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Enjoy a Hornblower Cruise 

Hornblower Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress attire for the cruises?
Lunch, Brunch or Moonlight Cruises: We recommend business casual attire, such as khaki pants and collared shirts. No jeans, shorts or tank tops will be allowed.

Dinner Cruises: Business casual attire is requested. No jeans, shorts or tank tops will be allowed.

How do I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made online or by phone with a major credit card. Seats are not held without payment.

What payment options do I have?
The preferred method of payment is by credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card.

Can I hold a reservation and pay onboard?
We do not hold reservations without payment. See "What payment options do I have?" for information on payment options.

I have a gift certificate/ coupon / offer, how do I redeem it?
Please bring your gift certificate, promotional card or coupon and present it to the host/hostess on board. Also, because these are considered forms of payment, they must be mentioned at the time of booking to receive any discount.

Where or how do we pick up our tickets?
A Reservation voucher with a Hornblower confirmation number will be sent via e-mail. When you arrive, introduce yourself to the Host/Hostess and they will show you to your table.

What time do I board the ship?
Boarding time is 30 minutes prior to departure for all cruises


Where is the best place to park? Does Hornblower validate parking?
We recommend the following parking lots, which are available on a first come, first served basis:


San Francisco: Depart Pier 3 - The Embarcadero. Located 1/2 mile north of the Bay Bridge at Pier 3 on The Embarcadero.
San Francisco does not validate parking

Pier 3 Parking: All Parking rates are estimates - Rates and availability subject to change frequently and without notice.

Parking Lot – Very Limited public parking is available at Pier 3.$10 per car ($20 during New Year's Eve events) . Hornblower San Francisco does not validate parking.

Metered Parking Lot – Limited public parking is available around this location (25¢ per half hour, free after 6:00 p.m.).

Embarcadero Center Garages – (four separate facilities): During the weekdays, they charge $2.75 every half-hour. Weekday Evenings (5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.) and weekends (10:a.m. to 3:00 a.m.) they
charge $2.50 for every hour.

Golden Gateway Garage – (entrance located on Clay Street across from Embarcadero Center #2): They charge a flat rate of $2.50 per 30 minutes. Their hours are Monday – Thursday, 4 a.m. to midnight,
Fridays 4 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Paid Parking Lot – Parking lot that is located on Davis St. between Broadway St. and Vallejo St.: $12.00 weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and $5.00 weekends and weekday evenings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Paid Parking Lot – Parking lot that is on the corner of Embarcadero St. and Broadway St.: $12.00 weekdays and $5.00 weekends and weekday evenings from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Paid Parking Lot – Parking lot on Embarcadero St. and Washington St. (directly across from Pier 3): $5.00 per hour with a maximum daily charge of $12.00.


Berkeley: Berkeley Radison Marina, Free


Marina del Rey: Fisherman's Village Marina, Validation for 2 hours, $.75 per hour thereafter.
All Parking rates are estimates - Rates and availability subject to change frequently and without notice.


Newport Beach: 2431 W. Pacific Coast Highway (across from Jack's Shrimp), $6 per car ($10 in December)
All Parking rates are estimates - Rates and availability subject to change frequently and without notice. Newport Beach does not validate parking


San Diego: B Street Pier, $7 per car and metered street parking All Parking rates are estimates - Rates and availability subject to change frequently and without notice.an Diego does not validate parking


Is gratuity included?
Generally gratuity is not included in your ticket price except for San Francisco Brunch, Lunch and Discovery Lunch cruise. In addition, an automatic 18% service charge will be billed at the time of booking for groups of 6 or more in San Francisco and for groups of 10 or more in all other locations.

What happens if it rains or snows?
Hornblower sails rain or shine. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard, we will remain dockside.

What kind of entertainment is on board?
Hornblower offers inviting dance floors and a variety of music - from the dance hits of the 40's through today as well as a variety of jazz, standards and popular favorites.

If my party is not able to make it or we miss the ship will we receive a refund?
Hornblower's firm cancellation policy states that "all sales are final and non-refundable". However, with a 24 hour or better notice, we will be happy to reschedule your cruise date or issue the funds in the form of a Gift Certificate. Reservations canceled or rescheduled within 24 hours will be charged a $10.00 per person cancellation fee.

Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is allowed on the outside decks only.

Do you offer special celebrations for birthdays, anniversaries or special occasions?
We offer a Celebration Package for an additional charge that includes; champagne, guaranteed window seating, chocolate truffles for two and souvenir champagne flutes. Please make mention of this when booking your reservation for groups of 19 or less.

Can we bring our own decorations?
Small groups without private space can bring table decorations but early boarding is not allowed.

What decor does Hornblower provide?
All Hornblower yachts are decorated with white linens, brass lantern centerpieces, sliver and china.

Can I bring cakes and flowers on board?
Cakes that do not require refrigeration may be brought on board. You will be charged a $1.50 per person cake cutting fee. Small flower bouquets are allowed.

Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian meals are available and can be arranged at the time of booking. If you have a group with many vegetarians or if you have vegans please notify a sales representative at the time of booking.

Are there any age restrictions on your cruises?
There are no age restrictions for any of our Lunch, Brunch, Dinner or Monte Carlo cruises. Please call with questions about any of our special event cruises.

Do you offer any children discounts?
Children under 4 are complimentary. Children 4 to 12 are 40 - 50% off, depending on cruise type and port location.

Is the ship handicapped accessible?
Please call (800) On-The-Bay to discuss local port options.

Are life preservers on board?
Each vessel is 100% Coast Guard certified with life preservers and all required life saving equipment, including child life vests.

Is there a phone on the boat that receives calls?
Hornblower does not have phones for guests' use. Most cellular services are available on the water as we do not cruise beyond one mile off shore.

Can we meet the Captain and visit the bridge?
Yes. Guests are welcome to come and meet the captain and his first mate.

When is dinner served?
Dinner service begins immediately upon embarking.

Do we need to pre-select the menu before the day of cruising?
No, you do not need to pre-select your menu. We have a menu that you will chose from onboard.

Is there pre-assigned seating?
As you board, our captain and marine crew will direct you to your deck. From there the host/hostess will show your party to your assigned table(s). Decks are never guaranteed to non-private groups. We assign seats based on needs and capacity for each cruise.

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