view. I guess I didn't look it up before I go. It could of been much better had than what it was. The food was AWFUL!!! Everything was pretty much dry. But i guess it end it on a good note. So 2 stars it is! read more

I went on a Sunday brunch cruise on July 15th. I waited for the line to die down, and went to get my food. Well, it was gone. I told one of the chefs at the omelet station, he did nothing. I told a waitress, she finished filling water glasses for five minutes before she reluctantly went into the galley to get some more food. We stood there for over ten minutes (about six of us) waiting for some food. I was told I could go to the other end of the room and get an omelet, however I did not want an omelet. There were no vegetables, no soup, no fresh french toast, no salmon. No salad. It sucked. They finally brought out some more bacon and potatoes. I left very unsatisfied, and hungry. read more

Went on a wine tasting cruise with 4 course dinner with Gruet winery and it was amazing. The sample glasses of wines were very generous and they topped off your glass if you liked it! I especially liked it because they had vegetarian and vegan options because places like this usually just cater to one type of diet. Every crew member was very friendly even while you're walking by or at the table. The captain let us view the skyline in his cabin when we were cruising, overall great experience! Will probably book another cruise soon. :) read more

For Valentines I chose to take my sister on the brunch cruise. Not knowing what to expect I wasn't sure how good it would be. I have to say it was absolutely amazing!! The Captain and the Staff are so warm, friendly and accommodating!! From the moment we stepped aboard until the time we redocked it was very enjoyable!! I highly recommend everyone experience this at least once. I thought it was a bit pricey when I purchased the cruise but afterwards it was money Well spent! The only thing I would advise future users is that you need to base your gratuity tip on the cost of your tickets and any drinks you get onboard or the staff really gets robbed!! They are definitely worth it!! I am taking my daughter, son and granddaughter on a cruise this spring. read more

Fathers Day Brunch June 19th fron Renton -11am. The actual cruise was wonderful and the sevice was good. Except the captain was a bit odd... He had encouraged passengers to come up and visit him while the cruise was underway but then when we went up and asked him a few questions, he answered gruffly with one word answers. A bit strange I have to say. The food was VERY mediocre. The prime rib was chewy and tasteless, the horseradish was so very light in flavor and too fluffy, no au jus available. :( The French toast was VERY hard, even difficult to cut with a knife. And the crab was sub par. The bacon was to die for though as well as the creamy chowder and beautiful summer salad. The banana bread they offered as a starter was gross. I doubt I will spend $60 per person to take my dad and family again but I have to say that despite the mediocre food and odd captain it WAS enjoyable. read more

I loved it ... it really doesn't look like a cruise at first until you get on your boat, all the staff is very accommodating .. it was a good time read more

kirkland, dinner food: have to say, kind of disappointed at the food. but the primary experience isnt about the food. i ordered the steak, but also tried a bite of everything else. the food isnt bad, just that it couldve been better. the food comes out periodically throughout the cruise. you start with bread, soup, salad, entree, then a dessert. ***3/5 service: our server was great. it can be hard to get some attention sometimes due to the noise level from the ship. there was a complimentary champagne from the start. ***4/5 ambiance: this is the main reason i was there. and it was totally awesome. the views were amazing and we there during sunset. you can see the blue skies and the lights before the sun goes down. just beautiful. you tour around lake washington around UW, highway 520 into south lake union and tour back. we even got to see bill gates house, which was huge!. ***5/5 price: i got these through living social for half off. i dont think its worth full price. if the food was better, then sure. but if the deal ever comes out again. get it! especially if you havent been on the water around seattle. it was my first time and i loved it. ***3/5 read more

We took a cruise around Lake Washington/Lake Union today on Waterways Cruises and had an excellent time. Our group consisted of about 20 adults and 20 kids and everybody had fun. We went on a brunch cruise and the food was super yummy and good. I'd recommend this cruise to anybody. read more

