FAQ - Boat Charters - Cape Ann Cruises Frequently Asked Questions About Private Yacht Charters, Tours, and Events

At Cape Ann Cruises, we’re here to make your time on the water unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a corporate outing, a celebration, or a relaxing sightseeing tour, here’s everything you need to know before you cruise with us.

Table of Contents

🛥️ General Information

  • Here is a link to our Public booking page: Book Now

    Keep in mind we post availability for Gloucester Harbor Tours and Sunset Cruises 2 weeks. If you aren’t seeing an availability, please check back or join our mailing list for updates.

  • Yes, we offer public Sightseeing Tours of Gloucester Harbor, and the boat can also be privately chartered for tours, groups and and parties!

  • Yes, we offer private yacht charters and private boat rentals, which all include a US Coast Guard licensed professional captain and crew member that are inviting and friendly and undergo extensive safety training and have local knowledge of the area.

  • Cape Ann Cruises does not offer overnight lodging aboard the yacht, although private charter guests may request to spend the night onshore at a custom destination (for example Provincetown, MA). The Captain and crew will overnight on the vessel and the charter guests will lodge onshore, and We provide private charters of up to 12 hours for custom destinations where guests can stay overnight on land and access the vessel the following day for a return trip. The yacht is booked hourl

  • We depart from 63 Rogers Street, Gloucester, MA, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Gloucester.

  • City-managed paid parking is available nearby. Use kiosks or the Passport Parking app for easy payment. We recommend arriving early, especially during weekends and events.

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for boarding and instructions.

  • Our vessel, the WeJack, is 53 feet long and can accommodate up to 46 guests, offering a spacious, intimate setting on the water.

  • No, the WeJack is not ADA accessible. Guests must be able to board and move around the vessel independently.

  • It's best to reach out directly to our crew by filling out our contact form for the best follow up.

    It helps us to learn about your vision for a private charter so we can best accommodate you and fit you into our busy schedule! The boating season is short in New England!


    We’ll be in touch with you shortly!

  • We offer a wide range of experiences including:

    • Corporate outings and team-building events

    • Celebrations of life

    • Bachelor/bachelorette parties

    • Sightseeing cruises

    • Private group fishing trips

    • Wedding-related events

  • Yes! We specialize in corporate charters and customizable itineraries to meet your team’s needs.

  • Yes. We offer weekday rates and weekend rates for leisure trips and events.

  • Our public cruises allow multiple parties to share the experience. Private charters are reserved for your group only.

  • Yes! One of our most popular trips is a Gloucester Harbor Cruise, showcasing lighthouses, harbors, and scenic coastlines. We also offer fully customizable itineraries.

    • Salem, MA: 40 minutes by car

    • Beverly, MA: 35 minutes

    • Marblehead, MA: 45 minutes

    • Boston/Logan Airport: 55 minutes via I-93 or MA-128

📅 Trip Planning & Booking

🧭 Onboard Experience

  • Yes, we offer a mix of indoor and outdoor seating designed to provide a cozy, scenic, and social experience.

  • Yes, we have a clean and private marine restroom (head) for guest use.

  • We have a full bar with a professional bartender on board. Guests may not bring their own alcohol, but we can accommodate special requests and create signature drinks.

  • Yes, you may bring your own food typically with a $100 setup and cleaning fee for events. We also offer catering options via our Online Menu where the setup and cleanup fee is waived. please reach out and let us know what you’re planning and we can work with you to make it perfect.

  • Yes, explore our menu and catering options online or contact us to coordinate special food and beverage experiences.

    Catering Menu

  • Yes! We have a high-quality Bluetooth-enabled sound system for your playlists. You can also bring a DJ or live musician—just let us know in advance.

  • Yes, decorations are welcome! However, glitter, sequins, tacks, nails, and balloons are not allowed. Let us know your plans and we’ll help coordinate setup.

  • We love capturing special moments and often share them on our social media. If you’d prefer not to be photographed, just let us know ahead of time.

