Spirit of Boston

It was my bad day! I bought 5 tickets on Groupon and I bought another ticket for my brother at the Spirit of Boston cashier. After we’re ready to boarding they check everyone ID, and told us only allowed 21 or older. But first of all, when I purchased the ticket, they didn’t tell us only allowed 21 or older can get in to the boat. The security (person who check ID) told us we can get full refund at the cashier. But when I go to the cashier they said I can’t get refund after purchased! And I told them the security guy told us we can get refund back. But the cashiers told me the securities doesn’t know anything about it. SO Are they just gave me wrong information? And they give me Central Reservation phone number to call for help, but it is not help at all! But I was thinking do they know what are they doing? They just waste your time by giving me wrong information!! I am so disappointed with they serviced!

I cruised with a few friends on Friday 6÷10÷16 for the Spirit of Boston’s ‘Boathouse Fridays’. The concept is great, you can board/​cruise every other hour and enjoy some great food, drinks & games on board. We started off with a few drinks on the second deck, where Dylan was the bartender. He was very hospitable and came to check on us a few times while we played a game. After enjoying the second deck, we moved to the rooftop deck where we had some drinks from the lemonade/​beer stand, where Dave was the bartender. He was extremely charismatic and lively. He was the epitome of a fantastic bartender & made the night more enjoyable. We also ordered some food, which consisted of the pretzels, guacamole, truffle fries and fried chicken, from our server Nayobe. All the food was amazing. Dotty came by often to keep our table clean & clear, which was imperative on a windy night. The staff we encountered were amazing & it was a great time! I will definitely be back again.

We went on the lunch cruise today, on the spirit, This was our first time doing one of these. I will keep this short and sweet, I would highly recommend doing this, especially on a nice day. The food was great, the service was great, the staff was great, especially the bartender who’s name was Tim I belive, he took good care of us. The views were nice. I look forward to doing this again.

Really sad to say what a disappointment this was. We were really looking forward to a beautiful evening. I was with a large group for a private event and multiple members of our party were not let on because of ID issues (even though those same IDs are permitted in bars). The Spirit of Boston decided to debark 100 people rather than let a few of our party onboard (even though we are graduate school students whose median age is 26…)

I went for their last-​of-​the-​year cruise and had a great time! A shorter trip then what it is during the summer hours but still the weather was great. The atmosphere was fun and inviting. Dj had some decent music. Nice bite sized apps and the staff very friendly. My friends and I had a server, Tre Spain, who answer all of our questions about food and drinks.
It was a great way to end the summer season!

This review is specifically for BOATHOUSE Fridays!!! A new adventure in Boston aboard the Spirit. This was seriously cool. For $ 10 (through a TravelZoo deal — regularly $ 20) we got to hang out on the Spirit unlimited from 3−9PM. The boat did leave the dock 3x for an hour each time. Way cool. We stayed the whole time!
The Spirit just underwent a 3 million dollar renovation, so it is super snazzy. I have always been a fan of the Spirit, but this was great.
Now they have games happening too… like jumbo Connect 4 and Jenga. And more obscure board games (regular size) like Quarto. Later in the night there was even a live band.
Bars on every level… all serving up different libations. We mostly hung out on the top deck with the DJ because the Deep Eddy Brand «Arnold Palmer’s» that were being crafted were on point.
They could do better with their food options. That has never been a selling point for me on the Spirit. I mean the chips and pico were ok. I did not mind the Tacos, but my hubby felt they were way toooooo sparky. I would not return solely on their snack game, but given the awesomeness of everything else… I want to go back!!!
Also…you’re on the waterfront in Boston… grab some fried shrimpies at Yankee lobster or carb-​up on pretzels at Harpoon before boarding the Boat and you will be all set.

We attended a Saturday night wedding on the boat. The food was nasty. Bland, not enough food, the dishes were constantly empty. The open bar was supposed to close at 930. The bartender had already stopped the open bar at about 910 with no announcement, and beers were $ 7, really?
The boat itself has been re-​done and looks appealing, but this is just a lame cruise around the smelly Boston Harbor.
The 19 year old staff really thinks they are something, and act like Nazi commanders.
The boat was also hosting a 16 year olds birthday party. We were told «the decks are for everyone», so while trying to enjoy an adult wedding, we had to listen to 16 year olds running around. Who brings children on a booze cruise?
There is nothing that would make me go on this boat again. Trapped on a boat, expensive drinks, crappy food, and children running around, does not make for a good time. Don’t waste your money.