My husband and I were totally blown away. The food is awesome. The free champagne upon boarding was a really nice touch. The only thing that annoyed me were the port fees and service fees, etc which I think really should be included in the price (and in the Groupon deal too) so people know UPFRONT what they are paying... (I know it's stated in there that there are extra fees, but, still... It reminds me of baggage fees in the airport... But anyway...)... Anyway still 5 stars though to us since it was an awesome cruise... We did the Sunday brunch... We plan to keep getting Groupons for this in the future and getting friends to join us too. Thanks!! read more

This is way I'm always so jealous of people who have boats! Setting sail on the open waters to the start of a glorious twilight and twinkling of Seattle's cityscape is certainly a nice calm to see. Although I was here for an event and shared the space with 60+ other women the space was still open and large enough for everyone to wander without bumping into one another. One major standout; the bathrooms! Nice! A boat like this has to step it up and they did with plenty of towels, wash area. The bar staff was accommodating and consistently in rotation picking up or getting everyone drinks - a great service if you don't feel like risking dropping your drink. Our tour began in the UW area and spun around the shores of bellevue and medina's grandiose homes of the tech industry (Bill Gates). In all, this was based on the experience of going with a group and not as an individual. it may be a bit overly priced but worth a chill night out for summer. read more

I chose sunset dinner cruise from Waterways cruises as the place where I would propose my girl. And bloody hell, they did not let me down at all. The tables were beautifully laid out with rose petals (had to pay extra for it, but totally worth it). The server was extremely courteous. The cruise took us all the way through lakes Washington and Union and the captain explained each of the landmarks in great detail. Food was excellent. Probably the best Filet Mignon I've ever had. My fiancee loved the salmon she had ordered. Later on the captain came down to talk to each person and he seemed an extremely jolly character. All in all, a wonderful experience. Negative one star for the lack of live music. I would have expected that from a romantic cruise. read more

Went on the dinner cruise as a prize with the "date night" included. Absolutely amazing. Free bottle of champagne, rose petals all on the table, and free chocolate covered strawberries. Demi was incredibly sweet. More than what we could ask for. The route was beautiful. This was just great overall. Only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because the steak I signed us up for was way ovedone. I asked for medium rare and we got medium well. If you're a big steak eater like myself and my boyfriend, this was kinda a big deal. It was dry enough to make my date literally choke on it. I would still recommend this to friends but would say to get a different meal. read more

We bought this as a Groupon deal and I'm very happy we did. I definitely would pay full price for it, the experience was wonderful, the staff was very friendly and helpful they were on top of making sure we had everything we needed to make sure our experience was nothing but perfect. The brunch was very delicious they had more than enough food and everything tasted fresh and delicious. The boat was very well taken care of and clean, as soon as we arrived they had our tables picked for us so everyone knew were they were going. I definitely recommend this to anybody it's something to do and you get a great meal read more

Very romantic, and the skipper pointed out landmarks. He also told the story of the couple who bought the house from Sleepless in Seattle. The staff are very friendly and attentive that is why the three stars. However, the food portions are very small, and inside the boat was very cold. read more

I went on a lunch buffet cruise and had a great time. The food was good, the view and tour was nice, and all around worth the groupon price of 30$/person. The dining area which you are in isn't very romantic it's more like eating at a Red Robin, but that's ok...very family friendly. All I can say is go on a nice day and don't pay for a window seat, unless it's a holiday cruise which will be very busy. Everyone on my Saturday morning cruise was able to sit by a window. read more

We went here on a living social deal. I was impressed with the food, the crew members were really friendly and even though it was rainy it was still a fun adventure. We did the lunch cruise and we were served a free glass of champagne, salmon, chicken, lasagna, Cesar salad rolls and dessert. My daughter wouldn't eat anything at the buffet and I regretted not preordering her Mac and cheese when I made reservations. They have an open wheelhouse so people could visit the captain. I brought my 4 year old up to meet the captain and he gave us his Mac and cheese! I was impressed with how nice the staff and captain were. It made for an even nicer experience. read more

