Waterway Cruiser ridership up 40 percent in 2012

Ridership on The Woodlands Waterway Cruisers was up 40 percent in 2012.

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that ridership on the Waterway Cruisers went up 40 percent in 2012 compared to the previous year.

According to a bureau press release, more than 38,000 passengers boarded the cruises for catered events in 2012.

"Having fully-restored cruisers and catered charters by Landrys has made all of the difference in terms of building ridership," said Nelda Luce Blair, chairman of the visitors bureau, in the release. "The cruisers are a huge asset for The Woodlands Town Center, and we certainly expect this momentum to carry into 2013."

The press release states that Landrys will continue to offer catered, special-occasion and seasonal charters. The boats will also be available for private gatherings, family celebrations, anniversaries and birthdays.

The air-conditioned Waterway Cruisers were completely restored in early 2012 and float along The Waterway's 1.4- mile corridor to take in the natural scenic beauty of The Woodlands.

Private charters may be made seven days a week through Landrys Restaurants, which coordinate all logistics and planning for the floating tours. Each unit contains room for a seated dinner for up to 20 passengers or appetizers and cocktails for up to 35 riders.

Passenger boarding is accessible at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, the Woodlands Waterway Marriott, Waterway Square, Anadarko, Landrys Seafood Restaurant, The Woodlands Mall and Town Green Park.

The Woodlands Waterway Cruisers are based at the Plato Papas Marina, 1100 Lake Robbins Drive, the Woodlands.

For more information, call 281-367-1151, 281-363-2447, or visit www.thewoodlancdscvb.com. The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau is at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands.