Boston Architecture Cruise on the Charles River

Reviews

What travellers say4.3 · 19 total

• Northern_Traveler00

  Not bad, even on a foggy day

  I booked this experience early in the week when the weather forecast was more promising than it turned out to be. I found a good deal on Goldstar. I tried calling an hour before our scheduled time to confirm, but couldn't reach anyone, so we proceeded. The boat departed on time, navigating the Charles River before waiting for the railroad bridge to lift and going through the locks into the harbor, where we enjoyed a pleasant tour. The onboard docent was highly knowledgeable and didn't seem to take any breaks throughout the cruise. We traveled as far as Pier 4 and then towards Charlestown before returning to the river. I would have preferred to see a bit more of East Boston instead of the usual Boston waterfront. Overall, it was definitely worth the price.

• geezerhippie

  Unexpected “disaster ”

  The cruise began well, thanks to an engaging and knowledgeable tour guide. However, issues quickly arose. With only the captain and the tour guide serving drinks, the service was inefficient. On a record hot day of 94 degrees in Boston, the boat lacked air conditioning, making conditions uncomfortable, especially when rain forced the guide to close the windows, leaving us in a stifling environment without ventilation. The situation worsened when a terrible odor from a contaminated bathroom spread through the boat, prompting panic among passengers and overwhelming discomfort. We found ourselves crowded at the front, trying to escape the smell while contemplating jumping overboard. Despite the chaos, I sympathized with the two young men managing the cruise, who handled the crisis commendably. To improve the experience, the company should consider installing overhead fans, hiring an additional bartender, and enhancing bathroom ventilation to better handle unforeseen incidents. The staff from the afternoon trip on August 19th certainly deserve recognition for their professionalism amidst the turmoil.

• Johannah M

  Fun for Even the Locals!

  We bought a Groupon and there were five of us, including my dad, husband, and kids. The boat offered wine, hard seltzer, beer, soda, and snacks. The commentary was engaging, and the crew was friendly and personable. Departing from outside the food court at the Galleria Mall added to the convenience.

• Luger101

  Awesome tour...well worth it.

  My wife got tickets for the architecture boat tour for my birthday, and it was fantastic. We went on the 2:30 PM tour, and the speaker was outstanding—clear and very knowledgeable. I learned so much about the area's history even before we set off. He spoke continuously for the full 90 minutes, providing interesting and informative insights about different buildings and architectural styles. We were informed there might be delays at the locks or drawbridge depending on boat traffic, and we did wait about 15 minutes on the way back due to rush hour, but it didn’t detract from the experience as he kept talking. The staff was impressive, especially the Captain, who expertly navigated the narrow locks without any bumps. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. My wife had previously enjoyed a Boston By Foot food tour in the North End, which is how she discovered this architecture tour.

• AuthorCMelanson

  I was surprised by how much I learned about Boston!

  During my birthday trip to Boston from Ontario, I purchased a Go Boston Card and opted for the Charles Riverboat Company cruise among various options. I enjoy mini-cruises, and this experience met my expectations. I was concerned about the summer crowds and attempted to make a reservation, but they don’t allow reservations with the card, which didn’t seem fair as cardholders are paying customers too. The cruise departs near a large mall, which is convenient as it offers food, drinks, and restrooms. Parking is required, around $8-9, if I recall. You’ll need to navigate to the main floor of the mall and head out the back where a small booth for the boat company is located. I checked in, and after scanning my Go City Card and confirming my last name, I was told I was good to go. There was a wait for boarding, and they only let you on shortly before departure. When I went to board, I was asked for a physical boarding pass due to a mix-up during check-in, which was a bit frustrating. However, I understand the need for accurate check-ins for those using the card. Unfortunately, I can’t remember our guide's name—who also happened to be the bartender—but he was a bit nervous yet humorous and did a great job. The boat offered a full bar, and having a prosecco while admiring the river views felt quite luxurious. Even on a hot day, the open windows provided a pleasant breeze. The seats were a bit firm, but the soft cushions in the back made for a comfortable experience. We learned fascinating facts about the river's brown hue, Boston's skyline, Harvard's boathouses, the sailing club, bridge architecture, the river's naming, MIT, and more. I genuinely appreciated the abundant information shared throughout the cruise. There were many beautiful sights along the way. Overall, this was a delightful experience. If you’re seeking a leisurely way to learn about Boston, I highly recommend this cruise.

• MikeBoulder

  Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

  The 90 minutes flew by. Our narrator provided a wealth of knowledge, and every crew member was helpful and friendly. We navigated through the locks, learned about the skyline’s history, and explored different architectural styles, both past and present. This trip was not only beautiful but also educational, making it a standout experience during our visit to Boston.

• David M

  Nice, needs help

  A Sunday afternoon in July spent on the Charles River and in Boston Harbor is hard to beat. However, the distracting engine and transmission sounds, along with a basic sound system, made it challenging for the narrator. Although three organizations sponsor the cruise, there was no informational material provided about them. A visual handout, perhaps a copy of the website's PDF, would enhance the experience. The volunteer narrator was excellent, and the weather was perfect; just a little extra touch would elevate the cruise, especially since it costs $10 more than a standard Charles River cruise.

• yvonne h

  Was great even on a cloudy day

  I arranged a sightseeing tour with my 12-year-old, but due to a personal issue with the Captain, we were given an architectural tour of Boston Harbor and the Charles River instead. I'm so pleased we made that choice! We gained a wealth of knowledge about Boston. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and responsive to our questions. This is definitely a must for both locals and tourists. We plan to return since we received discount coupons for the inconvenience.

• kes1639

  Excellent

  I took the Architecture Cruise with a guide from Boston on Foot. Instead of the usual Charles River route, we went through the lock into the harbor. The tour provided a unique historical perspective on the city, setting it apart from standard walking or boat tours. It was definitely worth the cost, and the guide was excellent, delivering just the right amount of information without overwhelming us with dates.

• clevanchy5

  Bus Group visit

  I joined a bus group that visited the CambridgeSide Galleria, and the experience was both informative and soothing. I highly recommend this tour to both Boston residents and visitors for its historical insights and beautiful views covered in the 90 minutes.

Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.