Aboard the freshly renovated Sightseer, summer in Seattle finds its rhythm on the water. Waterways Cruises and Events has officially launched its 2025 summer cruise season, reintroducing the beloved Unwind Cruise and debuting two new excursions: the Sip and Sunset Cruise and the Seattle Sightseeing Cruise. Together, these three experiences promise something for every kind of explorer—whether you’re seeking a mellow evening with friends, a romantic skyline backdrop, or a narrated tour of Seattle’s iconic canal system.
Departing from South Lake Union, both the Unwind and Sip and Sunset cruises are designed for relaxation and connection. Guests board the open-air yacht to enjoy cool breezes, local beverages, and light bites while soaking in unobstructed views of the city’s glimmering skyline. The setting sun against the backdrop of the Space Needle and the distant Olympic peaks transforms an ordinary evening into a memory in motion. Meanwhile, the Seattle Sightseeing Cruise, embarking from Fishermen’s Terminal, offers a different flavor—one rooted in storytelling and discovery. This narrated tour glides through the ship canal, passes through Lake Union, and wraps back through the Ballard Locks, revealing the layered maritime heritage that shaped the city.
Waterways Cruises’ Chief Operating Officer Jeff Culton sees this season as more than a return to the water—it’s a reintroduction. “We’re excited to relaunch the Sightseer with experiences that highlight the best of the city—from iconic skyline sunsets to the unique history of our waterways,” Culton said. Renovated in 2023, the yacht is now optimized for comfort, with improved visibility, spacious seating, and a breezy layout that invites guests to relax and look outward.
But Waterways’ ambitions don’t stop at the edge of the dock. The company has also opened Lakeside, a new venue right on the South Lake Union waterfront. Tailored for everything from weddings to corporate events, this flexible indoor-outdoor space expands Waterways’ reach from the decks of its vessels to a land-based option that maintains the same spirit of celebration and scenic beauty. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a modern, understated design, Lakeside brings the calm of the lake to every occasion.
The cruises begin sailing in June and will continue through the sunny season, bringing locals and tourists alike closer to the city’s water-bound soul. With summer finally breaking through the clouds, Seattleites are once again invited to step aboard and let the gentle hum of the Sightseer carry them into the heart of the season.