There’s just something about being on the water in summer that instantly puts you in vacation mode. Whether you’re soaking in skyline views, chasing sunsets, or simply floating your worries away with good friends and a cold drink, a boat cruise is the ultimate way to make the most of long, warm days. Add in cocktails, craft brews, or even boozy brunches, and you’ve got yourself a floating party—no seasick shuffle required.

From New York Harbor to San Francisco Bay (and a few surprise ports in between), cities across the U.S. are offering up everything from wine tastings aboard vintage yachts to sunset sails with rum-fueled sea shanties. Whether you’re after luxury vibes, historic charm, or straight-up fun in the sun, there’s a cruise for every type of seafarer.

Ready to climb aboard? We’ve rounded up the best boat cruises across the country where the drinks are cold, the views are unmatched, and the vibes are always high tide. Anchors up — let’s toast to summer, one cocktail cruise at a time.

New Orleans

Steamboat Natchez — New Orleans, Louisiana

Step aboard the Steamboat Natchez for a quintessential New Orleans experience – complete with river views, live jazz, and a strong cocktail in hand. This authentic paddlewheeler, one of the last of its kind on the Mississippi River, departs daily from the French Quarter and offers daytime and evening jazz cruises year-round.

The vibe is equal parts festive and nostalgic. On board, you’ll find a full-service bar stocked with Crescent City classics like Hurricanes, Sazeracs, and other local favorites. Opt for a casual cruise with general admission, or reserve the dinner cruise option to enjoy a Creole-style buffet while a local jazz band plays live on deck.

Beyond the music and drinks, guests can explore the boat’s vintage engine room and admire the intricate workings of this majestic steam-powered vessel. Whether you’re looking to take in the city’s historic riverfront from a new angle or just want to sip a cocktail while soaking up some Southern charm, the Steamboat Natchez delivers a ride that’s as spirited as the city itself.

Classic Harbor Line — New York City

Set sail through the heart of New York City aboard one of Classic Harbor Line’s elegant yachts or classic-style schooners, gliding past NYC’s most iconic landmarks – the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and beyond. Departing from Chelsea Piers, these cruises offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle, pairing skyline views with cool harbor breezes.

Beverage options on board are thoughtfully curated, featuring local craft beer, regional wines, and seasonal cocktails. The Sunset Jazz Sail aboard the Schooner America 2.0 stands out as a summer favorite – complete with live jazz music and golden-hour cityscapes.

Other popular options include the architecture tour cruise around Manhattan, showcasing the city’s design evolution with narration and drinks, and the evening Champagne City Lights Cruise, where the skyline sparkles as you toast under the stars.

From romantic date nights to laid-back afternoons on the water, Classic Harbor Line’s seasonal sailings mix New York sophistication with a relaxed nautical vibe – a perfect reminder that summer is meant to be savored.

Boston Harbor

Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships – Boston, Massachusetts

Experience Boston Harbor the old-fashioned (and refreshingly boozy) way aboard one of the Liberty Fleet’s historic tall ships. These breezy sails depart right from the heart of the city – just steps from Faneuil Hall – and offer a front-row view of the Boston skyline, historic Fort Independence, and the harbor islands beyond.

Sailing on a traditional schooner with tall masts and billowing sails, guests can sit back and relax with a drink in hand or get hands-on with the crew by helping hoist the sails. The on-board bar serves beer, wine, and rum-based cocktails – a nod to Boston’s maritime and revolutionary roots – and each cruise has a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

For those looking to mix drinks with a little entertainment, the “Rum & Revelry Sea Shanty Cruise” brings live music and singalongs to the water – a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s equal parts history and happy hour. Sunset sails, weekend brunch cruises, and private charters round out the offerings, making this a perfect pick whether you’re a tourist, a history buff, or just a local looking for a seafaring escape.

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise – Chicago, Illinois

Widely regarded as one of the best architectural boat tours in the world, the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise offers the perfect mix of sightseeing and sipping as you cruise through the heart of the city on the Chicago River. Operated in partnership with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, these tours feature expert docents who narrate the fascinating stories behind more than 50 architectural landmarks.

Though not a party cruise by nature, the experience is elevated by a full-service bar on board offering wine, local beers, and classic cocktails – the perfect way to toast an afternoon spent winding between the city’s historic bridges and soaring steel-and-glass giants.

Cruises depart multiple times daily from the riverfront near Michigan Avenue and last approximately 90 minutes. With thoughtful narration, incredible skyline views, and a drink in hand, it’s a cultured, laid-back way to experience Chicago from a whole new angle.

Chicago River

Hornblower Cruises & Events – San Francisco, California

Sail through the iconic sights of San Francisco in style with City Cruises (formerly Hornblower Cruises), offering a variety of scenic and spirited sailings on the Bay. Departing from Pier 3 on the Embarcadero, these cruises feature front-row views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and the ever-charming city skyline – all best enjoyed with a drink in hand.

City Cruises offers everything from casual harbor tours to signature dinner cruises with freshly prepared meals and full bar service. The weekend Champagne Brunch Cruise pairs flowing bubbly with a seasonal buffet and stunning views, while the Premier Dinner Cruise ups the ante with cocktails, multi-course dining, live DJ music, and sunset views over the Pacific. There’s also a lively happy hour cruise option, perfect for after-work plans with a twist.

With stylish interior lounges and open-air decks, these boats balance elegance and fun, attracting both locals and visitors looking for a memorable way to see the city. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply chasing the sunset, San Francisco’s skyline never looked so good as it does from the water – especially over cocktails.

