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.
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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05.13.25
City Cruises Live Sports Series sets sail with legendary athletes aboard iconic waterways nationwide
The City Cruises Live Sports Series launches with "Loud & Legendary: A Night with John Daly" in Chicago on June 13, and will include additional events in Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.
05.05.25
Niagara City Cruises is preparing to launch its 2025 Voyage to the Falls boat tour, welcoming guests back to one of Niagara's most iconic experiences.
Set to hit the water of the lower Niagara River on May 8th, the flagship attraction in Niagara Falls invites guests to sail past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, feel the thunderous roar of the water and experience the awe-inspiring power of the iconic Horseshoe Falls up close.
04.17.25
City Cruises Live Concert Series Offers Exclusive Evenings with
Beloved Musical Artists Coming to Ports Around the Country
The City Cruises Live Concert series will include
intimate performances from Randy Houser, Ken Block & Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel,
Elan Trotman, Colt Ford, Michael Ray, and Mac McAnally. During the series, guests see
their favorite singers up close, while enjoying world-class dining and entertainment aboard City
Cruises vessels nationwide.
04.07.25
Hornblower Group Announces Ali Chaudhry as Executive Vice President
and Lead of Government Partnerships
Hornblower Group today announced the appointment of Ali Chaudhry as Executive
Vice President and Lead of Government Partnerships, effective immediately. In this newly
created role, Chaudhry will oversee the companyโs efforts to strengthen and expand its
relationships with key government stakeholders and community leaders.
04.01.25
City Cruises Launches A Six-city Culinary Tour With Award-winning Chef Adrianne Calvo
City Cruises, the leader in dining and sightseeing cruises worldwide, is
excited to announce โMaximum Flavor with Chef Adrianne: A Culinary Voyage,โ a new immersive
culinary experience with Chef Adrianne Calvo, an award-winning Chicago-born chef and
restauranteur.
03.19.25
City Cruises Enters Partnership With Five Major League Baseball Clubs For 2025 Season
Americaโs pastime sets sail through City Cruisesโ first-ever professional
sports partnership, partnering with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, San
Diego Padres, and Washington Nationals to bring baseball fansโ passion to City Cruisesโ major
ports on top of a digital marketing agreement to promote its brand across MLB.com.
03.10.25
Hornblower Group Appoints Lakshmi Williams as Chief Legal Officer and
General Counsel
Hornblower Group today announced the appointment of
Lakshmi Williams as the companyโs new Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. With a
distinguished career spanning the transportation, energy, and technology sectors,
Williams brings an exceptional blend of legal expertise and strategic leadership to the
organization.
03.05.25
Hornblower Group Appoints John Coppolella as Vice President of Sales
Development
Hornblower Group announced the appointment of John
Coppolella as the companyโs new Vice President of Sales Development, effective Monday,
March 3. In this role, Coppolella will lead the companyโs global sales recruitment efforts
and manage performance optimization strategies to further enhance Hornblower Groupโs
sales initiatives.
03.03.25
City Cruises Launches Live Event Series
City Cruises, the leader in dining and sightseeing cruises worldwide, is
proud to introduce โCity Cruises Live,โ a brand new live entertainment series aboard its North
American
vessels. The first-of-its-kind series will bring notable musical artists, celebrity chefs,
sports legends, and
other celebrities and entertainers onboard.
02.25.25
Hornblower Group announced the appointment of Dave McGinnis as the companyโs Chief Financial
Officer
Hornblower Group today announced the appointment of Dave McGinnis as the
companyโs Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. With more than 20 years of financial
leadership experience, McGinnis will play a pivotal role in advancing the company's strategic
objectives, executing business plans for organic growth, and leading the finance team to
continued success.
1.21.25
Hornblower Group Appoints Len Wolin as President of City Experiences
Len Wolin is President of City Experiences, which encompasses Hornblower
Group's
diverse portfolio of water- and land-based experience companies. Wolin is responsible
for driving the unified strategy across the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour Tours
brands, with a sharp focus on optimizing operations, enhancing financial performance,
and providing visionary executive leadership to ensure continued growth and success.
