sea cruises halifax

The #1 Boat Tour in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

All aboard halifax's most popular boat tour – the harbour hopper tour - a fun, fast-paced adventure by land and sea.

Your journey begins on land where the Harbour Hopper makes its way along the hilly, winding roads of Halifax.

You'll make the trek way up to see the city from its highest traversable point - the top of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Head down to the water's edge and SPLASH into the Halifax Harbour! Your driver is now your Captain and there’s more to explore and much to see!

Are you ready to experience the Harbour Hopper Tour?

Of everything we did and saw in Halifax, my favourite experience was the Harbour Hopper Tour. The Captain was a superb, the guide was fantastic with great stories and funny jokes. I would do it again.

Definitely recommend! We had an amazing time! The bus/boat was great fun and out tour guide Matt was a good laugh. Highly informative as well.

Excellent tour!!! If touring Halifax, I highly recommend it. Our driver Bethany and our tour guide Owen did an amazing job.

THE 10 BEST Halifax Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in halifax.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Speed Boats Tours
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
• J Farwell Sailing Tours
• Georges Island National Historic Site
• Ambassatours Gray Line
• Historic Properties
• Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
• Nova Scotia Escape
• McNabs Island
• Angus L. Macdonald Bridge
• Halifax Public Gardens
• St. Paul's Church
• Sir Sandford Fleming Park (The Dingle)
• Harbour Hopper Tours
• Tall Ship Silva
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour

2. JFarwell Adventure Yacht Sailing in the Halifax Harbour

3. Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise

4. JFarwell Sunset Wine and Cheese Yacht Sailing

5. JFarwell Moonlight Yacht Cruise from Halifax Waterfront

6. JFarwell Afternoon Wine & Cheese Yacht Sail

7. JFarwell Luxury Catamaran Sail from Downtown Halifax

8. JFarwell Sunset Luxury Catamaran Sail in Halifax

9. Golden Hour Silva Cruise from Halifax Harbor

10. JFarwell Private Yacht Wine & Cheese Sunset Sail

11. Private Halifax Harbour Boat Tours

12. 2-Hour Cider on the Sea

13. Private Catamaran Sail and Anchoring Tour from Halifax

14. 2 Hour Halifax Floating Beer Garden Cruise

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

2-Hour Zodiac Coastal Tour in Lunenburg

What travellers are saying.

• Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour
• Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise
• Adult Single Kayak Rental
• Double Kayak Rental
• Gray Line Halifax
• Halifax Harbour Tours
• Harbour Watercraft Tours & Adventures
• Kayak Halifax
• Long Lake Adventure Company
• Bluenose II
• East Coast Outfitters Sea Kayaking

Public Tours, now booking online.

Comfort & Entertainment On The Water

Welcome to City Harbour Cruises.  We offer guided public boat tours and private charters of the Halifax harbour and surrounding areas. 

Ahoy mates! We are fully licensed to serve alcoholic beverages to our passengers. (Must be 19 years of age).

WE’LL BE HITTING THE WATER MAY 11TH 2024! BOOK IN ADVANCE!

Come aboard and let us captain you and your friends and family on your very own private 26’ Grand Entertainer pontoon boat.  Relax, sit back and enjoy leisurely cruising in style!

We are the perfect venue for:

What’s Included in our tours:

• Friendly and fun Transport Canada Certified Operators
• 1 complimentary bottled water per person (private charters only)
• Licensed bar onboard
• Cozy blankets if needed

What to bring: camera, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towels, sweater, light snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages

Ask about our Charcuterie Boards, available on request.

One Hour Daytime & Early Evening Public Cruises

Come aboard, sit back and enjoy a fun-filled guided tour enriched with great facts and history of our beautiful Halifax harbour! Experience cruising along the Halifax waterfront, around Georges Island, under the bridge and into The Narrows to the location of where the Halifax Explosion occurred in 1917.  You will also get a great view of the East Coast Canadian Navy ships and if you’re lucky, observe some harbour seals and other sea mammals and birds along the way!

(Please note:  We also offer one hour and 2.5 hour private charters during the daytime and early evening hours.  See booking page).

Sunset Cruise

End the day right with your favorite people on your very own private captained pontoon boat.  Enjoy a leisurely evening cruise while taking in the beautiful sunset and sights of the Halifax Harbour and North West Arm.  Sit back, enjoy, and let us take care of the rest.

