Grand Lady Cruises FAQ's:


Do I have to make reservations? Yes! For all lunch or dinner cruises, reservations are necessary and we do ask for prepayment. Lunch and dinner reservations are always non-refundable but are transferable outside of 72 hours of the cruise. For non-meal cruises, reservations are suggested. Pre-payment is required for groups of 10 or more.
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.
What if it rains? Our cruises sail rain or shine. 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? The Grand Lady can accommodate standard-sized, non-motorized wheelchairs. When making your reservation please note any handicapped guests so we can make appropriate seating arrangements before your cruise date.
Where do I get our tickets? For lunch and dinner cruises departing from the Holiday Inn Grand Island, 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. For non-meal cruises sailing from Isle View Park, tickets can be picked up at Isle View Riverdogs, located in front of the Grand Lady's secondary dock in Isle View Park. Tickets will become available for pick up 30 minutes prior to departure time.
We found the hotel, but now where is the boat? The Grand Lady's homeport is located behind the Holiday Inn Grand Island at the foot of Whitehaven Rd. We suggest you park along the left-hand side of the hotel, near the tennis court, and follow the sidewalk down to our dock. You may also walk through the hotel, take the stairs or elevator down to the lower level, and proceed out the backside of the hotel to the boat dock. If a member of your party has difficulty walking, please drop them off at the front door of the hotel and let us know they are there. We will be happy to give them a ride down to the boat.
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. As of the 2012 season, 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 our exclusive caterer. Please inquire about birthday cakes or other special requests at the time the reservation is made.
Where does the cruise go? Our route takes us from our departure location upstream towards the city of Buffalo. Depending on the length of the cruise, we make it up to Strawberry Island for a two hour cruise, or the International Railroad Bridge for a three hour cruise before we turn around and return to our dock, remaining in the East Branch of the upper Niagara River.
Will we get a view of Niagara Falls? No. The Grand Lady operates upstream of the falls. However, our monthly Around the Island lunch and dinner cruises do offer a view of the city of Niagara Falls’ skyline and the mist from the falls.

Do I have to make reservations?

Yes! For all lunch or dinner cruises, reservations are necessary and we do ask for prepayment. Lunch and dinner reservations are always non-refundable but are transferable outside of 72 hours of the cruise. For non-meal cruises, reservations are suggested. Pre-payment is required for groups of 10 or more.

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.

What if it rains?

Our cruises sail rain or shine. 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?

The Grand Lady can accommodate standard-sized, non-motorized wheelchairs. When making your reservation please note any handicapped guests so we can make appropriate seating arrangements before your cruise date.

Where do I get our tickets?

For lunch and dinner cruises departing from the Holiday Inn Grand Island, 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. For non-meal cruises sailing from Isle View Park, tickets can be picked up at Isle View Riverdogs, located in front of the Grand Lady's secondary dock in Isle View Park. Tickets will become available for pick up 30 minutes prior to departure time.

We found the hotel, but now where is the boat?

The Grand Lady's homeport is located behind the Holiday Inn Grand Island at the foot of Whitehaven Rd. We suggest you park along the left-hand side of the hotel, near the tennis court, and follow the sidewalk down to our dock. You may also walk through the hotel, take the stairs or elevator down to the lower level, and proceed out the backside of the hotel to the boat dock. If a member of your party has difficulty walking, please drop them off at the front door of the hotel and let us know they are there. We will be happy to give them a ride down to the boat.

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. As of the 2012 season, 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 our exclusive caterer. Please inquire about birthday cakes or other special requests at the time the reservation is made.

Where does the cruise go?

Our route takes us from our departure location upstream towards the city of Buffalo. Depending on the length of the cruise, we make it up to Strawberry Island for a two hour cruise, or the International Railroad Bridge for a three hour cruise before we turn around and return to our dock, remaining in the East Branch of the upper Niagara River.

Will we get a view of Niagara Falls?

No. The Grand Lady operates upstream of the falls. However, our monthly Around the Island lunch and dinner cruises do offer a view of the city of Niagara Falls’ skyline and the mist from the falls.