MARCH 30, 2023: WEIRS BEACH, NH – The Winnipesaukee Flagship Corp. has acquired the Winnipesaukee Belle, formerly owned and operated by the Wolfeboro Inn in Wolfeboro, NH.
The two companies mutually agreed that a sale of the vessel would be in the best interest of this local attraction to expand the schedule and service the community in a greater capacity.
“The COVID-19 pandemic presented a number of challenges for the Belle, with staffing and maintenance being a constant struggle,” said Janell LaFleche, General Manager of the Wolfeboro Inn. “This is a bittersweet moment for us; however, we know the Belle’s best chance for long term success is under the stewardship of a company that specializes in cruise vessels and is fully equipped with resources to support her operation.”
“Operating large passenger vessels on Lake Winnipesaukee is a challenge we understand all too well,” said Jared Maraio, General Manager of Mount Washington Cruises. “We know we are among the few with the capacity to perform the regular maintenance that is needed for a vessel the size of the Belle, as well as the maintenance facility and a talent pool of experienced crew.”
Launched in 1985, the Winnipesaukee Belle is 65 feet in length and can accommodate 150 passengers. The vessel will be transported to the Mount Washington Cruises shipyard in Center Harbor, where it will undergo a lengthy refurbishment. It is expected to return to service in 2025 for her 40th anniversary.
The Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation operates the M/S Mount Washington, the U.S. Mailboat M/V Sophie C., the Winnipesaukee Spirit, and the M/V Doris E.
The M/S Mount Washington has welcomed millions of passengers from around the world for 150 years. It is considered a symbol of New Hampshire. The family-owned Mount now operates May through October, offering daytime scenic, evening dinner & dance, and special themed cruises. To learn more about Mount Washington Cruises please call toll-free (603) 366-5531 or visit cruisenh.com.
]]>]]>It’s August 23, 2022, and I’ve been General Manager for about a month. Our official 150th Anniversary was eleven days ago, and I’ve just received news that an important part of our legacy is lost.
Last week Barbara Higgins, our Gift Shop Manager, entered my office to inform me that “Follow the Mount,” a book written about our company, was low in stock. Barb has worked for the company seasonally for more than 20 years.
Barb informed me that during our 150th Celebration event, many commemorative items were sold. “Follow the Mount” was a hot item, and we were almost sold out.
“Ok,” I said. “I guess we’ll need to order more,”
“I tried,” she replied, “but the publisher has gone out of business.”
First printed in 1968, “Follow the Mount” was written by Dr. Bruce Heald, a loyal employee who worked for the company for more than 50 years. Though Bruce wrote many books, “Follow the Mount” was one of his signature achievements, and he continued to update the book before each reprinting. The most recent edition, the thirteenth, was printed in 2007. Bruce passed away in 2015.
The book was printed through a local publisher, who went out of business a few years after publication. Its assets were purchased by another printer, which was then bought by an even larger publisher. So began our investigation.
A few hours ago, Barb let me know that she finally spoke with the publisher. They’ve never heard of the book, the author, or our company. They have no way to reprint it. It was a dead end.
“Perhaps it’s misplaced and will turn up at some point,” Barb suggested.
I have a feeling it won’t, and I feel a deep sense of loss.
I’d worked alongside Bruce Heald from 2002-2006. I was in my mid-20s, and although he was approaching 70 I often think he had more energy than I did. He had a quick wit and a devilish sense of humor. Sometimes, you’d see a twinkle in his eye right before he delivered a real zinger. He knew my grandfather, who’d worked with Bruce as Purser on the Mount Washington.
Bruce was fond of going to many of the restaurants near his home in Meredith, NH. He’d arrive later in the evening when the dinner rush was over. He’d sit at the bar alone, have a drink, and chat with anyone who happened to be there. I think he may have been a little lonely after losing his wife. I’d just moved to the area to take care of my ailing grandfather. I worked in the Mount Washington Ticket Office, and would sometimes go out in the evening for a drink. I didn’t know anyone in the area yet, and I was a little lonely too.
Bruce and I would run into each other every now and then, and he’d tell stories about the ship. Sometimes the stories were about people I knew, but many of them were about people who were gone. As he talked he’d become animated, slapping his knee or clapping his hands as he’d laugh about comical interactions with customers, practical jokes by the deck crew, or gossip about previous generations who worked on the ship. He loved history, and he loved the ship. And now his labor of love was lost.
That really hurts.
Maybe it’s the perspective that comes with age, or the nostalgia that comes with an anniversary year, but I’ve become very aware that I am a part of a group of individuals who need to protect the legacy of the Mount Washington. I can feel the weight of it, just as I imagine many who came before me felt it.
I’ve come to understand that any ship, especially this ship, isn’t just engines and steel. It’s a symbol of sacrifice, perseverance, and the hopes and dreams of those who came before us. The Mount Washington is their legacy, and the Lakes Region and the state of New Hampshire are better for it. Their stories should be told.
For more than two generations, Bruce Heald was the steward of those stories. And I know from personal experience, only a fraction of what he knew made it into “Follow the Mount.” I know that because I heard so much more, sitting next to him in Meredith with a drink in my hand.
I also know that there will be much more to tell. Even in the few years since the last edition of “Follow the Mount,” we’ve been hard at work building a company that is better than ever before. And I’m sure that long after we’re gone, that work will continue.
So I’m hoping that these 150 or so pages will both honor Bruce’s contribution, and become a jumping off point for our future. Our work on the ship will never be complete, and neither will our stories. Perhaps every few years we’ll write a chapter or two, and in another 150 years this book will double in size. I sure hope so.
But for now, I hope you enjoy “Here Comes the Mount.” It incorporates information from “Follow the Mount” as well as stories passed on through the crew, those documented in other sources, and our company’s own archives. And of course from Bruce.
Faithfully,
Jared Maraio
August 23, 2022
Weirs Beach, N.H. – The M/S Mount Washington’s 150th season on Lake Winnipesaukee is underway and Mount Washington Cruises has a season full of celebrations to mark the event, including an Anniversary Gala.
The official celebration of the 150th anniversary will be held on August 12, 2022, the date the ship was launched. Cruises that day will include multiple daytime departures from both Weirs Beach and Wolfeboro, and the official 150th Anniversary Gala evening event, featuring multiple decks of entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, signature drinks and photo opportunities. All day long, commemorative limited-edition souvenirs will be available for sale.
In a new expansion of the day’s festivities, The Mount will celebrate at a special dockside event in Wolfeboro starting at 3:00 PM. The town will host the special event, including a DJ in the waterfront bandstand with vendors offering food and gifts. The Mount Washington’s new sister vessel, the Winnipesaukee Spirit, will make her first trip to the Town of Wolfeboro and will be open dockside for visitors as a floating beer and wine garden.
