Hornblower Cruises & Events

Berkeley, United States

3.9

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 415-788-8866
Website:
www.hornblower.com
Address:
200 Marina Boulevard, Berkeley, CA, 94710
b/t Spinnaker Way & University Ave
West Berkeley
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miUniversity Av & Marina Blvd
0.3 miUniversity Av & Bait Shop
0.4 miSeawall Drive & University Av
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Apple Pay
No

Today

Today 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Local time (Berkeley) –

Business hours

Monday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Hornblower Cruises and Events has exceeded guest expectations for over 30 years, by maintaining impeccable comfort and safety standards while providing excellence in private charters, corporate events, proms, birthday parties, weddings, and more. Join us in Berkeley and let us show you an truly unique experience.

History

Established in 1980.

Since Hornblower Founder and CEO, Terry MacRae, purchased a small charter yacht business in 1980, the California-​based company has focused on one mission: delivering premier, high-​quality dining, entertainment and cruise experiences. Today, the company cruises from seven California port cities and New York City. It also operates two National Park Service concessions and will begin service at the Niagara Falls Gorge in 2014. Guests choose Hornblower for vacations, weddings, corporate outings, galas and more.

Meet the Business Owner

Terry M.

Business Owner

Terry MacRae is the CEO of Hornblower Cruises & Events, Alcatraz Cruises and Statue Cruises and the co-​founder of Hornblower Marine Services. As CEO of Hornblower Cruises & Events, he leads one of the fastest growing charter yacht and dining cruise companies in the nation. Alcatraz Cruises and Statue Cruises are both 10 year National Park Service concession contracts. Terry successfully prepared and submitted proposals for the competitive award of these exclusive transportation contacts to National Park Service sites in San Francisco, CA and New York City, NY. He is an expert in the design, renovation, construction and operation of luxury yachts, and a highly-​regarded leader in the fine dining, entertainment and tourism industries.

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20 reviews of Hornblower Cruises & Events

