Frequently Asked Questions

• Nature Cruise FAQ immediately below
• Dinner Cruise FAQ, click here

I want to purchase tickets for a cruise at a time that I don’t see listed on the schedule—what should I do?

During the summer, the Dolly Steamboat sails at 12:00 noon Tuesday through Sunday. Additional cruises may be available depending upon demand. If you are interested in chartering the Dolly for a private event, or if none of the dates and times listed work for you and you would like to inquire further, please contact us directly at 480-827-9144.

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

To guarantee a seat on board, you must purchase tickets in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a very young child?

For children between the ages of 5 and 12 you can purchase a child's ticket. Children 4 and younger are complimentary. Please indicate the number of non-paying children you are bringing with you when you purchase tickets.

What can we expect to see on the tour?

On this 90 minute-narrated nature cruise you will travel through beautiful canyon walls extending over 500 feet high, see desert wildlife such as the desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer and birds of prey including the bald eagle. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, and flora & fauna native to the Sonoran Desert.

Are food or drinks served on the cruise?

Usually, food or drinks are not included in the regular price of the cruise. If lunch is being offered on the cruise, you can purchase a Lunch ticket that will include a full meal with all the trimmings. There is also a snack bar on board where you may purchase soft drinks, candy, popcorn, film, and miscellaneous souvenirs. Food and drink is NOT ALLOWED to be brought on board with the exception of bottled water.

What should I wear?

We recommend you dress "weather appropriate." Casual attire is generally the clothing of choice. A hat, sunscreen and shades are recommended year round.

Can I bring my own alcohol on board?

There is NO alcohol allowed or served on daily nature cruises.

What happens if it rains?

The Dolly Steamboat departs rain or shine. Our lower deck is enclosed for your comfort. Keep in mind that the desert comes "alive" in the rain, and there is always a chance that you will see waterfalls if there is enough precipitation. A favorite of many guests.

How do I know if lunch is being offered on a specific day?

The lunch ticket price is $38.25 (incl. tax) for both adults and children who would like to enjoy a meal on board. You can check the schedule for the events where lunch is being offered: the higher lunch ticket price will appear next to that event. Once you click to buy tickets for that cruise, you'll be able to see a general menu for that day.

If lunch is being served, how do I know what the menu is?

If you click to purchase tickets for the specific cruise, there will be a note next to the ticket specifying the menu for the day. Possible menus include: Desert Deli: Ham, turkey or roast beef sandwiches with potato salad, coleslaw and apple pie. The Smokin' Steamboat: Sirloin, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable du jour and apple pie. The Roadrunner: Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, vegetable du jour and apple pie. Dolly Cookout: Hamburger, hot dog, baked beans and apple pie. The Dutchman: Barbeque sandwich, baked beans, potato salad and apple pie. All lunches include iced tea and coffee.

Why is lunch only offered on certain days?

We have to meet a minimum of 30 guests who will partake in lunch on board to offer it on the nature cruise. If your party is interested in lunch for a specific cruise and it isn't being offered, you can get more information by calling us at 480-827-9144.

Is gratuity included in the price of the cruise?

Gratuity is not included in the price of the cruise. For the lunch cruise, parties of 15 or more will be contacted directly within a week of purchasing tickets to provide credit card information for an additional charge of 10% gratuity.

Is seating assigned on the cruise?

No. Seating is based on a first come-first serve basis.

Are lifejackets available for use?

Life jackets are available for each passenger. Children 12 and under are REQUIRED by Arizona State Law to wear life jackets.

Are there restrooms available?

Wheelchair-accessible and regular restrooms are available prior to boarding and aboard the Dolly Steamboat.

Is the boat wheelchair / stroller accessible?

The lower deck of the vessel is wheelchair accessible. You are also welcome to bring strollers on board.

Is smoking allowed on the cruise?

In accordance with Arizona State Law, smoking is prohibited on our public cruises. Smoking is only permitted on our Private Charters.

How far is it from...?

Apache Junction: 30-40 minutes
Gold Canyon: 45-50 minutes
Mesa: 45-60 minutes
Tempe: 1 hour
Chandler: 1 to 1-1/2 hours
Gilbert: 1 to 1-1/2 hours
Sun Lakes: 1-1/2 hours
Ahwatukee: 1-1/2 hours
Phoenix: 1-1/2 hours
Phoenix Airport: 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1-1/2 hours
Glendale: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Scottsdale: 1-1/2 hours
Cave Creek: 2 hours
Sun City: 2 hours
Anthem: 2 hours
Tucson: 2 hours
Tortilla Flat: 5 minutes

All times are approximate, depending on your starting point,
traffic conditions and time of day.

Are gift certificates available?

Yes! Gift certificates are available for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, please call us at 480-827-9144.

Are private charters available?

Yes! We offer private charters, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. For more information regarding charters contact us directly by calling 480-827-9144.

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Specific to Dinner Cruise:

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

To guarantee a seat on board, you must purchase tickets in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a very young child?

For children ages 5 and older, we have a child's ticket available. The children's regular dinner option is always grilled chicken, served with salad, baked potato, vegetable du jour, and apple pie, or you can choose the vegetarian option for your child. (If your child would like the Adult menu option, you should purchase a full-price Adult ticket for your child.) Children ages 4 and younger are complimentary as long as they do not participate in the dinner. Please indicate the number of non-paying children you will be bringing with you when you purchase tickets.

How do I find out which menu will be served? What if I'm a vegetarian?

Once you click through to purchase tickets for a specific cruise, you'll be able to choose from the menu of the day or the vegetarian option. The vegetarian menu is pasta primavera, served with salad, baked potato, vegetable du jour and apple pie.

Are drinks or food served on the cruise?

Yes! We will be serving a buffet-style dinner with all the trimmings, including coffee, tea, or lemonade aboard the cruise. There is also a snack bar on board where you may purchase soft drinks, candy, popcorn, film, and miscellaneous souvenirs. We ask that you refrain from bringing your own food or drinks (other than the limited amount of alcohol) on board.

Can I bring my own alcohol on board?

For the dinner cruise only, you are allowed to bring alcohol on board. However, each individual customer may only bring on one of the following: 2 cans of beer (12-ounce), or one 6-ounce, originally-sealed plastic bottle of wine. No other food or beverage is allowed to be brought on board.

What is the Astronomy Cruise?

Once a month we offer a special cruise hosted by Dr. Sky, renowned astronomy expert and radio personality. Dr. Sky will give a presentation on the solar system and you'll be able to use telescopes on board. You will also enjoy a complete Rib Eye dinner with all the trimmings, as on a regular Twilight Dinner Cruise. The Astronomy cruise ticket price is $68.00 for adults and $48.85 for children (incl. tax). Check the schedule for the dates when the Astronomy cruise is being offered: the higher $63.95 ticket price will appear next to that event. Once you click to buy tickets for that cruise, you'll be able to see a general menu for that day.

Is seating reserved?

Yes. Seating is reserved under your last name. While we cannot guarantee specific seating arrangements, we do our best to accommodate your requests. Please indicate any preferences, such as wheelchair accommodations, smoking, upper deck, etc. when you are purchasing tickets. The lower deck is enclosed year round. The upper deck is usually open, with a roof over most of the area. In the winter, we install glass in the windows of the upper deck as well. Only the lower deck is wheelchair accessible.

Is gratuity included in the price of the cruise?

Gratuity is not included in the price of the cruise. Parties of 15 or more will be contacted directly by the Dolly Steamboat within 48 hours of purchasing tickets to provide credit card information for an additional charge of 10% gratuity.  

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