My wife and I took a brunch cruise with our 3.5 year old son and 1 year old daughter. I was a little apprehensive about taking our children but as we just moved to town, we don't have any babysitters. However, I had nothing to worry about. The crew was extremely friendly (and kid friendly) and the food was amazing! Being new to the area it was a wonderful way to see some incredible scenery and learn about the area. It was a wonderful family afternoon but would also have been great as a romantic cruise for two or an impressive outing if you're entertaining people from out-of-town. I highly recommend it! read more

We had such an amazing time with Waterways Saturday lunch cruise! Bought the ticket via groupon, 50% off ($27) - it was a great deal. The cruise deports at 12 PM on Saturdays. It's a pretty modern two-level ship. The tables are inside, so you won't be cold. There is an open section to chill out. The cruise takes two hours - excellent duration, exactly what it takes to enjoy, but not get tired. The food was pretty mediocre: the fish and meat were over-dried, but the lasagna was great. Still, everybody (grandparents and children) enjoyed the cruise and found something to eat. In addition to the ticket price, you are paying port charge and gratuity. Children of 4 y/o and less - enter for free. Thank you, Waterways, for a lovely cruise! read more

Let me start with saying that I rarely write reviews, but my family had such a good time with Waterways Cruises that I felt I needed to let others know about our experience. There are four in our family, which includes a teen and a ten year old. If you have a teen, my next statement will speak volumes.......the entire time we were on the cruise, she didn't text once!!! That is how facinated she was with the sites and the interesting facts the captain was telling us. We went on a Sunday Brunch cruise, on the Emerald Star yacht, out of the Lake Union location (our sailing date was May 31, 2009). This is where sea planes take off and land, which fascinated both my husband and son. I enjoyed seeing the houseboat communities and both of our children were enthralled with Gas Works Park (I was feeling a bit guilty that I am from Seattle and they didn't know about this park). Of course the highlight for us all was seeing Bill Gates home! We even spotted a security guard on the property. The captain had wonderful facts about other houses we passed and my son (the ten year old) talked for days about the house that has a dinosaur skeleton in it (I admit, I thought it was pretty cool too!). The food was also incredible and I ate way too much! It was a wonderful buffet with foods that included salmon, pastries, fresh fruit, cheeses, hashbrowns, sausage, bacon, and french toast. There was complimentary coffee, soda and orange juice too. My children had Italian Sodas, which I had to purchase, but the price was reasonable and my children thought they were delicious. There was an open air deck on the ship's second level and an area to sit or stand on the bow of the ship. Both areas were pleasant places to be. We did luck out and have a beautiful sunny day, but if the weather hadn't been great, the dining room's views were wonderful too and there was also a small indoor lounge on the second deck. We loved our experience and would recommend Waterways Cruises for both visitors to the area, as well as the locals! read more

I used to love waterways cruises. From my experience in the restraunt industry you can tell that the quality and preperation of the food just isn't up to the standards that they used to be. I used to bring family and friends visiting on a waterways cruise when they would visit. Sadly I will choose another option unless they figure out their kitchen/internal problems. read more

We've taken these cruises multiple times and have never been disappointed. The lunch cruise was a great afternoon excursion, and the food at the buffet was great. We also took my parents on a dinner cruise in November, where we were impressed by the food, though the windows were a little foggy throughout the trip. The Christmas dinner cruise was the best experience yet. It was an experience like no other, with fantastic food, lights, and music--I can't wait to go again this year! read more

My husband and i did this for our anniversary, sunset dinner, it was so romantic and lovely! The views were amazing! The only downside was the food, the salad was not cold at all and dry so i couldnt eat it, the filet mignon was undercooked and pink, id like to have had a preference on how it be cooked if im paying that much for it, we had ordered chocolate covered strawberries for $25 and we had to remind them to bring them out. Kind of disappointed in that. My drink from the bar was way to strong so it had to be redone, Id do the cruise over again just to be on the lake and feel so relaxed, not for the food! We had a big group go with us, they were loud and obnoxious for it to be a night time dinner! read more

