On Cayuga Lake

FAQs

Are reservations required?

Reservations are strongly suggested for home dock departures. During high season months (June 15th through August) various cruises do sell out days in advance.

What time should we arrive before our cruise?

We begin boarding 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. There is no reserved seating. Seating is first come first serve. During high season months it is recommended to arrive early, line will begin beneath gazebo at Ithaca Farmers Market, or at our home dock.

What should we wear?

Casual clothing attire is recommended on all cruises. During spring and fall cruises we do recommend long sleeves, as well as bringing an extra layer, it is always a little cooler on the water. We do have a limited number of blankets available onboard, the enclosed cabin does have heating, but always better to comfortable on deck for sightseeing.

Can we bring our own food & drinks?

Absolutely! We encourage you to bring a SMALL cooler with your own food and beverages. Alcohol is permitted. Glass wine bottles are ok, we encourage beer cans over glass if possible. Remember to bring your own cups, plates, utensils if needed. We do not sell alcohol on board. There are beverages available for purchase if you don’t bring your own. Keep in mind that plastic food packaging and plastic in general should be limited if possible due to wind, we strive to keep items from blowing into the lake. Keep in mind that popcorn and potato chips can be difficult to contend with during breezy days.

Seating

We have an enclosed (no air conditioning) cabin with limited tables and seating. We welcome passengers to sit directly on our sun deck amidships (middle of the boat), or any of the available bench and chair seating available on the bow and aft deck. Please remain seated while on the bow, so the captain may navigate ! Standing is welcome topside around the perimeter of the boat between the aft deck and wheelhouse.

Accessibility

Homedock Departures: The boat is nearly even with the dock, and possible to board with a standard width wheelchair, the crew will be available to assist. Market Departures: Require 1 – 2 steps upward to board the vessel depending on the water level, the crew will be available to assist as needed, we may not be able to accommodate wheelchairs during market departures due to changing water levels, please call 607-330-7900 for additional information.

Restrooms

We have a single unisex nautical restroom on board, this restroom is located within the cabin, which requires 3 steps downward to enter.

Life jackets

We have 42 life jackets on board. Passengers are NOT required to wear these during the cruise. Infant and small child (ages 0 – 2 years of age) life jackets are available upon request.

POLICIES

Cancellation Policy

  • We request a 24 hour cancellation notice for a refund to be issued for public cruise tickets. Tickets purchased online are for that date and time only. Cruises may be rescheduled to a different date/time, prior to the 24 hour window, by contacting Ithaca Boat Tours directly by phone or email.

 

  • Company has a minimum number of 5 passengers required for cruises to sail. Company reserves the right to cancel a cruise if minimum number of passengers are not booked for cruise. Passengers will be notified by email/phone/text message if a cruise is cancelled.

 

  • Ithaca Boat Tours reserves the right to cancel a cruise due to mechanical issues, weather issues or any unforeseeable incidents that may occur. If we do cancel a cruise you will be offered a refund immediately or a possibility to reschedule to a different date.

Inclement Weather

Cruises will be cancelled in lightning/thunderstorms. Cruises are cancelled 1 – 2 Hrs prior to departure time. You will be notified by phone and/or text message if the cruise is cancelled. If you have purchased a ticket online you will be offered a refund or the opportunity to reschedule to a different date. We will cruise in a light rain or overcast weather.

No Shows

If you have paid for a cruise and did not show up or cancel a reservation, you will not be issued a refund. Please call to let us know you will not be able to attend, this will allow for a timely departure for passengers onboard.

Alcohol and Tobacco Policy

No alcohol is sold on board. You may bring your own alcohol.
NO smoking allowed.