11.26.24
Hornblower Group Appoints Eric Assam as Senior Vice President of
Revenue Management and Merchandising
Hornblower Group today announced that Eric Assam
has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and
Merchandising. Reporting to CEO Mike Flaskey, Assam will oversee the strategic direction
of Hornblower Groupโs revenue management eTorts, including pricing, merchandising,
loyalty programs, inventory management and channel strategies, with a focus on driving
revenue growth in alignment with the companyโs core business objectives.
11.21.24
Walks and Devour President Stephen Oddo to Step Down and Take Advisory Role
Walks and Devour, one of the worldโs leading
providers of sightseeing experiences and food tours, today announced that Stephen Oddo
will step down from his day-to-day role as President, effective December 1, 2024. Oddo will
remain an important advisor, providing strategic guidance to support a smooth leadership
transition and ensuring continued success for the business.
11.21.24
Roisin OโSullivan Named Global Managing Director of Walks and Devour
Roisin OโSullivan, who joined Walks in 2014 as Marketing Director and is currently its Chief
Operating Officer, has been named Global Managing Director of Walks and Devour. In her
new role, OโSullivan will oversee global operations and drive the companyโs growth and
strategic objectives.
11.12.24
Hornblower group appoints Cyrus Kelley as SVP of Financial Planning
and Analysis
Hornblower Group today announced that Cyrus
Kelley has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis.
Reporting to Chief Financial Officer Frank Dunsford, Kelley will lead the companyโs
financial strategy, overseeing budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
10.30.24
Hornblower Group announces Liz Crisafi
will join the company as the Senior Vice President of Marketing
Hornblower Group today announced that Liz Crisafi
will join the company as the Senior Vice President of Marketing, eCective November 1.
Reporting to CEO Mike Flaskey, Crisafi will lead global marketing activities, overseeing
brand, communications, revenue optimization, digital and data strategy across
Hornblowerโs robust portfolio of water- and land-based experiences.
10.07.24
Hornblower Group Names Tony Walker as Senior Vice President of Sales
Hornblower Group today announced that Tony Walker has joined the companyโs executive team as the
Senior Vice President of Sales. Reporting to CEO Mike Flaskey, Walker will lead global sales
activities across Hornblowerโs diverse portfolio of water- and land-based experiences. He will
be responsible for transforming the existing global sales teams and activities into one
integrated, high-performing sales function.
10.03.24
Hornblower Group Names Michelle Mason Chief People Officer
Hornblower Group today announced the appointment of Michelle Mason as its new Chief People
O;icer. Joining Hornblower Groupโs executive team and reporting to CEO Mike Flaskey, Mason
brings more than 25 years of experience in HR and strategic consulting services for
international corporations.
09.10.24
Hornblower Group Appoints Lisa Lutoff-perlo As Chairwoman Of The
Board
Hornblower Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as the Chairwoman
of the Board, effective immediately. A renowned and award-winning leader in the global
hospitality and cruise industries, Lutoff-Perlo will play a crucial role in guiding Hornblowerโs
strategic direction and fostering growth, innovation, and operational excellence across the
companyโs diverse portfolio of businesses.
08.01.24
Hornblower Group Announcement Of Mike Flaskey As CEO
Hornblower Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Flaskey as its new Chief
Executive Officer, effective immediately. Flaskey brings to the Hornblower portfolio a wealth of
relevant experiences, having previously held senior leadership positions at Wyndham Vacation and
Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Diamond Resorts.
07.03.24
Hornblower Group Successfully Completes Financial Restructuring
Hornblower Group announced today that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring
process and emerged with new majority ownership, a focused portfolio and financial flexibility
to support its growth over the long-term, allowing the company to continue to serve world-class
experiences to its millions of guests and commuters across the globe.
