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Hornblower Cruises News

15 Mar 2021

Hornblower to Resume DC Passenger Vessel Service

(Photo: Hornblower Cruises and Events)

Hornblower Cruises and Events announced Monday it will restart its Washington D.C. passenger vessel operations, including dinner cruises and water taxi service.Water taxi service will resume starting Friday, March 19, and dining experience offerings with brunch, lunch and dinner cruises will return beginning Saturday, March 27.The company said cruises have been adapted to ensure heightened cleanliness and to maintain social distance, which includes reduced passenger numbers and the wearing of face coverings on board.

18 Feb 2019

Inside the World's Top Ferry Lines

Staten Island Ferries, NYC. Photo Credit: Greg Trauthwein

The ferry business, unlike more industrial parts of the shipping business, touches wide swaths of the world’s population across continents. The membership of Interferry, the leading trade group for the industry, with non-Governmental organization (NGO) status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) includes 200+ members from all parts of the ferry spectrum. These include passenger ferries (including fast ferries), Ro/Pax and cruise ferries operating globally. In selecting “the best” we looked beyond the league tables of “the most” (passengers) and “the biggest” (fleet size).

10 Jan 2019

PVF Receives $25,000 Challenge Grant from Hornblower

Rob McMahon (Photo: PVF)

Passenger Vessel Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting education and safety in the passenger vessel industry, received a $25,000 Challenge Grant from Hornblower Cruises & Events, a San Francisco-based passenger vessel operator with operations in California, New York and Canada to name a few.“We are very pleased to receive this generous Challenge Grant from Hornblower Cruises & Events,” said Rob McMahon, President of the Passenger Vessel Foundation (PVF). “Hornblower…

12 Feb 2018

Interview: Terry MacRae - CEO, HMS Global Maritime

Terry MacRae, President & Chief Executive Officer, HMS Global Maritime

Terry MacRae founded Hornblower Yachts, LLC (doing business as Hornblower Cruises & Events) in 1980, and serves as Chief Executive Officer, the President and is also its owner. MacRae is the Co-founder of HMS Global Maritime and the American Queen Steamboat Company, and serves as Chief Executive Officer of Alcatraz Cruises, LLC, Statue Cruises, LLC, Hornblower Canada Co., Hornblower Cable Cars, Inc. and HNY Ferry, LLC (doing business as NYC Ferry). He leads one of the largest and fastest growing charter, dining cruise, and ferry operating companies in the nation.

24 Jan 2018

A 'Ferry' Good Year

The new NYC Ferry service kicked off in 2017 (Photo: Dale Barnett)

New routes, new challenges and plenty of newbuilding as 2017 gives way to the New Year. A year ago, the maritime industry could be found clinging to the edge of their seats to see what the coming year had in store. 2017 was set to be a telling year and indeed it was. With the elections finalized, the political impact, if any, was sure to be seen. While fuel prices have remained low and continuing to hamper the offshore workboat market, consumer confidence has held high and new vessel construction is strong – particularly in the ferry segment.

29 Dec 2017

Best Workboats of 2017

Marine News showcases the best of North America’s 2017 workboat deliveries. There is something for everyone. Notwithstanding the lingering offshore energy downturn, there were plenty of bright spots for North American shipyards in 2017. If a hull was delivered in 2017, we took a look at it, with several areas as a focus for inclusion into this edition. For starters, it is always exciting when a domestic yard delivers a vessel – or multiple vessels, for that matter – to foreign buyers. We can compete in a foreign arena; on price, quality and on-time delivery. This year was no different. No less important is the environmental footprint of a vessel, and there was plenty to report on from that angle in the past 12 months. The domestic waterfront is indeed getting greener and cleaner.

23 May 2017

NYC's New Ferries Take to the Water

Photo: Incat Crowther

The first vessel in the new NYC Ferry’s fleet has been christened Lunch Box, following a naming competition held amongst New York school students. Lunch Box, which has already been followed by a subsequent pair of vessel in New York, is the first vessel in a fleet of 26m catamaran ferries commissioned by Hornblower Cruises to form NYC Ferries, a government initiative to bring an affordable, city-wide ferry network to the Big Apple. Over the coming year, the fleet will grow to some 20 vessels and the network will grow to six routes.

06 Feb 2017

Ferry Tales: Having a Ferry Good Time

At the most basic level, all new construction projects should offer an improved customer experience. While there are many challenges for designers and builders, complying with the latest ADA accessibility guidelines is a given. Likewise, customers have an elevated level of expectation for improved technology to augment their ride. WiFi, power ports, automated ticketing or counting systems, and onboard information displays are all fast becoming necessities, rather than amenities. (Courtesy: Vigor

Despite of some of the lowest fuel prices experienced in the last eight years, demand for ferry construction is at a seemingly all time high. The focus on building new ferries kicked off in early 2013 and the sustained interest is the continued result of an unleashing of pent up demand. Fleets have been aging and infrastructure needs to be built up in order to accommodate the future demand for commuter ferry travel once fuel prices return to and surpass their once familiar norms.

