Historical Tour – From Chautauqua Institution

Quick Details

Duration
1 Hour and 30 minutes

About

The Chautauqua Belle Steamboat Adventure offers a unique historical cruise experience, departing from the iconic grounds of Chautauqua Institution. This charming paddlewheel boat takes passengers on a scenic journey on Chautauqua Lake, surrounded by views of lush landscapes, quaint lakeside communities and the homes in Chautauqua Institution known as “Millionaires Row”. Onboard, guests are treated to the charm of a bygone era, complete with entertaining narration that highlights the rich history of the region and some personal antidotes. The cruise frequently delves into tales of the lake’s past, including its significance in the development of the Chautauqua Institution and the many cultural and social events that have taken place over the years. As the steamboat glides through the lake, passengers can relax on the open-air deck, enjoy refreshing beverages available for purchase at our “Anchor Bar”, and take in the stunning views. The Chautauqua Belle experience is not just a cruise; it’s a step back in time that allows individuals and families to create lasting memories while learning about the rich heritage of Chautauqua Lake. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a delightful day on the water, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience.

FAQ’s:

These questions formulate our company policy. If it’s here it is the way it is.

**Q:** ***I have a general question about your schedule and times you are running.***

**A:** Please check our website! On our homepage we have a message box that is updated by 9am daily to make sure you have the most current schedule!  If it is on the message box, we are going from that location and that time! No need to call.

**Q:** ***I have a groupon, free ticket, or other coupon…do I need to confirm over the phone with you?***

**A:** No! All Groupon/coupon questions can be answered on our website! We update the message box on our homepage daily.   Please check there for today’s schedule. If you do not see the date you are interested in going, please check the calendar on our website. If you are unclear about when you can use your groupon please read the groupon.

**Q:** ***Do I need a reservation for your regular daily in season cruise?***

**A:** Reservations are not required however, we suggest online reservations be made if you are coming from any distance OR want to make sure you get on your desired trip.

**Q:** ***Where are you located?***

**A:** We are located at multiple docks through out the summer season. Please check our schedule or read the message box on our homepage for today’s schedule and port of departure. Our different dock information is as follows:

– **Chautauqua Institution:** 78 Water Street • Mayville, NY
We come ashore at the Miller Bell Tower, (yes that’s down on the lake) directly adjacent to the swimming beach. If you are not staying inside the Chautauqua Institution grounds we suggest you board in Mayville or you will have to pay additionally for day pass to enter the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution.

Mayville: We are located at the Lake Side Park/Steamboat Village

– **Bemus Point:** 1 Lakeside Drive • Bemus Point, NY
The Belle leaves from the dock right beside the Bemus Point Ferry and directly across from the Village Casino Restaurant.

– **Midway State Park:** 4859 NY-430 • Bemus Point, NY
We are located in Midway Park down by the Merry-go-round. (and yes that also is down by the lake, not up in the amusement park)

– **McCrea Point Park:** 14 Jones and Gifford Avenue • Jamestown, NY

**Q:** ***Can I disembark at Chautauqua Institution if I board in Mayville Park?***

**A:** In order to disembark in Chautauqua Institution, all passengers must present a valid Chautauqua Institution Gate Pass before exiting the gangway.  Since each cruise is round-trip, passengers with valid Gate Passes who board in Mayville and disembark in Chautauqua Institution may board the Chautauqua Belle at a regularly scheduled time later in that same day to complete their round-trip fare.  Please check the online calendar in order to ensure later cruises have not been canceled and notify the crew of your intentions to board on a later cruise.  To purchase a Gate Pass, visit the Chautauqua Institution website, found in the “Partner Links” page on our website.

#####**Q:** ***Do you have restrooms on-board?***

**A:** Yes, we have men’s and women’s restrooms available on-board the Chautauqua Belle, and at our home dock in Mayville.

**Q:** ***Is the boat handicap accessible?***

**A:** Yes, The Chautauqua Belle is one of the only tour boats in western NY which is handicapped accessible.  Designated space is available on the main deck for wheelchair passengers and those individuals are generally given priority boarding.