“The M/S Mount Washington is an important part of life on Lake Winnipesaukee, but also a source of community pride for the Town of Wolfeboro,” said Brian Deshaies, Town Selectman. “This event will bring our community together in celebration of this venerable ship, and create another great summer event for the business community within Wolfeboro.”
At 6:00 PM, the Mount will depart the Wolfeboro Town Docks for the first leg of her Anniversary Gala. She will pick up passengers at Weirs Beach at 7:15 PM and return to Wolfeboro at 9:00 PM, where the Town will host a 20 minute laser light show in her honor.
Planned in conjunction with the Lake Winnipesaukee Association, the idea of a laser show is totally new on Lake Winnipesaukee, and an ecological alternative to fireworks, which can deposit pollutants into the lake and be harmful to wildlife.
The Lake Winnipesaukee Association will also partner with the M/S Mount Washington and the Town of Wolfeboro to offer family educational programs during the day regarding lake conservation issues, as well as hold a silent auction to generate funds for conservation programs on the big lake.
“The conservation of Lake Winnipesaukee requires the efforts of residents, visitors, businesses, and communities who enjoy and rely on its waters,” said Patricia Tarpey, President of the Lake Winnipesaukee Association. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Mount Washington Cruises and the Town of Wolfeboro on this important event.”
Tickets to daytime cruises on the anniversary are available at cruisenh.com/products/150th-anniversary. Tickets to the Anniversary Gala are available at cruisenh.com/products/150th-anniversary-gala.
On April 1, 2022, a courier delivered a package to Mount Washington Cruises. Inside the package was a wrapped box with a note, stating that the box should not be opened until Ice Out. Here's what we know so far:
After posting a photo of the box to social media, it was suggested that the company host a contest to let people guess what's in the box. Here's how it will work:
Fill out the form below with your guess. Each email address is permitted one guess per day. Additional guesses from the same email within the same calendar day will be discarded. Guesses must be specific and guesses that are overly broad will not be eligible. Once the box is opened, any individual who guessed the contents correctly will be entered into a drawing to receive four (4) Dinner Cruise tickets with Priority Seating on a public dinner cruise in the 2022 season* ($240-$300, depending on date). If no one guesses correctly, we'll still draw one winner at random who will receive four (4) Daytime Cruise tickets for the 2022 season ($168 value).
*Excluded events are July 4, 150th Anniversary Gala, and the Halloween Masquerade Ball.
Employees of Mount Washington Cruises, as well as family and friends of employees, are not eligible for prizes. All family and friends of the sender are also not eligible for prizes.
]]>The Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of its newest vessel, the Winnipesaukee Spirit. The launch of the new vessel marks the first expansion of the company fleet since 1962.
“Our company will celebrate our 150th anniversary in 2022, and we’ve spent the past few years planning for the future of our company,” said Jim Morash, Captain and General Manager. “It’s been part of our plan to grow the fleet, but have been waiting for the right vessel. The Winnipesaukee Spirit is that vessel.“
Seating up to 100 passengers, the 56-foot vessel includes two decks, indoor/outdoor seating, and two small lounge areas which can be rented for semi-private gatherings. The entire vessel is also available for charter, allowing the company to better address demand for medium-sized events.
The Winnipesaukee Spirit has completed her journey to New Hampshire, and is currently awaiting transport from the Seacoast to Winnipesaukee. The Spirit will launch at the beginning of June, and will be available for scenic tours, dinner cruises, and private events. Tickets will be available starting May 3 at cruisenh.com.
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]]>After major repairs and renovations, the Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation is pleased to announce that the U.S. Mailboat Sophie C will return to service for the first time since the 2018 season. Now in her 75th year, the Sophie C will offer scenic cruises beginning this May, and will return to her mail delivery schedule this June.
“It’s been a long process,” said Jim Morash, Captain and General Manager. “But now that she’s back in the water, it was time and money well spent.”
The scope of the project required the company to contract with outside vendors. The work was expected to last just a few months, but unexpected delays and setbacks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, pushed the timeline back by more than a year.
“We were working toward bringing Sophie back online by August 2020 for her 75th birthday, but the pandemic complicated matters. We were shut down for much of the spring, and travel restrictions between states didn’t allow our contractors to come to New Hampshire for part of the summer. Ultimately, our timeline slipped into 2021,” said Morash. “She’s a little late to her own birthday party, but there’s plenty of time to celebrate before she turns 76!”
Launched in August 1945, the M/V Sophie C was and named for the mother of Byron Hedblom, then owner of the company. In 1969, she took over the seasonal postal route for RFD #7 out of Laconia, which manages mail delivery to the island residents on the western side of Winnipesaukee. She’s the fifth vessel to carry the postal contract for the route, and holds the longest tenure.
Since her appointment, generations of families and campers on the islands have relied on the vessel’s daily visits for letters and packages from the mainland. In more recent years, the vessel also offers snacks and ice cream novelties, similar to a floating ice cream truck. Each season, thousands of visitors to the Lakes Region join the fun by riding along with Sophie on one of her two daily cruises.
The U.S. Mailboat Sophie C offers mailboat cruises Monday through Saturday from June 15 through the second Saturday in September. She is also available for scenic tours and private charters. Schedules and tickets are available at cruisenh.com.
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]]>The M/V Doris E and U.S. Mailboat will remain closed to the public, while we continue to monitor the public health situation.
In preparing the M/S Mount Washington for operation, we’ve made some adjustments to our schedule and product offering.
Our guiding principle for this effort is to not only meet, but exceed, state and federal guidelines for restaurant operation.
In addition to these changes, we’ve implemented new policies and procedures to make your visit with us as comfortable and safe as possible. We’ve outlined these changes in our 2020 Safety Procedures, which also contain additional ways passengers can reduce risk before, during and after their cruise.
As we receive more information and guidance through the summer, we will continue to evaluate our operation and make adjustments if possible. We’re hopeful that over time, we will be able to expand our schedule and return to more normal operation.
The Staff and Crew of the M/S Mount Washington
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As we prepare for our 148th season, we know that this year will be different. The safety of our passengers and crew is always our primary concern, but these times require new thinking and renewed vigilance. We will continue to adhere to guidance from public health officials, while finding ways preserve the health of passengers and crew.
We know that a scenic tour or dinner cruise may not be your first thought right now, but we do want to take a moment to share some of the additional measures we’ll be taking this season to keep you healthy and safe. This crisis will pass and when it does, we want you to know we’ll be ready to welcome you.
Some the changes you will see include:
In addition to these changes, we will continue to coordinate with state and local authorities and comply with guidance about hosting events. This coordination includes informing employees and passengers who are sick to stay home, and to cancel events where appropriate in order to maintain a healthy community.
