Is the VIP upgrade on Hornblower worth it?

Only worth it if you’re a big group or really hate standing at a bar. Otherwise, the standard ticket gives you the same views, same boat, same cruise — just without the priority line. The upgrade typically gets you early boarding and a separate bar, but on a sightseeing cruise, everyone ends up on the same decks looking at the same skyline. For a standard harbor tour or cocktail cruise, spend the extra cash on a better drink instead.