City Cruises will end Spirit of Baltimore and Majesty operations, reshaping Inner Harbor visitor boating scene

Operations set to end April 25 as company winds down Baltimore dining and sightseeing cruises

City Cruises, the operator of the Spirit of Baltimore and the vessel Majesty, will end its Baltimore operations on April 25, 2026, concluding a long-running set of dining, sightseeing and private event offerings based at the Inner Harbor. The company has said it will continue scheduled cruises through that date.

The decision affects a waterfront business that has been closely tied to Baltimore’s visitor economy, serving tourists, residents and event clients with ticketed cruises and private charters. With a fixed end date, the remaining sailing calendar functions as a short transition period for customers holding reservations and for groups that planned spring events on the water.

What will change for customers and events

City Cruises’ Baltimore lineup has typically included a mix of sightseeing tours and meal-based cruises, alongside chartered events such as corporate gatherings, weddings and school or nonprofit functions. An exit from the market removes a centrally located, large-capacity option for event planners seeking an Inner Harbor venue that combines dining, entertainment and skyline views.

• Scheduled public cruises are expected to continue until April 25, 2026.
• After that date, City Cruises will no longer offer Baltimore departures with the Spirit of Baltimore or Majesty.
• Customers with future bookings may face changes to plans, including cancellations or re-accommodation, depending on sailing dates.

City Cruises has characterized the move as a strategic business decision tied to long-term sustainability, while emphasizing that operations will continue through the announced end date.

How the decision fits into Baltimore’s broader waterfront and port picture

The Inner Harbor’s commercial boating scene operates alongside — but is distinct from — the state-run cruise terminal at Locust Point, which serves ocean-going cruise ships. The closure involves Inner Harbor-based excursion vessels rather than the cruise ships that depart from the Port of Baltimore’s dedicated cruise terminal.

Still, the announcement arrives during a period of heightened attention to Baltimore’s maritime activity and waterfront redevelopment. The Inner Harbor is in the midst of major changes to its retail and public spaces, and the city’s overall tourism footprint continues to be shaped by transportation, hospitality demand and seasonal travel patterns.

What happens next in the Inner Harbor excursion market

City Cruises’ departure raises practical questions about how quickly other operators, new entrants, or alternative waterfront venues can fill demand for group events and visitor experiences that were historically routed to the Spirit of Baltimore or Majesty. Key variables include vessel availability, dock access, staffing, and the ability to offer comparable large-group dining and entertainment formats.

For now, the timeline is defined: City Cruises’ Baltimore operations are scheduled to continue until April 25, 2026, after which the Spirit of Baltimore and Majesty will no longer operate out of the city.