Terms and Conditions
Gateway Clipper Fleet

 

By coming aboard with the Gateway Clipper Fleet, all guests agree to our Terms and Conditions. These may be updated from time to time—smooth sailing starts with a quick read below!

 

🎟️ Ticketing & Cancellations

  • All sales are final and reservations are non-transferable.

  • Add Ticket Assurance (for an additional fee) to cancel up to 72 hours before your cruise.

    • A per-ticket fee applies and is non-refundable.

    • Refunds exclude Assurance and processing fees.

    • No refunds or changes will be made within 72 hours of sailing.

  • If the Captain must cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you’ll receive a Gateway Clipper gift card for the full value of your booking.

🍽️ Cruise Experience

  • Menus, entertainment, and cruise offerings may change without prior notice. Prices are subject to change.

  • Cruises are not guaranteed to sail on a specific vessel; we reserve the right to reassign vessels as needed.

  • We may need to adjust, reschedule, or cancel boarding or sailing times. Guests will be notified by email and/or phone prior to departure.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Guest & Age Policies

  • All ages are welcome aboard sightseeing, dining, holiday, and kids’ cruises.

    • Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Some cruises are 21+ only, including Throwback Moonlights, tastings, concerts, and special events.

    • A valid state or federal photo ID is required for boarding.

    • Guests under 21 are not permitted on 21+ cruises — no exceptions.

💳 Onboard Purchases

  • The Gateway Clipper Fleet is cashless onboard all vessels.

    • Cash is accepted at the Ticket Office and for Shuttle services only.

    • Onboard purchases — including bar, snack bar, and souvenir photos — accept major credit/debit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

    • Checks are not accepted onboard.

    • Credit/debit transactions may show temporary authorization holds for up to one week, depending on your bank’s policy.

🧳 Safety & Conduct

  • We reserve the right to search passengers and inspect any bags or carry-ons.

  • Smoking is not permitted inside any vessel.

    • Designated outdoor smoking areas are available on select decks.

    • All Sightseeing and Kids Cruises are completely smoke-free.

  • Outside food and beverages are not permitted onboard or on the dock.

📸 Photos & Media

By entering the Gateway Clipper venue or purchasing a ticket, you grant permission for your image, video, or interview to be used for promotional purposes — including print, social media, websites, and advertising.

⚠️ Additional Policies

  • Passenger Ticket Contract, Notice and Terms:

    IMPORTANT NOTICE: ACCEPTANCE, PURCHASE, RECEIPT OR USE OF THIS TICKET BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE PERSON (“PASSENGER”) WHO WILL USE IT TO BOARD THE ABOVE REFERENCED VESSEL, OR ANY OTHER VESSEL OPERATED BY GATEWAY CLIPPER, INC. (THE VESSEL”) CONSTITUTES A CONTRACT, THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF WHICH AFFECT IMPORTANT LEGAL RIGHTS. PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY.

    Acceptance, purchase, receipt or use of this Passenger Ticket Contract by or on behalf of the passenger shall constitute the agreement of Passenger to all of the following terms and conditions:

    Neither Gateway Clipper, Inc. (“The Company”) nor the Vessel shall be liable for any claim for personal injury or loss of life, whatsoever and wheresoever arising and howsoever caused, unless written notice of the claim with full particulars be delivered to the Company at 350 W. Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, within six (6) months from the date of such personal injury or loss of life. Suit to recover on any such claim against the Company or Vessel shall not be maintainable unless: (a) The Passenger has complied with all the above notice provisions; and (b) Suit is commenced within one (1) year from the date of the personal injury or loss of life. The foregoing limitation periods apply to any claim of Passenger against the Company or the Vessel, notwithstanding any provision of law of any state or country to the contrary.

  • PA Sales Tax: Pennsylvania Sales Tax will be applied for all applicable items.

👗 Dress Code – What to Wear Aboard

Whether you’re dining, dancing, or sightseeing, here’s how to look (and feel) your best while cruising the rivers of Pittsburgh!

Sightseeing & Kids Cruises

  • Come casual and comfortable — there’s no dress code for these easy-going excursions.

  • Dress for the weather, especially if you’ll be on open-air decks.

  • Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes for safe boarding and exploring.

Music & Dance Cruises

  • Themed cruises? Get into it! From “Yacht Summer Nights” to “Throwback Prom,” creative outfits are encouraged.

  • For non-themed events, concert or nightlife attire works perfectly.

  • Choose comfortable shoes — you’ll be dancing the night away on deck!

Dining Cruises

  • Weekday dining cruises: Casual dress is perfectly fine.

  • Holiday Captain’s Dinner & Captain’s Dinner Dance: Step it up to dressy casual for a polished, festive evening.

  • Need inspiration? Click here for Emily Post’s style guide →

Vessel Notes

  • The Empress, Queen, Duchess, and Princess are all heated and air-conditioned, with open-air decks for enjoying the view.

  • The Countess is entirely open-air — check the forecast and dress accordingly.

  • Heels are welcome but choose comfort over height for safety while moving between decks.

 

 

Terms and conditions are subject to change.