american princess cruises - day cruises

we didn't see any whales, nice day for trip on water though. just one note, the crew member who took the tickets doesn't know where they go to see the whales, he said its eastern long island, so, the crew needs better education from the captains. otherwise, I felt safe in the captains hands on the water. they turned around a couple of weeks ago when they needed to. Whale watching can be exhausting. but, it would have been worth it if we actually saw one. but, the crew members are friendly and welcoming and most people on the cruise were pleasant to be around and tried to just enjoy the ride. we didn't get seasick, but, truly if you do, try ginger and don't go up to the front. I don't like the drop in the stomach but, the side to side is also able to make one sick. we went on a calm day yesterday, just a little swaying back and forth and a couple of big waves , otherwise, smooth sailing. I would say if you leave nearby, give it a shot, its worth the try.ps if you do get real sea sick, remember the winds make the most difference and any storms etc.

Ever have a job where the conditions that determine your success are complete out of your control? Gotta be rough huh? Well that’s what American Princess Cruises faces every whale watching trip and frankly I didn’t appreciate that till I went out with them on Sept. 14th (noon-4PM). They tried for 4 hours to deliver the goods. We passengers all tried for about the first 2-3 hours to spot whales. That last hour, lots of people were heads down and dozing but the crew was still all eyes on the water. 4 hours out … not one whale sighting. APCruises said they got word of a whale(s) here and there but as we raced around trying to catch one, they proved too elusive. Sad ride home for my family. Sad story with sad ending you say … not so fast!We called APCruises that week and talked with them about coming back out the following Sunday, Sept 21st. We thanks them for the $10/off cards passed out at the end of the disappointing outing and expressed our understanding they have a business to run with real costs (regardless of sightings, boat still burned a bunch of fuel, etc …). Still, we also had costs to come out too (tolls, time, gas …). Know what? APCruises gets it. They understand people are really excited to see the whales (and maybe dolphins, a turtle, a shark (fin) …), and real disappointed when the trip comes up short. I believe every trip goes out with high hopes and expectations. Rarely but possibly, the whales prove elusive, but not for lack of APCruises trying.Captain Tom and Capt. Frank work hard to deliver. Of all the people on the boat, these two ALWAYS have eyes open to the seas. Sunday 9/21 was a little rough at times and a couple people got seasick. I bet they didn’t realize on the sea leg back to the dock, the captains ran a far offshore course in the smoother rollers before turning back to inlet and some rougher water. I noticed it and it was a smoother ride for all for their efforts. Bet they were also hoping for one more whale(s) sighting for us on the way back in too.The boat is clean, the paint is in good service, the cabin and cushions are all in really good condition considering how much use this boat gets. This is a business that reinvests in its vessel to make our experience a great one. There is an onboard bar for beer, sodas, snacks and pretty good coffee. Tony works the bar. He's a charming, sociable sort with a ready smile and a word of encouragement. He recognized my family from our 9/14 outing and all but promised us whales this 9/21 trip. How could you not believe him?APCruises delivered the goods on 9/21 (see my pics). A few pods of dolphins (maybe pilot whales) very close inshore and then after an hour of prayers and persistence, a good sized humpback whale. APCruises identified the whale by its tail markings as being named “Rockaway.” Maybe they were having a bit of fun with us but we were on the bait fish, on the whale sighting and everybody was having a great time.I understand APCruises can’t promise every one of their outings will be whales but I’m convinced they try damned hard to deliver on that intention. They run a safe, clean ship far as I can tell. The captains and crew are personable, encouraging and will teach you a thing or two. Trust them to do all they can to put you on whales and everything else of interest they can find. Pack a lunch and snacks, plenty of water and a warm hat/jacket in case it’s cool on the water. Insider tip, take the seating up top. Much easier to move side to side to see the whale(s) as the boat moves about; although you will feel a bit more of the rocking seas than being below. Best seats on the boat IMHO are top deck, rear most in between the ladders (stairs) directly above the bar.When you go, and I do suggest doing so, just keep in mind the adventure is in the going and searching and a fine day on the water. The whales are why you’re going but their showing themselves is a blessing. Good luck! Thanks APCruises. We plan to be back for the fall foliage Hudson River Valley cruise.

We didn't see any whales or dolphins, which is ok, wild animals are wild animals !What we really don't liked is the "$10 discount coupon" to come back for another cruise.We paid $45 for this cruise, and they are asking us to pay again $35 to come back.It would have been nice to give us a coupon to come back for free, like other cruises do.

This has become a wonderful trip as whales and dolphins are appearing much more frequently in the NY area.Practically every trip now yields 2-3 whales and pods of dolphins. Excellent looks and great photo ops.The crew and staff are wonderful and could not be more helpful. I had a pin on my baseball cap which fell off. I did not realize it till I got home. My next time on the boat I asked for it and they had found it and kept it in a safe place.If you have the inclination to see whales and dolphins this is a must see trip.I used to travel to Boston to satisfy my whale watching habit but that is not necessary now.

We took their 4-hour whale and dolphin cruise. As with all these cruises they can't guarantee any sightings. With time running out we finally saw a whale for a short period and then the whale disappeared under water. The captain told us the whale would be underwater for 20 minutes. At this point the captain could have returned to shore. Instead he stayed out another half-hour and the whale return to frolic in the water. Our 4-hour tour last nearly 5 hours. I'm very appreciative of the extra lengths they went for us.