20 Sep 2016

Hornblower Flagship Retrofits with Thordon's Shaft Seals

Inspiration Hornblower has converted to the maintenance-free TG100 mechanical tail-shaft seals (Photo: Thordon Bearings)

Thordon Bearings’ US West Coast Distributor, Pacific Marine Equipment has successfully completed the installation of a pair of TG100 mechanical propeller shaft seals to Hornblower Cruises & Events’ 1000-passenger capacity twin screw flagship, Inspiration Hornblower. Hornblower, one of the leading river cruise operators in the U.S., operates a fleet of 70 sightseeing and dinner cruise vessels in several cities across the Golden State, the United States and Canada. Todd Terry, President, Pacific Marine Equipment, Thordon Bearings’ U.S.

19 Aug 2016

Focus on Safety, Future Drive Operator Success

Barge No. 272, looking back towards M/V Donna J. Bouchard during the Christening Ceremony in New Orleans, LA, February, 2016. (Photo: Bouchard)

The hallmarks of a successful vessel operator are the same whether they are carrying liquid, physical or human cargo: A laser focus on safety, a twin commitment to customers and crew, and the vision to embrace and invest in the future. However obvious the bar, it is not easy to meet. “I don’t think there is any magic formula,” says Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum services, Crowley Marine Solutions. “The difference is that everything we work on regards providing a high quality of service to customers, pays off. In a rising market, it’s easy to do well.

06 Sep 2015

Hornblower Cruises & Events names Loebl Sr VP, Marine Operations

Hornblower Cruises & Events (HCE) has just named Gordon Loebl Senior Vice President, Marine Operations, according to Chairman and CEO Terry MacRae. Loebl will be responsible for supporting Hornblower Cruises & Events’ multiple home ports; overseeing facilities, capital projects and associated budgets; establishing and maintaining relationships with regulatory agencies; directing the corporate engineering and project team; ensuring safety standards; participating in new business development; and leading efforts to develop and utilize new technology. In this hands on executive management position, Loebl’s focus will be on the development and growth of Marine Operations throughout the Hornblower group of companies.

13 Aug 2014

Hornblower Cruises Hires Special Projects Manager

After graduating from the California Maritime Academy with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation, Scott began a sea-going career with Chevron Shipping. He continued with Chevron in various at-sea positions until July of this year when he joined Hornblower Cruises & Events. In his new position, Scott will work on a number of special projects ranging from feasibility studies, energy and cost savings, risk management, regulatory concerns, procurement projects, business process improvement, SAFECRUISE efforts and Respect our Planet Programs. Hornblower Cruises & Events has been a leading charter yacht and public dining cruise company in California for over 33 years.

09 Jul 2014

EBDG-designed Passenger Vessel Launched

Hornblower Guardian (Photo courtesy of EBDG)

Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG), a naval architecture and marine engineering firm with offices in Seattle, New Orleans and Ketchikan, today announced that the passenger vessel Hornblower Guardian, built to its design, is now in service. EBDG partnered with Hornblower Cruises and Events of San Francisco to engineer the multipurpose vessel for that company's Niagara Falls operation. The new 68-foot long monohull vessel carries up to 150 passengers and has a unique, dual purpose…

21 Nov 2013

Hornblower’s Captain Goben Named “Maritime Person of the Year”

Captain Richard Goben, Port Captain of Hornblower Cruises & Events in San Diego, received an international maritime award at the 87th Annual Convention and Maritime Industry Conference in Arlington, Virginia in October. International Propeller Club of the United States honored Captain Goben as the 2013 Maritime Person of the Year. The Propeller Club was formed in 1927 in order to support shipping and the maritime industry. Captain Goben is a licensed ship Master and has worked in the San Diego cruise industry as the Port Captain for Hornblower Cruises and Events for over 25 years…

28 Oct 2011

Hornblower Hybrid Sails into NY Harbor

Hornblower Hybrid, the first vessel powered by diesel, hydrogen, batteries, wind and solar energy.

Hornblower Hybrid, the first vessel powered by diesel, hydrogen, batteries, wind and solar energy, arrived in New York Harbor. After nearly two years of construction and the work of more than 300 individuals, the Hybrid will service New York City upon completion of United States Coast Guard sea trials and certifications. The innovative vessel reduces emissions, uses minimal diesel, and features several recycled and reclaimed materials, LEED-certified carpet and energy-efficient LED lighting.

19 Nov 2010

Hornblower Names Shaw COO

Hornblower Cruises & Events has appointed Bob Shaw, a senior executive with more than three decades of operations experience, to the position of chief operating officer. In his new role, Shaw will be responsible for day-to-day management of all Hornblower companies, including charter yacht and public dining operations and two National Park Service concession contracts. "Bob’s management and passenger vessel industry experience along with his accomplishments as an executive for several multi-million dollar companies give him invaluable perspective.

