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Gateway Clipper Cruises – A Tour Perfect for Visitors

Published by Jeremy . Last Updated on February 8, 2023.

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The Gateway Clipper is an iconic Pittsburgh attraction. No matter the time of day, odds are good you can look to the rivers near downtown Pittsburgh and see these iconic blue, gold, and red riverboats ferrying passengers or giving a water-level city tour.

As Pittsburgh residents, we've seen these boats for many years but oddly enough had never taken one. Naturally, since founding this site we wanted to change that and finally made the trip down to Station Square to take a sightseeing cruise at the end of peak season.

But in being honest, I have to say that there are two very different experiences you can have on the Gateway Clipper fleet- one as a resident and one as a visitor. Depending on what category you fall into, this may change your approach to this tour significantly.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet – For Visitors

For visitors to Pittsburgh, a trip on the Gateway Clipper is one of the top attractions you can do in the city. This 60-minute tour traverses the three rivers and is narrated to highlight the city's unique history, beautiful architecture, and other facts you may not hear anywhere else (excluding this blog, of course).

During each tour the guides ask who is a visitor and who is a local, and we were some of the only residents who were out for the day- something the guide suggested was fairly common.

The tour plays out much like you'd expect a 60-minute boat cruise to do. You do a quick loop around the rivers, learn a few facts about the city (some of which were sadly, incorrect), receive a few bad restaurant recommendations, and go on about your day.  A typical tourist boat cruise , and in Pittsburgh one that has a fairly incredible backdrop to enjoy.

If we were from out of town and took the trip, we would have enjoyed it immensely; however, in being locals to Pittsburgh and making it our mission to go explore as much as possible, we were a bit let down as the tour fell short of what we think is its full potential.

Gateway Clipper Cruises – For Residents

The reason for our lackluster response to the hour-long sightseeing cruise on the Gateway Clipper stems from the fact that it offer residents little to no new experiences or knowledge other than enjoying the view of the city from the water.

At some point, listening to the narrator talk is not so much a treat, but a distraction from why you're taking the tour in the first place (which for us was to simply experience the views).

This disconnect is where the problem of the Gateway Clipper comes into play. If you sign up for their standard sightseeing cruise, you're going to have a fairly typical sightseeing experience. As a visitor, 60 minutes out on the water is a pretty great tourist activity. But as a local who knows the waterways around Pittsburgh inside and out, we simply wanted more.

That being said, those who live in the city may want to take a trip out on the longer dinner cruises instead (many at sunset, for an added bonus) to appreciate the city we all know and love the way it should be enjoyed- for a very long time .

Looks like another Gateway Clipper cruise is in our future to try it out!

The Gateway Clipper fleet is docked at 350 W Station Square Drive right next to the Sheraton Station Square hotel .  Cruises are offered multiple times per day; however, starting in late October the frequency of departures decreases for the winter.

For more scenic viewpoints of Pittsburgh , check out our Pittsburgh skyline views guide which has an assortment you may never have seen before, or sign up for a Pittsburgh helicopter tour ! Or if you'd rather see the city from the water, check out all the great ways to experience the Pittsburgh rivers here!

For frequently asked questions about the Gateway Clipper, check out the following.

What is a Gateway Clipper tour?

The Gateway Clipper is a historic riverboat cruise on Pittsburgh's three rivers. A general sightseeing tour lasts approximately one hour.

Are reservations required for the Gateway Clipper?

Reservations are highly recommended as popular sailing times do sell out.

Where does the Gateway Clipper dock?

The Gateway Clipper fleet docks in Station Square in Pittsburgh's South Side. Their address is 350 W Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

What is parking like at the Gateway Clipper dock?

A surface lot is available as well as a parking garage that is used by the Sheraton Hotel and charges an hourly rate. Note that most of the parking lots nearby may have surge pricing during events at Highmark Stadium.

Does the Gateway Clipper fleet offer other tours?

Yes. The Gateway Clipper has dinner cruises, themed cruises, and more.

Find More to Do in South Side

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The Grand Concourse Brunch is a Classic Pittsburgh Tradition

Pins Mechanical Co. Brings the Fun and Drinks in South Side

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Cruisin' Tikis Pittsburgh

"Aloha! Cruisin’ Tikis Pittsburgh offers unique and relaxing two hour sightseeing cruises on the Three Rivers aboard one of our "original" floating Tiki Boats. Our Tiki Fun Cruises depart from Pittsburgh's North Shore or Station Square and include spectacular photo opportunities of iconic Pittsburgh landmarks and local points of interest from the water. Each Cruisin’ Tiki boat carries up to six people, along with an experienced Coast Guard certified Captain, and is equipped with a four speaker bluetooth enabled stereo system for your listening pleasure. Guests are encouraged to bring a cooler with their favorite beverages and snacks."