This commitment requires flexibility on our part. If any event must be canceled in response to guidance from public health officials, all passengers will received a full refund. If you, or any member of your party becomes ill prior to your cruise, please let us know ASAP and we will issue you a full credit toward a future cruise.
We know that this is a time of concern. However as we have seen before, our community and our country will rise up to meet these challenges. So although we’re going to do things a bit differently this year, we look forward to seeing you on the water soon. In the meanwhile, take care of yourselves and each other as we navigate these trying times.
The Staff and Crew of the M/S Mount Washington
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Lake Winnipesaukee has been a vacation destination since before we were a country! In the mid-1700s Governor John Wentworth vacationed on the lake in Wolfeboro, considered the oldest summer resort in the country. Since that time, Lake Winnipesaukee has garnered its fair share of legends, stories, and local lore.
There are two different interpretations of Lake Winnipesaukee. Some say the name means “beautiful water in a high place.” The second, more popular interpretation is “the smile of the Great Spirit.”
How Lake Winnipesaukee Got its Name
According to legend, Lake Winnipesaukee got its name as “the smile of the Great Spirit” because of the love of two Native Americans.
Long ago a great chief named Wonaton lived on the northern shore of the lake with his beautiful daughter Mineola. Mineola had many suitors, but she refused them all.
One day, a young chief from an enemy tribe in the south paddled across the lake and entered the village of chief Wonaton. The villagers, seeing his bravery, did not stop him. He gazed upon Mineola and fell instantly in love with her, and she with him.
They decided to marry. This infuriated chief Wonaton, and he was so angry he tried to kill Adiwando. Mineola, with no regard for her own safety, rushed between the two men and begged her father to stop, professing her love for Adiwando.
Because he loved his daughter deeply, Wonaton reluctantly agreed to the marriage. After they were wed, the entire tribe got into their canoes and traveled to the middle of the lake. The skies were dark and stormy, and as they began to leave, the sun came out, bathing the young couple's canoe in bright light. Wonaton saw this and proclaimed it a good omen, named the lake, Winnipesaukee – The Smile of the Great Spirit!
Here Are Ten Little Known Facts About New Hampshire's Largest Lake!
Lake Winnipesaukee is still one of New England's most popular destinations, even after over 200 years! If you're planning a visit, take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington and step back in time and experience all she has to offer!
If you're planning a vacation on Lake Winnipesaukee this summer, make sure to visit any Cruise NH ticket office to experience a unique view of New Hampshire's crown jewel! We offer a number of daytime scenic cruises, evening dinner cruises and our spectacular Sunday Brunch cruise leaving Alton Bay.
If you're planning an event, wedding, company outing, or would like to arrange a private charter, give us a call at (603) 366-5531 and let us help you plan a memorable event you'll be talking about for years to come!
]]>Today, Weirs beach is one of the fun hotspots on Lake Winnipesaukee with great food, a boardwalk full of fun activities for the whole family, and the home of the M/S Mount Washington every summer. But did you know that this valuable piece of real estate has a history stretching back thousands of years?
The Original Summer "Resort"
Recent archaeological expeditions at the beach have found that Native Americans used the area as a summer camp for hunting and fishing dating back to 8000 BC. The native Abenaqui of the Penacook tribe called their village Aquedoctan, meaning “place of good fishing.”
In fact, this popular summer resort actually got its name from the particular type of basket the Native Americans used to trap the shad that migrated through the channel on their way from Lake Winnipesaukee to the Merrimac River, to the sea. These fish traps were called “WEIRS” and went into the channel to prevent the shad from moving through the channel to the river.
Then, in 1652, an expedition sent by Governor Endicott of the Massachusetts Bay Colony followed the Merrimac from its mouth, located in what is now Newburyport. Arriving at Lake Winnipesaukee at Weirs channel, they carved their initials into a rock, Endicott Rock, to mark the northern boundary of the colony. The stone is still there today, protected by a monument erected in 1892. The first white settlers arrived in 1736, with the construction of a fort. This was the end of the Native American habitation of Weirs.
The Arrival of The Tourists
By 1848, the Boston, Concord and Montreal railroad arrived in Weirs and with it, New England tourists. Within a few years, Weirs had become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
In 1849, seeing the increase in passengers visiting Weirs, the Boston, Concord & Maine railroad purchased the steamship “The Lady of the Lake”. From her homeport in Weirs, The Lady of the Lake offered regular steamship service to the ports of Wolfeboro, Center Harbor, and Alton Bay, until her last service in 1893. In 1872, the competing B&M railroad began service on the lake, launching the Mount Washington. It was the longer, faster, and more luxurious ship, and soon dominated passenger service serving 60,000 passengers each year.
By the turn of the 20thcentury, four express trains each day left Boston bound for Weirs. Train travel reached its peak in 1915. As the age of the automobile began in earnest, train service from Boston started a long, slow decline, finally stopping in 1960.
By the 1920s Weirs was THE vacation destination for New Englanders with its busy railroad station, a beautiful grand hotel on the beach, a boardwalk, and a large dance pavilion. Then two fires would change everything.
The End of an Era
In 1924, a devastating fire destroyed the Grand Hotel Weirs. Then, in 1939 a second fire would end steam travel on Lake Winnipesaukee. On a cold December night, a fire at the railway station quickly spread down the ramp to the winter berth of the Mount Washington. There were attempts to free her, but the water level was low, and she was grounded in the mud. The ship, boardwalk and railway station all were destroyed entirely, marking the end of an era.
Captain Leander Lavallee set out to rebuild the vessel. Unfortunately, it was wartime, and raw materials were being used for the war effort, making it impossible to save the ship. However, after a diligent search throughout New England, he found a vessel on Lake Champlain, The Chateauguay, a 203-foot long vessel that was built in 1888.
In April of 1940, four months after the devastating fire, he had found his vessel, cut it into 20 pieces, transported it by railcar to Lakeport and rebuilt her with a new steel superstructure and twin 750 horsepower diesel engines. Christened the SS Mount Washington II, she was relaunched into service, where she still takes visitors on sightseeing cruises around Lake Winnipesaukee departing from Weirs Beach every day from May thru October.
In the 1940s, an effort had begun to rebuild after the devastating fire, and a new hotel was constructed. Before the 1950s, the beach as we know it today did not exist. Visitors would enter the water from the rocky shoreline at Endicott Park and swim to one of two diving rafts anchored offshore. It was around this time that local businessmen, led by Ed Hoagland, owner of the Lakeview House began to petition to construct the beach that is there today, and in November 1955 the Weirs city council change the name to Weirs Beach. And a resort was reborn!
