For more than three decades, Hudson River Cruises has welcomed guests aboard the Rip Van Winkle II for an easygoing glide past historic lighthouses, Gilded Age estates, and the misty Catskills. A friendly local crew pairs engaging...
This cruise along the Hudson River has built a strong reputation for delivering a genuinely enjoyable and educational experience on the water. The narrated commentary stands out as a highlight, giving passengers real insight into the river's history, its role in trade, and the surrounding Hudson Valley region. Reviewers consistently praise the captain and crew for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, and families with kids have specifically noted how well the staff engages younger passengers. On board, you'll find snacks, drinks, and cold beer available, and free parking is conveniently located across the street. One reviewer did mention that speaker coverage could be inconsistent in certain spots on the boat, making the narration harder to hear from some areas, so it's worth keeping that in mind when choosing where to sit. Beyond that, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive across a wide range of visitors, from school field trips to family outings and special occasions like Mother's Day and graduations. If you're looking for a relaxing way to take in the scenery while actually learning something along the way, this cruise delivers on both fronts. The upper deck seems to be a favorite spot, and the experience tends to feel well worth the time spent.
We took the Hudson River Cruise while visiting Kingston for the 1st time for our nieces graduation for Master of Fine Arts Degree. The cruise very informative and was an overall fun experience. The Captain and crew are very helpful. The audio narrative while crushing was very informative about the Hudon River, Hudson Valley and Kingston area. Price was a reasonable price for the value received. Always cooler out on the water than back on land. Highly recommend this cruise.
David Lyster
May 23, 2026
We took the Hudson River Cruise while visiting Kingston for the 1st time for our nieces graduation for Master of Fine Arts Degree. The cruise very informative and was an overall fun experience. The Captain and crew are very helpful. The audio narrative while crushing was very informative about the Hudon River, Hudson Valley and Kingston area. Price was a reasonable price for the value received. Always cooler out on the water than back on land. Highly recommend this cruise.
David Lyster
May 23, 2026