  • Absolutely. From champagne toasts to sunset proposals or team-building games, we’re happy to help you plan a truly memorable experience.

  • Most of our trips take place in protected areas like Gloucester Harbor and the Annisquam River, ensuring a smooth ride for most guests. Fishing trips may venture farther offshore.

  • Yes! Our sightseeing cruises pass lighthouses, waterfront estates, castles, and beautiful beaches along the coast. Great for families, photographers, and out-of-town guests.

  • Yes. We carry Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all guests, including child sizes.

  • Most of our cruises happen in calm, protected waters, reducing the risk of motion sickness. We provide ginger chews on board, and recommend speaking with your doctor ahead of time for additional remedies.

☀️ Route & Conditions

  • The captain will assess the conditions and determine if your cruise can safely proceed. If unsafe, we’ll work with you to reschedule or provide credit. Light rain or overcast skies typically do not affect most trips, and we have indoor space available.

  • You may cancel up to 180 days before your cruise for a full refund, 50% if 30 or more days before the charter date. Cancellations within 14 days may be rescheduled but are non-refundable unless weather conditions prevent departure. Cancellation requests must be submitted via contact form at www.capeanncruises.com/contact

  • No, special events are non-refundable, unless the captain cancels the trip due to inclement weather or other circumstances.

  • Public cruises are non-refundable, unless the captain cancels the trip due to inclement weather or other circumstances.

  • Yes, a 20% gratuity is added to your total private charter cost, ensuring our dedicated crew is properly thanked for their exceptional service. We do not add gratuity to public cruises, but tips are welcome and appreciated.

❗ Policies & Cancellations

🎣 Fishing

  • Yes, our private fishing charters operate directly aboard the WeJack. These experiences are great for larger groups, and we provide gear and guidance. Note: these trips may head beyond the harbor and are more weather-dependent than scenic cruises.

🕊️ Ash Scattering at Sea

At Cape Ann Cruises, we offer dignified and meaningful ash scattering at sea ceremonies aboard our private yacht, the WeJack. Sailing from Gloucester, Massachusetts, we provide families and friends a peaceful way to honor their loved ones surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. Our experienced crew will help guide your celebration of life at sea, handle all necessary EPA reporting, and create a serene atmosphere for your remembrance.

Let us help you create a heartfelt tribute that is as special as the life it honors.

  • Cape Ann Cruises is honored to assist families and friends with meaningful Celebrations of Life and Ash Scattering Ceremonies on the beautiful waters of Gloucester and Cape Ann. We specialize in private scattering at sea ceremonies aboard the WeJack, providing a peaceful and dignified setting for honoring your loved one.

  • We recommend planning for approximately three hours. This allows time for boarding, reaching a beautiful and appropriate location, holding the ceremony, and returning at a relaxed and respectful pace.

  • Most ceremonies take place in the protected waters of Gloucester Harbor or nearby coastal areas. We can customize the exact location based on your preferences and weather conditions.

  • Yes. After the scattering, we handle the required reporting to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on your behalf, ensuring all legal and environmental requirements are properly met.

  • Absolutely. You are welcome to personalize the service with readings, music, prayers, floral tributes, or special traditions. Our crew is experienced in supporting a respectful and individualized ceremony.

  • Yes. Biodegradable floral arrangements are welcome. We ask that any materials released into the water be fully biodegradable to protect the marine environment.

  • Yes; however, guests must be able to board and move around the vessel independently, as the WeJack is not ADA accessible.

  • We recommend bringing:

    • A warm layer of clothing

    • Sunglasses or hats for sun protection

    • Any ceremonial items you wish to include (flowers, readings, photos)

  • Yes. We can provide a Certificate of Scattering upon request, including the date, time, and GPS coordinates of the scattering location.

  • Yes. Many families choose to add a short sightseeing cruise or time for shared remembrance after the ceremony. Let us know your preferences when booking.