Harbour Hopper Tours

All aboard Halifax's most popular boat tour – the Harbour HopperTour - a fun, fast-paced adventure by land and sea!

Halifax Sunset Cruise

Experience golden hour, that magical time of night when the sun makes its way below the horizon, on the Halifax Sunset Cruise aboard our signature ship, the Tall Ship Silva.

Peggy's Cove Tour

Of the over 160 historic lighthouses located across the province of Nova Scotia, none is more well-known, most visited, and likely most photographed than Peggy's Point Lighthouse.

• 1-888-383-4621
• [email protected]

Join us on the only all-electric tour of the harbour

What they're saying, royal ns tattoo and harbour tour package.

Experience the best of Halifax with our Halifax Harbour Tours and Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo package! Dive into the city’s rich culture with tickets to the renowned Tattoo show, filled with music, dance, and military pageantry. Then, unwind on a scenic harbour tour, soaking in panoramic views of the coastline for the perfect summer day adventure.

Each package includes two Adult, B-level lower bowl seats to the 2024 Tattoo, as well as two seats on the Violet Mac by Halifax Harbour Tours, the only fully electric boat on the harbour for an all-electric, ultra-quiet, and no-fumes harbour cruise.

A mini getaway in the city! Sail and unwind.

We’ve partnered with our friends at The Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites to bring together a enjoyable stay at one of Halifax’s premier historic hotels with Halifax’s beautiful, historic harbour! A room and a cruise all in one easy experience. Check them out today!

A Halifax harbour cruise like no other

The Violet Mac is our all-electric, environmentally-friendly 1930s-style harbour launch. With a maximum passenger load of eight people, we provide a truly personable experience. 

Our harbour cruises are all about you. Your certified Captain will plan your excursion based on weather, marine traffic, special events, and expert local knowledge. You could be watching the sunset. No matter, you’re guaranteed to experience the water views of the Halifax skyline. Marine wildlife love our whisper-quiet electric motors, so you are sure to see some of the many birds, mammals, and other aquatic life in our harbour during your tour.

Halifax's Only Zero-Exhaust Harbour Tour

Harbour cruise $40/seat, harbour morning $500/cruise, evening skyline $500/cruise, frequently asked questions, what to expect, what will i see on the tour.

Your Halifax Harbour Tour is unique every single time! Your captain will chart a course for your tour based on factors such as weather, marine traffic, and special events, with one goal in mind: to give you the most enjoyable relaxed tour of our beautiful harbour!

Some parts of the harbour you might see on a tour include Dartmouth and Halifax Waterfronts , George’s and McNab’s Islands, and of course, the Halifax Harbour marine wildlife. They love our ultra-quiet electric motor, so you are sure to see some of the many birds, mammals, and other aquatic animals in our harbour during your tour.

Am I expected to leave a tip for our Captain or Tour Guide?

Our crew do not expect guests to leave them tips. That said, our captain and tour guides are allowed to accept tips if offered to them, so if you feel that someone on your tour deserves a tip and you wish to give them one, you are more than welcome to do so — and we thank you for your generosity!

If you wish to leave a tip for your Guide and/or Captain but do not have any cash on hand, ask them about their “digital tip jar” that allows you to send them a tip using your credit card.

What should I wear?

We will always do our best to make sure you are comfortable. The cabin is not fully enclosed, so on cooler, drizzling days, please come prepared for the day’s weather. While there is no heater on board, we have blankets for your use should you need them.

Generally speaking, dress appropriately for the weather, and keep in mind it tends to be a little cooler and breezier on the water and can be quite cool in spring and fall.

Also be sure to wear sun protection, even on cloudy days!

Is the tour suitable for all ages and abilities?

Harbour Tours are suitable for everyone, of all ages. There is no substantial physical effort required to enjoy our tours, but please note that there is a ramp between the wharf and the dock, and a small step up is necessary from the dock into the boat. Of course, we can offer a helping hand. Most able-bodied Guests have no problem with this. Kids LOVE our tours, and so does the rest of the family. We promise!

Checking in

What do i need when i arrive at the dock.

When you arrive at the dock, please present your guide with the booking confirmation that you received by email when you booked your seats. You can show it to us on your phone, or you can bring along a printed copy.

Please arrive 15 min before departure.

