City Cruises Will End Baltimore Dinner and Sightseeing Cruises in 2026

City Cruises will end its Baltimore operations in spring 2026 and relocate the Spirit of Baltimore to a port in Washington, D.C., the Hornblower Group-owned company announced.

The operator said it will stop running its Baltimore dinner, brunch, and sightseeing cruises after April 25, 2026, while keeping its schedule intact through the shutdown date.

Timeline for the Baltimore wind-down

City Cruises currently operates two vessels in Baltimore, Spirit of Baltimore and the Majesty, serving residents and visitors with sightseeing and dining cruises from the Inner Harbor.

• March 2026: City Cruises plans to move the Spirit of Baltimore from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., as part of the company’s repositioning strategy.
• Through April 25, 2026: The company said it will continue operating its published Baltimore schedule, with the Majesty remaining in service locally during the final weeks.
• After April 25, 2026: City Cruises said it will cease all cruise activities in Baltimore, ending its signature offerings in the market.

What the company said about the decision

In its announcement, City Cruises framed the move as part of a broader business shift focused on long-term viability, while acknowledging the local impact of leaving the Baltimore market.

“While this is a strategic decision that will position our business for a sustainable future, it was not a choice that was made lightly. We recognize that people are the heart of our business. During our years of operations, we have been honored to help thousands of guests celebrate milestones and create wonderful memories on the water,” the company said.

City Cruises also said it intends to facilitate a smooth transition for its crew, guests, and the local community as operations wind down.

Where the two Baltimore ships fit into the plan

City Cruises described a two-step approach for its Baltimore vessels.

The Spirit of Baltimore, long associated with Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, is slated to relocate to Washington, D.C., in March 2026. The vessel was renovated and reintroduced in 2021, and it has been the primary ship for many of the company’s Baltimore dining and sightseeing products.

The Majesty will continue operating in Baltimore until City Cruises’ final day in the market on April 25, 2026. The company did not disclose additional plans for the Majesty after the Baltimore shutdown.

Washington, D.C., expansion as Baltimore service ends

City Cruises said Washington, D.C., will remain a focus of operations for the Hornblower Group as the Baltimore program closes. The company already operates 10 ships in Washington, offering products that include dinner cruises, water taxi services, and live music events.

City Cruises did not detail how the Spirit of Baltimore will be deployed once it arrives in Washington. The company’s statement and existing Washington lineup indicate the ship would join a market where City Cruises already offers dining, transportation, and entertainment-oriented experiences.

Company footprint beyond Baltimore

City Cruises is part of the Hornblower Group, which the company said owns more than 80 boats and operates in 10 countries and more than 50 U.S. cities.

In Baltimore, City Cruises said it plans to maintain service as scheduled until late April 2026, while preparing to shift the Spirit of Baltimore to Washington in March and wind down local operations with the Majesty completing sailings through the end date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is City Cruises ending its Baltimore operations?

City Cruises said the Baltimore exit is “a strategic decision that will position our business for a sustainable future,” describing the move as part of a broader business shift while noting it “was not a choice that was made lightly.”

When will City Cruises officially stop operating in Baltimore?

The company said it will end Baltimore operations after April 25, 2026, and it plans to keep its existing Baltimore schedule in place through that date.

What will happen to the Spirit of Baltimore?

City Cruises said the Spirit of Baltimore will move to a port in Washington, D.C., in March 2026, ahead of the company’s April 25, 2026, shutdown of Baltimore operations.

What will happen to the Majesty?

City Cruises said the Majesty will continue operating in Baltimore until the April 25, 2026, end date. The company did not announce any additional vessel movements for the Majesty beyond completing cruises through the shutdown.

How will City Cruises handle the transition for employees and the local community?

The company said it is committed to facilitating a smooth transition for its crew, guests, and the local community as operations wind down, adding, “We recognize that people are the heart of our business.”