Seattle's Original Guided Harbor Cruise

Due to our various food preparation permits, we cannot invite pets onboard except service animals. If you bring a service animal, you may be asked:

Is the animal required because of a disability?
This is a yes or no question. You are not required to, nor can you be asked to, disclose the nature or details of the disability. If the animal is not required because of a disability, then it will not be permitted.

What is the nature of the work or task(s) the animal is trained to perform?
This question will not be asked if the nature of the work or task is readily apparent, such as with a Seeing-Eye dog. If the animal is not trained to perform specific work or tasks to assist the individual because of a disability, it will not be permitted. You cannot and will not be required to provide any certification or documentation proving that the animal is a service or assistance animal. You will not be required to pay a fee to bring the animal onto the vessel.

The service or assistance animal must be housetrained, and must be kept under control at all times while on board the Vessel. Argosy may ask that a service or assistance animal be removed from the property if it is not housetrained, if it is acting out of control and no effective action is being taken to control it, or if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. The threat of an allergic reaction is not a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

For the safety of all guests, weapons (concealed or otherwise) are not permitted on Argosy Cruises’ property, including our reservation center, boats, and in and around the Tillicum Longhouse on Blake Island. The only exception to this is law enforcement personnel in the performance of their official duties. The presenter of a boarding pass consents to a reasonable search for weapons before entering. If you are unable to comply with these conditions, then we will not allow you access to Argosy property. This is in adherence to Washington State law (RCW 9.41.300)(d).

We begin boarding 20-30 minutes prior to the “cruise time.” The boarding gate closes 5 minutes prior to “cruise time.” Certain special events may board earlier.

It is highly unlikely you’ll get seasick, as we do not go out into open ocean water. Our boats sail in the calm waters of Elliott Bay’s inner harbor and the protected waters of Lake Union and Lake Washington. 

However, weather conditions and the wakes of large vessels can move our boats about, and our captains are prepared to accommodate this during sailings.

If you have doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people also recommend taking it the night before their cruise and then again that morning so they do not feel drowsy.

For sightseeing cruises, all indoor and outdoor seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thank you for reaching out, and I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you experienced while booking. It seems that your order did not go through successfully, as the payment process was not completed.
Please rest assured that no payment has been processed for the previous attempt.

Absolutely. Our ships are fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. We sail rain or shine all year long. Captains may adjust routes to best manage conditions during sailing.

Yes! The vessel is equipped with onboard restroom facilities.

Our docks and vessels do move around on the water, so we recommend our guests wear low or no heels when joining us. We also recommend having a coat or light jacket should you want to stroll the outer decks of our vessels. If you are attending a private event through an individual or company, we recommend you check with your host as to the appropriate attire for your function.

Per Washington State law, all of our vessels are non-smoking and non-vaping, including on the outer decks.

Due to space/weight restrictions and the safety of our passengers, bicycles are not allowed on board any public sightseeing cruises.*

There is no outside food or beverages allowed onboard. There are snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Accessibility information for the Seattle's Original Guided Harbor Cruise is as follows:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Seattle’s Original Guided Harbor Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.