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Place rating: 3
Contra Costa, CA
I recently spoke with Samantha at Hornblower. Maybe I’m just a dupe, but I have to say I am impressed. She seemed genuinely concerned without being smarmy.
Even so, I really doubt they’ll stop using the Pacific Hornblower for airshows. So on that count you have been warned. That ship isn’t the best ship to be on for an airshow. But of course airshow cruises are a tiny fraction of their offerings.
Speaking of which, we’ll be taking a Thanksgiving cruise soon. For the record, we paid full price for our reservation. My reviews aren’t for sale! If I bump the rating up after Thanksgiving, it’ll be because we had a good time.
Place rating: 5
Vacaville, CA
We had our wedding on the Hornblower Empress and had an amazing time! Heidi was helpful and accommodating from the get go! Definitely a fun party and memories that will last a life time!
Place rating: 5
Crocker-Amazon, San Francisco, CA
Beautiful cruise. Have been on here couple of times with my boyfriend and it is very romantic. Especially for Valentine’s Day and our anniversary. We had a blast each time we have been on this cruise. The food is always delicious.
Place rating: 5
Tracy, CA
Went last night to Celebrate a 25 year milestone with DMC Insurance who rented the whole boat for the event. I am so glad the we were invited.
My first impression was the Ship looked small but that was because we had just finished a Cruise on a Carnival ship. As soon as we were on the boat the staff had Champagne waiting for us. The bars were staffed and drinks were included. We never waited more than a few minutes for cocktails. The staff brought finger foods that were all very tasty. The views of the Bay Area were amazing. The night was clear and the weather was perfect for hanging out on the outside areas of the boat.
When dinner was ready we were all asked to take a seat and each table was sent to the buffet one at a time. The food was great. I tried everything and could not say anything negative about any of the food. My wife had the dessert options and enjoyed them as well.
After dinner more drinks and then dancing. Actually I was just watching but it appeared like everyone was having fun. We had a great night and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Place rating: 1
Castro Valley, CA
We recently attended an event on the Berkeley Hornblower. The event itself was really fun, but the meal on the Hornblower was AWFUL! I felt sorry for our friends who paid for it.
My plate of food arrived and I immediately saw a large hair in my potatoes. My husband kindly gave me his potatoes and the minute I bit into the first one, I found the potato was RAW!
I didn’t say anything to the people at our table when someone else mentioned that she found a hair in her salad. And then another person found a hair in her salad, too. Then, one of the male guests at our table cut into his chicken and it was RAW!
4 out of the 6 people at our table had raw potatoes. We later overheard several guests talking about their raw potatoes.
We were considering holding a birthday party on the Hornblower, but after our meal experience, we have decided to consider elsewhere. Such a shame.
Place rating: 5
Union City, CA
My boyfriend surprised me here for breakfast early on while we were dating. From what I remember, we stood in line and had our pictures taken and were seated promptly at our tables. Our table had an envelope/​card addressed to us which I found pretty nice.
The cruise began shortly and we were grabbing platefuls of food before you know it.
TIP: desserts (especially the strawberries & chocolate) disappears quickly so if that’s something you want, grab some immediately
TIP #2: it is extremely windy and cold despite us being there at the end of May. Bring your jackets. Ladies, bring a hair tie lol
Pictures can be taken via staff and they will print it out and you have the option to purchase them at the end of your trip for $ 20 a pop.
What was unique for our trip was that my boyfriend was checked out quite a bit by our waiter. I found it hilarious until his orange juice and champagne were filled consistently but mine were left empty… (it’s not as if we were sitting very far. In fact, we were right across from each other within arms reach). Regardless, I found the situation comical and really enjoyed my cruise. Next time, I will for sure wear something warmer and tie up my hair. Hair spray would not help me.
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
I went on a Hornblower cruise for Valentines Day and it was incredible. The service was great and everyone was very nice. We were happy to find out that the cruise included unlimited wine, beer, and champagne. We also received two complimentary photos that were taken before we boarded. The boat was very clean and well decorated. We ate dinner at the beginning (our boat had a buffet but all do) and then we went outside for the rest of the night to look at the amazing views! I would definitely recommend this for anyone. it was very romantic. I think it’s good for a couple or a big group. I hope I can go on a Hornblower cruise again soon!
Place rating: 1
Berkeley, CA
This review is just for customer service. I reached out THREE TIMES to inquire about hosting an event for October 2015, and no one got back to me. I’m sorry, but even if you’re booked, you call or email to let the person know. I’m truly disappointed, because I would have loved to give them our business.
Place rating: 3
Vallejo, CA
Went on the VIP seated dinner for the Fourth of July cruise. We purchased a window seat as an upgrade only to discover that all but 3 tables on the boat were window seats. The seating is arranged around the outside of the interior walls which are lined with large windows so even the tables on the inside have a good view.
The band they had on board was fantastic! This really made my night. The servers were a bit amateurish and one lady spilled an incoming drink onto the other drinks she had just put on the table. I think she wasn’t used to serving on a boat.
My biggest pet peeve with this cruise was that the full bar only served Gordans brand alcohol so don’t expect any Kettle One or any other premium drinks. This just screamed «Cheap!» to me and my guests.
The food, while presented well, was not as good as I had hoped. The menu selections were right up my alley but some of the items on my plate were not cooked the way I prefer. I didn’t want to say anything to the waitress about my food because I didn’t think they cooked it on-​board. Everyone else in my party enjoyed their food which was more important to me.
In my humble opinion, the cruise was overpriced for what we got but everyone had a good time. But the way Hornblower presented this cruise package, I was expecting a lot more for what I bought.
