Frequently Asked Questions
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General Cruise
Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises boards from two locations depending on the season. From April through October, all public cruises depart from the Independence Point Dock. From November through March, all public cruises depart from the Boardwalk Marina. Visit our boarding directions page for detailed instructions.
Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure for all public cruises. The Fourth of July and Bands on Boats cruises begin boarding one hour before departure.
Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises operates year-round, including scenic lake cruises, dinner cruises, and specialty cruises like the Journey to the North Pole and Scenic Hot Cocoa cruises in winter. Winter is a great time to see the lake from a different angle.
All cruise boats have a ramp to the dock and a ramp onto the boat, and every restroom is ADA compliant. The top deck isn't wheelchair accessible, but outdoor seating on the lower level can be arranged on request. Guests who need a wheelchair should bring their own, since one isn't always available onboard.
Service animals are always welcome on every cruise. Pets aren't permitted aboard public cruises, with one exception: dogs may join the 90-minute Daily Scenic Cruise with prior captain approval, and must stay outside on deck for the full trip.
City parking is available on both sides of The Coeur d'Alene Resort at McEuen Park and Independence Point, plus two parking garages, one at The Coeur d'Alene Resort and one on 3rd Street. The best lot depends on which dock your cruise departs from. Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises does not validate parking.
Cruise length depends on the itinerary. The Daily Scenic Cruise and Sunday Brunch Cruise each run 90 minutes, the Sunset Dinner Cruise runs 2 hours, and the Spokane River Cruise runs 3 hours. Visit our Cruise Routes page to compare all itineraries.
The 90-minute Daily Scenic Cruise is the easiest starting point for first-time guests, since it runs year-round and covers the northern bays of Lake Coeur d'Alene with live narration on local history and wildlife. Guests who want a full evening out often step up to the Sunset Dinner Cruise, and those looking for something farther afield enjoy the 3-hour Spokane River Cruise.
Ticketing & Reservations
Ticket prices vary by cruise and season, with discounted rates for seniors and youth and free admission for young children on most cruises. Visit each cruise's page for current pricing, or call (208) 292-5670 for help choosing the right cruise for your budget.
Groups of 10 to 19 receive $2 off per ticket, and groups of 20 or more receive $5 off per ticket. All tickets must be purchased in one transaction to qualify, and the discount isn't available online. Call (208) 292-5670 to book a group rate. Larger groups may prefer a Private Charter Cruise instead.
Military discounts take $2 off per ticket for everyone in the group attending with the service member, and apply to every cruise. The military member must be present on the cruise, and the discount must be booked by phone or at the ticket booth rather than online. It doesn't apply to food or beverage purchases onboard. Thank you for your service.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth on the Independence Point dock (April through October) or year-round at the Concierge Desk inside The Coeur d'Alene Resort.
Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises doesn't sell its own gift cards, but The Coeur d'Alene Resort gift cards can be used to purchase cruise tickets at the Resort's Concierge Desk. Resort gift cards can't be redeemed at the ticket booth or online.
Yes. Season pass holders should call ahead to reserve a spot, which helps us make sure there's room aboard for every guest.
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable unless Ticket Protection is purchased at checkout. Ticket Protection costs 10% of the ticket total and allows a full refund or exchange up to 24 hours after the scheduled departure time. If Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises cancels a cruise for weather or another safety concern, guests without Ticket Protection receive a ticket exchange of equal value or a Resort gift card.
Cruises are only canceled for hazardous wind or smoke conditions. Rain or snow alone won't cancel a cruise, since neither is considered hazardous to normal operation.
Cruise Experience
Dress for the weather, since evenings on the lake can get cool. A jacket or sweater is a good idea for evening cruises, and the lower deck of every boat is heated.
Outside food and beverage generally aren't permitted onboard. Packaged snacks, hot dogs, popcorn, and other food are available for purchase, along with a full cash bar. There are two exceptions: guests on the St. Joe River Cruise who skip the optional River Chicken Dinner buffet may bring a personal lunch in a soft-sided cooler up to 12x12x12 inches, and guests on any cruise may bring their own bottle of wine or champagne for a $30 corkage fee.
There's no dress code for the Sunset Dinner cruise. Resort casual attire is fine.
Smoking is only allowed on 21+ cruises or cruises three hours or longer, and only in the designated outdoor smoking area.
Private Charter & Groups
Yes. Private charters are available for weddings, corporate events, family reunions, and other gatherings. Visit the Private Charter Cruises page or contact us to start planning.
Outside food and beverage aren't allowed on private charters, with the exception of dessert or wedding cake. Visit the Private Charter Cruises page for full details.
Private charters are available year-round. Lake Coeur d'Alene provides a scenic backdrop for winter events and celebrations.
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