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Hours of Operation Waterfront Booth

• Open Monday to Sunday
• 10am to 6pm
• The booth closes early if the boat is fully booked

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7 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours in Nova Scotia 2024

Table of Contents

Whale watching in Halifax Nova Scotia is a fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

These tours offer visitors a chance to see whales up close and learn about their habits and ecology.

One of my favourite memories of living in Halifax was the summer when a blue whale swum into the harbour and hung around for two weeks.

The whale became the hottest attraction, even if it did disrupt a lot of ferries and boats in its fun.

Whales are just such fun and remarkable creatures. Who wouldn’t want to see them in their natural habitat?

I’m going to tell you how to do exactly that from Halifax, Nova Scotia! And when to visit to get the most sightings!

This is the best tour of Halifax

Whale Watching Halifax

Halifax is an amazing spot for whale watching for a number of reasons.

The first is that the nutrient-rich waters of the Bay of Fundy mix with the colder waters of the Atlantic Ocean creating an ideal whale habitat.

This means that there are more than 20 species of whale that can be found in these waters including blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales.

The second reason whale watching in Halifax is so great is that there are a number of whale watching tour operators offering excursions from the city.

So, whether you want to go whale watching on a boat, a whale watching cruise, or even from the shore, there are options for you!

Types of Whales in Halifax

As I mentioned, there are more than 20 species of whale that can be found in the waters around Halifax .

However, some whale species are more common than others. The most common types of whales sighted in Halifax are:

• Pilot whales
• Fin whales (also called finback whales)
• North Atlantic Right Whales (endangered)
• Minke whales
• Harbour porpoises

More rarely, you may spot:

• Humpback whale
• White-sided dolphin
• Sperm whales
• Beluga whales

Killer whales don’t frequent this coast, as they prefer Vancouver’s warmer waters. But you may get lucky and spot some!

Other animals you may spot include:

• Basking sharks
• Leatherback turtles
• Bald eagles

Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Halifax, Nova Scotia

The best time of year to go whale watching in Halifax is typically from mid-June until early October.

This is when the whale population is at its highest in the area and when whale watching tour operators are running their whale watching excursions.

Of course, there is always a chance of seeing a whale outside of these months. But, your chances are highest during whale watching season. The summer months offer better chances of seeing whales, as June is quite foggy.

Species tend to arrive from their annual migration by mid-July, so I always loved going out in August for prime whale spotting opportunities.

If you want to see a particular type of whales, call tour operators to ensure you plan the appropriate dates for their migration patterns.

How to Go Whale Watching in Halifax, Nova Scotia

There are a number of ways to go whale watching in Halifax depending on what type of experience you are looking for.

Here are some of the most popular options:

Whale Watching Boat Tours

One of the most popular ways to go whale watching in Halifax is on a whale watching boat tour.

These tours typically last 3-4 hours and take you out into the open ocean to try to spot whales.

Most whale watching boat tours in Halifax leave from Murphy’s on the Water on the Halifax waterfront.

However, there are a few other companies that operate whale watching boat tours from other locations around the city.

This sailing tour in Halifax could glide past dolphins and whales

View From Shore

If you don’t want to go out on a boat, you can also try whale watching from the shore.

There are a number of great spots for whale watching from the Halifax waterfront including:

• Fisherman’s Cove
• The Dingle Tower
• McNabs Island
• Peggy’s Cove

Each of these locations offers different vantage points.

Or take out a private catamaran!

Whale Watching Day Trips

You can also take day trips fom Halifax for whale watching.

There are a number of whale watching tour operators that offer day trips to spots like:

• Tancook Island

These day trips typically include a whale watching boat tour as well as other activities like exploring the town, hiking, or kayaking.

I love this day trip to Peggy’s Cove

If you aren’t afraid of the cold of the Atlantic Ocean, pop on a wetsuit and start paddling!

Kayaking is a great way to get up close and personal with whales.

There are a number of whale watchers who go out on their own this way and have unique whale sightings.

🚣‍♀️ I recommend this inflatable kayak

3 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours in Nova Scotia

Unfortunately, there are no direct tours from Halifax’s waterfront to see whales.

This is largely because there’s no room for these boats to set up in Halifax.

To get to the best whale watching Halifax tours, you’ll need to rent a car for a day trip to nearby whale-friendly locations!

