Hornblower Set For Inaugural Niagara Cruise Season

Despite harsh winter weather conditions, Hornblower Niagara Cruises — taking over for Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls — has completed assembly on half of its fleet in preparation for the tour operator’s inaugural spring launch.

At its dock on the Niagara River, Hornblower has assembled one of the two catamarans that will ferry visitors to the base of the Horseshoe Falls for a unique view from the base of the Falls. The second catamaran will complete assembly in the next two weeks before undergoing final preparations for the official launch.

“The [700-passenger] catamarans are truly state-of-the-art vessels that will allow Hornblower Niagara Cruises to offer several unique tour options to showcase the majesty and power of the Falls for millions of visitors,” said Terry MacRae (pictured), CEO and president of Hornblower.

Currently, the two catamarans are on schedule to enter the Niagara River after the spring thaw.

In addition to multiple daily tours to the Horseshoe, American and Bridal VeilFalls, Hornblower will be introducing new Early Morning Sunrise Tours, fully licensed Sunset Cocktail Cruises, Falls Illumination and FallsFirework cruises all with on-board snacks and music.

Hornblower Niagara Cruises is the official concessioner of the Falls boat tour to The Niagara Parks Commission, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Provincial Government of Ontario. Hornblower won the concession following a recent competitive bidding process.