Activity
#1684
Christmas Caroling Cruise on Canyon Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes. The Christmas Caroling Cruise sells out quickly, so you must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a child?
For children ages 5 to 12, you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 4 years and under may attend for free, but you’ll still need to enter the appropriate number of Wee One tickets labeled “Free” when purchasing. All passengers, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way.
What can we expect to see on the tour?
On this 90 minute nature cruise you will travel through beautiful canyon walls extending over 500 feet high, and 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 and fauna native to the Sonoran Desert.
Are drinks or food served on the cruise?
Hot cider, cocoa, and holiday cookies are included on this cruise. There is also a snack bar on board where you may purchase soft drinks, candy, popcorn, film, and miscellaneous souvenirs. Please bring cash or check if you plan on utilizing the snack bar, as credit cards are not accepted on board. Food and drinks are NOT ALLOWED to be brought on board with the exception of bottled water.
Can I bring my own alcohol on board?
There is NO alcohol allowed or served on the Christmas Caroling Cruise. We also ask that you do not bring any food or drinks on board, with the exception of bottled water.
What happens if it rains?
The Dolly Steamboat runs rain or shine. Both levels are mostly covered, and your captain and crew watch the weather forecasts closely to ensure your cruise is a safe, enjoyable, memorable experience. 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.
Is seating assigned on the cruise?
No. Seating is based on a first come-first serve basis.
Does the tour include any stops?
No. In order to show you all the beautiful sights in the area, we will be cruising on Canyon Lake and the surrounding inner waterways for the entire tour.
What should I wear?
Feel free to come in holiday attire! Please dress appropriately for the day’s weather. Casual, warm clothes, such as a light jacket or sweater, are recommended during the winter months. Also, although there is plenty of shade on both the upper and lower decks, it's wise to bring along bring your shades and sunscreen because sunburn is possible any time of the year.
Is the boat safe?
Yes! The Dolly is kept up to the highest levels of safety. Life jackets are available for each passenger. Children 12 and under are REQUIRED by Arizona State Law to wear life jackets.
Are there bathrooms on the boat?
There are two restrooms on board the boat. One of the restrooms is wheelchair accessible. There are also wheelchair accessible restrooms available near the restaurant before boarding.
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 there shade on the boat?
Yes! The Dolly Steamboat has a wide array of different seating options. On the lower deck, which is the only wheelchair-accessible area, you can find shade in the fully enclosed cabin. On the upper deck there is also a covered area to protect you from the sun, but it is not enclosed and you will be in the open air. If you’d prefer to sit in the sunshine, you can sit in an uncovered, open air area on either the upper or the lower deck of the boat. Please keep in mind that all seating is on a first-come first-served basis!
Can I stow anything during the tour?
You can bring any personal items on the tour, but we do have limited storage space, so please try to keep large items to a minimum. Please keep in mind that we cannot take responsibility for any broken, lost or missing items.
Is smoking allowed on the cruise?
Due to changes in the Arizona State Law, smoking is now prohibited aboard the boat.
How far is the boat from the parking lot?
Depending on where you park your car, you could be as close as 20 feet or as far as 100 feet from the boat. If there is someone in your party who would have difficulty walking 20 to 100 feet, you can drive your car as close as just 10 feet from where the boat boards (at the ticket booth) in order to let those guests off before you go to park the car.
Do I have to pay to park?
No, parking is free in the Canyon Lake Marina parking lot.
How far is it from...
Apache Junction: 30-40 minutes; Gold Canyon: 45-50 minutes; Mesa: 45-60 minutes; Tempe: 1hour; Chandler: 1 hour to 1hour and a half; Gilbert: 1 hour to 1hour and a half Sun Lakes: hour and a half; Ahwatukee: hour and a half Phoenix: hour and a half; Phoenix Airport: Hour 15 minutes to an hour and a half; Glendale: Hour and 45 minutes; Scottsdale: Hour and a half; 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 for the Dolly Steamboat cruises?
Yes, gift certificates are available for the Narrated Nature Cruise and the Twilight Dinner Cruise, and they make a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate for either of these Dolly Steamboat cruises please click on the "Gift certificates: Purchase" link in the yellow box on the activity page.
Can I book a private charter?
Yes! In addition to our public tours, the Dolly Steamboat also offers group and private charters, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, awards, rewards, recognition seminars, off-site training and other significant events. For more information, please click on the "Contact this seller" link.
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