About Us
Grand Lady Cruises Mission Statement:
Grand Lady Cruises goal is to establish itself as an industry leader in the passenger vessel business by providing the highest quality service and products for the sole purpose of exceeding our customers expectations and growing our company.
Grand Lady Cruises. Inc. was establish in 1998 by sole owner Richard A. Deegan and is locally owned and operated in Buffalo, NY. The Grand Lady made its maiden voyage on May 14th, 1998, and has been cruising the Niagara River offering the most unique location for spectacular sunsets, masterful cuisine, special occasions, and area sightseeing.
Meet Your Captain:
Rick Deegan
- Entered the sightseeing and dinner cruise industry in 1975
- Earned 100 Ton Master License in 1980
- Hometown: Buffalo, NY
- President of Grand Lady Cruises, Inc.
- ***Named Business of the Year Grand Island Chamber of Commerce 2004***
Memberships:
- Current President: New York State Tour Boat Association
- Chairperson: Small Business Council Passenger Vessel Association
- Past President: Niagara Frontier Tourism Task Force
- Ontario Motor Coach Association
- Grand Island Chamber of Commerce
- Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas
Location:
"The Grand Lady Home Port"
Holiday Inn Resort & Conference Center
100 Whitehaven Road
Grand Island, NY
The Ship
Take some time to explore our website, where you will find detailed information on our ship, cruise and charter packages. Please call us with any questions regarding cruise and charter availability.
Demographics:
The Grand Lady is a US Flagged Vessel. At 80 ft long and 20 ft wide, it is of all steel construction, weighing in at 51 gross ton. This means, if we were to place her on a scale it would weigh in at 125 thousand pounds! Powered by 2 caterpillar diesel engines, rated at 250 hp each, the vessel cruises at 8 knots with a top speed of 12. However in the fast current of the Niagara River, the average speed typically reaches 15 miles per hour. 1 knot (nautical mile per hour) = to 1.15 mile per hour.
History:
The boat was originally built in Lacrosse, Wisconsin in 1993. It operated for 5 years as The Naples Princess in Naples, Florida until 1998 when it was purchased by Richard A. Deegan and transformed into The Grand Lady, making its maiden voyage on May 14th, 1998.
Location and Layout:
The boat docks at the Holiday Inn on Grand Island, NY. It is licensed at 149 passengers. The boat allows 120 guests for a non meal cruise, 90 for a plated meal, and 80 for buffet meal. The boat offers an Atrium Dining Room, a Captain's Club Room, Bar, and several outer decks, including an Aft Upper Deck and a Front Bow Deck. Please view our detailed photo gallery below!