Weirs Beach Today
Today, Weirs Beach is once again a dominant vacation destination drawing visitors from throughout the Northeast and around the world! With fine dining, luxury accommodations, charming bed and breakfasts, the boardwalk, arcades, nightlife, great shopping and of course, the beach, Weirs Beach is a great place to bring the entire family for a true New England summer vacation!
If you're planning a vacation on Lake Winnipesaukee, make sure to visit the M/S Mount Washington ticket office to experience a unique view of New Hampshire's crown jewel! Cruises depart from the town dock in Weirs Beach several times each day from May to October. Don't miss our spectacular Sunday Brunch cruise leaving Alton Bay.
If you're planning an event, wedding, company outing, or would like to arrange a private charter, give us a call at (603) 366-5531 and let us help you plan a memorable event you'll be talking about for years to come!
]]>Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire's largest lake with a surface area of 72 miles and around 200 miles of shoreline. At 9 ½ miles wide and 28 miles long, the lake is home to (what some estimate to be) 365 islands of which 274 are habitable.
Visitors to the lake are often fascinated by Winnipesaukee's islands. For residents, island living affords a unique lifestyle and the ability to get back to nature, amazing views, privacy, friendly neighbors, and a unique culture all its own!
FAQs About the Islands of Lake Winnipesaukee
Visitors who take the M/S Mount Washington sightseeing cruises often ask us about the islands. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from visitors about the islands of Lake Winnipesaukee!
Q: What is the island population in the summer?
A: With so many rentals and turnover, it's hard to say. But there are many habitable islands with homes, cabins, yurts or campsites. Some of the larger islands like Governor's Island host multi-million dollar mansions with boats bobbing at their docks. Governor's is perhaps the best known. It's a private community with some year-round residents and one of only a handful with bridges to the mainland. Others like Cow Island has 132 houses and a perimeter road around the island. Dolly Island has 2, and Little Penny Island has just one house on it!
Q: What is the Largest Island on the Lake? The smallest?
A: The two largest islands on the lake are Long Island, which has a bridge to the mainland and is 1186 acres, and Bear Island. Bear Island has 192 homes, two children's camps, a graveyard, and a church. The smallest island is believed to be Becky's Garden. It's about 10 feet wide (depending on the lake's water level) and is the subject of folklore. Each summer, someone places a miniature house on the island.
Q: What is island life like?
A: It depends on the island. On many, life tends to be straightforward with camps along the shoreline and the center of the island undeveloped and natural. Welch Island is one example of the simple life. There are camps and a yacht club along the shoreline along with about 60 homes on roughly 200 acres. There are no paved roads, no cars, access is by boat only, and there's no cable TV (although today, some get satellite television). Other's like Governors have grand multi-million dollar homes, roads, cars, and electricity. Remote islands require all supplies be brought by boat. Some have cabins or campgrounds, while others are entirely natural.
Q: How did Cow Island get its name?
A: This island is sometimes called Guernsey Island because it was once used to quarantine cows brought to the new world from Europe.
Q: How many islands can be reached and explored by car?
A: There are six Islands connected to the mainland by bridges; they are Black Cat Island, Long Island, Oak Island, Governor's Island, Worcester Island, and Christmas Island.
Q: How did Three-Mile Island get its name?
A: Three-Mile Island is one of three that are named “Mile.” They are Three-Mile Island, Five-Five Mile Island, and Six-Mile Island. They are named based on the distance they are from Center Harbor.
Q: Are any of the Islands connected together?
A: Yes. Birch Island and Steamboat Island are the only two islands connected by a bridge.
Q: I've heard about a place called “The Witches” where is that and how did it get its name?
A: Every summer, boaters who are unfamiliar with Lake Winnipesaukee enter The Witches and run into trouble. Many have sunk; others have damaged boat props or worse. The Witches is a rocky area east of Governor's Island. There is a field of rocks that lie just below the surface and are extremely hazardous. At some point, “The Witches” was actually Witches Island. When the dams were built, the water level rose and put much of the island underwater. Over the years, erosion got rid of much of the soil, leaving nothing but rock. Supposedly back in the 1800s, there were trees on The Witches.
Learn The Legends and Lore of Lake Winnipesaukee!
Cruising Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount Washington is a great way to see the lake and her islands. Our crew is knowledgeable about Lake Lore and is always happy to point out the sights and answer questions about the lake.
Today the Mount Washington plies the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee from May through October, offering daytime scenic, evening dinner/dance and special theme cruises. Her homeport facility located in Weirs Beach was built in 1987 and includes an on-shore kitchen, gift shop, and offices.
She also offers cruises from Wolfeboro, Meredith, Alton Bay, and Center Harbor. For the past ten years, the M/V Mount Washington has been owned and operated by local individuals.
If you're planning a vacation on Lake Winnipesaukee, make sure to visit any Cruise NH ticket office to experience a unique view of New Hampshire's crown jewel! Don't miss our spectacular Sunday Brunch cruise leaving Alton Bay.
If you're planning an event, wedding, company outing, or would like to arrange a private charter on Lake Winnipesaukee, give us a call at (603) 366-5531 and let us help you plan a memorable event you'll be talking about for years to come!
]]>Lake Winnipesaukee, named for the Native American word meaning “smile of the great spirit” is New Hampshire's largest lake. The glacier formed and spring fed, Lake Winnipesaukee is surrounded by three mountain ranges and is 504 feet above sea level. The Lake is approximately 25 miles long, 15 miles wide and covers 72 square miles. It's wooded shoreline, and clean, clear waters have made it a popular summer resort for over 200 years, and visitors from all over the world have come to rest and relax among its beautiful surroundings.
Traveling by ship is the best way to experience the unique views and beautiful towns that line Lake Winnipesaukee. Cruise NH's vessels the M/S Mount Washington, and her sister vessel and the M/V Doris E. regularly depart from five ports of call, each offering a glimpse into the beauty that is Lake Winnipesaukee!
Weirs Beach, Laconia, NH
Step back into a nostalgic era of American history in Weirs Beach. You can't miss the blinking neon sign on Rt. 3. It directs you to the beach. Take some time to stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy beautiful lake views and a relaxing look at old New Hampshire. There's a public beach, arcades, waterslides, and the areas only operating Drive-In theatre that offers great double features.
At the center of the boardwalk, you'll find the M/S Mount Washington ticket office, gift shop, and snack bar. M/S Mount Washington and the U.S. Mailboat offer numerous cruises departing from Weirs Beach each day, all summer long.
Wolfeboro, NH
Wolfeboro has been a popular summer resort since the 1700s and is considered the oldest summer resort in the country! Governor John Wentworth vacationed here in 1764, and it is one of the lake's busiest ports.
