Newport 'Gansett Cruises' Named The 7th-Best In The World

NEWPORT, RI — A popular Newport attraction has been named one of the best in both the U.S. and the world. TripAdvisor has named Newport Harbor Sightseeing Cruises as a "Travelers' Choice Experience," which means it is one of the top 10 experiences in the world based on user feedback.

The harbor cruise, operated by Gansett Cruises, ranks at number seven in a global ranking of the best day cruises, joined by popular destinations including Vietnam, The United Arab Emirates, Aruba and The Netherlands.

"That's amazing!" said John Hirschboeck, who has served as an onboard cruise guide for the past seven years. "A few years ago, we were named one of the best cruises in New England, but top 10 in the world is certainly much more impressive."

Newport is one of just two United States cities to make the list, joined by the Chicago Architecture River Cruise, which tops the list as the best day cruise experience in the world.

Here's a look at the full ranking:

1. Chicago Architecture River Cruise – Chicago, IL
2. 1-Hour Canal Tour starting at Anne Frank House Amsterdam – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
3. High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London – London, England
4. Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau — Te Anau, New Zealand
5. Dubai RIB Boat Cruise: Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
6. The Arusun - Aruba Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling – Palm Eagle Beach, Aruba
7. Newport Harbor Sightseeing Cruise – Newport, RI
8. Half-Day Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City by Luxury Speedboat – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
9. Chauffeured Punting Tour in Cambridge – Cambridge, England
10. San Juan Snorkel and Picnic Cruise – San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Newport Harbor Cruises are operated by Gansett Cruise and leaves from Bowen's Wharf. Each trip lasts approximately 90 minutes, circling around Newport Harbor and providing a unique perspective of the city's landmarks. Passengers are given "Rhode Island Captain's Treats," including coffee cabinets and Del's Lemonade, as well as a cash bar with Narragansett Beer and wine from Newport Vineyards. The tour focuses on the state's history, and the converted lobster boat is able to get much closer to shore than a sailboat.

Hirschboeck said the company is dedicated to making sure passengers enjoy themselves during their trip.

"We like to keep up with guest reviews on site like TripAdvisor," he said. "We're doing our best to make sure everyone has the most satisfying experience possible."

Cruises run seasonally, operating from May through October. Tickets cost between $26 and $30 and can be booked in advance online.