1. A&M Sea Charters

• Highlights : Private boat, harbour tour, professional guide, close to downtown Halifax
• Starting point: Mouth of the Halifax harbour 
• Duration : 2 hours (Can be combined with Harbour tour)
• Price : $300 for the entire boat, regardless of number of people

2. Lunenburg Whale Watching Tours

• Highlights : Variety of whales, year long charters, puffins, seals, hard-sided boats
• Starting point:  Lunenburg, Unesco World Heritage Site (100km from Halifax)
• Duration : 3 hours
• Price : $75

I love this tour of Lunenburg

3. Four Winds Sea Charters

• Highlights : Scenic coves, ospreys, two decked boat, variety of whales
• Starting point:  St. Margaret’s Bay (40km from Halifax)
• Price : $45

4 Best Whale Watching Near Halifax in Nova Scotia

The best places to see whales aren’t always right in the city. In fact, some of the best Nova Scotia whale watching spots are actually weekend trips from Halifax .

These great spots allow you to see different species of whales in Atlantic Canada, as well as to have rare sightings of endangered species.

It’s worth the drive!

Brier Island

Brier Island is one of the best whale watching spots in Nova Scotia. It’s located at the tip of the Bay of Fundy on the south shore of Nova Scotia.

The island is home to a whale research station and boat tours leave daily from Westport.

During whale season, you can expect to see fin whales, minke whales, and humpback whales.

You may also see pilot whale, dolphins, porpoises, and seals.

My favourite is Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises.

Digby is located on the Annapolis Basin on Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy shore.

The town is home to the world’s largest scallop fleet and whale watching is a popular activity. You can spot them with Petit Passage Whale Watch.

Minke whales, finback whales, and humpback whales are all commonly seen in the waters off Digby.

It’s a great spot to see baleen whales in their feeding grounds!

Freeport, Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world and is a whale watcher’s paradise.

The Freeport tour boats leave from the historic wharf in the village of Freeport.

You’re likely to see fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales on this tour.

You may also see pilot whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals with Freeport Whale and Seabird Tours.

Cape Breton Island

The home of the Cabot Trail, north of Halifax, Cape Breton Island is one of the best whale watching spots in Nova Scotia. In deeper waters offshore, you can see fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whale.

You may also see pilot whale, dolphins, porpoises, and seals in the waters around the island.

During whale season, there are whale watching tours leave daily from Baddeck.

The island has a number of whale watching tour operators that offer boat tours and whale watching excursions. I recommend Keltic Express Zodiac Adventures .

Explore the Cabot Trail on this tour

What to Bring on a Whale Watching Tour

When you go whale watching, there are a few things you should bring with you:

• Motion sickness medication
• Camera (waterproof is preferred!)
• Snacks and water
• Shoes with good grip to the deck of the boat
• Warm layers

Tips for Whale Watching in Halifax

Zodiac vs. boat.

Some whale watching charters in Halifax offer both zodiac and boat whale watching tours.

Both types of tour have their pros and cons.

The main difference is that a zodiac (inflatable boats) will get you closer to the whales, but it can be a rougher ride.

A boat will give you a smoother ride, without the plume of water behind you, but you won’t get as close to the whales.

It really depends on what you’re looking for in a whale watching tour!

Personally, I prefer a boat tour rather than a zodiac whale watching Halifax experience.

Where am I most likely to see whales on a whale watching tour in Nova Scotia?

Some whale watching spots in Nova Scotia are better than others.

The best whale watching spots in Halifax are actually located outside of the city.

Brier Island, Digby, Freeport, and Cape Breton Island are all great whale watching spots near Halifax.

What to expect when you find whales

When you find whales on a whale watching tour, the captain will usually slow the boat down and give you time to watch and take photos.

The whale watching guides will also provide information about the whale species and their behavior.

You should always stay behind the rails of whale watching boat and respect the whales’ space.

Do not try to touch the whales or throw things at them.

Should I book my whale watching tour ahead of my trip?

Yes, whale watching tours do fill up, especially during peak whale season.

I recommend booking your whale watching tour a few days in advance to secure your spot.

You can book whale watching tours online or through your hotel concierge.

How long is a whale watching tour?

Typically, whale watching tours in Halifax, Nova Scotia are 3 hours long. Some may be shorter, depending on how far away the pods are.

How much does a whale watching tour cost?

A whale watching tour in Halifax, Nova Scotia will cost you around $60 CAD per person.