Wolfeboro is a classic example of New England charm, and its streets are full of stores, restaurants, and galleries. There truly is something for everyone in the family here. Home since 1818 to Brewster Academy, one of New England's most prestigious private schools, the campus overlooking Wolfeboro Bay, has taught many successful students including a U.S. Vice President.
You can board the Mount Washington in Wolfeboro Tuesday through Saturday at 11:15 AM.
Meredith, NH
Known as the “Latchkey to the White Mountains,” Meredith is home to the famed Mills Falls Marketplace. Here you'll find unique shopping and many restaurants. The marketplace overlooks Meredith Bay and features brick walkways, shaded benches, beautiful flowers and it's own picturesque waterfall.
Main Street is lined with shops and over a dozen local restaurants just a short walk from the town docks. With four beautiful country inns located in Meredith surrounding the Bay, including the Inn and Spa at Mills Falls, you'll find plenty of places to stay to soak up some New Hampshire hospitality.
Make sure to enjoy lunch at the Town Docks Restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food and beautiful views while the little ones play in the sand. On Mondays, the M/S Mount Washington stops in Meredith.
Alton Bay, NH
Reaching back over 175 years, Alton Bay is one of the oldest shipping ports on the lake. Located at the southern end of Lake Winnipesaukee, it features a unique bandstand situated right in the middle of Alton Bay.
The original Mount Washington Cruise Ship, a side-wheeler, was launched from Alton Bay in 1872 and today, the Mount Washington stops to take on passengers every Sunday. For a special treat, enjoy our special Brunch buffet available on board every Sunday and enjoy a relaxing meal while cruising the lake.
Center Harbor, NH
Locate on Lake Winnipesaukee's picturesque northern shoreline, Center Harbor is home to the world famous “Keepsake Quilting” located in a charming marketplace on Route 25 on the Moultonborough line, right near the town's only stop light! Across from the marketplace on Lake Street is where the M/S Mount Washington spends the winter, adjacent to the town's dock and beach.
The Mount Washington stops in Center Harbor every Monday in July and August at 11 a.m.
If you're planning a vacation on Lake Winnipesaukee this summer, make sure to visit any Cruise NH ticket office to experience a unique view of New Hampshire's crown jewel! We offer many daytime scenic cruises, evening dinner cruises and our spectacular Sunday Brunch. If you're planning an event, wedding, company outing, or would like to arrange a private charter, give us a call at (603) 366-5531 and let us help you plan a memorable event your family and friends will be talking about for years to come!
]]>This is also a very hazardous time for boaters as many are not fully aware of the rules of the waterways. Unfortunately, common sense does not always prevail out on Lake Winnipesaukee and that’s when accidents can occur.
Navigating the M/S Mount Washington during these times requires the awareness of the heavier traffic and quite often the Captains find themselves having to read the minds of other boaters to avoid sticky situations. The toughest times for us are when we are docking at or leaving one of our ports. The maneuvers we need to make with a 230-foot, 800-ton ship during these times leave us vulnerable as it is not easy to stop this ship instantly. Everyone of my fellow Captains can relate a few stories of their past close encounters with a novice boater.
As the summer unfolds, I ask all boaters who may read this blog to please understand that docking this ship is tricky, especially on windy days. So please give us the right of way by staying clear of us. If you’re pulling a skier or tuber, please keep at least 500 feet away from the vessel and pass behind us not in front of us. Common sense and common courtesy are two virtues every boater can easily possess.
Have a great summer and I hope to see you out on the lake! At a safe distance of course.
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Do you have childhood memories of the mailboat coming to Bear Island?
Absolutely. But not as one might think. I grew up on the southern end of the island so my memories are of her passing by our cove and I going out in my little boat to “catch the waves”.
Did you stand on the pilings as it came in?
No, I was more interested in my ice cream. Besides, back in my day, the pilings weren’t as sturdy as they are now. We would, however, jump in the water after she left so as to feel the backwash from her propeller.
Why did you want to be a Captain?
I never really thought much about it at first. I guess it was a natural progression. I did grow up around boats and have operated them since I was four years old so I guess it was in the back of my mind somewhere.
How did you get started?
It really all started when I was in college and I got a summer job as a deckhand aboard the Mount Washington. From there I was in the right place at the right time and I loved what I was doing so I stuck around for 30 plus years.
How long has the mailboat been in operation?
There has been mail service on the lake since 1892. In that time there have been many mailboats to service this route. The current vessel, M/V Doris E., is running in place of the beloved M/V Sophie C. which is laid up for repairs.
What’s the status of the Sophie C.?
As many devoted mailboat fans know, Sophie C has been in dry dock since last June. Her 74-year old, steel hull is thinning to the point of needing attention. We all wish there was an easy way to fix her but unfortunately there isn’t. The old girl’s hull needs re-plating of the underbelly and that will take special craftsmen, time and a fair amount of money. Presently, the Flagship Company continues to research outside companies to do this project. I would not expect her back cruising anytime soon. We will continue servicing the mail contract with our other small vessel, the M/V Doris E. It may be interesting to note that since the beginning of mail service on the lake back in 1892, there have been many mailboats to service the contract we service today.
How many Islands does it service?
It has five stops in the morning and five stops in the afternoon. Some stops have multiple mailboxes to service and one stop represents two kids’ camps representing our most prolific drop.
I’ve heard the coming of the mailboat is a social event.
Yes, in many ways it is. Whether we are stopping at an island or just passing by someone’s camp, Mailboat is used as a clock by the island residents. Some come to get their ice cream fix others might be just relaxing and begin their cocktail hour when we pass by.
True there’s a post office on board?
Yes!
Does the boat have a cancellation mark?
Yes!
Who Operates the Post Office?
We do. Basically, we are an independent contractor for Laconia Postal Route RFD #7. We (the Flagship Company) hire a postal clerk, which happens to be my sister Anne, and she operates the post office.
True it’s the oldest floating post office in America?
Yes, and we can lay claim to this by an act of Congress in 1916, which created this route and gave to it a cancellation stamp. We were the first official floating post office in America. I’m not sure we’re not the only floating post office in America.
Has the Internet, with email, had an impact?
Yes, but we still handle nearly 25,000 pieces of mail each season. Before email, we handled about 28,000 pieces each season.
What’s your favorite part of making the run?
I’d have to say the people. For instance, meeting the passengers as they board and visiting with the island residents where I stop.
Least favorite?
Closing duties on a hot summer day, such as having to go below deck to shut down the engine.
Do you go through “rain or shine, snow or sleet” as the regular Post Office does?
Although we would never put any of our vessels in harm’s way, we do go out in most weather. It can get nasty at times out on the lake, but the M/V Doris E. is a great boat and she handles pretty much everything “mother nature” gives it.
What do you see ahead for the mail run?
Since we just signed a new three-year contract, I see great things ahead. With all that’s gone on with the U.S. Postal Department over the past few years, it comforting to know we are still an important part of their plans. I know the residents are glad as well.
