The brand heritage of our organization dates back nearly 100 years, with the establishment of Boston Harbor Cruises in Massachusetts in 1926; on the west coast of the United States, Hornblower Group began in 1980. Across our growing portfolio, we have a long-standing history of expertise and innovation and have continually redefined the marine hospitality industry. Today, our footprint spans 111 countries and territories and 125 U.S. cities, with offerings including water-based experiences, land-based experiences, overnight cruise experiences, and ferry and transportation services.
City Experiences
Our portfolio of water and land-based experiences including sub-brand City Cruises which offers dining, sightseeing, and private events.
Overnight Cruises
American Queen Voyages operates the overnight cruise division of Hornblower Group.
Journey Beyond
Journey Beyond is Australia’s leading experiential travel group operating in 60 destinations Australia wide, connecting guests to the land and to each other.
Ferry & Transportation
We offer specialized knowledge and expertise required to transport passengers, vehicles, and other cargo safely across inland and coastal waterways. We operate NYC Ferry and multiple municipal ferry services.
Seaward Services
Seaward Services, Inc., a marine services company specializing in the operation, maintenance and repair of government and privately owned vessels, is also a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, operating and maintaining U.S. Navy Ranges and port facilities, including local oil spill response.
Consulting & Services
Hornblower has a strategic advantage in providing maritime consulting backed by direct operational experience to drive efficiencies by providing turnkey solutions in coordinating consulting, planning, design/build and operations. Our consulting division works to assist municipalities and third parties in determining service feasibility, expansion and success through defining variables that underpin operational decisions and costs for our clients.
Anchor Operating System
The robust operating system (ResTech and OpsTech in one) we created to power all our attractions is now available as a variable fee structure that is aligned to meet the needs of operators first. Built by operators for operators.
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Latest News
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10.16.23
Hornblower Group Promotes Exceptional Senior Talent To New Roles
Hornblower Group announced today the promotions of several key members of its leadership team, signaling a strategic move towards reinforcing its commitment and dedication to further building the organization as a global experiences and transportation leader.
09.21.23
City Experiences Announces Reimagined Cooking School Experience Further Growing Its Portfolio of Product Offerings
As The First Co-Branded Walks and Devour Tours Product, Guests to Become Immersed in the Traditions of Italian Cooking with Local Master Chefs, Hosted In A Newly Transformed State-Of-The-Art Kitchen Facility.
08.08.23
Hornblower Group Selected As Operator For NYC Ferry System
Hornblower Group, The Global Leader in Experiences and Transportation, To Continue To Provide Their Unmatched Maritime Industry Expertise For The NYC Ferry System And Build Off Success Of Mayor Adams’ NYC Ferry Forward Plan.
07.26.23
Hornblower Group, In Partnership With The Parco Archeologico Del Colosseo, Unveils A New Restoration Of The Colosseum Underground In Rome
This all-new exhibition brings forward the history of the Colosseum Underground as visitors are transported back nearly 2,000 years to Ancient Rome with an immersive tour experience featuring digitally projected gladiators, specialty curated artifacts and more!
July 2023
Save Up To 40% On Cruise Excursions With Venture Ashore
Venture Ashore’s Essential Collection provides travelers with cruise tours
without the cruise line prices.
07.19.23
Anchor Operating System And Digonex Selected To Power Ticketing At The Toronto Zoo
The partnership will maximize revenue and optimize experience for attendees.
06.19.23
Fishers Island Ferry Selects Anchor Operating System As Its Preferred Ticketing Partner
The partnership aims to enhance efficiency and provide an improved passenger experience for riders.
05.16.23
Anchor™ Announces Mark Martorana As New Senior Vice President Of Revenue
Martorana Will Be Responsible for Overseeing the Revenue Team and Developing Global Strategies to Drive Growth as Anchor™ Expands to New Industries, From Transportation to Parks & Zoos.
efforts.
