Schooners Alliance & Serenity

The York River is bigger than most lakes I've seen....the sailing was FUN! We got to participate and hoist some sails.....very relaxing .....

I really enjoyed taking the sightseeing tour. It was a surprise for my boyfriend. He was elated. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the people we met. We will be back indeed. The only thing i recommend is being able to bring your own food/drink on the boat. And if we could use credit cards on the boat as well. Overall it was very relaxing, and made me forget about anything strenuous I had on my mind! :)

The schooner "Alliance" is a beautiful sailing ship in excellent condition. The crew were relaxed, welcoming people ---- consisting of a Captain & 1st Mate, who were a husband husband / wife team, and one "Crewman" who was a neighbor of theirs. Their explanation of safety procedures and how the ship operated were "first rate." Passengers were offered opportunities to participate in raising the sails, and several of us did so with close direction & assistance. The trip itself was a narrated cruise of the scenic Yorktown waterfront and adjacent river. The optional box lunch was delicious. We'll take another one of their cruises when we return !

The ship is incredible and the crew makes you feel at home and comfortable. Participating in raising the sails makes you feel as if you're part of the crew. We were fortunate to have 5 Civil War Re-enactors onboard that we thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking to during the cruise. The sunset cruise is very romantic and quite. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Such a nice sail with a very friendly Captain and crew. It was the highlight of our trip to Williamsburg.

The crew was very entusiastic and able to answer all questions asked. After a short time we settled down and relaxed in the calm of the sail. There was much good conversation and we could get out of the wind/sun in the cabin where there were refreshements to purchase at a modest price. The youngest children that had come aboard did run out of patience and had a hard time toward the end of the journey. They could walk a little on the boat but it is quite small and has no place to run around.

We were on the sunset cruise and it was a very enjoyable few hours. There wasn't a lot to see while we cruised and the crew and people broke down into small groups to chat. The day also wasn't the best (it was very cold). However, we went under the bridge on the York River which was kind of exciting and the sunset was gorgeous. The crew was very nice. I think I would have liked a "put together program" (more explanation about the schooner, what things were called, how things worked, maritime history of the area, etc.) since there wasn't a lot to see on the water or shore, but I'm sure if I'd asked those questions someone would have explained. I would recommend this business to anyone who will be in the area.

think the climate was a little too cold to truly appreciate the tour. The little kitchenette area was a bit too small to accommodate for all ( snacks and drinks were being sold there) Would have been nice if hot beverages were complementary, but prices for the snacks were reasonable. Make sure to ask where restroom is located at beginning of tour---I didn't realize it even had one until an hour into trip.

One grandmother, one son with 2 grandsons and each person had a great experience. Childrens' endless questions were answered with great patience and encouragement. Older children and adults were asked for voluntary involvement (very basic) in the sailing function. We would have signed up for a much longer voyage and will if the opportunity presents.

We really enjoyed the trip, though i suspect that my younger daughter would have been happier had we brought a windbreaker for her (she got cold and stayed in the galley). I could see this being even more compelling than it was if there was a little more revolutionary historical context thrown in such as describing where the French and British fleet were, etc. K

Wonderful experience. Enjoyed the crew, the informative narrative, the beautiful day on the water. Highly recommend it.

The last cruise was a repeat from a month before, based on the great time we had the first time with a different group. We took guests from Iowa. The crew is most pleasant and all seem to enjoy their work. They are friendly and informative. The cruise is the right length (2 hrs) and we felt we got our "money's worth." We will come again next season, probably with other friends or relatives.

Good way to spend a couple of hours, but don't plan to go far - - we stayed on the Yorktown side of Coleman Bridge, and just zigzagged back and forth across the river 4-5 times. Not much sightseeing - - just cruising. The crew (Reid and Devin) were outgoing, informative and made you feel welcome aboard. Can't say same for the Captain - - he seemed to prefer being alone on the aft deck and appeared bothered by questions from passengers when they ventured aft. I'm sure he's heard all the same questions before, but that would be true of anyone involved in a sightseeing, or tourist based operation. It's his business - - he ought to at least act as though he cares about the customers.

A great unexpected event while on vacation in Williamsburg.

We got married on the Alliance 2 years ago. We thoroughly enjoyed reliving the day in a more relaxed state. The trip was great and the history lesson added to the trip. Highly recommended for a relaxed evening date. The hosts are fabulous!!