16 Jul 2009

Hornblower Hybrid Technology Award Finalist

The San Francisco-based Hornblower Hybrid has been named a finalist in an international awards competition for Environmental Technology of the Year. Sustainable Shipping, an international online news and information resource, hosts the annual competition and will announce the 2009 winners at in London on July 15th, 2009. The Hornblower Hybrid, part of the Alcatraz Cruises fleet, is the first hybrid passenger vessel in the United States. The revolutionary design combines wind, diesel and electricity to power the vessel.

16 Apr 2009

Hornblower Tests Eco-Friendly Paints

By participating in an EPA-funded study of copper-free paints, Hornblower Cruises & Events is pioneering efforts to protect marine life and minimize boating impact in San Diego Bay. Researchers will spend the next two years comparing the effectiveness of ten test paints recently applied to the hull of the San Diego-based M/V Newport Hornblower. "We're doing some experimental painting," said Jim Unger, vice president of Hornblower Cruises and Events. "Traditionally, bottom paint has had toxins – either heavy metals or other biocides – that get into the water system. The Port of San Diego has partnered with Hornblower on the study, which responds to a 1996 San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board report identifying high levels of dissolved copper in Shelter Island Yacht Basin waters.

03 Oct 2001

Hornblower Employees Lead Fleet Week

Hornblower Cruises & Events' employees have led a movement among San Francisco's sailing and boating community to celebrate Spirit of Fleet Week in lieu of the cancellation of this weekend's events. Bringing together historic and recreation vessels, a Parade of Ships is planned for October 6 and 7 at 3:00 p.m. After learning the fate of this year's Fleet Week, Hornblower employees searched for another venue to express their appreciation to America's Armed Forces and raise money for the American Red Cross Relief Fund. Fleet Week charters and cruises will offer military personnel free admission and their family members a 50 percent discount on cruises. Each cruise will feature a tribute to military personnel, and 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross.

12 Oct 2001

Hornblower Uses Fast Craft to Enhance Service

Hornblower Cruises & Events will introduce an improved Lake-to-Ski package this season, transporting passengers in the morning aboard the fastest boat on the Lake, the Meteor, and in the evening on the 500-passenger Tahoe Queen for an after-ski party. The 60-ft. Meteor, previously used as a thrill-ride in Seattle, was built in 1993 and reaches speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Coast Guard certified for 124 passengers, Hornblower remodeled the vessel to accommodate 90 passengers in addition to bikes, kayaks and other recreational equipment. The Meteor will initiate the Lake Link service, acting as a ferry service across Lake Tahoe and offering land-side packages including ski, golf, hiking, shopping and sightseeing trips. Lake Link tickets start at $25 for a sightseeing tour of the lake.

18 May 2006

S.F.-Alcatraz Ferry Operator Eyes Hybrids

With the signing of a new 10-year contract between the National Park Service and Hornblower Cruises and Events, two hybrid-electric ferries will eventually be crossing to the famed former penitentiary Alcatraz Island from San Francisco, San Jose Mercury News reported. Alcatraz Cruises, a division of Hornblower Cruises and Events, will take over the route, now handled by Blue and Gold Fleet, on Sept. 25, the National Park Service recently announced. The new boats will comply with emission requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Hornblower Cruises and Events has agreed to build the first ferry within two years and the second vessel within five years.

15 May 2006

Hybrid Ferries Planned for Alcatraz Tours

Two hybrid ferries powered by the wind and sun will carry visitors to Alcatraz under a new ten-year contract between the National Park Service and Hornblower Cruises and Events. To help win the multi-million dollar contract, the ferry operator committed to build two brand new hybrid-electric passenger vessels that maximize the use of solar and wind energy, with zero emissions at the wharf. The first will be built within two years, and the second by year five. The hybrid vessels in the winning proposal by Hornblower were designed by Solar Sailor and modeled on the Solar Sailor ferry in Sydney, Australia. Bluewater Network introduced the Solar Sailor concept to ferry planners on the Bay five years ago and have been lobbying for such a vessel ever since.

11 Sep 2001

Hornblower Uses Fast Craft to Enhance Service

Hornblower Cruises & Events will introduce an improved Lake-to-Ski package this season, transporting passengers in the morning aboard the fastest boat on the Lake, the Meteor, and in the evening on the 500-passenger Tahoe Queen for an after-ski party. The 60-foot Meteor, previously used as a thrill-ride in Seattle, was built in 1993 and reaches speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Coast Guard certified for 124 passengers, Hornblower remodeled the vessel to accommodate 90 passengers in addition to bikes, kayaks and other recreational equipment. The Meteor will initiate the Lake Link service, acting as a ferry service across Lake Tahoe and offering land-side packages including ski, golf, hiking, shopping and sightseeing trips. Lake Link tickets start at $25 for a sightseeing tour of the lake.

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