05.11.23
'Treat Them Like Royalty' Celebrates Those Who Have Made A Positive Impact
On Their Lives As A Way To Give Back
Just in time for Mother's Day, guests can also give the royal treatment to the women in their lives with this special offer to save on select 2023 and 2024 river, lake, ocean or expedition cruises now through June 30.
efforts.
03.29.23
Anchor™ Operating System Officially Becomes Independent Division Of Hornblower Group
Becoming its own independent division will allow anchor to focus on meeting third-party external partners needs as a digital ticketing operating system provider.
03.08.23
Hornblower Group Names Karen Difulgo
Chief People Officer
Hornblower Group announced today Karen DiFulgo
has joined the company as Chief People Officer. Ms. DiFulgo will report to Adam Peakes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Hornblower Group.
01.19.23
American Queen Voyages™ Announces Latest Additions to Sales Team and Territory Realignment
American Queen Voyages™, part of Hornblower®Group, has announced new additions to the sales team along with territory realignment that will efficiently deliver the award-winning cruise lines' experiences to guests and travel advisors.
01.03.23
American Queen Voyages™ Launches 2023 Winter Savings Event
American Queen Voyages™, part of Hornblower®Group, announces the Winter Saving Eventwith offers applicable for select voyages in 2023, including up to $2,500 in savings and free roundtrip air.
12.05.22
Venture Ashore Named “Best for Shore Excursions” at the 2022 U.K. Wave Awards
The world’s largest independent cruise excursion provider,Venture Ashore by City Experiences, wins its first major industry award for their unique and tailor-made experiential offerings in top global destinations
12.08.22
Metro-north railroad and City Experiences announce Walks as new official operator of grand central terminal tour
MTA Metro-North Railroad and City Experiences today announced global tours and experiences provider, Walks, as the new operator of the Official Grand Central Terminal Tour.
11.08.22
POLARIS Laboratories® Announces Fluid Analysis Program Champion Awards
Annually, POLARIS Laboratories® recognizes three customers for achieving
excellence in their fluid analysis programs. Award finalists are chosen based on fluid analysis
program performance, sample compliance, team buy-in and continuous program improvement
efforts.
09.28.22
American Queen Voyages appoints travel and hospitality industry veteran, Cynthia D'aoust, as its new company president.
Mrs. D’Aoust Joins American Queen Voyages bringing nearly 40 years of experience in the industry including serving in executive leadership roles with Cape Resorts Management Company And Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
09.17.22
American Queen® Arrives in Pittsburgh: Announces Extended Journeys 23-Day Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers Sailing and Partners with Student-Athletes on Recruitment Efforts
Yesterday, American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group, announced a new itinerary for 2023 while in Pittsburgh, which is the most comprehensive in the company’s ten year history.
09.02.22
American Queen Voyages™ Expands to Include Free Roundtrip Air Service on Select 2023 Voyages
Today, American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group, has announced that travelers can now take advantage of free roundtrip air on select voyages from 30 gateways in 2023 when booked by Aug. 31, 2022. Guests taking advantage of this offer can sail on any vessel in the cruise line’s fleet, with itineraries sailing February through December 2023.
07.05.22
American Queen Voyages™ Premieres “The Field of DreamsExperience” on Upper Mississippi River Voyages.
American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group, is now offering an extraordinary experience on its Upper Mississippi River sailings that’s certain to be a home run for sports fans and movie buffs alike. The new Field of Dreams Experience premium shore excursion is available beginning with the American Countess® arrival in the Iowa port of Dubuque on July 22, 2022.
06.15.22
American Queen Voyages™ Launches New Website and Flexible Booking Program for 2022 Sailings.
American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group, has unveiled a new website www.aqvoyages.com for consumers and travel advisors to create, plan and book an extraordinary experience exploring North America.
06.10.22
Hornblower Group Names Brendan Smith President of Seaward Services, Inc.