This place is a wonderful experience, not necessary a place for wonderful food.
And honestly, I had a fantastic time here. My boyfriend surprised me with tickets to this cruise after I surprised him by being in Boston (we’re both Cali kids).
The sunset cruise started off with some free sangria (pretty decent). After everyone had boarded, the buffet began. The food was alright, it’s nothing special to write home about. But it wasn’t nasty either, just not really memorable.
The cruise itself was very nice. We got a nice view of Boston with great views of places that we later decided to check out. It was a pretty cool cruise and a great introduction to Boston.
There was a dance floor but it was pretty dead except for a few kids dancing along. Nevertheless, the great view made for some great pictures and just an overall nice date night. The boat was comfortable and clean with the decks full of comfortable seating. We also got to eat however much we wanted so our eyes were satisfied from the views, our stomachs with the food and our hearts with each other.

I like the buffet choice.
It’s nice to go out with friends and family. Place to dance & have a good time. I vouch for good time.
The service was top notch, right in the money.

Want for a Christmas party this last weekend and this is how it went :
They were boarding people early which is nice. As it was a cool evening.
Wine and beer are included, ok that’s nice
Our table was told to go to the buffet, here’s where it gets bad
The chicken was dry, ugh, lack of seasonings on the Italian pasta, rice was dry. My husband said the mashed potatoes were good. Roast beef was good just a bit cold.
One of the things that was a save is the dessert, yum! But no coffee was offered which would have been nice.
Have to say the PA system is not that good as it was very hard to hear wha they were announcing at times.
Bartenders were great!
They really need to work on the food, especially with what they charge.

Went on this ship for a company party.
+ Fun and unique ambiance.
+ Many nice areas to settle down into with a small group.
+ Food was fairly good but not exceptional.
+ Drink selection was limited but fine.
+ Entertainment provided included some lawn games on the top deck, a DJ, and even some embarrassing karaōke.

After reading some reviews I was nervous about planning my friend’s 30^th birthday here. But we had the party on the Spirit of Boston last night and I am so glad we did, it was so fun!
First, the staff was great. Tim was my main contact for arranging the evening. He was great. I emailed him on a weekly basis for 2 months and he was always prompt, helpful, and really nice in his replies. The day of Jennifer at the box office was great; Jackie the manager was really nice about letting us set up the tables early with balloons, center pieces, our own cake and even candles; our waitress, Carolyn, was so sweet, enthusiastic, and very attentive; we had open bar and the bar tender was never impatient with our big group.
Second, the food was good. Everyone raved about the mashed potatoes, and we had a salad bar, good chicken, fish, and steak options.
Third, the atmosphere was really fun! The music was a really good mix of popular dance party songs that got our group out on the floor, electric slide type group dances with a really good mix of ages, and some classics like «Staying Alive». The DJ/​cruise director was really nice, took song requests, and had a good balance between getting everyone dancing but also not being annoying. We were a big group and they set us up right next to the dance floor so we had lots of room, which was great. The outside area didn’t get as much use as it would have if it was warmer out, but I loved the couches and tables for lounging, and the drinks were allowed out there.
Overall it was a great experience and the birthday girl was happy!

Very nice boat. Needs updating.

We went on the Spirit of Boston sangria dinner cruise tonight, because someone had sent us the Groupon as a gift. The Groupon was good only for Sunday nights, and by the time the cruise took off we could tell that it was because Sunday must be there slow night. We were happy that it wasn’t very crowded. So here’s the important info:
Despite how the website sells this cruise, if you consider it a nice slow Boston Harbor cruise, with great views of the harbor, downtown, the North End, Charlestown, Castle Island, and a lot of the harbor islands, and in addition you get a buffet dinner with some background music, then you will be really happy. However, the website tries to sell it as a dance party with a great dinner, which it was not, at least on a Sunday night.
The dinner was good, but it wasn’t the reason to go on the cruise, but it also won’t make you sick. There was a dance floor and a dj, but people cared more about going on the decks for the views after dinner. The free glass of sangria took 45 minutes to arrive, because our waitress was MIA the entire time we were there until we asked some random employee about it. I also checked in with Unilocal for the free cheese plate, but we never received that either.
I gave it 4 stars, because the views were amazing, the boat decks were nice with plenty of railing to watch from and comfortable seating, and we were fed well. If we went there looking for a dance party and fancy dinner, I would have had to give it 1 or 2 stars. But go in with the right expectations, and you will be very happy.