It may be more or less expensive depending on the company you choose.

Are whale watching tours ethical?

There are a number of whale watching tour operators in Halifax that are whale-friendly and adhere to guidelines set out by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

When booking your whale watching tour, make sure to ask about the company’s whale watching practices.

Conclusion: Best Whale Watching in Halifax

Whale watching in Halifax is an amazing experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.

The scenery is breathtaking, the whales are magnificent creatures, and the whole experience is very peaceful and serene.

If you’re looking for a whale watching destination that will give you memories to last a lifetime, Halifax is the place to go!

Related Posts:

• 51 Fun Things to do in Halifax: The Best Activities You Won’t Want to Miss!
• 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia
• 7 Best Whale Watching Tours in Vancouver Canada
• 86 Bucket List Canada Things to Do: The Ultimate Must Do List
• Renting a Car in Canada: 41 Important Local Tips & Tricks

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Canada travel planning guide.

🚑  Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES!  — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧 Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes  — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨  Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes  — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. ( Read more )

📲  Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe  — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩  What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com . For hostels, I use Hostel World . If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️  What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend  Skyscanner .

🎫  Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not  — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do ( check here! ). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

Want to move abroad, but don’t know how to start?

Get an expert’s tips & tricks, pick which country to move to – and do it.

Halifax cruise port

East coast usa and canada new england.

• Coordinates 44.651, -63.570
• LOCODE CAHAL
• Local Time 2024-04-12 08:33

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7 nights | north america | hurtigruten expeditions | ms roald amundsen.

• Oceanview $2,585.00
• Suite $3,610.00

8 Nights | North America | Hurtigruten Expeditions | MS Roald Amundsen

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9 Night Canada & New England

Your ship vision of the seas.

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Amazing experiences coming soon., day 4: portland, maine.

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Travel | 8 new ships coming to Norwegian Cruise Line,…

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Subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

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Breaking news, cruise passenger who jumped to death from ship id’d as florida resident who argued with dad before leap.

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The  20-year-old passenger who jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise  last week after an argument with his dad has been identified as a former high school football player and avid hunter living in Florida.

Levion Parker, of North Port, Florida, has been missing since he jumped overboard April 4 in front of his brother and father on the cruise to Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.

The release of his identity comes shortly after the  Coast Guard called off its search  for Parker. 

Social media posts show Parker often went on hunting and fishing trips. He also played football for North Port High School before he graduated in 2022, according to the Daily Mail .

Parker jumped off the 18-story Liberty of the Seas after reportedly getting into an argument with his father.

Parker’s father was “fussing at him for being drunk,”  fellow passenger Bryan Sims told The Post .

“When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all,” Sims said.

“He was pretty drunk,” Sims added.

Sims hung out with Parker and his brother, Seth, 18, in the hot tub in the early hours of April before going their separate ways around 4 a.m. 

After Sims had used the restroom and dried off, he headed toward the elevators.

On his way there, he noticed the two brothers and their dad, Francel Parker, coming out of the sliding doors near the elevators. 

“As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess,” Sims said of the moment before Parker jumped.  

Royal Caribbean said it “immediately” launched search boats to look for him with help from the US Coast Guard.

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Parker’s father owns an air conditioning company and the family was cruising on the boat as guests of Tropic Supply, a Florida-based air conditioning wholesale company.

Tropic Supply had invited dozens of contractors to mark the company’s 50th anniversary, according to Daily Mail.

The Post has reached out to the family for comment. 

Nearly 400 people have gone overboard on major cruise lines between 2000 and 2020,  according to the Washington Post . 

As many cases are often deadly, many cruise lines have installed surveillance cameras and employed additional safety measures to help reduce risk. 

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's 2 largest cruise ships. They were shockingly similar for the $1,000 difference

• Royal Caribbean operates many of the cruise industry's biggest ships.
• Icon of the Seas  launched in January, dethroning its predecessor, Wonder of the Seas, as the world's largest.
• Here's how the two mega-ships compare in size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship darling, was deemed a success before it was even built.

In January, the highly anticipated vessel — complete with more than 40 bars and restaurants, a six-slide waterpark, and a waterfall — set sail, dethroning its less than two-year-old precursor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's largest cruise ship.

Before its debut, Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, had already repeatedly called Icon its "best-selling product" yet. The company experienced its largest booking day ever when reservations opened for Icon of the Seas more than a year before its launch, it said

Despite all of this fanfare, you might be surprised by how similar it is to its predecessor.

