Are reservations required?

Advance reservations are strongly recommended. During our busiest months, particularly from mid-June through September, many cruises sell out in advance. Booking ahead is the best way to secure your preferred date and departure time.

What time should we arrive before our cruise?

Boarding generally begins about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Seating is not reserved and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Our cruises depart promptly, so please allow enough time to park, walk to the dock, and be ready to board when boarding begins.

What should we wear?

Casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate for all cruises. Because temperatures on the lake can feel cooler than on shore, we recommend bringing an extra layer, especially during spring, fall, evening, and sunset cruises.

The M/V Patrick T. Kennedy features a full-length canopy with clear roll-down sides, providing protection from sun, light rain, wind, and cooler temperatures while preserving panoramic views of the lake.

A limited number of blankets are also available onboard, but dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable throughout your cruise.

Can we bring our own food & drinks?

Yes. Guests on our ticketed public cruises are welcome to bring their own food and beverages. Beer, wine, and hard seltzers are permitted, and Ithaca Boat Tours does not sell alcohol onboard. Guests consuming alcohol must be of legal drinking age.

Coolers and complimentary ice are available onboard, along with complimentary water. Canned beverages are preferred when practical, although wine bottles are permitted. Certain ticketed cruises and special events may have additional beverage restrictions, which will be noted with the specific event information.

Small snacks and picnic-style foods work best onboard. We recommend avoiding lightweight foods and packaging that can easily blow away in the wind, such as popcorn, chips, and loose plastic items.

Accessibility

Accessibility aboard the M/V Patrick T. Kennedy is handled on a case-by-case basis. The vessel boards from a fixed dock and requires passengers to navigate several steps and handrails when entering the boat.

Our crew is always available to assist with boarding when appropriate, but the vessel does have physical limitations that may affect guests with restricted mobility. If you or someone in your party has mobility concerns, uses a wheelchair or other mobility device, or may require assistance boarding, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the specific situation and determine whether we can safely accommodate your needs.

Restrooms

The M/V Patrick T. Kennedy has a large single-occupancy unisex marine restroom located on the vessel’s main deck.

Life jackets

U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are carried onboard for all passengers. Passengers are not normally required to wear a life jacket during routine cruise operations unless directed by the captain or crew. Infant and small-child life jackets are also available upon request.

Cancellation Policy

Ticketed Public Cruises

For regularly scheduled ticketed cruises, reservations may be cancelled at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable. Guests who do not arrive for their scheduled cruise and have not cancelled in advance are considered no-shows and are not eligible for a refund.

These terms apply to individual tickets purchased for our regularly scheduled public cruises. Private charters, group bookings, and certain special events may have different cancellation terms, which will be provided with the specific reservation or booking agreement.

If Ithaca Boat Tours Cancels

If Ithaca Boat Tours cancels a cruise because of weather, mechanical issues, unsafe operating conditions, insufficient participation, or another operational reason, affected guests will be offered a full refund. Depending on the circumstances, guests may also be offered the option to reschedule or receive a gift card instead.

Inclement Weather

Our cruises operate in a wide range of weather conditions. The M/V Patrick T. Kennedy is equipped with a full-length canopy and clear roll-down sides, allowing us to comfortably operate in light rain, brief showers, cool temperatures, and moderate wind within safe operating limits.

A cruise may be cancelled or rescheduled when conditions are expected to be unsafe or unreasonably uncomfortable, including thunderstorms or lightning, continuous heavy rain, high winds, unsafe wave conditions, or unsafe temperatures.

Weather conditions can change quickly, so final decisions are generally made close to departure. When a weather-related change is necessary, we typically notify affected passengers by text and/or phone approximately 1–2 hours before departure.

If Ithaca Boat Tours cancels a ticketed cruise because of weather or unsafe operating conditions, passengers will be eligible for a full refund and may also be offered the option to reschedule, depending on availability.

No Shows

Guests who do not arrive in time for their scheduled ticketed cruise and have not cancelled in advance are considered no-shows and are not eligible for a refund.

Our vessels depart promptly at the scheduled departure time. If you know you will be unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible so we can keep the departure on schedule for the other passengers.

Alcohol, Tobacco & Cannabis Policy

Alcohol

Ithaca Boat Tours does not sell alcohol onboard. Guests may bring their own beer, wine, hard seltzers, and other permitted beverages. Guests consuming alcohol must be of legal drinking age.

Certain ticketed cruises or special events may have additional restrictions, including limitations on hard liquor. Any event-specific restrictions will be stated with the ticket information.

Smoking & Vaping

Smoking and open flames are not permitted onboard. Nicotine vaping may be permitted on private charters at the discretion of the charter organizer; ticketed cruises and special events may have stricter rules.

Cannabis / THC

Marijuana, THC, and cannabis products are prohibited onboard, including THC vape pens, edibles, oils, concentrates, and other THC-containing products.

The M/V Patrick T. Kennedy is a U.S. Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel and operates under federal requirements while passengers are onboard. New York State legality does not override the federal prohibition applicable aboard the vessel.

Guests should leave cannabis and THC products in their vehicle before boarding. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and compliant environment for everyone aboard.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us provide a safe, enjoyable, and fully compliant experience for everyone aboard.