Cruising a best thing to enjoy with family and friends. And I had a chance of cruising with Waterways Company and the dinner was mouth licking delicious. And I couldn't stop myself by completely finish it. High Recommendations!!!! read more

I would like to first mention that I used a living social coupon for the happy hour cruise on a Saturday that departed from the north shore lake location. I had 2 coupons for my husband and I and purchased 2 drink tickets for each of us ahead of time. The reservation part was really easy online. We were visiting from out of state so took a taxi and little too early to the departure location. There is not much next door, but the westward restaurant is next door with beautiful outdoor sitting so we went there for a drink to wait. All we needed was to give our names when checking in on the boat. Seating upstairs and downstairs. Upstairs seating went right away and is where the bar is. Downstairs is where the buffet is. I recommend downstairs cause there are servers to take your drink orders but u have to stand in line yourself for the buffet. Hayley checked in on us and was very nice. The buffet was delicious! The drinks were great! There were a couple of wedding/bachelorette parties on board and mostly couples. The captain did some trivia games and pointed out places of interest. The cruise was 1.5 hrs exactly and went by so fast! We really enjoyed the trip. The wait for drinks can be pretty long especially in the beginning so u might want to just get a couple at one time. Definitely recommend (especially when u have a living social/groupon deal) and is a really nice way to spend an evening and you will leave full!!! read more

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Our company booked a cruise for 35 people. The service was amazing and the food served on the cruise was much better than our staff could expect. I would recommend waterways for any group or individual in the future looking for a fun and relaxing activity. read more

My party of six were eagerly awaiting August 1st when we would venture across Lake Union, through the cut and tour Lake Washington before we settled on a spot to watch the Blue Angels and enjoy a BBQ. Making the reservation was simple. I was aware that this was general seating and we made a point of getting there 50 minutes before boarding. Be mindful, it was an extremely hot day in Seattle on August 1, 2015, and we were hot standing in line. The boarding call was made, but wait....a private tour through Alki Tours was allowed to board first! What? I booked DIRECTLY through Waterways Cruises, but I get bumped for another tour group? What's up with that? I know this didn't bode well for many others, likewise waiting in line for some time. Had I known, I may have booked through that company. After finally boarding, and things settled down, we left port and made our way through the cut. The water on Lake Washington was choppy, to say that least. Every boat from the area was probably on the water that day, churning things up. We motored towards the center of the lake AND STOPPED. No tour around the lake, which I think would have helped immensely instead of stopping and bobbing back and forth for nearly an hour before the show began. Seriously, there were at least 5 people that I saw getting seasick, even crew! Had the boat continued to motor around, we would have avoided the attempted stationary bobbing about, seen some of the homes along water's edge and still been able to find a great spot to idle and watch the show. I think that would have been much safer, given the ages of some of the cruise passengers. Don't get me wrong, the show was amazing; memories for a lifetime. I captured some great photos and all six of us spent the drive home raving about the views of the Blue Angels, food and staff. It was the time spent waiting for the show to start that created the unfavorable atmosphere of seasick & overheated passengers. I will look for other cruises with Waterways Cruises. I will call and ask if any other tour groups get priority seating OR I will ensure my ticket reserves a desired spot. I will also make sure the cruise involves moving/motoring vs. idling. Before I complete my rant, I want to commend the staff. Everyone from check-in to bartending to wait staff - the service was impeccable. Everyone was friendly and went above and beyond to make every effort to help those onboard have an enjoyable time. I feel bad for the two crew members who also found themselves seasick, but kept going! Hats off to you I think next year I will walk out onto the bridge deck to see the Blue Angels. read more

LOVE the Waterways Cruise! Great fresh food, awesome view, Friendly crew members and very helpful Captain. (The Captain pointed out all the major history areas of the lake and landmark.) Completely worth the $$$$. read more

This was an awesome experience. We bought a Groupon to check it out and it was well worth it. I would pay the full price to do it again and will always buy the Groupon when available. The food is delicious and you get a 2 hour boat ride and get to see some cool landmarks. read more