Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we board and disembark? Tahoe Keys Marina 2435 Venice Dr, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 - Rubicon Dock - Golden Rose CLICK HERE FOR A MAP
What time do we check in? Guests will check in at the boat, the "Golden Rose," which is located on the Rubicon dock. The Rubicon dock is located on the northeast side of the marina parking lot, next to the boat launch ramp and the large white flagpole with the American flag. Follow the Rubicon dock all the way down to the green gate on your right. Guests should be at the dock 15 minutes prior to departure. Please call (530) 494-9222 if you are lost. Traffic can be congested on Hwy 50/Lake Tahoe Blvd; please plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to get to the boat dock on time. It is not uncommon for it to take 30 minutes or more to get from the casinos to the marina.
Is there a bathroom on board? Yes.
What should I wear? Please dress comfortably. Flat shoes are recommended for your safety as the vessel will be moving across the lake. The weather in Lake Tahoe can be unpredictable, temperatures can change drastically, please plan accordingly. We do have blankets on board and the boat is equipped with a heater for colder nights. No bathing suits except for private charters.
Where does the cruise go? Cruises begin on the Golden Rose in the Tahoe Keys Marina. The course follows the south-west shore of Lake Tahoe into Emerald Bay, all the way back to Vikingsholm. We do not disembark in Emerald Bay but we will stop for picture opportunities if boat traffic allows. In rare circumstances, due to the wind, water, and wave conditions, we cannot cruise to Emerald Bay. We reserve the right to change the course of operations for passenger and vessel safety. Please note that we time the departure and return times of the "sunset cruises" so that the sun is setting at the end of your cruise so that you are not on the lake in the dark for your safety. Since we are in the mountains, you will never actually see the sun set here on the lake but you may be able to see the spectacular colors that can accompany sunsets that Lake Tahoe is known for.
Are pets allowed? No pets please, service animals only.
Are children allowed? Yes and No. Standard scheduled daily tours on the Golden Rose are limited to adults 21 and older. If you want to rent the vessel for a private tour, there is no age requirement, however, children under 13 may be required to wear life jackets according to US Coast Guard regulations. For young kids, we recommend Lake Tahoe Sitters so you can enjoy some relaxing adult time with your friends or significant other. Lake Tahoe Sitters is CPR and First Aid certified as well as Livescan fingerprinted and has completed an FBI background check.
What type of wine is served? You can find wines that we currently pour as well as past favorites on our wine tasting list.
Can I bring food aboard? Stop by the Pirate's Chest Tahoe located at the Tahoe Keys Marina for grab-and-go items like sandwiches, cheese, dips, chips, salami, pasta salads and pre-made charcuterie to take with you on your wine tasting cruise! You'll find vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options as well. Just look for the life-size pirates and flags outside the store. Special catering menus are available for private charters via Yummy Fixins 530-539-4504. As always, you're still welcome to bring your own snacks on the boat, if you prefer.
Is the Captain licensed? Yes, the Captain is licensed with the USCG.
Is gratuity included? No, gratuity is not included in your ticket or charter pricing but can be paid in advance as a contactless form of saying 'Thank you', making it one less thing to worry about on your vacation. You can also provide gratuity directly to your Captain and crew via cash, Venmo or credit card. 18% gratuity will be added on Golden Rose private charters.
Is the Golden Rose insured? Yes, the Golden Rose has liability insurance for each charter.
What is the length of your tours? Our tours are generally 2 hours long, but please allow for 2.5 hours in case of any water delays. More details about our wine cruises can be found here.
Is there a minimum time requirement for Private Tours? Yes, there is a 2-hour minimum requirement for custom tours, max 6 hours.
What is your payment policy? Full payment is required at the time of booking. Your credit card will be charged for each seat reserved.
What is your cancellation policy? You must request to cancel your standard daily tour booking at least 48 hours in advance of your departure date and time. No refunds will be given if you cancel within 48 hours of your booking or if any member of your party is a no-show. Guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to departure, we cannot wait for late guests. PRIVATE CHARTER CANCELLATION REQUIRES 14 DAYS ADVANCE NOTICE TO RECEIVE 100% REFUND, 7-13 DAYS ADVANCE NOTICE WILL RECEIVE 50% REFUND, ZERO REFUND IF LESS THAN 7 DAYS NOTICE IS GIVEN. Please allow 7 days for all refund processing. PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU PAY VIA PAYPAL AND YOU CANCEL YOUR CRUISE FOR ANY REASON, PAYPAL WILL NO LONGER REFUND YOUR BOOKING FEE. Your refund will reflect your payment less the PayPal booking fee. If we have to cancel due to water safety issues you will receive a refund in full if we are unable to reschedule you.
Where do we park? Guests will need to park in the Tahoe Keys Marina parking lot or designated parking spots along Venice Drive. Cars parked illegally will be towed at the owner's expense. On weekends, especially holiday and event weekends, we recommend using alternate transportation such as taxi's, uber or carpool if possible as parking can be difficult. CLICK HERE FOR A MAP
I don't have a Designated Driver, is there public transportation? If you do not have a designated driver, please arrange for a taxi by calling (530) 543-0330. Uber and Lyft are also available through their smartphone apps. If you're a first time user of Lyft click here for up to $50 in free ride credits. If you're a first time user of Uber, click here for a discounted fare of up to $20 off. If you'd like to hire a car service instead, please contact Tahoe Elite (530) 582-5828.
Are walk-ups or same day bookings allowed? Yes, we can take same day bookings, but please call first. Walk-ups also need to call first. Reservations are required for all cruises. Same day bookings may be available, please call (530) 494-9222 if you have any questions. There is NO ticket office at the marina so please book online or call us.
Do you offer Private Yacht Charters? Yes! More info on private yacht charters can be found here.
What is the history of Golden Rose? Thanks for asking! More info on Golden Rose can be found here.
Can I smoke on the tour? No. Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vape pens, are NOT permitted on the dock or the boat.
WEATHER AND WATER CONDITIONS ON LAKE TAHOE CAN CHANGE AT ANY TIME. VESSEL OPERATION IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CAPTAIN. IF THE CAPTAIN DECIDES TO CHANGE, CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE A CRUISE WE WILL CONTACT YOU BY PHONE.
