What is your capacity?

We are licensed for 130 passengers.  However, we do limit our cruises to about 100 on most cruises.  The Main Dining Salon seats 62 and the upper Admiral's Deck seats 36.  Additional tables on the upper deck allow us to seat up to 110 on some cruises.

What is the seating arrangement?

We have seating for 98+ passengers.  We can seat a few more if band equipment is not aboard.  You are seated at tables of 6 and 8.  This is the maximum number of passengers when serving lunch, breakfast, brunch or dinner.  We can accommodate up to 120 for cocktail parties.

Assigned seating is necessary on all cruises with a meal.  You will be assigned a seat either on the upper or lower deck.  Sometimes other guests will be seated at the same table especially when we are at full capacity.  You will be directed to your table when you board.

There will be times when you may choose your own seating, especially if the passenger count is low.  The crew will direct you as you board.

How do we get tickets?

We do not issue tickets.  Your name will be on a boarding list under the last name of the person making the reservations.  For cruises having food, we require reservations and payment in advance because the caterer needs to know the number of passengers.  We are able to take a FEW additional last minute reservations on cruises with meals.  On sightseeing cruises reservations are not required, but recommended.  It is still best to call because sometimes we are full to capacity.

What is the dress code?

You may wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.  We suggest a jacket for evenings or cool days.  The lower salon is heated and air conditioned for your comfort.  We welcome everything from shorts and sneakers to party dresses.

Do you have a bar?

We have a full service bar with wine, liquor, beer and soda.  A cocktail waitress will come to your table to take your order.  You may run a tab and pay near the end of the cruise.  On private charters many bar options are available.

Does the weather affect your schedule?

We cruise in most types of weather.  The only weather that would keep us dockside is severe weather consisting of high wind or lightning.   We continue the event dockside because the food is catered.  Passengers or chartering parties will be refunded a portion of their fare should we stay dockside.  Usually storms blow through Chautauqua County very quickly so we are usually able to cruise once the storm passes through.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations are transferable/non-refundable up until 72 hours of the cruise.  Reservations canceled within 72 hours of the cruise are non-transferable/non-refundable.

If SUMMER WIND cancels a cruise your payment is fully refundable.  We may cancel due to low passenger count, sever weather or boat down for maintenance.  During July and August we do not cancel due to low passenger count.  We do cancel May/June and September/October cruises if passenger count is less than 15 for sightseeing or 20 for dinner.

Do you have rates for children and senior citizens?

Child rates are $5.00 off the adult fare.  Senior Citizens 65 and over pay $1.00 off the adult rate.

Do you have group rates?

We have tier pricing which includes regular rates, group rates and tour operator rates.