Boston has a longstanding history with two great American traditions: Baseball and maritime adventure. Since 1901, the Boston Red Sox have captured the hearts of fans at Fenway Park, while since 1926, Boston Harbor Cruises has provided a unique vantage point from which to enjoy the city’s historic waterfront. Separated by just 25 years in their founding, they have shaped the Boston experience for nearly a century together. As baseball became America’s pastime, Boston Harbor Cruises laid down roots just as deep in the city’s culture, offering a different but equally exciting experience for Bostonians.

Which is what makes our official partnership an ideal match! As the Proud Maritime Hospitality Partner of the Boston Red Sox, we will look to enhance and combine Red Sox fans’ passion for their team with our dedication to creating memorable experiences for guests on the water.

Baseball’s Beginnings in Beantown

When the American League was established in 1901, the Boston franchise was called the Boston Americans, soon to be the Red Sox, wasting no time becoming a dynasty. In the years between 1903 and 1918, Boston claimed five World Series titles making them the most successful franchise in baseball. During this era, Boston’s waterfront was a bustling commercial hub, chock full of fishing vessels, merchant ships, and passenger ferries creating a constant flow of activity. Many early Red Sox fans would travel to games via water to reach the ballpark. Baseball was rapidly becoming America’s pastime, and nowhere was this more evident than in Boston, where the game captivated the imagination of a city already stepped in history and tradition.

Boston Harbor Cruises Sets Sail (1926)

As Boston continued to grow and prosper, Boston Harbor Cruises was founded, offering locals and visitors a new way to experience the city. The company was established during the Roaring Twenties, an era marked by prosperity and cultural transformation across America. At this time, the Red Sox were no longer a dominant force as they had been a decade earlier, but they remained a central part of Boston’s identity. Boston Harbor Cruises became more than just a tourist attraction-it became an institution that connected Bostonians with their maritime heritage. The early vessels transported passengers throughout the harbor, highlighting the city’s waterfront, naval yards, and harbor islands. Just as baseball gave Boston residents a sense of pride, these cruises offered a perspective on the city that reinforced Boston’s deep connection to the sea.

The Curse of the Bambino

Boston Harbor Cruises and the Red Sox are marked by a significant coincidence: Boston Harbor Cruises was founded during the early years of what would become known as,” The Curse of the Bambino.” Babe Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees in 1920-already a star pitcher and emerging slugger. He would go on to become baseball’s first true superstar with the Yankees, during the same time the Red Sox entered a championship drought that would last 86 years. As the Red Sox were struggling, Boston itself continued to evolve with its harbor remaining a vital center of commerce and tourism just as Boston Harbor Cruises was establishing its presence on the waterfront.

Side by Side: Navigating Boston’s Waters and Baseball Fields

Throughout the mid-century, both Boston Harbor Cruises and the Boston Red Sox faced challenging times while building lasting traditions. They weathered the Great Depression and World War II, adapting to changing circumstances and emerging stronger. Fenway Park, which opened in 1912, evolved into one of baseball’s most iconic shrines. Today, USA Today ranks Fenway Park as the fifth favorite ballpark among travelers — a testament to its enduring charm. With its distinctive features like the Green Monster, Pesky’s Pole, and the iconic manual scoreboard, Fenway has become a beloved symbol of the sport’s rich history.

Meanwhile, Boston Harbor Cruises expanded its fleet and experiences, offering scenic harbor tours that showcase historic landmarks such as the USS Constitution, the picturesque Harbor Islands, and Boston’s breathtaking skyline. As baseball cemented itself in America’s identity, Boston Harbor Cruises became an essential Boston experience — connecting visitors to the city’s maritime heritage, much like Fenway Park links locals to its sporting legacy.

The Magical 2004 Season

The 2004 baseball season brought an end to the suffering of the Red Sox Nation. After falling behind the Yankees, the Red Sox staged the greatest comeback in sports history, winning their first championship since 1918 as they swept the St. Louis Cardinals, breaking the curse at last. The celebrations that followed were unprecedented, spreading throughout every corner of Boston-including its harbor. Boston Harbor Cruises offered special celebration cruises, allowing fans to view the city from the water while reveling in the championship.

Ballparks and Boating: Two Boston Traditions

As baseball continues to reign as America’s pastime, and Boston Harbor Cruises strengthens its longstanding presence in the city’s waterfront scene-both offer ways to experience what makes Boston special. Whether you’re catching a game at Fenway Park or following the latest Red Sox lineup, Boston’s vibrant energy shines through.

The new partnership will also highlight City Cruises’ brand-new live entertainment series, “City Cruises Live,” which includes a series of 2004 Boston Red Sox World Series fan cruises setting sail this summer. Hosted by playoff hero Kevin Millar and fellow teammates from the championship-winning 2004 Red Sox team. These three-hour cruises will invite fans onboard for a behind-the-scenes look at the Red Sox’ iconic playoff run and an opportunity to see the 2004 World Series trophy for a limited time only. City Cruises Live is also bringing notable musical acts, a culinary series with celebrity chef Adrianne Calvo, and live interactive sessions with television personalities to Boston in 2025. Tickets are available at citycruises.com/live.

Score Big on the Water

Setting sail just a few miles northeast of Fenway Park at Long Wharf, City Cruises’ Boston-based offerings include sightseeing and dining cruises through Boston’s historic harbor, whale-watching cruises in partnership with the New England Aquarium, a high-energy “Alive After Five” cruise, lighthouse cruises, and a thrill-boat ride experience on Codzilla. City Experiences’ additional offerings in the Boston area also include ferries to Provincetown and Salem and the Ultimate Boston Food Walking Tour. We cannot wait to welcome you aboard to create some homerun memories.

Original Post Date: March 12, 2025