If you are looking for a nice cruise around the Boston harbor on a big cruise ship, this may be the choice for you.
However, if you are looking for a dinner that is worth the price of the cruise and ship, then go somewhere else.
The ship has 2 big levels, air conditioning and obviously can be used for events and parties. We had a groupon ($ 52 per person) instead of $ 65– 70 so not a big savings but it was for a Sunset Dinner cruise.
NOTE: If you «check in» on your phone there, you get a free assorted cheese plate. It looked pretty but the crackers were a bit soggy and the cheese was hard. It had been made hours in advance and then brought to tables as needed. That set the tone for the entire dinner experience.
When we got there it was «Sangria Sunday» so everyone got a glass of free sangria. It was red and good– not too sweet. They seated us at a table for 4, but because it was not full, we didn’t have to share. They do offer options of a guaranteed window table and flowers for an extra charge. You have to arrange that before as you are booking your cruise.
The cruise was from 6 – 8 pm on Sunday, and we arrived and were boarded by 5:40. We were seated, asked if we wanted drinks (drink prices are normal for Boston) and then as were waiting for our drinks, we saw people in line.
I asked another server (ours was hard to find– once he realized we weren’t’ going to be ordering tons of alcoholic drinks, he wasn’t available much. I ended up going to the bar several times to get more ice and water– something that annoys me to no end) and he said– Oh that the buffet. Help yourself.
What??? We hadn’t been on board for more than 10 minutes, were not scheduled to depart until 6 and they were already serving dinner? Not a good sign. So we got up (hadn’t even received the cheese tray yet at that point).
Dinner Buffet: Big salad of assorted greens (a bit wilted in places) salad accoutrements, rolls, butter, herbed Tuscan pasta (pasta with vegetables and lots of herbs) with a marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce (didn’t try those), whipped garlic mashed potatoes (ok), balsamic chicken breasts (a bit stringy and overcooked), squash medley (the best thing there), and then prime rib. I asked for the rarest piece and he gave me the end. Totally gray and hard. They had au jus and horseradish sauce. I went back to the table and my BF had a better piece of meat than I did so he shared and I thought I’ll wait– maybe that one was overcooked. Nope.
Here’s the problem. I get buffets. I know that they have to be prepared in advance and reheated. I know catering. But these were made in advance and then put out TOO EARLY on chafing dishes and to keep them warm; EVERYTHING was overcooked. For $ 52 per person — and that was with a coupon? No, not worth the price.
Cruise director was fun and had people dancing; the cruise just went up the harbor and back, but lovely.
Servers were friendly.
So you’re in Boston– go on a cruise tour or boast tour for $ 25 buck, then go to one of the many good and great restaurants around the area and enjoy the food. This cruise and dinner aren’t worth the cost. We tried it because my BF works ion Boston and we only live 35 minutes away. But I would not refer it to my friends or go again. Too bad. Good food or even pretty good food would have gotten a good review and a returning customer.

Went on a harbor islands cruise as a birthday gift from my boyfriend in mid-​may and I could not have asked for a more wonderful evening! There was excellent service throughout the cruise without anyone ever being «in our face». The cruise manager, our servers, and the DJ introduced themselves at the beginning of the cruise and asked what occasion we were celebrating. The DJ, Michael, asked us what some of our favorite songs were. We requested five songs and he happily played them all during the cruise.
The views of the Boston skyline at night were BEAUTIFUL and it was fun to have the option of going out on the decks to enjoy it or looking through the windows while dancing or enjoying dinner at our personal table. The food was very good — a bountiful buffet with many options for vegetarians as well as well-​prepared meats and fish. Great views, fun music, tasty food… a perfect way to spend a festive evening!

My wife and I really enjoyed an anniversary trip on the Spirit of Boston. It was fun.
Like one reviewer said, come to eat, but don’t come for the food. good, but not great.
But for me I really enjoyed the dancing, and the views of the city from the top deck, the nice breeze. It was a great place for a relaxing date with the wife.
The servers were nice, just a little overtrained to be really nice… didn’t seem genuine, but they weren’t mean either. Just could be more natural.
Anyway, I’ll be going again.

