Sunlight cascades across Boston Harbor as the Yacht StarShip gently cuts through the water. Not only is this two and a half hour excursion relaxing, it’s the perfect way to gain a unique perspective on one of America’s most beautiful and historic cities.




The Starlight 1 Dining Room




Join the Captain's Club

Click for the Captain's Club.

The StarShip is the latest entry into Boston’s brunch, lunch and dinner dining cruise competition. According to the press release, the $8 million, 180 ft. super ship is the first AAA Three Diamond rated dining yacht. This is especially important in light of the fact that it is docked at the corner of Summer St. and Drydock Avenue adjacent to the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in the South Boston Seaport District, which bodes well for revitalizing the primarily industrial area.

Passengers benefit by being offered complimentary parking in a structure that is less than a block away. In Boston where public parking is expensive, this is a real perk. There is also valet parking directly in front of the ship.




Brunch, lunch or dinner on the Yacht StarShip.

Our group, six in all, arrived at the StarShip at 6:30 p.m. on a slightly humid, but pleasant Friday in July. We were greeted by Jonathan the sharpshooter who snapped a terrific picture of us before we checked in and boarded. Donna Wolfe, whose title of Business Development Boston greeted us effusively, explaining as we climbed the gangway in our summer finery that the tide determines entry. High tide, down below - low tide, where we were boarding.




Four decks of fine dining in Boston.

There are three decks: the 3500 sq. ft. Main Deck with dining areas, a bar and a bow lookout, the 3,300 sq. ft., Second Deck with more dining and bar area, and the 3,300 Sq. ft. partially covered Top Deck. Spacious and beautifully appointed with white linen table cloths, napkins and silverware the tone was set for a comfortable, elegant adventure.

Seated on the main deck in the area designated as Starlight 1 service was immediate. We ordered drinks and enjoyed unobstructed panoramic views of the harbor.  We selected a bottle of wine for the table. A complimentary starter of wild mushrooms and haricot vert wrapped in philo dough with a balsamic reduction drizzled over the top proved tasty and delicious.

Jim Hollister, a Massachusetts native, noted, “One difference (between this and other ships) you notice right away is the scale of the dining room. They’ve created a much more intimate dining area where we’re sitting – which looks to seat maybe fifty or sixty people and that’s it. And there’re several of these on the ship as opposed to the big ballroom, cavernous dining room.”

His observation is what makes the Yacht StarShip especially conducive to romantic celebrations, business dinners, family get-togethers, and weddings. There’s nothing more refreshing than gently cruising a waterway, drink in hand; sailboats gliding past an ever-changing backdrop.




Grilled Salmon atop Polenta.



Braised Lamb Shank on
a bed of couscous.

We left the dock promptly at 7 p.m., and twenty minutes later we had sailed past the industrial docks and into open water. It was pointed out that there are 27 Boston islands that are part of the National Park system.

Warm, fresh rolls and butter arrived along with a wine list and menus. To begin, some of us enjoyed the clam chowder with bacon, and the asparagus salad.

Chef Paul Finocchi stopped at our table to find out how we were enjoying our respective entrées. Starting in Tampa, he’s been with the cruise company for four years. He explained that 90% of the food is prepared onboard. Baking is the tricky part. I had the braised lamb shank, and as promised it did fall off the bone. It was served on a tasty bed of couscous.

The grilled salmon was moist and served atop polenta, and the roast chicken was served with risotto and green beans.

We complimented chef Finocchi on his menu, which he explained changes four times a year.

The windows wraparound, providing sweeping views of UMass (University of Massachusetts, Boston) next to the JFK Library, and the famous painted gas tank. A little further along we cruised past Logan Airport. At the Tobin Bridge the StarShip turned around revealing the U.S.S.  Constitution, the oldest ship in the U.S. Navy.




Green Tea Creme Brulee.



Amuse Bouche.

The sun set as coffee and dessert were served. There was a wicked Green Tea Crème Brulee, flourless chocolate cake, a lemon tart with fresh blueberries, and Turtle cheesecake. Twinkling lights played against the water making the skyline from Boston’s financial district even more dazzling. Comfortably full we headed upstairs, passing through the top dining room with more intimate table arrangements.

Up on the Promenade deck the sea air was exhilarating. Couples danced, enjoyed another drink, and reminisced as they listened to “Unforgettable”. The geriatric set could revel in a walk down memory lane while younger diners wanted to tell the dj to bring us into the 21st century.

In the midst of our reverie thunder sounded and raindrops began falling on our heads. We ducked beneath the covered top and enjoyed an intense ten-minute downpour.

The Yacht StarShip is a wonderful experience for locals as well as visitors who want to appreciate the many facets of Boston from a unique perspective. And, since the StarShip is new to the city they are offering specials such as 2 for 1 tickets. That’s a bargain for a wonderful cruise along with delicious food and drink. That, along with complimentary parking make lunch, brunch or dinner very affordable.

For more information, and reservations go to: www.YachtStarShip.com or call 877-744-7999. Prices for the dinner cruise range from $99.95 for adults and $59.95 for children. Lunch and brunch prices are $59.95 for adults and $41.95 for children.

— Feature by Linda Lane, Jetsetters Magazine Las Vegas Correspondent; photos by Linda and courtesy of Yacht StarShip.