​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

My in-laws recently had a family reunion and one of the events was a Friday night sunset dinner cruise with Waterways Cruises. I was extremely disappointed with the staff, food, and the experience we had. First off, the cruise tickets were extremely pricey. The "$79 Dinner Cruise" ended up being $105.00 after taxes, service charges, and port charges. Since this was a group event we booked anyways and ensured that we included our group name as instructed so we could be sat together. Also, to note, there were no group discounts offered for our party of 40. Oh and they try and presell you drink tickets, DON'T BUY THEM, the were like $10.00+ each and when my husband bought a drink on board it was only around $5.00. Another scam! We arrived well over 30 minutes early, as instructed. Something was wrong with the boat so we all ended up standing around for 45 minutes+ with no update on what was happening. When we finally boarded, our group sat down at the tables that were all grouped together for our party. My husband and I were the last to board in the group and when we got aboard, there were no seats in our group for us and another couple. I sat at a table adjacent to the group as I am pregnant and had been standing for almost an hour at this point. I was quickly scolded by their staff and told that this table was reserved for another couple. I was then forced to stand while their staff scurried around trying to find a place for four people in our group (myself and my husband included) which took another 20 minutes or so. Come to find out when one family in our group registered over the phone the Waterways Cruise representative did not write down that they were in our group. All of this is understandable but was handled extremely poorly by their on board staff. They ended up setting up a table for the four of us at the front of the boat, completely away from our group. The kicker was that the couple seated at the table where I was initially kicked out of, asked to be moved upstairs - so there were two vacant tables upstairs all along and they made me (7 months pregnant) stand for 20 minutes when they could have moved them up there to begin with. Also, we had paid all this money for a group event and we weren't with our group at all and there was an empty table that sat four! Then came the dinner... The soup had soggy tortilla chips that had turned to mush, the salad was brown and wilted, and the cheesecake dessert was still frozen. I do have to say that the filet minion was perfectly cooked and the best part of the meal. Also, when we were eating we were talking about the family reunion event we had the night before at a put-put golf course and talking about how they were under-staffed and not ready to handle our big group. The Waterways Cruise waitress then inserted herself into our conversation saying something snotty like "Yea do you think it's easy dealing with all you people?!" That was completely unnecessary and rude, we were placing drink orders directly with the bartender upstairs, we had pre-ordered our meals, and we were seated so far away from the group that it was like we were just two couples. There was no need for rude remarks as her tasks for our table were really us to deliver and clear the plates. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY! Their staff was so rude and made no apologies for their errors. Our group was actually really tame and handled their mistakes as they came. Don't waste your money with Waterways Cruises. We are locals, there are so many better ways to see the views of the city and spend $100+ for 3hours per person. I highly recommend doing a one-hour Argosy harbor tour and having dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants throughout the city. You will see better views, have a better meal, and have a much better experience for half the cost. Or if you have a large group, charter a boat and have dinner catered, that could have easily been done for what we paid for our group of 40. read more

Oh, where do I begin with our Waterways experience? Flying in all the way from Cranston, RI to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary in Seattle, we didn't quite know what to expect. But the moment we boarded that Dining Cruise, the world transformed. As we settled into our private table, a romantic gesture awaited us: a spread of rose petals, soft and fragrant. Almost as if on cue, a bottle of champagne was gracefully placed on our table. The ambiance was just perfect for an anniversary celebration. The next two hours were a journey of gastronomic delight and breathtaking scenery. We floated effortlessly on Lake Union, and then onto Lake Washington, soaking in mesmerizing views of Seattle's skyline mirrored on the calm waters. Weather permitting, we felt like we were gliding in a world detached from time. Now, let's talk about that buffet - a culinary masterpiece! From freshly baked breads courtesy of Macrina Bakery (that whipped butter is divine) to the tender Angus Beef Flank Steak, every dish was a dance of flavors. And oh, the Waterways Famous Mac N Cheese! It's legendary for a reason. Our special surprise? Delectably dipped strawberries in rich chocolate - an anniversary treat we won't soon forget. In conclusion, if you're considering a unique, romantic evening in Seattle, look no further than Waterways Cruises and Events. From the moment of boarding at 4:30 p.m. to our return at 7:00 p.m., it was sheer perfection. Thank you, Waterways, for an evening we'll treasure forever! . read more

