Boston Harbor City Cruises marked its 100th anniversary on Wednesday, August 26, with a special Dockside Showcase aboard the Odyssey, bringing together guests and members of the Boston community to celebrate a century of experiences on Boston Harbor.
As part of the milestone celebration, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu officially proclaimed August 26, 2026, “Boston Harbor City Cruises Day” in the City of Boston, recognizing the company’s century-long contributions to Boston’s waterfront, tourism, hospitality and maritime industries. The proclamation also honors Boston Harbor City Cruises for welcoming generations of residents and visitors aboard its vessels and strengthening the city’s connection to its historic harbor.
Founded in 1926, Boston Harbor Cruises began when Matthew “Matty” Hughes — then the youngest licensed captain in the Port of Boston — launched 30-minute cruises for just 10 cents, giving Bostonians an opportunity to escape the summer heat on the water.
One hundred years later, Boston Harbor City Cruises welcomes more than 2 million passengers annually and offers an expansive range of experiences connecting residents and visitors to Boston Harbor, including dining cruises aboard the Odyssey and Spirit of Boston, whale watches, ferry services, the Codzilla thrill-boat ride and more.
The August 26 Dockside Showcase aboard the Odyssey celebrated that history while looking ahead to Boston Harbor City Cruises’ next century on the waterfront.
