Magazine cover titled new york by rail featuring a scenic illustration of a river, boats, a train, and mountains in the background. The Elementor Header highlights "Available Now" with an arrow pointing to the magazine.
Text logo reads new york by rail in large dark blue letters with a shadow effect, styled as an Elementor Header, and GET ON BOARD in smaller red letters to the lower right. White background.
Sign up for Newsletter
Main Menu
Flyout Menu

Hudson River Cruises

Hudson River Cruises has been the Hudson Valley’s premier sightseeing cruise company for over 35 years, departing from the historic Rondout waterfront in Kingston, NY. The Rip Van Winkle II is a spacious vessel accommodating up to 300 guests, passengers enjoy narrated tours of one of the most scenic stretches of the Hudson River. A winner of Hudson Valley Magazine’s Best of Hudson Valley award, Hudson River Cruises offers sightseeing cruises, live music cruises, sunset cruises, private charters, and group tours from spring through fall. Whether you’re a first-time visitor arriving by Amtrak or a local rediscovering the region, Hudson River Cruises provides a relaxing, memorable way to experience the beauty, history, and charm of Upstate New York from the water.

A large white and red riverboat with two decks carries passengers along a wide river under a partly cloudy sky, with green trees lining the shore in the background.
A group of nine adults smiling and posing together on the deck of a boat, with water and mountains in the background on a sunny day. Some are wearing hats and sunglasses, and it looks festive and relaxed.
A small, stone lighthouse stands on a rocky jetty surrounded by water, with trees and greenery visible in the background under a blue sky.
A large paddlewheel riverboat with two decks and red railings sails on a river with a bridge and green trees in the background under a blue sky.
A white lighthouse with a red roof sits on a small rocky platform in the water, with green shutters and a black lantern room, backed by distant hills and a partly cloudy sky.
About this Attraction
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    What to Expect at Hudson River Cruises

    Step aboard the Rip Van Winkle II and settle into a shaded deck seat as Kingston’s waterfront gives way to sweeping river views. Our experienced guide narrates the journey, pointing out the historic Rondout Lighthouse, Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, Gilded Age estates, and charming riverside villages framed by the Catskill Mountains. Grab a drink or snack from the onboard concession bar and watch bald eagles, sailboats, and golden-hour light play across the water. Sightseeing cruises run approximately two hours, offering a perfect midday or sunset activity. Live music cruises add a festive atmosphere with local bands performing as you cruise. It’s an easygoing, all-ages experience that appeals to history buffs, photographers, couples, and families alike.

    A group of nine adults smiling and posing together on the deck of a boat, with water and mountains in the background on a sunny day. Some are wearing hats and sunglasses, and it looks festive and relaxed.

    Special Events and/or Additional Info

    • Live Music Cruises — Seasonal evening cruises featuring local bands spanning classic rock, jazz, and blues
    • Sunset Cruises — Panoramic golden-hour views of the Catskill Mountains from the water
    • Private Charters — Available for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, reunions, and more (up to 300 guests)
    • Group Tours — Packages for school field trips, senior excursions, travel clubs, and team-building events
    • Gift Certificates & Season Passes available online
    • Onboard beverage and snack bars (beer, wine, soft drinks)
    • Open-air and shaded deck seating
    • ADA-accessible boarding
    • 2026 season runs May 1 through October 31

    Plan Your Visit to Hudson River Cruises

    Hours of Operation:

    Ticket Kiosk is open daily from 10 am – until the final departure of the day. Check our website for more details.

    A large paddlewheel riverboat with two decks and red railings sails on a river with a bridge and green trees in the background under a blue sky.

    Where is Hudson River Cruises?

    40 Rondout Landing
    Kingston, NY 12401

    Directions
    A small, stone lighthouse stands on a rocky jetty surrounded by water, with trees and greenery visible in the background under a blue sky.

    Take Amtrak to Hudson River Cruises

    Take Amtrak to the Rhinecliff Station to explore this unique spot. Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount! From the Rhinecliff train station, book a taxi or ride share, carpool, or rent a car to visit Hudson River Cruises.