Newport RI Afternoon Grand Cruise Review: Is It Worth It?

Alright, so you are thinking about checking out the Newport, Rhode Island Afternoon Grand Cruise of Narragansett Bay, right? Very, very exciting! You probably want to find out if this boat ride is actually worth your hard-earned cash and vacation time, almost. Well, you’ve come to, too it’s almost the right place. In this article, I’m going to give you the lowdown on everything related to this cruise, from what you could potentially see to tips that should make your experience even better, that. It’s like you get an inside scoop from someone who’s actually been there. Consider this your unofficial guide, designed to make sure you go in totally ready and get the most out of this nautical adventure!

What’s the Hype About this Grand Cruise?

What’s the real reason people keep talking about this cruise? In a way, the “Afternoon Grand Cruise” definitely offers a close-up peek at Narragansett Bay. A bit more than your average boat ride, you actually pass some pretty stunning sights. We’re talking sprawling mansions, lovely bridges, and maybe even a lighthouse or two if you are so inclined. The cruise tends to run for around an hour and a half, so, very giving you what is typically an adequate amount of time to just sit back, unwind, and enjoy the coastal scenery. Plus, they usually have drinks and snacks on board, like your own floating cafe. It is just an experience that tries to balance sightseeing with some low-key relaxation, actually.

What Can You Expect to See?

Okay, so, what exactly can you keep your eyes peeled for? Newport is extremely well-known for its Gilded Age mansions. During the cruise, you almost get a waterside view of these grand estates, yet. Keep an eye out for names like The Breakers and Rosecliff; in some respects they’re seriously something to behold, and tend to look pretty spectacular from the water. The Claiborne Pell Bridge is clearly an enormous structure that you typically sail close to. It provides great photo opportunities. Additionally, you might spot some of the smaller islands dotted around Narragansett Bay, islands very steeped in local history, by the way. Wildlife enthusiasts might actually get lucky and spot different kinds of seabirds and maybe, just maybe, a seal or two. So, don’t forget to bring your camera, to be honest.

The Cruise Experience: Ambiance, Comfort and all of That

Speaking of the boat itself, let’s get to that a bit. You often hear about two boats typically used for this particular cruise: the Gansett and the Coastal Queen. That’s interesting, right? Each of them usually has its own vibe. The Gansett tends to be a bit more modern, a little. A few decks provide, too it’s almost great views. On the other hand, the Coastal Queen offers a charming, almost nostalgic feel. Apparently there is covered and open-air seating on each vessel, so, really no matter what the weather is doing, you can generally find a comfortable spot, at the end of the day. You can almost grab refreshments during the cruise, from your sodas and water to, sometimes, slightly stronger beverages. Arriving slightly earlier could be, so, key to nabbing the best seats. This way, you and your crew might be able to sit together comfortably.

Who Would Really Enjoy This Cruise?

You are probably wondering if this cruise might be right for you, eh? It could be an outstanding choice for first-time visitors looking for a swift peek at Newport’s top sights. I’m just spitballing here, yet. It could potentially be suitable for history buffs looking to peep those extravagant mansions from a unique angle. Is that okay? If you actually need something relaxing and chill, this cruise most certainly hits the spot, still. It is usually fun for families, too; in fact most kids will almost definitely enjoy being out on the water and pointing out the sights. However, more or less. Just a little something for adrenaline junkies maybe.

Tips to Get the Maximum Enjoyment

So, how do you then make this cruise something to truly remember? This cruise tends to be rather sought after, arguably. It would actually be wise to get your tickets way ahead of time, is that something to consider? Definitely watch the weather forecast before going; it might sound very simple, yet packing an extra layer or two just might come in handy. Most seats usually offer great views, even if, actually, getting there early allows you to choose your spot a little more selectively, anyway. This goes without saying: bring your camera, but also definitely remember the sunscreen and hat, as I was saying. And hey, in some respects ask questions! In that case the crew tends to be filled with lots of historical tidbits and stories about the area and that should enrich your overall cruise experience.

Is It Actually Worth the Price?

Arguably, this is maybe the million-dollar question: does it provide adequate bang for your buck, you know? If you consider this cruise as both easy transport and a sightseeing expedition all bundled into one, pretty much it could actually be seen as fairly worth it, so to speak. A comparable land tour might actually take way longer to cover the same ground, by the way. You also should get different views from the water than what you get from land, which often might offer a completely refreshing perspective. The price may or may not be worth it depending on your finances or maybe how excited you are about sightseeing cruises; arguably. In my experience that can influence someone’s purchase decision to a reasonable degree, basically. To be fair, just a little keep an eye out for deals and discounts; in some respects, they often have specials, I’m being completely honest.