**Q:** ***Is the boat air-conditioned?***

**A:** The Chautauqua Belle is an open-air vessel with no air-conditioning.  It is covered to provide shade, often experiences a cool, refreshing breeze across the second deck, and has side curtains in the event of inclement weather.  Most passengers find a ride on the Chautauqua Belle to be very comfortable on warm or hot days and prefer to bring a jacket along on cool days or for most evening/night cruises.  Please dress accordingly.

**Q:** ***Do you have priority seating?***

**A:** We offer priority seating & boarding for several reasons.  Passengers with disabilities may be offered priority seating on the lower deck to circumvent any stairwells.  Bus groups, group reservations, and season ticket holders may request priority reserved seating at the time of their reservation, including access to tables.  We ask that all other passengers please respect crew member instructions and priority seating guidelines. We board and ticket at the gangway in the following order: reservations/ cash customers, coupons or complimentary tickets, and credit cards last.

#####**Q:** ***Can we bring our own food or drinks?***

**A:** No, we are licensed by the Chautauqua County board of health. We kindly ask all our guests to refrain from bringing outside food or beverages on-board the Chautauqua Belle.  We have a full-service bar with snacks, water, soft drinks, juices, beer, wine, & mixed drinks on-board and open during every cruise for your convenience.  If you would like a deli lunch, please  reserve a Picnic on the Paddlewheel by booking online. Customers whom bring food onto the boat will be charged an additional fee comparable to the items brought on board.

**Q:** ***Do you have food or drinks available for purchase?***

**A:** Yes, we have chips, cookies, pretzels, large deli sandwiches, chicken barbecue dinners, & your favorite soft or hard drinks. Please reserve deli meals online when booking your reservation, please check our calendar for Chicken Barbecue dinners!

**Q:** ***What time do we need to arrive?***

**A:** Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled cruise to allow for ticketing, boarding, and a timely departure.  Remember that passengers with reservations or those paying in cash are ticketed first and have priority seating, while passengers paying with credit card or check are ticketed and boarded after all cash passengers.

**Q:** ***What is your weather cancellation policy?***

**A:** It is our goal to run every trip posted. We occasionally need to delay, postpone or cancel a trip due to weather. We try to rarely do this as we are not making any money just sitting at the dock and it is certainly not very fun, we love and want to be out on the lake just like you!   Please check the weather for Chautauqua before leaving NOT where you live!   In general we do not go out in thunder, lightening, heavy rain, and /or winds forecast up to 20+ MPH.   Safety is a number one priority for us.  PLEASE— ALWAYS,  check our website message box and calendar as we update both regularly!  If you are coming from any distance…PLEASE…check the message box to make sure there are no anticipated weather cancellations.

**Q:** ***Do you have dinner cruises?***

**A:** Yes! We offer chicken barbecue dinner cruises  through out the summer. Reservations required, minimum passenger count applies. See Calendar for more details and a daily-updated listing of available cruises.

**Q:** ***Do I need reservations for the specialty cruises (dinner, fireworks, etc.)?***

**A:** Yes, all specialty cruises require reservations.  Please book online using our reservation system.  Payment must be made at the time of reservation before tickets may be issued.

**Q:** ***Do you serve alcohol?***

**A:** Yes, we have a full-service cash bar available on-board for every cruise with a fine selection of beers, wines, and liquors.  Photo identification required.  No alcohol may be served before noon on Sundays.

**Q:** ***Do you allow pets?***

**A:** At the Captain’s discretion, we can allow small, well-behaved, leashed pets aboard the Chautauqua Belle.  If allowed aboard, passengers must purchase a boarding pass for the pet at the child rate.  Pets may not be a nuisance to other guests and are the sole responsibility of the individual that brought the pet aboard.  Please remember that the Chautauqua Belle is an open-air vessel.  Pets must be kept from jumping off the side of the vessel, running around the vessel, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of any person on-board.  They must be fully cleaned up after by the person that brought them aboard and supplies to do so must be brought aboard along with the pet.  Note that it is at the sole discretion of the Captain as to whether an animal is well-behaved, small, or generally allowed aboard.  Any passengers that refuse to cooperate with the Captain will be asked to disembark the vessel at the Captain’s convenience without refund and/or return transportation to port of origin.