Hornblower Group announced today that Brendan Smith, formerly VP of Engineering, NYC Ferry, has been named President of Seaward Services, Inc. Brendan will report to Scott Thornton, chief operating officer of Hornblower Group’s Ferries and Transportation Division..
05.31.22
Travel and cruise industry veteran, David Giersdorf, joins American Queen Voyages as acting president
American Queen Voyages announced today that travel and cruise industry veteran, David Giersdorf, has been named acting president for American Queen Voyages. Mr. Giersdorfwill report to Kevin Rabbitt, Chief Executive Officer, Hornblower Group.
05.25.22
American Queen Voyages™ Ocean Navigator™ Welcomed to Navy Pier, Chicago’s Waterfront Destination
American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group, celebrated the maiden arrival of Ocean Navigator™, with her first guests arriving at Chicago's Navy Pier.
05.25.22
Falls Fireworks Cruise to Return this Season
Niagara City Cruises will resume the popular evening cruise this weekend. It’s even more memorable from the deck of a Niagara City Cruises catamaran at the base of the Horseshoe Falls.
05.19.22
City Experiences announces its first U.S. food tour, offered exclusively by Devour Tours, as it expands its land-based Experience offerings in New York City
The Greenwich Village NYC food tour takes guests on an exclusive culinary journey through one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods to experience the cuisine that shaped its beginnings.
05.16.22
Hornblower receives grant from the
U.S. Department of energy to build the first ever Green Maritime Hydrogen Fueling Station in the United States
The first of its kind in the world, the design and construction is currently underway, marking an industry-first in global transportation and green technology.
05.10.22
City experiences redefines how guests see the world with its one-of-a-kind experiential offerings across major global destinations
Representing a diverse portfolio water and land-based experiences in top global cities, City Experiences delivers guests with an unmatched experiential journey that can only be delivered through its own renowned Crew and expert Tour Guides.
05.02.22
Niagara City Cruises to Open Mother’s Day Weekend
Operating on a condensed weekend schedule starting May 6, 2022, the popular Voyage to the Falls tour will run Friday to Monday between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Regular daily service will return in June.
04.28.22
Bridgeport Boatworks and Hornblower Marine Announce Local Scholarships
Bridgeport Boatworks and Hornblower Marine announced today the launch of six scholarships supporting students at Porter & Chester Institute’s Bridgeport campus.
04.27.22
WINDEA CTV Starts Construction of Three Crew Transfer Vessels Aimed for U.S. Offshore Wind Market
WINDEA CTVLLC, aUS operator of offshore wind Crew Transfer Vessels(CTVs), announced today that it has commenced construction of three30-meterhybrid ready CTVs.
04.27.22
American Queen Voyages Names Cruise Industry Veteran, Isis Ruiz, Chief Commercial Officer
American Queen Voyages, part of Hornblower® Group, announced today that cruise industry veteran, Isis Ruiz, has been named chief commercial officer. Ms. Ruiz will report to Shawn Bierdz, chief operating officer, American Queen Voyages.
04.12.22
Hornblower Group Names Adam C. Peakes Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Hornblower Group announced today Adam C. Peakes has joined the company as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Peakes will report to Kevin Rabbitt, chief executive officer, Hornblower Group.
02.15.22
City Experiences Announces Venture Ashore, The World's Largest Independent Shore Excursion Provider
Venture Ashore becomes the newest addition to the City Experiences portfolio of brands, further extending the company’s land-based experience offerings in top tourism destinations around the world.
02.15.22
Hornblower Group Acquires Australian Based Experiential Travel Group, Journey Beyond
The purchase adds to Hornblower’s growing portfolio of world-class travel experiences and expands the company’s global footprint further into Australia.
01.26.22
Hornblower Acquires Two Major Offshore Vessels Now Available For Charter
The Global Leader in Experiences and Transportation will offer the two Multi-Purpose Supply Vessels for hire/charter, expanding the company’s government and commercial portfolio under the Seaward Services’ brand.