06.07.24
Hornblower Group Receives Court Approval for Financial Restructuring Plan
Hornblower Group today announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of
Texas has confirmed the Companyโs Plan of Reorganization. Hornblower expects to successfully
complete its financial restructuring and emerge from the Court-supervised process in the coming
weeks.
05.20.24
Statue City Cruises Announces Extended Operating Hours to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend; Launches New App to Deliver Unforgettable Experiences for Guests
Statue City Cruises, the official and only authorized concessioner for ferry service to the
Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island on behalf of the National Park Service,
announced today extended operating hours to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis
Island National Museum of Immigration beginning Memorial Day weekend in anticipation of the
busiest summer yet.
05.14.24
Convene and City Cruises Announce a Brand New Cross-Referral Partnership for Corporate Clients
Convene, a global hospitality company that designs, builds, and
operates premium meeting, event, and flexible office spaces, and City Cruises, which operates
dining, sightseeing, and private event cruises and is part of City Experiencesโ expansive
portfolio
of water- and land-based experiences, announced today a new cross-referral partnership in
select U.S. cities.
04.10.24
NYC Ferry Springs Forward Hitting A Record-Setting Ridership Start to 2024
NYC Ferry announced today a record-setting start to the year,
with more than 1,081,878 riders traveling onboard the system between January 1 and March 31,
2024.
03.25.24
Walks and Devour Tours Launch New One-of-a-Kind Experiential Offerings Across Europe
Rapidly expanding its diverse portfolio of tour experiences in European destinations like
Greece, Spain, England, France and more, City Experiences delivers unmatched explorations
of major cultural sites, lesser-known haunts, family-run eateries and more through its
partners, Walks and Devour Tours.
03.25.24
Niagara City Cruises Announces 2024 Season with Another Early Opening for Tours to Iconic Falls
Niagara City Cruises is preparing for another early
opening in 2024 for the popular Niagara Falls boat tour. Rated as one of Canadaโs most
memorable experiences, Niagara City Cruises will begin its 2024 season on Thursday,
March 28โjust in time for the long Easter weekend.
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 Adamsโ 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 Ashoreโs 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
Anchorโข 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 Anchorโข Expands to New Industries, From Transportation to Parks & Zoos.
efforts.
03.29.23
Anchorโข 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.
12.05.22
Venture Ashore Named
โBest for Shore Excursionsโ at the 2022 U.K. Wave Awards
The worldโs 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 Laboratoriesยฎ
Announces Fluid Analysis Program Champion Awards
Annually, POLARIS Laboratoriesยฎ 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.
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 Groupโs Ferries and Transportation
Division..
05.25.22
Falls Fireworks Cruise
to Return this Season
Niagara City Cruises will resume the popular evening cruise this weekend.
Itโs 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 Manhattanโs 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 Motherโs 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 Instituteโs 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.
04.12.22
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 companyโs 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 Hornblowerโs growing portfolio of world-class travel
experiences and expands the companyโs 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 companyโs government and commercial
portfolio under the Seaward Servicesโ 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 Yearโs.
10.26.21
Devour Tours Joins
City Experiencesโ Portfolio Of Travel Offerings
Under the global experiences provider Walks, Devour Tours will further extend
the companyโs culinary reach by providing one-of-a-kind food and wine tours in top tourism
destinations around the world
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 Bayย
09.09.21
City Experiences
Announces VIP Key Master Tour, Offered Exclusively By
Join The Vaticanโs 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
โSea Changeโ 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 โ the water!
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 Anchorโข, 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!
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.
04.27.21
The โOfficial San
Diego Waterfront Experienceโ Ticket Package Now Available
This Exclusive Ticket Package, Powered by Anchorโข,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 Sequelโ continues with open-air screenings
aboard the Inspiration vesselโs rooftop deck featuring...
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
Inspirationโs 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
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
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 weโre 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