Cruisin' Tikis Pittsburgh North Shore and Station Square Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Watch CBS News

"Big Nude Boat" offers a trip to "bare-adise" on a naked cruise from Florida

By Li Cohen

Updated on: May 2, 2024 / 8:20 AM EDT / CBS News

Like to travel light? One cruise ship soon to set sail from Florida is making sure all you need is the bare necessities – no shoes, no clothes but plenty of service. 

" The Big Nude Boat " will take travelers from Miami to the Caribbean on "an 11-day adventure back to Bare-adise," the website says. Setting sail from Feb. 3 through Valentine's Day 2025, the trip offers a "stress-free, clothes-free experience" during which up to 2,300 passengers can roam the ship in the nude while out at sea. 

"It's our pleasure to provide you with the luxury of deciding what NOT to wear," Bare Necessities Tour and Travel says. 

@cbsmornings Would you dare to set sail on a nude cruise? 🚢 Cruisebare's upcoming full-ship nude cruise, departing from Miami in February next year, is making waves. Even #TonyDokoupil is down to go. 🌊 #cruises #vacation #experience #miami #sail ♬ original sound - CBS Mornings

Passengers won't be allowed to be naked when the ship is docked, but can ditch their usual attire once they are anchored or out on the water. And when clothing is optional, standard nudist etiquette must be abided by, the website says. When sitting, nude passengers must either wear a thong or sit on a towel or some kind of fabric. And while the self-serve buffet on the pool deck is a clothes-free area, passengers must be dressed for all dining room meals – and no, bathrobes don't count. 

Photos and videos will also not be permitted unless all individuals being documented give consent. 

"The Big Nude Boat" is just one of the cruises offered by Bare Necessities, which says on its website that the company has been "working to break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option for all." 

"Social nudity is not a sexual activity, and we strive to dispel the misconception that it is anything but natural and beautiful," the company says. "We have made strides in the acceptance of nude vacationing and our wide range of cruise charters are a testament to our success."

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Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

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SUNSET DINNER CRUISE & TOUR

Quick Details

• Anchor Cruise Type: Family-Friendly , Dining
• Info Season: Spring , Fall , Summer
• Bookmark Availability: 2024 Dates: April - November
• Clock Time: Boards: 5:45 p.m.; and Sails: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• Calendar Day of the Week: Friday, Sunday
• Users Ages: Ages 1+
• Checkmark Entertainment: First Class Entertainment DJ
• Food Menu: Full Dinner Buffet & Cash Bar

Enjoy a Sunset Dinner Cruise on Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers!

• Chevron down Menu

ALL NEW 2023 MENU !

Salmon Piccata with Lemon Caper White Wine Sauce

Chicken Florentine Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Onion, Feta, and Sundried Tomato

Herb Wild Rice Pilaf

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Seasonal Vegetables

Roasted Carrots with Brown Sugar and Butter

Garden Fresh Salad Greens with Grape Tomatoes, Black Olives, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Sliced Onions, Chick Peas Served with Croutons, Cheddar Cheese, Italian Vinaigrette & Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Bakery Fresh Dinner Rolls and Creamery Butter 

Chef’s Selection of Desserts

Freshly Brewed Coffee & Hot Tea

The weekend is the time to relax, unwind, and have fun! Join us out on the water aboard our Sunset Dinner Cruise. Sailing Friday evenings, this cruise features the fabulous sunset dinner buffet with delicious hometown favorites, music, and the beautiful sunset on the Three Rivers. Bring family, friends, colleagues, or that special someone and just enjoy yourself out on the river this weekend!

SUNSET DINNER CRUISE & TOUR TRIP DETAILS:

• Buffet Dinner will be available upon boarding, please help yourself. The food will remain available for 30 minutes after sailing.
• A full-service cash bar is available on board- ask our bartenders for the weekly special! Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to consume alcoholic beverages.
• Our friendly photo team will capture a boarding picture of your group- you can purchase the day of OR pre purchase during check out.
• This cruise features DJ Entertainment, brief narration, and the most beautiful city skyline in the USA!
• Click the “Book Now” button to purchase tickets, appetizers, souvenirs and more.

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