12.07.21
City Experiences Names Rinat Glinert Chief Operating Officer Of Venture Ashore
Launching In Early 2022, Glinert Will Lead Business Efforts For Venture Ashore, The Largest And Most Experienced Independent Shore Excursion Company In The World.
12.01.21
Set Sail This Holiday Season With City Cruises New York Offering Newly Added Festive Dining Experiences
Splash Onto The New York Holiday Scene Aboard City Cruises New York With One-Of-A-Kind Experiences To Celebrate Christmas And New Year’s.
11.24.21
American Queen Voyage Announces Culinary Ambassador Regina Charboneau
Partnership to Enhance Culinary Encounter Travel Experiences Across River, Lakes & Ocean, Expedition Cruising Offerings.
10.26.21
Devour Tours Joins City Experiences’ Portfolio Of Travel Offerings
Under the global experiences provider Walks, Devour Tours will further extend the company’s culinary reach by providing one-of-a-kind food and wine tours in top tourism destinations around the world
09.28.21
American Queen Steamboat Company Announces Re-Imagined Portfolio as AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES
The Overnight Experience Provider Introduces American Queen Voyages™, The New Overarching Brand Name For Its Expansive River, Lake and Ocean Expedition Cruising Offerings
09.27.21
City Cruises San Francisco Celebrates Fleet Week 2021
View The Spectacular Blue Angels Aboard A City Cruise During Fleet Week On San Francisco Bay
09.09.21
City Experiences Announces VIP Key Master Tour, Offered Exclusively By
Join The Vatican’s Key Master On An Ultimate VIP Tour As The First To Step Inside The Renowned Museum Before It Opens To The Public, And Even Help Turn On The Lights!
09.01.21
Hornblower Introduces “Sea Change” The First Zero-Emissions Commercial Ferry Powered 100% By Hydrogen Fuel Cells
The global leader in experiences and transportation will offer the vessel for hire/charter in partnership with SWITCH Maritime to deliver an enhanced passenger experience with technological advancements in maritime decarbonization
08.27.21
Alcatraz City Cruises Announces Restart Of Alcatraz Island Night Tour Programs
Beginning September 9, Alcatraz City Cruises will offer after-hours visits of the famed San Francisco landmark for the first time in more than a year.
08.19.21
View the Spectacular Reimagined Air & Water Show While Enjoying an Afternoon Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan
Set sail with City Cruises Chicago to dine and watch the incredible U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly with the best seats in the city – the water!
08.12.21
American Queen Steamboat Company Welcomes First Revenue Guests in 18 Months
American Queen Steamboat Company®,part of the Hornblower® Group, announced that the American Queen® welcomes her first revenue guests in 18 months today.
08.03.21
Three Renowned San Diego Institutions Come Together to Launch the Official San Diego Adventure Experience Combination Ticket Package
This Exclusive Ticket Package, Powered by Anchor™, Allows Discounted Access to Three Popular Attractions: City Cruises San Diego, San Diego Zoo and Old Town Trolley Tour.
07.27.21
City Cruises Chicago Hosts July 27th Job Fair Offering Free Cruise Vouchers for Applicants.
Come aboard the signature Odyssey vessel and learn more about unique employment opportunities ranging from food and beverage service to marine operations and get a free cruise for two with your interview!
07.27.21
Victory Cruise Lines Reveals Expedition Highlights for Ocean Victory Inaugural 2022 Season
Created for intimate access, the vessel sails 12& 13-day journeys through the less-traveled regions of the Inside Passage.
07.06.21
Victory Cruise Lines® Announces Savings on
2022 Explorations of Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula
Save up to $2,000 Per Stateroom if Booking by August 31, 2021.
06.30.21
Statue City Cruises Welcomes French Statue of Liberty Replica to Ellis Island
Extended Operating Hours Begin as Pedestal of Statue of Liberty Reopens July 1st.
06.25.21
City Cruises in Canada to Hit the Water July 1
Cruise attractions in Niagara Falls, Toronto and Gananoque to set sail under new banner.