Have a favorite? M/S Mount Washington or the mailboat?
Yes, I do. I’m just not sharing. Let’s just say they are both very special to me.
“We’re looking forward to getting back out on the big lake and for a successful cruising season.” says Captain Jim Morash, General Manager of Mount Washington Cruises.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety annually inspects the vessels before issuing the cruise line its license to operate.
“Safety is the number one priority with our vessels and our relationship with the Marine Patrol is very important to us”, says Senior Captain Paul Smith. “We are in contact with them throughout the year and open to their suggestions in how to improve our operation in terms of safety. We’re always looking to make improvements and updating some of the older systems with the newer technology available.”
Upholding a longstanding tradition, Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise, Sunday May 12th will be the first cruise available to the public. The two and a half hour scenic cruises, of Lake Winnipesaukee, feature a champagne brunch and entertainment for all ages. There are two brunch cruises to choose from: 10:00 am or 2:00 pm.
The official 2019 daily cruising season for the M/S Mount Washington run from May 18thuntil October 26thoffering daily cruises from its summer port of Weirs Beach while servicing the ports of Alton Bay, Center Harbor, Meredith and Wolfeboro. Departure times and options vary through the season with July and August having the most cruises available. Options include daily scenic, evening dinner dance and island mail delivery cruises. To learn more about the various vessels (Mount Washington & Doris E.) and to view a more complete schedule with times and ticket prices, visit www.cruisenh.com or call 603-366-5531 to request a brochure to be mailed.
Since 1872, Mount Washington Cruises has been offering scenic cruises of New Hampshire’s largest lake, Winnipesaukee, to many families from near and afar. There have only been two vessels, in this time span, to carry the name Mount Washington. The first was a wooden side-wheeler steamer which operated from 1872 until she was destroyed by fire in December of 1939. Although the present vessel started her career as a steamer in the summer of 1940, she was re-outfitted with diesel engines in 1946 to become a motor vessel. Since then there have been many physical changes to the “Mount” to keep up with the demands of the times. Many renovations of the interior and exterior have taken place over the years to present a clean updated look while maintaining the feel of her rich history.
Throughout all this time there has been one constant with the owners and employees of the M/S Mount Washington. A commitment to excellence to be good stewards of this New Hampshire icon to ensure she continues to sail scenic Lake Winnipesaukee, offering her passengers a great opportunity to see the majestic White Mountains and the lake’s many islands from her spacious decks. If you’ve not been aboard in a few years, let the 2019 season be your time to experience her many changes
On June 15ththe M/V Doris E. will begin delivering mail to many of the islands on the big lake. This will mark the 128thyear of continuous mail service on Lake Winnipesaukee.
In 1892 the address of: RFD No. 7, Laconia, New Hampshire was established for lake mail service. This began the tradition of delivering mail to summer island residents of Lake Winnipesaukee. In this time there have been only six mail boats to service this established route. The present mail boat, M/V Doris E., services the contract which has been held by the Winnipesaukee Flagship Company since 1969.
Since 1906, with the Uncle Sam I, the mail boat has taken fare paying passengers on her mail trips for the enjoyment of scenic cruising. The Doris E. continues this tradition today. Of most significance, in 1916 an act of Congress granted the Mail Boat on Lake Winnipesaukee the right to cancel mail, making her a full fledge Post Office. This is a right she holds to this day and allows her to beam with pride at being the “Oldest Floating Post Office in America”.
In this day of closing Post Offices and USPS cut backs, we are very lucky to still have this jewel on the lake. This season, from June 15thto September 14 the U.S. Mail Boat, Doris E., will operate two cruises a day (11 & 2) six days a week (Mon-Sat). Departures are from the Mount Washington docks at the Weirs; tickets are $28 for adults and $14 for children. Come and experience a bit of true Americana and don’t forget to mail your post cards from the Mailboat with that special cancellation.
The 2019 cruising season kicks off on May 12th, with Mother’s Day Brunch Cruises aboard the M/S Mount Washington. Treat Mom on her special day with a cruise, a brunch and entertainment. Tickets are very affordable at $49 for adults and $24 for children ages 5-12 (under age 5 go free). Departing Weirs Beach at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, the 2-1/2 Hour scenic cruises include your scrumptious Sunday Brunch buffet and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Call our ticket office at 1-888-THE MOUNT (843-6686) or online at www.CruiseNH.com. Don’t wait too long though, as these cruises are popular, and we are limited in space.
With ever changing technology trends we have made ticket ordering for our cruises very easy. You have several options to purchase cruise tickets. You can order tickets online through our secure order form on our website (www.CruiseNH.com), you can call our ticket office at (603) 366-5531 (toll free 888-843-6686 for out-of-state callers), or feel free to visit our ticket office in person, located at 211 Lakeside Avenue in Laconia NH.
We accept all major credit cards. Although you may pre-purchase daytime tickets online for the Mount Washington you may also buy them at our ticket office on the day you wish to cruise. Please note that all cruise schedules are subject to change; and often do during our early spring and late fall seasons. It is always advisable to call ahead to be sure your cruise is running that day.
Need a schedule? Check cruisenh.com or call us and we’ll gladly send you one. We also distribute our brochure throughout the state to many restaurants, attractions, state rest areas and lodging places.
Visit www.cruisenh.com or call our office at 603-366-5531 for more information.
]]>First, how’d we get to this point.
Last summer during bike week one of our Skippers noticed, while doing a routine inspection, that we had water seeping in below deck. Nothing amounting to alarm us greatly but seepage just the same. Obviously whenever something like this is noticed we inspect more closely and completely. Our immediate decision was to pull the ship into dry dock to inspect the complete hull from the water line down. To do this properly we had to sandblast her thereby taking her down to bare steel. Unfortunately, finding someone to do this properly and in a timely fashion was not possible so her 2018 season was scrapped. Upon further inspection we found the steel skin to be rather thin around the leaking area and it made us question about the rest of the hull. We now felt we needed a complete hull survey by a professional marine surveyor.
Second, where we are now.
It’s taken some time for us to find the right individual to come and do a hull survey for us. As these people in this special trade are not plentiful, they are very busy. It took some time for us to find them, vet them, choose one and schedule a time. We successfully found the best in the business on the East Coast, Coastal Maine Survey. This gentleman from Maine will perform the task soon and we will then have a complete understanding of what we’re looking at and what we need to do.
Third, our intentions going forward.
We certainly will continue to deliver the mail to the islands. More about that below. However, until we know the exact condition of the vessel’s hull, we really can’t say with all certainty that she will sail in 2019. I can say it is our sincere hope that we can fix her in a timely manner, but this will be dependent on her condition and finding the right craftsmen to do the work.