I've sailed on both ships. Let's see how Icon and Wonder compare in six categories: size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Both ships stunt the size of their competitors.

Wonder of the Seas debuted in 2022 as the then-world's largest cruise liner, measuring 235,600 gross-tons, 1,188 feet-long, and 18 decks-tall. The ship can accommodate up to 9,288 people, including 2,204 crew.

Icon of the Seas is, comparatively, 13,063 gross-tons heavier, eight feet longer, and two decks taller. It can sail up to 9,950 people, including 2,350 crew, although it's 52 feet less wide than its predecessor.

Both vessels feel more like amusement parks than traditional cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean invited me on complimentary, non-revenue sailings on both ships: two nights on Wonder in late 2022 and three nights on Icon in January.

I spent most of my time lost, overwhelmed, and exhausted.

It's no surprise both ships are operating weeklong itineraries this year. Any less, and you might not have time to experience all the activities and restaurants on your list.

Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Wonder and Icon have eight 'neighborhoods' that serve separate purposes.

The new ship shares three of Wonder of the Seas' neighborhoods : Central Park, Royal Promenade, and Suite.

Icon's other five — Thrill Island , Surfside, Hideaway, Chill Island, and AquaDome — are a first for the cruise line.

Many of the ships' amenities overlap, but in differing quantities.

Wonder has three waterslides. Icon has a six-slide waterpark complete with rafting and racing options.

Both have increasingly popular cruise amenities like decks-long dry slides, mini-golf courses, rock climbing walls, and playgrounds.

But instead of Wonder of the Seas' zipline , Icon of the Seas has Crown's Edge, a thrilling agility course with a small zipline that leaves travelers dangling 154 feet above the ocean.

Wonder’s Boardwalk neighborhood was my go-to.

Boardwalk delivered exactly as it had promised: an open-air space grounded by wood-planked floors, a hot dog stand, a sweets store, and kitschy, colorful decor.

Icon of the Seas' Surfside , designed for families with young children, felt like its closest dupe.

Both neighborhoods had a carousel, an outdoor playground, and family-friendly dining. But Surfside was more toddler-friendly, as suggested by the children's water play area and nighttime story readings.

On to entertainment: Both mega-ships have ice skating performances and exciting multi-disciplinary shows at the AquaTheater.

But travelers who enjoy musicals at sea will want to stick to Icon.

Unlike its predecessor, the new ship shows a rendition of Broadway hit "The Wizard of Oz" — Munchkins, a puppet Toto, and a 16-piece live band included.

The layout of Icon's amenities were better than its cousin.

Some of Wonder of the Seas' enticing outdoor amenities — like the surf simulator, zipline, and mini-golf course — are clustered on the deck above and away from the pools and water slides.

This layout might be difficult for parents with children who bounce from one activity to the next. Wouldn't it be easier to have all of these outdoor extras near each other, or at least on the same deck, for parental supervision purposes?

This is where Icon of the Seas excelled: All its exciting open-air activities were adjacent.

The rows of pools flowed perfectly into Thrill Island's waterpark , rock climbing walls, mini-golf course, and Crown's Edge.

The best part? The adult-only Hideaway — which flexes an infinity pool club with a DJ — is right behind Thrill Island, creating a clear separation between parents and their children without being too far from each other.

'Free' options like the buffet and build-your-own tacos and burritos bar are available on both ships.

But you won't find the larger vessel's five-stall food hall or mini-golf-adjacent finger food stand on Wonder.

As expected, Icon of the Seas has more dining options than its predecessor, although there are some overlaps.

Wonder of the Seas has 11 bars and 21 dining venues (9 complimentary and 12 upcharged).

Icon of the Seas has eight more bars, four more complimentary restaurants, and three more specialty dining choices.

Nor will you find the new ship’s plush $200-a-person Empire Supper Club on any other cruise liner.

The multi-course dinner, paired with cocktails and live music, stunts the cost of either vessel's other dinner options.

But if you love Johnny Rockets, you’ll be disappointed by Icon of the Seas.

Restaurants like the popular burger chain and Southern comfort-inspired Mason Jar are only on Wonder of the Seas. Fine by me: My fried chicken at Mason Jar was as dry as a desert.

