Policies and Frequently Asked Questions
Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. Please wait in the park near the gate and the crew will check you in.
BOARDING TIME: Boarding will begin 5 minutes before departure time. Please wait in the grassy of the park for the Captain to begin boarding. Do not block the sidewalk in the park while waiting as it causes a hazard to walkers and bikers on the path.
PUBLIC TRIPS are back to individual tickets this season.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: We have limited handicap accessible. If you plan to board with a wheelchair please advise our office in advance so we can prepare for your arrival. We may not be able to accommodate a wheelchair without prior arrangements. The restroom aboard the boat is not handicap accessible due to the limitations of our historic vessel. Motorized wheelchairs can not be accommodated.
WEATHER POLICY: Cruise may be cancelled in cases of severe weather. Tours usually run in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but we may cancel a cruise in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If we are forced to cancel the cruise, ticket-holders will be issued a gift card for a future event. It is up to the Captain's discretion to determine if a cruise will be cancelled. If the cruise goes as scheduled in light rain and you choose not to attend you forfeit your spot.
TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE: Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded. You may reschedule your ticket if you contact our office 48 hours prior to the cruise date. You cannot be rescheduled the day of the cruise because your space is being guaranteed for the event. If an emergency arises please contact our office to discuss rescheduling options.
WHAT TO WEAR: We recommend dressing for the day's weather since we are an open-deck, canopy-covered boat and there is no interior seating. (i.e., hat, sunglasses, sunscreen on warmer days and a light-jacket/layers, hat and scarf on cooler days) Shoes or sandals are required.
WHAT TO BRING (or not bring!): Feel free to bring a picnic lunch or snacks, but no outside alcohol is permitted. If you wish to purchase alcoholic beverages onboard please bring a valid 21+ ID. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on our boat, cash and credit are accepted. A camera & binoculars are highly recommended!
PARKING: There are linear parking spaces along the road near the dock. Some are free and some are numbered/metered for commuters. You must pay for the numbered spots if you park there on a weekday, but not on a weekend. The meter kiosk is at the north end of the parking spaces, closer to the train station and accepts credit cards. There are a few spots at the end of the road in the circle by the Peekskill Yacht Club that are also free when available. There is also a large free parking lot by the playground, just a short walk from our dock. A large public restroom is by that lot near the big gazebo. There is only a porto-john by our ticket office.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: The Evening Star has a NY State Liquor License. We serve beer and wine aboard the boat. You must be age 21+ to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. You can not bring your own alcoholic beverages aboard. No exceptions.
FOOD: You are welcome to bring along your own food aboard our cruises but please be mindful and help clean up after yourself as the crew can have tight turnaround times. There are snacks available for purchase on board.
COMMENTARY: The Captain or a crewman will provide heavy commentary on our 11am History and light commentary on River Trips. Please keep in mind that passengers are interested in the commentary, so please avoid loud conversations during the commentary. There is no commentary on the One Hour Boat Rides and the evening Sunset Cruise but the friendly crew is happy to point out sights and answer questions.
REST ROOM: There is a small restroom aboard the boat. It has limited access since it is down a steep ladder into the crew quarters below. Anyone with limited mobility who would have difficulty climbing a ladder would not be able to use it. I would recommend a shorter cruise for anyone not able to use the restroom. There is a portable restroom on shore to use prior to our departure. For those able to use the restroom onboard, a crewman must descend the ladder ahead of you each time you go down the stairs - company policy.
TRIP MINIMUMS: Public trips are subject to cancellation if we don't meet the minimum tickets sold. This happens very rarely, almost never on the weekends. We will call or email well in advance if we think it might be cancelled to find another time, issue a gift card or a full refund.