The Sophie C was built in 1945 by Boston General Ship and Engines Work of East Boston, MA by professional ship builders. She has operated flawlessly for 73 years on Lake Winnipesaukee. It may be interesting to note that in the time since the first mail season on Lake Winnipesaukee began in 1892 there have been multiple mailboats, six I believe, delivering mail for RFD #7 out of Laconia, NH, which is the mail route we service.
In 2019, the M/V Doris E. will offer daily mail runs Monday – Friday from June 15-September 14, just as she did last season. These 2-hour mail runs depart Weirs Beach at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm with each taking a different route with mail deliveries. The Doris E. is very similar to the Sophie C. in size and capacity. She’s been a member of Winnipesaukee Flagship Fleet since 1961.
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The Mount Washington continues it cruising season offering two daily cruises from Weirs Beach with service to Wolfeboro six days a week (Mon-Sat) and Alton Bay one day (Sundays). I recommend the morning trip out of Weirs at 10:00 am and plan a day by getting off in Wolfeboro at 11:15 am to walk around and explore for a couple of hours. The Mount will return to Wolfeboro at 1:45 pm to pick you up and return you to the Weirs by 3:15 pm. Wolfeboro is a quaint little New England hamlet with many offerings for dining and shopping. Again, mid-week is ideal for this option as you will find it quite comfortable and easy to navigate with less tourist congestion.
We also continue our popular Sunday Champagne Brunch cruises as well, departing Weirs Beach at 10:00 am & 12:30 pm from Weirs and 11:15 am from Alton Bay.
Lastly, our dinner dance cruises continue to be offered on the weekends and you can get the information on this website.
As we get to the end of the month you will start to notice the onset of Autumn as the leaves begin to change color and the air has a crisper feel. This brings a whole other aspect to a cruising experience for you to enjoy.
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One of the popular options is taking the 10:00 am cruise from Weirs on a Tuesday thru Saturday and getting off in Wolfeboro at 11:15 to spend 2-1/2 hours walking around the “Oldest Summer Resort in America”. You then get back on the ship when it returns to Wolfeboro at 1:45 pm for your return trip to the Weirs.
Another popular option is our 2-hour mail boat cruise, aboard the Doris E. (Please note: This season the Doris E. is replacing the Sophie C., which is under repair). The cruise will take you out and around the islands of the north end of the big lake to deliver mail. There are two departures for you to choose from, 11:00 am or 2:00 pm. This tradition of mail service has been continuous on Lake Winnipesaukee since in 1892 making this the “Oldest Floating Post Office in America”.
With twelve weeks of cruising behind us, there are twelve weeks ahead of us giving you plenty of time to get out on the lake. We will be cruising well into October so make a date and join us for some lake time.
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A year went by and on Bike Week of 2006 we had the Y-Camp’s boat helping us with our shuttle service. Well, low and behold, there’s that attractive girl again, her name is Carol, deckhanding and piloting. That was it, I was not going to shy away this time. I asked her out on a date. We dated for a year to get to know each other and families. Ironically, she is the oldest of six in her family and I’m the youngest of six in mine. It was a whirlwind year. On her birthday June 25th, 2007 I surprised her with flowers and asked her to be my first mate for life. (I did this while I was delivering mail to the Y-Camp since this is where we met.) We were married on June 7, 2008. We had our ceremony on Bear Island at Camp Lawrence, witnessed by about 120 friends and relatives that were shuttled from the Weirs by the Sophie C. and the Doris E. Our reception took place aboard the M/S Mount Washington. By this time Carol was working for the company as our bookkeeper and payroll director. We had a one-day honeymoon on Bear Island at my family’s camp. What can I say, the season was upon us and we had to get back to our jobs. I did, however, make it up to her three years later with a two-week trip to England, her favorite place to visit.
So, as I reminisce this bike week I see June as a very special month for Carol and me. I can proudly say we are ten years happily married and going strong. If there ever are matches made in heaven ours is one. So, when I say this company has been my life you will now understand.
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I couldn’t help but notice the news of the christening of the USS Manchester this weekend, under the command of Commander Emily Basset. A first for the US Navy. Ironically, on this same weekend, we had our first female pilot in training aboard the M/S Mount Washington. Her name is Patricia Quinn, or I should say Captain Quinn to respect her rank in the US Coast Guard.
Pat, as she is known to us, joined the crew in 2014 and has been piloting our smaller vessels the Doris E. and Sophie C. during this time. As the company’s first female small boat Skipper, she exhibited the skills needed to handle a good size vessel and so we asked her to begin training this year on the “Mount”. It is a club that no woman, as far as I know, has been inducted into so far. If her performance continues to be as good as her first weekend on the “big girl” then I expect it won’t be long before she will be signed off as a Pilot of the “Mount”, putting her on a path to become the first female Captain in the history of the Company and that is a day I very much look forward to.
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I was raised in a very patriotic family, but I’ve never served our country as I was one of the millions that came of age in the late 70’s when the draft was eliminated by the Carter Administration. I fondly remember my childhood days of watching the parades, flying the US Flag on my bicycle while riding alongside the veterans, wondering why everyone was silent for the speeches and then trying to get an empty shell after the gunners fired their rifles in the air as part of the memorial service. I can remember WWI and WWII veterans being the ones in the parade marching in their Legion uniforms (Vietnam was still going on when I was a kid). I loved the dime a dip supper put on by the American Legion’s ladies with all the homecooked casserole dishes and baked desserts. Those were important times in my upbringing.
As I was preparing to write a blog about Memorial Day Weekend and how it’s celebrated today, I began wondering how many Veterans I work with here at Mount Washington Cruises. Certainly, we don’t have as many today as there were when I first started in 1979. Heck, just about every Captain, Pilot, and Engineer was a veteran back then let alone many of the crew. A result of the WWII generation.
I must, however, admit I am surprised by the number of veterans we do have working on the boats today. From our oldest veteran, Captain Paul Smith to our youngest, Deck Officer Ryan Welch I proudly salute all my fellow employees who have served or are actively still serving this great country. Maybe you recognize a couple, they are as follows:
No matter how you spend your holiday weekend, please take time to remember those veterans we so relied on to protect our freedom, and most importantly enjoy your weekend.
]]>The annual event is part of a weekend of special events and discounts this Memorial Day Weekend, in honor of veterans, first responders, and our men and women in uniform. For just $39, you'll enjoy a 3-hour cruise, dinner buffet, and live music on two decks.
On the Main Deck, we're proud to welcome back Annie & the Orphans. For more than 50 years, Annie & the Orphans’ musical talent and showmanship make them one of New England's favorite rock and roll acts, and year after year they're one of our most requested entertainers.
