Canada’s newest Niagara Falls attraction and the only company on the Canadian side of the Niagara River permitted to operate boat tours of the Falls, the Hornblower Niagara Cruises has been off to a great start since its opening date of May 15, 2014 (see blog here to read about the ribbon cutting ceremony last month). In  just a month, thousands of travelers have flocked to be a part of riding one of the two catamarans — the Niagara Wonder and the Niagara Thunder. Each catamaran holds up to 700 passengers, with a private charter and special events boat, labeled the Guardian, that seats 150 passengers comfortably.
Until recently, we have only become acquainted with Hornblower Niagara Cruises first and foremost tour option: The Voyage to the Falls. This tour provides an up-close viewing of the magnificent Great Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and of course the mighty Horseshoe Falls. For the utmost closest daytime views of the Niagara Falls, this is the tour to choose for an intimate encounter with Canada’s wonder.
However, this month has introduced something truly special — three other options: The Sunset Cocktail Cruise, the Falls Illumination Cruise and the Falls Fireworks Cruise.
Hornblower Niagara Evening Cruises
 The Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Hornblower Niagara’s Sunset Cocktail Cruise is an extended 30-minute evening tour. Set to evening sunsets this half-hour cruise is the ultimate Niagara Falls romance experience. Complete with on-board licensed bar and light snacks, guests can savor fine Niagara wines and beverages while enjoying Niagara Falls at dusk. The boats board at 8:00 pm, are cruising by 8:15 pm and disembarking by 8:45 pm, allowing the ideal “sunset” time for photo opportunities and memory sharing. Adults (13+) are $35.00 (+HST), Children (5-12) are $31.50 (+HST) and toddlers and infants 4 and under are free.
The Falls Illumination Cruise

Hornblower Niagara’s Falls Illumination Cruise is a truly amazing experience! We’ve all seen the beauty of the Falls Illumination and its dazzling lights and colour displays, but to see them up close and personal is extraordinary. Like the Sunset Cocktail Cruise before it, this too is a 30-minute evening tour the features an on-board licensed bar and snacks. Check out the “Mist Retail” souvenir shop located in the “Grand View Marketplace” on your way in to board the catamaran. Here, you will find merchandise to make your Hornblower Niagara Evening Cruise a heightened experience. Like the photo above, glow sticks are available for purchase here to accentuate your trip, along with additional ponchos (although they are provided free of charge) and any other souvenirs you wish to carry and remember your trip by. The Falls Illumination Cruise boards at 9:30 pm, sets sail from 9:45 pm – 10:15 pm, and then disembarks by 10:15 pm. Adults (13+) are $35.00 (+HST), Children (5-12) are $31.50 (+HST) and  toddlers and infants 4 and under are free.
Falls Fireworks Cruise

If the Falls Illumination isn’t enough, how about something truly dramatic? The Hornblower Niagara’s Falls Fireworks Cruise is it! Operating on  Fridays, Sundays and Holidays from May 9th to November 30th, plus Wednesday’s June 18th – August 27th (*Fireworks subject to weather), this 30-minute evening tour features an on-board licensed bar and snacks, capped off with a “bang” with the famous Niagara Falls fireworks show at 10:00 pm. The Falls Fireworks Cruise boards at 9:30 pm, sets sail from 9:45 pm – 10:15 pm, and then disembarks by 10:15 pm. Adults (13+) are $35.00 (+HST), Children (5-12) are $31.50 (+HST) and  toddlers and infants 4 and under are free.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises also introduces group tour experiences, complete with VIP benefits, which include:
– Extended operating hours
– Date and Time select reservations
– Dedicated motor-coach reception
– Exclusive Group Check-In
– Express Group admission to boarding
– Direct billing and voucher privileges
– All major credit cards accepted
– Downloadable promotional material
*Available in 8 languages, Hornblower Niagara Cruises offers its guests a souvenir audio tour to accompany you on the boat, and to take home with you. It’s a 30-minute narrative providing you with rich history and interesting facts as you take the tour.* 
Looking for a different perspective and view of the Falls illumination and fireworks at night? Instead of from below the Niagara Falls, trying viewing the illumination and fireworks shows from above aboard the Niagara SkyWheel . You’ve never seen views like this from 175 feet (53 metres) high above the Niagara landscape. This 8-12 minute rotating journey will give you panoramic views of Niagara’s most majestic wonder! Summer-time sees extended hours on the SkyWheel, with closing times of 2:00 am, and the opportunity to time it right with the Falls Fireworks. Reservations are not made here, but if you have a group inquiry or a tour, you should schedule a ticket pick-up time well in advance of the fireworks shows. It’s a good idea to arrive 30 minutes before Falls fireworks shows at 10:00 pm. 9:15 pm – 9:30 pm is ideal to increase your chances of being on the Niagara SkyWheel during the firing of Canada’s longest running fireworks series.

For more information on any of these cruises please visit Hornblower Niagara Cruises online at www.niagaracruises.com, and for group inquiries and booking please email at:  groups@niagaracruises.com or call 905-394-3040.
For group inquiries at the Niagara SkyWheel please contact Lisa at gcm@cliftonhill.com or call 1-800-801-8557.

Christine Lynn
www.cliftonhill.com
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