HOW IT ALL BEGAN
In 1971, the Hayhurst family bought a small passenger boat and named it the Miss Buffalo … the rest is history. As the waterfront began to develop and prosper, so did the popularity of the Miss Buffalo.
As with other waterfront cities, Buffalo’s focus turned to improving access to its most precious resource … water. As they began to realize this change and the demand increased, they brought the Texas-hailing Marlin Queen into the fleet in 1981 and renamed her Miss Buffalo II.
Sightseeing and party cruises were then added to the schedule. In 1988, there was once again a demand and this time it was for more of a specialized cruise. Buffalo Harbor Cruises sought out and acquired a third vessel, the Niagara Clipper. She was refitted and became the first dinner cruise vessel in Buffalo.
They didn’t play favorites, but over the years Miss Buffalo II seemed to be the most popular and they decided to focus solely her. The now iconic blue and white canopy was definitely the best fit for this great city.
For over 50 years, a hands-on approach and an ever-changing variety of services and products have enabled the company to thrive in a seasonal environment. Become part of Buffalo history by booking a cruise with WNY’s original and premier waterfront entertainment company, Buffalo Harbor Cruises. They are the local experts of everything Buffalo waterfront since 1971!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Yes. The gangway can accommodate most manual and electric wheelchairs. Please call for more information.
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Our dock and Ticket Office is located at 329 Erie Street at the entrance of the Erie Basin Marina in downtown Buffalo. For directions, visit our Contact Us page.
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There is no reserved or assigned seating available. It is strictly first come, first served unless previously arranged for handicapped passengers.
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Yes! Reservations is always a good idea for all cruises, especially the special events and adult cruises.
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Due to strict guideline from the Erie County Health Department and NYS Liquor authority all food and/or beverages must be purchased from Buffalo Harbor Cruises and partner All Occasions Catering. We have a fully licensed bar and a variety of light snacks available for purchase. There is a limited lunch and party menu available for public cruises with advance ordering required. Please contact us for more information.
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We take a variety of routes, depending on weather and type of cruise. All of our routes are in calm waters. Most of our cruises include the Buffalo River, the Outer Harbor, Lake Erie, the Niagara River Black Rock Canal.
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Yes! All cruises sail rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, the Captain will make a decision before cruise time. No decision is based on a weather report. We have alternate routes that we use to stay in calm waters.
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As soon as you have a date in mind, it is to your advantage to make a reservation. Our cruises are very popular and fill up quickly.
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You will receive an email confirmation with your booking ID. Boarding passes are not mailed and printing the confirmation is not necessary. Tickets can be picked up one hour before your scheduled cruise at our dockside ticket office.
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Yes! Miss Buffalo II is licensed and inspected by the Coast Guard and carries all required life-saving equipment.