Celebrating 30 Years on Seattle’s Lakes
Waterways Cruises Celebrates 30 Year Milestone
Waterways Cruises and Events is proud to commemorate three decades of delivering exceptional dining and event experiences on the water in Seattle.
In honor of this significant milestone, Waterways has curated a series of events to mark its 30th Anniversary. These include exclusive promotions, social media contests, and a special Nonprofit Partner Dining Cruise with StoveTeam International on May 24, 2024.
Founded by Hilton Smith and Shirley Turnbow in April 1994, Waterways Cruises initially began as a hobby, swiftly evolving into a full-fledged private cruise company within a year. Since then, the company has expanded its operations to four dining and entertainment vessels operating over 600 cruises each year, providing a unique waterfront expereince for tens of thousands of passengers each year.
In the past 30 years, Waterways has managed to weather the storms of 9/11, the Great Recession, and more recently withstood the impact of COVID 19. Today, Waterways stands as Seattle’s premier dining cruise and event company, hosting upwards of 60,000 guests annually for weddings, corporate functions, special occasions, and distinctive public dining cruises.
Reflecting on the company’s three decade journey, Co-Founder Shirley Turnbow attributes its growth and success to the loyal guests and resolute team members who have contributed over the years. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has cruised with us over the past 30 years,” expressed Turnbow. “It has been our privilege to welcome you on board, and we deeply value your ongoing support.”
In the spirit of giving back, Hilton and Shirley have arranged a special dining cruise to benefit StoveTeam International, donating 30% of the proceeds to the nonprofit. Hilton Smith, one of the early supporters of StoveTeam, initially became involved to honor the memory of his late friend, Duffy Hughes, who was Nancy Hughes husband and Hilton’s college roommate at Princeton. Since Nancy Hughes founded StoveTeam in 2008, Hilton has remained steadfast in his support of the organization’s mission to foster hope and sustainability in Central American communities through the distribution of fuel-efficient, low-pollution cookstoves.
StoveTeam International aims to combat open-fire cooking in Central America by distributing fuel-efficient cookstoves to indigenous households in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Mexico. By providing safe and sustainable cooking solutions for families, the organization empowers communities, enhances health outcomes, and addresses environmental concerns associated with traditional cooking methods, and increases local employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Jeff Culton, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, attributes Waterways’ enduring success to the dedication and passion exhibited by Shirley and Hilton, both towards the business and their employees. Culton said, “Shirley and Hilton have always been committed to nurturing talent and fostering personal and professional growth. They truly care about their employees.”
About Waterways Cruises and Events
For 30 years Waterways Cruises and Events has operated its fleet on Seattle’s Lakes. Featuring seasonal menus, scenic cruise routes, exciting entertainment options, private charters, and dining cruises, Waterways Cruises brings unique dining experiences and sightseeing opportunities to Lake Union and Lake Washington. Cruises depart from the Waterways Cruises HomePort at Lake Union Piers (formerly Chandler’s Cove, on North Lake Union and from Kirkland Marina Park and other docks on the Seattle area’s waterfront. To learn more about Waterways Cruises and Events visit www.waterwayscruises.com.