Place rating: 2
Oakland, CA
We were contemplating having an event. I’m giving them 2 stars because they tried to accommodate my family for a free trial.
Although we had only talked about Berkeley the cruise left out of San Francisco. The person we were dealing with should have told us but we gave her the benefit of the doubt.
We talked two days later. What bothered me the most is that she never apologized for her mistake or her part in it.
It made me not trust them.
Place rating: 5
Hayward, CA
My boyfriend and I recently had brunch New Year’s Day. This was both our first cruise with this company. I’ve been wanting to do this for quite some time since I stumbled across some folks going on a cruise while I was leaving the double tree hotel some years back. Any who I must say that the staff was very nice and courteous they kept our mimosas flowing! And very attentive. We were seated on the second level which was perfect. It was elegant/​classy and very romantic overall. I rate the company and experience overall 5 stars but the food however a 3 out of five it was just ok. But I would definitely recommend it and I plan on going again for another occasion.
Place rating: 3
Grass Valley, CA
The main reason I did not give this cruise four or even five stars was that the overall experience was not worth 160+ dollars. The food was mediocre, if we weren’t hungry we probably wouldn’t even touch it. The boat ride was good, but I still felt the price was way to high. It would be much better to take the 30 daytime cruise from red and white and then just have dinner at any of the numerous excellent restaurants in SF.
Place rating: 4
Oakley, CA
I put together a company event and planned it on the Hornblower Empress for this past weekend 7÷13÷13. I have been working with Janet for months now, planning everything and it was a great experience.
The only «down-​fall» I would have is that some of staff members were a bit on the creeper-​side. As far as moving slowly while staring at the guests. I have had several employees come to me and say the same thing. But everyone enjoyed themselves, the food was okay, most did like it, however I think the roast beef was a bit too rare and the food was cold by the time I ate.
Like I said though, the overall experience was a good one and would totally recommend them to anyone else.
Please keep in mind, this is my personal opinion and this is no reflection of my workplace.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Great trip around the bay. The wait staff a bit in the slow mode. Food very average at best. Great tourist event!
Place rating: 4
San Jose, CA
Are you ready to take a step back from the crowded New Year’s Eve club places? If so, try the Hornblower Cruise!
I am usually in Mexico the NYE, so with that in mind I was kind lost not knowing what to do in the states. Luckily a friend had it all planned out, we bought tickets to go on the Hornblower on NYE.
Lets start with the crowd, … I’d say it was interesting. Very little people in their 20’s and 30’s and a lot of people over 40. Of course, not to be surprised since the younger people are in the city.
Right when we go on the ship we were handed champagne, then I realized we were off to a really good start. It was nice and warm inside.
The servers were really nice. They were also passing out appetizer’s. The music was pretty nice and mellow. As the night progressed it got better and better.
They also provided appetizers, which I can almost say it was a dinner since there was a lot of food.
Over all I enjoyed the cruise, the ride is fun and you get to see the whole bay. I would recommend this boat ride on any special occasion!
Place rating: 5
Alameda, CA
Evening Holiday party out of the Berkeley Marina. A three hour tour, three hour tour… combination dinner, open bar, craps/​roulette/​blackjack (not for money of course), and dancing…
Rainy night, but we didn’t feel any choppiness from the waves, Christmas/​Holiday Lights of San Francisco and surrounding communities were sight to see, also yachted up to the GGBridge and Bay Bridge… impressive at night!!!
A must do!!!
Place rating: 4
Media, PA
A really fun and scenic way to spend an evening in the East Bay.
Hornblower yachts (doesn’t really look like a yacht to me) and charter dinner cruises have decent food (much better than «Spirit of Philadelphia, NY, Boston etc.) and the cruise itself is fun — they have a DJ and dancing, plus a cash bar.
Worth the trip for a special occaision (Mother’s Day, etc.) or taking a group of tourists out.
Place rating: 5
San Leandro, CA
my time on The Hornblower was such a good experience. They prepared delicious hor dourves with a great chocolate fondue fountain. The staff was great too, there was a staff member at our table almost every five minutes to remove dirty dishes. I’m pretty sure my favorite feature of this vessel are the bartenders who knew how to make an excellent drink.
As for the boat itself, it’s very pretty on the inside and out with a dancefloor on the bottom deck and tables along the walls. Aside from not having a stablilizer the ride was fairly smooth and enjoyable. Its an awesome boat to be on for a little getaway on the bay.
Place rating: 5
Oakley, CA
Romantic, i was hot and bothered or shall i say cold and bothered. Wut can be better then staring across the bay to see nothing but city lights as i glance into her eyes. Such a perfect momment in time as the hesatation of when to kiss happends to crawl through my stomach into the nerves of my body. With every rippled wave crashing to the front of the boat and the cold wind blowing across my head, the body heat and lips of an angel make the night perfect.
Horn blower rocks i suggest that you go with a date and not stag definately got the vibe of a couples party and the only bad thing was the small selection of beer
Place rating: 4
Dublin, CA
The Hornblower is like the Starbucks of Bay cruising. You know that you’ll get a quality and memorable experience every time and at every location. I’m most impressed by their staff. The yacht is setup with little pockets setup behind the walls where the Hornblower staff can emerge undetected swooping in to cleanup spills, offer service, and to drop off food (and pick up empty dishes).
They prepared this incredible display of chocolate fondue, fruit, and other goodies for this party we attended that was an absolute hit. The Hornblower is also great because they have bars and dance floors on both levels. There are also plenty of views with decks on 3 levels including a sheltered area on deck 3.
Although we attended an evening party, the Hornblower also offers brunch, dinner, and special events packages that will provide memorable experiences (in a good way) for all guests.
Special thanks to Ligaya and friends for setting up the party. It was a night to remember!