The younger ship doesn't have Wonder's robot bartender-armed bar either. It does, however, have new watering holes with dueling pianos and live jazz.

Surprisingly, Wonder of the Seas has 65 more cabins than its new cousin.

But several of Icon's 28 stateroom categories are a first for the cruise line.

This includes the new family infinite balcony cabin, which has a small bunk bed nook for children.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony stateroom on both ships.

My Wonder of the Seas' cabin was 20 square-feet smaller than the one on Icon. But my bathroom on the latter was so tiny, I accidentally elbowed the walls at almost every turn.

Sailing on the world's largest cruise ship doesn't mean you'll have the world's largest cabin after all.

Wonder and Icon are both operating seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Florida to the Caribbean.

In 2024, Wonder of the Seas is scheduled for year-round sailings from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , starting at $700 per person.

Icon of the Seas is spending its first year in service operating nearly identical itineraries but from Miami instead. The cheapest 2024 option is $1,786 per person.

That's a difference of more than $125 per person per day.

"Bookings and pricing for Icon of the Seas can only be described as 'iconic,'" Naftali Holtz, the CFO of Royal Caribbean Group, told analysts in February.

Icon of the Seas’ name speaks for itself.

If your family is looking for a jam-packed kid-friendly cruise with enough amenities to stay entertained for a week, both ships are a great option.

But if you're a seasoned mega-ship-cruiser looking to experience something new, Icon of the Seas is your best bet.

They may be similar, but no other behemoth cruise liner has a waterpark for children and a pool club for adults just dozens of feet from each other.

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• Weill Cornell Medicine
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• Sloan Kettering

Spring 2024 Letter from MD-PhD Director, Dr. Kathy Hsu

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Dear Tri-I Community,

Spring is upon us, and with that comes the excitement and euphoria of Match Day and Graduation. Tri-I is exceedingly proud of its 22 graduating students, over half of whom chose to match to research residencies. Residency programs for training of physician-scientists (PSTP’s) continue to be an important avenue for our students to reach their career goals without unnecessary delay, and we credit dedicated advising and informational programming with the high rates of matching. Graduation is approaching, and I look forward to cheering our students from the faculty section. Joining graduates on the stage will be a Tri-I colleague accompanying them on the piano, reminding us there is more than one way to get to Carnegie Hall!

This past year saw the resurrection of a Tri-I hallmark: the Cruise Ship Retreat. Mothballed during the pandemic, the maritime tradition’s return was a huge success. About 120 students, including 19 of our incoming class of 20 students, embarked on the Liberty of the Seas for a 4-day, 4-night academic adventure to beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia. The cruise was not a part of my Tri-I training experience, and I admit I was skeptical that a floating metropolis could achieve the dual purpose of scientific communication and community-building. I am happy to report that I was wrong, a fact that was readily apparent the first day with the joyful distribution of personalized Tri-I House swag, followed by a competitive scavenger hunt and a highly interactive poster session. The following days passed rapidly, with scientific presentations from senior graduate students, Case Discussion Rounds with Dr. Mark Pecker, and an inspirational career talk by our invited alumnus speaker Dr. Jose Trevejo (2002 Tri-I graduate, and Chief Medical Officer, Tarsus Pharmaceuticals). As always, the retreat was organized by third year students, who did not disappoint.

Tri-I students and leadership continue to make their presence known nationally. We formally resurrected the American Physician-Scientist Association (APSA) chapter, and I enjoyed joining our student representatives at the annual ASCI meeting in Chicago. We also had proud representation at the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), the NIH Graduate and Professional School Fair, and the MD-PhD National Student Conference. Our presence at these meetings is more critical than ever, fortifying for our students their identities as future physician-scientists, creating networks with peers from other programs, and providing opportunities for interaction with those who aspire to be in their position in the near future.

Tri-I trains future leaders, and they are well-trained.  Every student is armed with a healthy dose of curiosity and intellect, and Tri-I training does the rest. While it is obvious that each failed experiment is an opportunity to build resilience, what is less obvious is that sharing each failed experiment with colleagues and acknowledging limitations of interpretation are cumulative acts of integrity. Troubleshooting is an exercise in creativity, and each success thereafter is viewed with a sense of humble gratitude. Resilience, creativity, humility, most of all integrity—combined with compassion, they are a recipe for generating thoughtful leaders in biomedical research. Our future is in good hands.

Stay curious,

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