Electric Duffy Boat Cruises on Lady Bird Lake – Austin, Texas

For a laid-back, BYOB cruise deep in the heart of Texas, look no further than an electric Duffy boat ride on Austin’s scenic Lady Bird Lake. These eco-friendly, quiet cruisers are the ultimate way to relax on the water and take in unbeatable views of the downtown skyline, particularly at sunset when the city glows and the mood is mellow.

Unlike traditional tour boats, Duffy cruises are intimate and customizable. Most charters allow you to bring your own drinks and snacks – so pack a cooler with local brews, canned cocktails, or a bottle of rosé – and cue up your own playlist via Bluetooth speakers. Captained and private, these cruises are perfect for birthdays, date nights, or just a laid-back afternoon with friends.

As you glide past kayakers and paddleboarders, keep an eye out for the Congress Avenue Bridge bats at dusk – a purely Austin spectacle. With no engine noise, zero emissions, and 360-degree views of the city, Duffy boat cruises deliver a refreshing mix of nature, skyline, and good vibes – Texas-style.

Lady Bird Lake, Austin, Texas

Casco Bay Booze Cruises with Maine Brews Cruise — Portland, Maine

Portland’s dynamic craft beer scene meets coastal charm on the Casco Bay Booze Cruises hosted by Maine Brews Cruise. These fun, laid-back sailings combine local beer tastings with stunning ocean views as you cruise the waters of Casco Bay aboard a classic wooden vessel operated by Portland Schooner Co.

Each two-hour cruise features a rotating lineup of Portland’s top breweries – past partners have included Allagash, Bissell Brothers, and Rising Tide – with brewery reps often on board to chat about the pours. You’ll taste 4–5 different styles while learning about the local beer scene, all set against a backdrop of rugged islands, lighthouses, and maybe even some harbor seals.

Soft sea breezes, nautical history, and craft brews? It’s everything you love about Maine distilled into a single unforgettable summer experience. These cruises typically run from late spring through early fall and sell out quickly – so book early, bring your sunglasses, and get ready for a beer-fueled sail off the beautiful coast of Portland.

Waterways Cruises — Seattle, Washington

Cruise past the Seattle skyline, float by houseboats, and toast the sunset over Mount Rainier aboard Waterways Cruises — one of the city’s go-to options for scenic, drink-friendly outings on the water. Departing from Lake Union or Lake Washington, these cruises blend Pacific Northwest beauty with food, drinks, and laid-back vibes.

Waterways offers a range of themed excursions throughout the spring and summer, including their popular Sunset Dinner Cruises, weekend Brunch Cruises (yes, there are mimosas), and Wine or Whiskey Tasting Cruises in collaboration with regional purveyors. Each vessel features indoor and open-air decks, a full-service bar, and panoramic views of everything from seaplanes landing to the Space Needle towering above the skyline.

If you’re in the mood for something more festive, check out their Happy Hour Cruises — offering discounted drinks, light bites, and a distinctly local vibe as you watch the city sparkle from the water. Whether you’re a visitor or a Seattleite looking to see the city from a new perspective, Waterways delivers a mix of Northwest flavor, nautical charm, and cheers-worthy moments afloat.

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Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston Harbor Tours —  Charleston, SC

Step aboard for a southern-style escape with Charleston Harbor Tours, where historic landmarks, salty breezes, and cold drinks come together for an unforgettable cruise along South Carolina’s storied coast. Departing from downtown Charleston, these leisurely sailings offer sweeping views of the city skyline, Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the iconic Ravenel Bridge.

One of the most popular options during the warmer months is the Live Music Sunset Cruise aboard the Carolina Belle, featuring a full bar serving beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails. Sip a Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade or a local brew as you sway to the sounds of live bluegrass, country, or jazz — all while the sun dips below the horizon.

For something a bit more casual, try the afternoon History Tour, which also features bar service and a fascinating look at Charleston’s colonial past and maritime heritage. Whether you’re kicking off a weekend getaway or ending a day of sightseeing with a toast, these cruises deliver Lowcountry charm, panoramic views, and plenty of southern hospitality — one cocktail at a time.

FAQs:

Q: Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
A: Yes, most cruises recommend — and often require — purchasing tickets in advance, especially for sunset or weekend sailings. Many cruises sell out quickly during peak summer months.

Q: Is there an age requirement for boozy cruises?
A: Most cruises are 21+ if alcohol is a featured component, but some allow all ages with wristband ID checks at the bar. Always check specific cruise policies before booking.

Q: What should I wear on a summer boat cruise?
A: Dress comfortably and consider layers — temperatures on the water can shift quickly. Casual or resort wear, flat shoes, and a light jacket or sweater are all smart choices.

Q: Are outside food and drinks allowed?
A: Policies vary. Many cruises with alcohol service do not allow outside beverages. However, BYOB is permitted on some smaller or private charters. Always confirm the rules when booking.

Q: Do cruises operate in bad weather?
A: Most cruises run rain or shine, with covered areas or indoor seating available. Lightning, high winds, or extreme conditions may cause cancellations, in which case you’ll typically be notified and refunded or rescheduled.

Q: Are reservations refundable or transferable?
A: Refund and transfer policies depend on the cruise operator. Some allow cancellations up to 48 hours in advance, while others offer credits or rescheduling. Always review the terms during checkout.

Q: Are the boats accessible for people with mobility challenges?
A: Accessibility varies by cruise and vessel. Some offer ramps and accessible restrooms, while older or historic boats may have limited access. Contact the cruise company directly for specific accommodations.

Know of any other cruises in the U.S. that we should know about? Tell us in the comments.