Grand Lady Cruises FAQ's:


Do I have to make reservations? Yes! Reservations are necessary and we do ask for prepayment at the time the reservation is made. Reservations are always non-refundable but are transferable outside of 72 hours of the cruise.
Where do you sail from? As of August 2012, our home port is Rich Marina at 5 Austin St in Buffalo NY 14207. While we may sail from other docks for some private charters, Rich Marina is the dock location for all public cruises aboard the Grand Lady. When pulling into Rich Marina, please follow the white signs with arrows to the Grand Lady parking area behind the large white Rich Marine Sales building.
When should I make reservations by? As soon as you know for sure what date you would like to come, we recommend you make your reservations. Some of our cruises sell out weeks prior to the date. Those that wait for the weather forecast and call a couple days before are often disappointed.
What if it rains? Our cruises sail rain or shine. Our main deck dining area and upstairs Captain's Club areas are fully enclosed and equipped with heat and AC so we can handle just about anything Mother Nature throws at us. In cases of severe weather, the captain makes a decision at the time of departure on whether or not to sail. No decisions are based on a forecast. If the captain does decide it is too threatening to sail, meal is served dockside and customers will receive a voucher equal in value to the cruise only portion of package.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible? Please inquire about wheelchair accessibility at the time the reservation is made. For all cruises sailing from Rich Marina, guests board onto the second deck of the vessel. Please be aware that the restrooms and main deck dining area are on the lower level, separated by a set a stairs.
Where do I get our tickets? The Grand Lady works off of a manifest as opposed to using tickets for our cruises. At boarding time, simply come down to the boat and give your name to the hostess who will show you to your table.
What is the dress-code? While we have no dress-code, we classify how most guests dress as “resort-wear casual” or “dressy-casual”. We also suggest you bring a light sweater or jacket with you as even the hottest summer days can become cool evenings on the water.
Can I smoke aboard the vessel? No. The Grand Lady is a non-smoking vessel. We ask for all passengers cooperation.
Can I bring my own food or beverages? No. All food and beverages consumed aboard must be purchased from Grand Lady Cruises or an approved caterer. Please inquire about birthday cakes or other special requests at the time the reservation is made.
Where does the cruise go? Cruise duration dictates the course taken by the vessel. From our dock at Rich Marina we travel downstream in the East Branch of the upper Niagara River between Grand Island and Tonawanda. For a two hour cruise, we make it downstream just past the South Grand Island Bridge before turning around. A three hour cruise will get us down to the entrance of the New York State Barge Canal near North Tonawanda. During our monthly Around the Island Dinner Cruises or 4 hour private charters, the vessel makes it all the way around the circumference of Grand Island.
Will we get a view of Niagara Falls? No. The Grand Lady operates upstream of the falls so if we got close enough for you to see it would be a very bad thing. However, our monthly Around the Island Dinner cruises do offer a view of the city of Niagara Falls’ skyline and the mist from the falls from the Northern point of Grand Island.
Where is your office? When is the office open? Since our move in April 2012, we have a seasonal office at Rich Marina (5 Austin St, Buffalo 14207). Please call for office hours or appointments to see the boat. When pulling into Rich Marina, our office is located behind the large white building to the left hand side with the orange "Rich Marine Sales" sign on it.

Do I have to make reservations?

Yes! Reservations are necessary and we do ask for prepayment at the time the reservation is made. Reservations are always non-refundable but are transferable outside of 72 hours of the cruise.

Where do you sail from?

As of August 2012, our home port is Rich Marina at 5 Austin St in Buffalo NY 14207. While we may sail from other docks for some private charters, Rich Marina is the dock location for all public cruises aboard the Grand Lady. When pulling into Rich Marina, please follow the white signs with arrows to the Grand Lady parking area behind the large white Rich Marine Sales building.

When should I make reservations by?

As soon as you know for sure what date you would like to come, we recommend you make your reservations. Some of our cruises sell out weeks prior to the date. Those that wait for the weather forecast and call a couple days before are often disappointed.

What if it rains?

Our cruises sail rain or shine. Our main deck dining area and upstairs Captain's Club areas are fully enclosed and equipped with heat and AC so we can handle just about anything Mother Nature throws at us. In cases of severe weather, the captain makes a decision at the time of departure on whether or not to sail. No decisions are based on a forecast. If the captain does decide it is too threatening to sail, meal is served dockside and customers will receive a voucher equal in value to the cruise only portion of package.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Please inquire about wheelchair accessibility at the time the reservation is made. For all cruises sailing from Rich Marina, guests board onto the second deck of the vessel. Please be aware that the restrooms and main deck dining area are on the lower level, separated by a set a stairs.

Where do I get our tickets?

The Grand Lady works off of a manifest as opposed to using tickets for our cruises. At boarding time, simply come down to the boat and give your name to the hostess who will show you to your table.

What is the dress-code?

While we have no dress-code, we classify how most guests dress as “resort-wear casual” or “dressy-casual”. We also suggest you bring a light sweater or jacket with you as even the hottest summer days can become cool evenings on the water.

Can I smoke aboard the vessel?

No. The Grand Lady is a non-smoking vessel. We ask for all passengers cooperation.

Can I bring my own food or beverages?

No. All food and beverages consumed aboard must be purchased from Grand Lady Cruises or an approved caterer. Please inquire about birthday cakes or other special requests at the time the reservation is made.

Where does the cruise go?

Cruise duration dictates the course taken by the vessel. From our dock at Rich Marina we travel downstream in the East Branch of the upper Niagara River between Grand Island and Tonawanda. For a two hour cruise, we make it downstream just past the South Grand Island Bridge before turning around. A three hour cruise will get us down to the entrance of the New York State Barge Canal near North Tonawanda. During our monthly Around the Island Dinner Cruises or 4 hour private charters, the vessel makes it all the way around the circumference of Grand Island.

Will we get a view of Niagara Falls?

No. The Grand Lady operates upstream of the falls so if we got close enough for you to see it would be a very bad thing. However, our monthly Around the Island Dinner cruises do offer a view of the city of Niagara Falls’ skyline and the mist from the falls from the Northern point of Grand Island.

Where is your office? When is the office open?

Since our move in April 2012, we have a seasonal office at Rich Marina (5 Austin St, Buffalo 14207). Please call for office hours or appointments to see the boat. When pulling into Rich Marina, our office is located behind the large white building to the left hand side with the orange "Rich Marine Sales" sign on it.