Experience was ok. The cost was expensive for what you get. The silverware/plants were dirty. With COVID, I expected cleanliness. My water glass was dirty. Many finger prints and oily on the side. My coffee mug had lipstick stain on it. The boat was old and dirty. The carpet felt sticky and many cobwebs and spiders around the inside of the windows and ceilings. The PA in the boat was cutting off so you cannot hear an entire sentence when the Skipper explained the city history and attractions. Many of his explanation about the basic Seattle known areas were wrong especially about the Space Needle. The table set up and food set up was not well done. The food was located at the back and required people to wait to for the tables at the back to get their food. So the tables in the front did not get much food since they were last to get food. I requested a gluten free meal per the options they had when you booked your reservations but I did not get anything. The music was too loud and just noisy rap and hip hop music which spoiled a nice event when you just want to enjoy the exursion. The music made it appear to be a party boat instead. I do not recommend this as you do not get the value for what you pay. Nice experience but too expensive for what you get. read more

My wife and I took the Sunset Dinner Cruise on Fri 5/29/09. What a wonderful, relaxing evening!! We were pampered by attentive service, starting with the captain himself meeting us at the dock and welcoming us aboard. We could sit inside or out and there was plenty of freedom to walk about the entire boat during the trip. The cruise took us all around the lake and through the "Cut" over by the UW campus. There were the rich mansions of Medina to envy and all the while the captain shared stories about the area and the people who live there. One rich guy even has his own personal dinosaur skeleton on display in the main room of his house! And the food! It was hot and freshly prepared. The veggies were not overcooked, the beef dish had a rich gravy. The salmon was tender and moist - not overdone at all. Makes my mouth water just to remember it all. The bar offered a nice selection of drinks with bottled beers from light to dark. Quite a few people commented on how exceptional the wines were. All in all, it was a memorable evening and one that we look forward to repeating again with friends and family. Be sure to bring a camera because there are lots of great photo opportunities and you will want to be able to share the pictures with friends. read more

I'm a small business owner who wanted to thank one of my employees. I invited him and his wife to join my wife and me on a Waterways Dinner Cruise. I must tell you that from the moment we were welcomed aboard and handed flutes of champagne, I was thoroughly impressed by the relaxed elegance and charm of the whole experience. We embarked from Renton before sunset on a rare sunny day in Seattle and were treated to a spectacular sunset, live background music and the best Wood-grilled Beef Tenderloin I've had since Lowry's Steakhouse in Chicago. After a leisurely sail around South Lake Union, the purples and pinks of sunset had given way to dusk and night but the ambiance and service never waned. I was consistently impressed and I didn't want it to end. It was a very special and memorable experience for all involved, thoroughly recommended for anyone looking for an exceptional night of excellent food, drinks and atmosphere. read more

We LOVED our Waterways Family BBQ cruise on Weds. evening 6/3/09 from Lake Union to Lake Washington. The sights were amazing from Gas Works Park throught the Montlake Cut and into gorgeous Lake Washington, with the spectacular Medina waterfront estates as part of the guided tour. The food was exceptional, served family style and with two choices of desserts at the end of the meal. Full service bar and luxury seating inside were available at all times. We spent most of our time on the upper deck outside during the cruise, enjoying the panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, Bellevue, and lastly the Seattle skyline with the sun setting almost precisely upon our return. The crew was first class, and made our cruise incredibly comfortable. . . which was very appreciated since we were aboard with our 3 year old daughter!!! I look forward to booking again with Waterways and trying the many different cruises they offer. read more

We arrived 15 minutes before the stated boarding time and there was no parking available in their small lot. We had to park along the side of a public road and walk a ways to get to the boat. It was quite dark and a bit concerning to leave our car exposed like that, especially at the end of the night when there were few people around. I've read other reviews that say to go for the views and not the food. While I agree the food is not the main reason to take this cruise, we were dissapointed to realize that with a night time cruise looking out the windows is mostly just vast darkness. Also, for some reason the windows were covered in condensation obscuring the view even more. Probably the most off putting part of the night was the terrible bathroom smell. It made it difficult to go back to our table and enjoy the meal. read more

I took a dinner cruise last weekend from the Kirkland marina. Captain Chris helped us board and Shaun, the cruise manager, greeted us with a big smile and warm welcome. The window table was decorated beautifully with rose petals. The dinner began with glasses of champagne, followed by potato leek soup, walnut gorgonzola salad, and steak with potatoes and stir-fried veggies which were cooked to perfection. My date had the salmon which was absolutely delicious. The dessert was a mini cheesecake accented with fresh strawberries and whip cream that just blew my socks off! I enjoyed the narration by Captain Chris and even learned a few things about the history of Seattle. I was impressed by the great service provided by Shaun and the rest of the staff. I highly recommend taking a cruise with Waterways! read more

