St. Croix River Cruises — Attraction in Hudson

Overall, we were extremely disappointed with our experience. We drove over two hours just to attend the cruise for the Hudson fireworks display. There was a group of four of us attending the cruise. Two members of our group are in wheelchairs, so we were on the first floor of the cruise. The dock/ramp to the ship was not ideal for wheelchairs. Both of the individuals in the wheelchairs got stuck getting on and off of the ship. However, the staff members were very helpful with assisting them to get on and off of the ship. We opted out of the dinner portion of the cruise, so I cannot comment on that. Our hostess was wonderful. She was attentive and came to check in on us multiple times. The kitchen staff was a group of younger adults. They seemed to be having fun and to have a good system to keep the kitchen moving. There was a bald male worker with glasses who was honestly very useless and rude. He spent the whole cruise entertaining his baby mama and her friend and introducing these women to the other staff members. About a half an hour before the fireworks started, the captain instructed us to move to one side of the boat to ensure we could see the fireworks. We asked our hostess if the lights could be dimmed so we could see the fireworks better. She did not know how to do this as she said she did not normally work this cruise. She asked multiple other employees and no one else knew how to do it either. Finally, after about five employees were involved, they were able to figure out how to dim most of the lights except for the ones right above us. After the fireworks started, the boat turned to face the fireworks. This meant that nobody on the first deck could see the fireworks. Most everyone had gone upstairs at this point. However, we did not have this option because as I mentioned, we had two members in our group in wheelchairs. It was brought up multiple times, and the employees were very aware that none of us could see the fireworks. There was another group on the first deck with us who also had someone utilizing a mobility scooter. They asked the bald employee with the glasses if there was anyway the boat could be turned. He responded that we were all on the wrong side of the boat. When they questioned him, he got very irritated and said he heard what the captain said and they were wrong. Even though we confirmed with the hostess where we should sit to see the fireworks. They asked again if the boat could just be turned and he responded that the captain had the boat set and there was nothing that he could do about it because he just works there. This group then decided to go upstairs so they could see what was left of the fireworks. The individual with the mobility scooter had to hop up the stairs on their one good leg. I feel like this issue with not being able to see the fireworks could have been resolved if one of the employees would have notified the captain. Turning the boat to the angle that we were told it was going to be at would not have limited the view for any of the other guests. We got to see very little of the firework display. There was no way to see them from the first floor at all. It did not matter what side you were on. We would have been better off sitting on shore...

This cruise line was the most unprofessional and deplorable experience I’ve ever been witnessed to in the 30 years of service I’ve been providing for the disabled. We boarded this ride at 6:15 and was placed in front of the buffet. I accompanied 2 disabled individuals who were in wheelchairs. These two gentlemen (bless their patient hearts) were the very LAST ON THE CRUISE TO EAT. I addressed staff far before they were last and was told by someone in uniform clearly able to answer to anything customer service informed me “it is not up to me sorry” and kept working. No eye contact. Absolutely zero accountability for denying the disabled any preferential or consideration for service. Instead they were placed directly at the buffet and our table was the very last to be informed “we could eat”. I was beyond sad for the people I serve as I had to repeatedly explain this was out of our hands. I had zero power over helping them. I felt defeated. And they felt denied. They felt left out and we’re doing their very best to be patient. My people I serve were so appreciative to finally be able to eat at 7:39 pm. My pictures are time stamped and indisputable. The response was deplorable. And this speaks exactly to their awareness, their cultural sensitivity, and their choice of ethics. As I tried to address it today 7/26/21 (I was unable to over the weekend) and the person who returned the phone call repeatedly cut me off, she placed the blame on myself for not speaking up (as I stated I spoke to not one, but 2 staff) and that it was pretty much my fault. Which is continuing to speak about the absolute horrid experience for us as a group. We booked tickets for the comedy show, but there was no handicap accessibility to the second floor where the comedy show was(that is my fault as their website has an option for such and I did not easily see it) and so even though they missed that part of the experience, there was nothing that made it better; but only made it worse. I’m taking one of the individuals to the bathroom we got jammed up in the doorway (the wheels were stuck). I was offered help by many patrons and never any of their staff. In addition to not informed of any bathroom inconvenience while we were checking in before boarding. The other individual had zero room to do any transferring from his chair to the toilet and so he did not get to go at all. There were no grab bars there was no clearance room and clearly not the accessibility they assured me of upon boarding. “Dollars before people” never works for anybody in the people I serves position. It is a disgusting response the entire way upon which this has been handled from beginning to end. I do not advise ANYONE who has handicap restrictions or handicap needs to go to this particular cruise line as the entire experience has been beyond forgivable. Just disgusting. Shame on you all. And shame on you for zero accountability and letting your ego get in the way of an opportunity to fix the experience. All we asked for was a refund. And all she did was blame. I’m absolutely amazed at the growing lack of professionalism and accountability that businesses like these deem acceptable. Shame...

Review: St. Croix River Cruises – Disappointed by the Experience

My family and I arrived very early for our first cruise with St. Croix River Cruises. We were excited to celebrate my mother’s birthday and were the first ones there, patiently waiting on the benches. A gentleman in a black shirt, who we later learned is supposedly the owner, greeted us and mentioned he would begin check-in shortly.

However, when a large group of about ten women wearing matching "Let’s Get Salty Girls" shirts arrived—clearly already in party mode—they immediately lined up in front of us. Despite the fact that the owner had acknowledged we were there first, he completely disregarded us and began checking in the rowdy group instead.

This set the tone for the cruise. Throughout the trip, this group was loud, disruptive, and inconsiderate—cheering and acting as though they were at a college party, not a shared public cruise. It made it difficult for my family to enjoy what was supposed to be a relaxing and celebratory evening.

Once we made it to our assigned table downstairs, things improved. The food was excellent, and the crew members we interacted with—especially two kind female hosts and the ship's captain—were professional and pleasant. Unfortunately, one large bald staff member was not as welcoming; when I asked him where the restroom was, he ignored me entirely.

Another concerning issue was the behavior on board. At one point, someone lit up marijuana and others were smoking cigarettes near the captain’s area—completely inappropriate and seemingly unnoticed by staff.

While the views from the water were beautiful and we appreciated the effort of the majority of the crew, the overall experience did not meet our expectations, especially considering the price. The disruptive group and the lack of respect for guests who arrived first left a sour impression. We will not be returning to this particular cruise and hope management takes this feedback seriously.

I want to say something to the owner of this particular cruise company or whoever that gentleman that drove a black Audi and had greeted us. You know exactly who we are? I want you to remember. You did not stick up for us that day and said to yourself. These people were here first, let me Show my respect and check them in first. Before anybody else that was very disappointing. I was going to talk to you about it, but I let it go because it was my mother's birthday

I still gave you a 3 star. Rather than nothing, I hope you take this information and make the cruise...