06.01.21
Official Chicago Waterfront Experience' Launches
Three Celebrated Chicago Institutions Come Together for the First Time to Create the Official Chicago Waterfront Experience Combination Ticket Package.
05.25.21
Statue City Cruises Announces Additional Service and Reopening of Liberty State Park on Memorial Day Weekend
Visitors can enjoy increased capacity on board vessels, iconic museums, spectacular views and more this summer.
05.03.21
The ‘American Queen Steamboat Company™
Announces June 14 Start for Almost Sold-out Pacific Northwest Season
The American Empress™, cruising the Columbia and Snake rivers, will resume operations beginning June 14, 2021.
04.27.21
The ‘Official San Diego Waterfront Experience’ Ticket Package Now Available
This Exclusive Ticket Package, Powered by Anchor™,Allows Discounted Access to Three Waterfront Attractions:City Cruises in San Diego, USS Midway Museum and Old Town Trolley Tours.
04.26.21
Celebrate Mother's Day on the water with a premier brunch cruise aboard City Cruises
Book an unforgettable experience atop a City Cruises vessel this year, featuring signature
cocktails, specialty food offerings, and spectacular city views.
04.08.21
City Experiences Acquires Walks
City Experiences announced today it has closed on the acquisition of leading global tours and experiences provider, Walks.
04.06.21
Hornblower Group Announces Rebranded Portfolio of Offerings to 'City Experiences'
Hornblower Group, a global leader in world-class
experiences and transportation, announced today the launch of City Experiences
03.26.21
April Film Selections Announced for San Diego Floating Outdoor Cinema
Dinner and a Movie on the Bay: The Sequel” continues with open-air screenings aboard the Inspiration vessel’s rooftop deck featuring...
03.21.21
American Queen Steamboat Company Christens the American Countess March 21, 2021
New Riverboat Received Bourbon Blessing in New Orleans Followed by Preview Cruise to Memphis
03.15.21
Washington D.C. Cruising Operations to Resume
Beginning March 19, guests will be welcomed back aboard for one-of-a-kind experience offerings this cherry blossom season
03.09.21
Alcatraz Cruises Announces Restart of Alcatraz Touring Operations
Beginning March 15, Alcatraz Cruises welcomes back guests with tours of the famed San Francisco landmark. Alcatraz Cellhouse to reopen for the first time in more than...
03.08.21
Hornblower Cruises and Events Names Tara Hippensteel National Director of Tourism
Hippensteel joins the company with more than 20 years of experience in both the domestic and international travel trade industry.
03.04.21
Floating Outdoor Cinema Experience Returns in 2021
The open-air screening series returns by popular demand aboard the Inspiration’s rooftop deck featuring Hollywood blockbusters with signature dining and cruising experience offerings
By The Numbers
252+
Size of the fleet of owned and operated vessels under the Hornblower Group portfolio
33,000
Average number of American Queen Voyages guests annually
1.7 million
Average number of Alcatraz City Cruises guests annually
2.4
million
Average number of Niagara City Cruises guests annually
4.0
million
Average number of City Cruises UK guests annually
4.4
million
Average number of Statue City Cruises guests annually
9.8
million
Average number of City Cruises guests annually
130
Size of owned and operated train carriages under the Hornblower Group portfolio
51
Size of owned and operated touring vehicles under the Hornblower Group portfolio
8
Size of owned and operated aircraft under the Hornblower Group portfolio
10
Luxury Camps and Lodges
1
World Class Observatory Experiences
At Hornblower, we value our crew members as much as our guests. Whether working on deck or in the office, we share the same commitment that inspires us to create unforgettable memories every day for our guests and for each other. Committed to creating amazing experiences? You might be just who we’re looking for!
Company Awards
Traveler Reader's Choice Awards 2020
Best Shore Excursions Award from 2012 to 2020
Travel Age West Wave Award in 2020