I coordinated an event with Waterways for my work and found them to be super helpful and easy to work with. The captain, Larry, was very friendly and catered to our schedule (doing things like postponing certain parts of the cruise until we finished with our speakers). Adrienne was terrific to work with arranging everything and Carol and the rest of the crew were very courteous and helpful as well. The weather was also perfect -likely one of the last summer like days for 2013 and the views were spectacular, reminding me of why I love our state. The food was tasty and Carol (and the chef) were able to bump up the schedule to accommodate hungry guests (who also seemed to be having a great time). All in all, I highly recommend Waterways and would definitely book this venue again. read more

My friend invited me to her birthday party on a Waterways Cruises ship in Seattle, and it was an incredible experience. The city views were breathtaking, and the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. The boat was elegantly decorated, and the atmosphere was enjoyable. The food was delicious and the drinks were superb. My friend who booked the cruise did an excellent job organizing the event, but the staff at Waterways Cruises went above and beyond to ensure that everyone had a good time. The party was a smashing success, and I wholeheartedly recommend Waterways Cruises for any special occasion. This is the ideal way to see Seattle in style, whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply looking for a fun night out. However, one must consider the cost. read more

The Sunset Dinner cruise on Friday 5/30/09 was much more than I expected. The crew from the captain to our server were all very friendly and attentive. I wasn't expecting a DJ to be on board with a selection of over 3000 songs which was nice. The attractions the captain pointed out were all interesting and he didn't over do it, it was just the perfect amount of information so that I wasn't wishing I didn't have to hear his voice any longer. The food was really good! I loved the salad and vegetables in particular. The boat was set up really nice! It was definitely like being at a nice restaurant but with many more bonuses to the night. I had a fabulous time and definately suggest you give it a try, it was something completely different and so worth it. read more

We booked a charter with waterways for a rehearsal dinner for our son's wedding. I couldn't be more pleased. The staff was extremely helpful in planning the event with my wife; attending to all our needs/desires, and cheerfully handling all our inevitable changes. Then on last Friday night the cruise, on the West Star, was amazing. The food was delicious, far exceeding what I expected (and I was expecting first-rate). The service was wonderful: attentive to everyone, friendly, and responsive. The yacht was perfect...everything about the event was lovely. Our guests were still talking about it at the next day at the wedding reception! read more

Hosting an event? Make it easy on yourself, trust me. I planned a wedding and Kristine V. from Waterways helped me every step of the way. Do you need flowers? Photos? Food? Decorations? Band? Officiant? Heck, they even have a magician available! (although you'll think he's a comedian, super funny!) The staff were extremely friendly and could not have been more accommodating. I felt like their attitude was "your wish is our command". Regardless of what you do as far as a photographer goes GET THE PHOTO BOOTH! We loved it and so did our guests. Don't settle for a barn or a hall, a yacht is a unique and, might I add, perfect venue. read more

This was our first water cruise and we were not disappointed. Parking is through paybyphone which was simple and easy. We arrived and our captain greeted us upon entry. The ambiance was very quaint and intimate. We were seated the servers and champaign was brought out within minutes of us being seated. It was a truly wonderful experience. The food was food, they had a variety of wines, juices and your favorite cognac. I truly enjoyed the dessert. Best cheesecake I've had in a very long time. I recommend this company for your sunset dinner cruise. I can see us booking another cruise in the near future. read more

We had the pleasure of taking the Holiday Parade of Lights Cruise last night with Waterways Cruises. The dinner was nothing short of excellent. Because it was served in a buffet style it allowed us to go back for seconds on the items that surprised us with their unique flavor. I want the recipe to their Tomato Bisque! The service was great with comfortable seating. We had such a great time with the lights of decorated boats, beautiful homes, and carolers creating holiday memories for our family. I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone. read more

I had some issues with Amazon voucher and emailed Waterway regarding availability. Was worried they were sold out. In less than 48 hours, I had Katie with Waterways call me and within 10 minutes she had me booked on a future cruise. Sweet pleasant voice, even though I was frustrated, amazing amazing service!...Waterways definitely knows Customer Service, and Katie is a gem. Waterways keep her for life!..Great Customer service is hard to find, and Katie definitely shines on this! thankyou! read more

-If you want to dine inside a grandiose yacht and be free from noisy environment in the city. I perfectly suggest Waterways Cruises. I really love how they market and use their resources in promoting their restaurant. I love the fancy things inside the yacht and I feel comfortable with their staff's. Accommodating and Friendly! I also love their unique dining designs and i most of all their foods. All I can say is WORTH IT! read more

A bunch of us from work went on a Sunday brunch cruise. Captain Jeff greeted us at the dock and was very welcoming and sweet. We got to go into the wheelhouse and take pictures at the wheel. He gave us excellent commentary about the sights around lake union and lake Washington. The brunch was really delicious and better than what we all expected. Overall a very enjoyable two hours on a lovely Sunday afternoon. read more