This is a two-part review: The online experience vs the tours itself.
The harbor cruise option along with the city tour is a must. The company gets three stars for showing not available online (right here from TA) and, to me, they really should have said ‘buy at our kiosk not through other online vendors’. I think the company does a disservice to tourists not to be clear. We almost chose another tour, but luckily we didn’t.
Both the harbor cruise and the trolley tour were excellent. The narration on the harbor tour was interesting & informative with just the right touch of humor, I didn’t catch the boat guide’s name, I’d mention him specifically if I did. Tom Collins, a local, drove us through the streets of Boston while enlightening us with tales of the city to accompany the historic landmarks.
I would take the harbor tour again in a heartbeat. The city tour accomplished exactly what we wanted: City highlights with some history.
I encourage you all to enjoy the city tour, and opt in for the harbor cruise. Don’t let lack of online availability discourage you from Boston Hop-on Hop-Off Trolley Tour. Keep your fingers crossed about the cruise option even when seemingly not available through Trip Advisor.