In the Flagship Lounge, Mark Shelton returns to the Mount to once again impress with his dynamic vocal talent. An accomplished performer in many musical genres, Mark is an award-winning Elvis act and also appears as "Captain Radical the Pirate King of Rock & Roll" on our Family Party Night.
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Each year on Memorial Day Weekend, we're proud to offer special events and discounts in honor of our men and women in uniform. As is tradition, children cruise free on daytime cruises, and Veterans, Active Military, and First Responders cruise for just $10. We also offer our annual Salute to Service Dinner Cruise on Saturday Evening, which has grown to become one of our more popular annual events.
In 2018, we're happy to announce that we're bringing our popular Family Party Night to Sunday Evening of Memorial Day Weekend. As with all of our Family Party Night cruises, children 12 and under cruise free* and your ticket includes the cruise, buffet dinner and live entertainment.
It's an affordable – and fun – way to bring the whole gang together to kick off the summer!
*Restrictions apply – see cruise listing for details.
]]>The M/S Mount Washington will begin her Spring cruise schedule on Saturday, May 19 with cruises at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM from Weirs Beach, and 11:15 AM from Wolfeboro.
On Sunday, May 20, the Mount will host the first Champagne Brunch cruises of the season, departing at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM from Weirs Beach, and 11:15 AM from Alton Bay. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
From tomorrow through June 22, the Mount Washington will operate on the following schedule:
Ports | Sun | Mon-Fri | Sat |
---|---|---|---|
Weirs Beach | 10:00 AM 12:30 PM |
12:30 PM | 10:00 AM 12:30 PM |
Wolfeboro | 11:15 AM | ||
Alton Bay | 11:15 AM |
Note: Sunday cruises are available with or without a brunch buffet.
Please note that in the Spring season, the M/S Mount Washington may be replaced by the M/V Doris E. or M/V Sophie C for mid-week cruises. Please click here for a calendar of schedule changes.
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Each year around this time, there is a rush of customers hoping to purchase tickets. And unfortunately, we have to break the news that the cruise is already sold out. We do have a waiting list and we encourage you to join it, but we just can't guarantee availability.
So for customers who want to give the gift of a cruise, we have another option: Let Mom choose her cruise.
Mothers' Day Brunch is a wonderful event, but we also have a season full of amazing experiences she's sure to enjoy. So this year, spend some quality time with her on Mothers' Day, and give the gift of a Mount Washington Cruises Gift Card. Then, just make another date for whatever cruise she'd like. We're sure she'd love to spend more time with you!
Here are some ideas:
If she's got her heart set on brunch and a leisurely tour of Lake Winnipesaukee, we offer our Champagne Brunch on Sundays from May 20 through October 21. The ship departs Weirs Beach at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, and Alton Bay at 11:15 AM.
If your mom gets a little pep in her step as soon as she hears music, a Dinner Dance Cruise might be just the ticket. All Dinner Dance Cruises include a buffet dinner and live music. Select nights are planned around a theme or genre, such as Lobsterfest, Beach Boys, Elvis, or 80's Wave.
More than a century ago, ships were a primary method of transportation from one side of the lake to the other. Today, savvy passengers still board the M/S Mount Washington at Weirs Beach on select days to get off in Wolfeboro to explore. Board at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive in Wolfeboro at 11:15 AM. The ship will return at 1:45 PM for your return. In the meantime, you'll have time to explore the gift shops, galleries and museums of the "Oldest Summer Resort in America".
If your mom just can't imagine taking time for herself, why not let her bring the whole family? Family Party Nights are available on Wednesday evenings in July and August, and children 12 and under cruise free (limits apply). The cruise includes a buffet dinner, an entertainer on the Main Deck for the kids, and an entertainer in the Flagship Lounge for the adults.
If your Mom knows so much about the M/S Mount Washington that she's practically part of the crew, maybe she's looking for an all new perspective. Our smaller vessels offer a unique glimpse of lake life among the islands. The M/V Sophie C. and M/V Doris E. explore areas of Winnipesaukee that are inaccessible to the M/S Mount Washington. Fun Tip: the Doris E. visits the islands at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:30 PM. All other departures visit Meredith.
If you're still looking for a special gift for this Mothers' Day, a Mount Washington Cruises Gift Card is sure to please. Order Gift Cards by Wednesday, May 9 for delivery before Mother's Day, or purchase in person every day at the Weirs Beach Ticket Office.
]]>Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we were not able to properly honor Captain Campbell last season. So, on our Shakedown cruise this year we were able to rectify this by giving Bruce the attention and honor he so deserves. Captain Bruce was our longest tenured employee with over 48 years of service to the “Mount”. He started as a deckhand in 1969 and rose to rank of Captain in 2001. That’s an incredible run that puts him in a very small group of past employees with 45+ years of service.
The Shakedown Cruise was also a great time to reconnect with Retired Captain Harry Welch, who retired around 2008. In my 39 years with the company, I’ve always enjoyed having the retired employees return for a cruise aboard the “Mount”. Remembering old times and seeing the twinkle in their eyes while telling a tale or two, never gets old with me. Captain Welch and I spent many nights cruising the big lake – invaluable time spent learning the ropes from a very knowledgeable person. I was his pilot for nearly 10 years before becoming Captain in 2000, after which he graciously gave me the support of command by being my pilot for many of his remaining years.
Since there have been fewer than 20 Captains in the life of Mount Washington Cruises, the retired Captains’ Club is a unique fraternity. One which I will someday proudly join. (But not for few years yet!)
]]>Let the season begin! After a successful inspection followed by a Shakedown Cruise with the Governor we can happily begin the 2018 cruising season.
Governor Chris T. Sununu joined about 200 invited guests aboard the M/S Mount Washington Thursday, May 3 for a revival of the annual Shakedown Cruise. Invited guests included State Safety Officials, State Tourism Officials, local town officials from around the lake, local Chambers of Commerce Directors, media representatives and local business owners. The Governor shared his thoughts on the importance of the economics of tourism to the State’s vitality. His Economic Development team shared their rosy projections and expectations for the upcoming summer season.
The Governor asked me last year at the Conference on Tourism if we would run the Shakedown Cruise once again. He said he would join us and I told him in that case we would gladly bring it back. We had not done this cruise in about five years and we’ve learned how much it was missed. What can I say, some events get stale over time and are in need of some time off. We felt this was happening to the Shakedown Cruise. Having the support of the Governor, however, and the State’s Tourism Department to instill some meaning and energy into this was certainly a Godsend.
The M/S Mount Washington cruise of Lake Winnipesaukee provided the perfect backdrop for this “kick off to summer” event. I must say that it was a great time seeing old friends and making new ones. Tourism is going strong and a positive feeling with regards to the upcoming summer season was the common theme of everyone aboard.
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