I went on the lunch cruise with my sister to celebrate her first year of grad school. We absolutely enjoyed the unique experience, the excellent service of the crew, and the decent meal accompaniments on board. However, I completely realize that to really enjoy this, you really have to go with the right people and have the right expectations in mind.
First off — You should come here to enjoy the food, but NOT FOR THE FOOD. The food here is decent to good (the best were the deserts). They make a HUGE effort on presentation and making it look nice, but the reality is that some the chicken and fish is a little bit dry, but at least everything is decently seasoned and well cooked. Essentially, it is standard applebees quality (circa early 2000s before they got super fancy). And yes, the drinks are SUPER expensive — like 7 dollars a mixed drink, but then again it isn’t that bad for a boat.
The performances are fun if you come not to be «wowed» by the flare of the performances or to have a «concert experience». Yes some of the songs are kinda cheesy like from a 90’s wedding. But, the fun isn’t the song selection, but it is watching the crew (who are servers and singers) SING their heart out and always put up a smile and dance across the boat — and put on a show. Of course watching the grandmas and little kids on the dance floor is kinda funny.
We came for the scenic views, and on a sunny day in Boston, you can’t beat this boat. I took the traditional Boston boat cruise before (the just boat and drinks one), and by comparison this was rather luxurious with plenty of room, classy drink options, and seating space. It also seemed like it went much further and longer than the other boat cruise.
My lasting memory of this other than enjoying an afternoon with my sister was how the staff was always super attentive, super friendly, and when they could (AKA: the manager let them), they gave a drink or two on the house.

Boarding began a half hour before departure. As you walk up the ramp, they stop you to take a souvenir photo with a lifesaver emblazoned with the ship’s name. There are three levels, so you will be directed to your dining hall with your own respective buffet line, bar, DJ, and musically entertaining servers.
From 7pm till 10pm we were out on the water. The buffet and bar were immediately available for our enjoyment. Some of the food were labeled, some not, but they did have a menu posted on their website for those who like to be in the know.
The beef sliced to order was a bit over cooked, but sliced thin so we could easily cut it with the butter knives provided. The salmon was tender, as was the stuffed chicken. The brown sugar butternut squash even converted one hater. The veggie pasta was acceptable and served with a choice of two sauces. The mashed potatoes however were suspect of being the instant variety and the green beans could be improved upon. For a shipboard buffet however, it was decent.
Tables were square or long, but were set a bit closely together — all to pack ‘em in better, I guess. The dance floor a bit small, but we made do.
The staff remembered to come around to get our last drink orders before the bar closed. Take note however, that they do not accept a Massachusetts ID card for carding purposes. I looked it up and it turns out that State law does not provide the establishment any legal protection if a minor with a valid Mass ID is served alcohol. So if you don’t drive, but you want a drink aboard, you’ll have to get yourself a Massachusetts Liquor ID for the same $ 25 fee it would have cost for the Mass ID.
As we deboarded, we were sent off by staffers wielding platters of cookies topped with whipped cream. The cookies were crisp at first bite, but the centers were more chewy.

I never thought I’d be a «regular» on the Spirit of Boston, but I’ve been on their lunch cruise twice this month: 1^st as a Unilocal Elite Event, and today as part of my employer’s «Staff Appreciation Day».
Today’s cruise was an enjoyable experience.
The food was delicious and had a decent buffet selection: chicken, 3 cheese mac & cheese, pork with apricot sauce, salmon (with some sort of white sauce), garlic mashed potatoes, grilled zucchini, salad & rolls with butter. Desert was a divine Lemoncello Cheesecake with graham cracker crust, and a chocolate desert that my co-​workers raved about but I didn’t try.
The cruise started out with the waiters singing a bon voyage song, and encouraging passengers to throw streamers.
After lunch was served a recorded narrated tour of the buildings were passing played.
There was ample deck space for anyone who wanted to see the views, without hearing the noise of the inside of the ship.
The inside of the ship had the staff performing more songs and then a DJ playing songs to encourage dancing.
I think 2 Spirit of Boston lunch cruises in one month are enough for me, but I’d definitely be back next year if a friend wanted to try it.
It was a fun day on the water.
My review of the Unilocal Elite event on the Spirit of Boston that took place earlier this month can be found at the following link: