The oldest floating post office in the United States
The oldest floating post office in the United States
The oldest floating post office in the United States
The oldest floating post office in the United States
U.S. Mailboat Cruises
Adults $47 • Children $27
Launched on Lake Winnipesaukee in 1945, the M/V Sophie C continues a long tradition of delivering postal mail to the lake's summer island residents. On each two hour cruise, she'll visit a number of different islands, while her Skipper points out areas of interest along the way.
On some islands Sophie's visit is the social event of the day, and island residents often come to the dock to say hello, and purchase an ice cream treat, snack or souvenir.
Don't forget to send a postcard home! Passengers are invited to fill out and mail postcards right on board, complete Sophie's own unique, collectible cancellation stamp!
U.S. Mailboat Cruises
Adults $46 • Children $36
Launched on Lake Winnipesaukee in 1945, the M/V Sophie C continues a long tradition of delivering postal mail to the lake's summer island residents. On each two hour cruise, she'll visit a number of different islands, while her Skipper points out areas of interest along the way.
On some islands Sophie's visit is the social event of the day, and island residents often come to the dock to say hello, and purchase an ice cream treat, snack or souvenir.
Don't forget to send a postcard home! Passengers are invited to fill out and mail postcards right on board, complete Sophie's own unique, collectible cancellation stamp!
Schedule
| Cruise | Mail Stops* |
|---|---|
| 11:00 AM | Loon Island, Bear Island, 3 Mile Island, East Bear Island |
| 2:00 PM | Camp Lawrence, Birch Island, Sandy Island, Cow Island, Jolly Island |
All cruises depart from Weirs Beach.
*Please note that mail stops may vary based on whether there is mail to deliver, or residents on the island.
Tickets & Seating
Tickets
Please note that only a limited number of seats are available for advance purchase at cruisenh.com. Additional seats may be available for purchase in person on the day of a cruise. Unfortunately we are unable to hold or reserve any tickets in advance of arrival.
All passengers 5 years or age or older are required to have a ticket. Passengers under the age of 5 do not require a ticket, however they do require a seat. We strongly recommend that parties with young children arrive early to be certain you have seats for every member of the party.
Seating
The M/V Sophie C offers both indoor and outdoor seats, and all seats are positioned in rows.
Seats are not assigned upon ticket purchase, and all seating is "first come, first served." However, cruises on the Sophie C are very popular, and crew may ask you to adjust seats to accommodate the needs of other parties and to maximize seating efficiency.
Please note that the M/V Sophie C. is not wheelchair accessible. For passengers with mobility concerns, the M/S Mount Washington is able to accommodate a wheelchair.
Amenities
Snacks
The Sophie C offers a variety of chips, snacks, and soft drinks, including a wide selection of ice cream novelty treats.
Gift Shop
Remember your visit to Winnipesaukee with a memento of your trip. The Sophie C has a small gift shop including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other souvenirs.
Postal Services
The Sophie C is a floating post office, offering many of the same services as the one in your local city or town.
In fact, we encourage you to send mail – Sophie offers postcards that can be purchased and mailed right from the boat, with a collectible cancellation stamp all of her own.
FAQ
Can I get off on one of the islands?
The islands are private communities, and therefore passengers will not be able to disembark the vessel.
Are dogs permitted on the boat?
Only specially-trained service dogs are permitted. Service animals must be trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability. Emotional support animals are not permitted nor protected under ADA.
Can I bring lunch on board?
Yes, with limitations. Please bear in mind that there are no tables nor storage on board. Alcohol, glass, and coolers are prohibited. Crew reserves the right to inspect all bags to ensure that prohibited items are not brought on board.
Can I bring a stroller on board?
Because there is limited storage on board, strollers are not permitted. However, we are able to store strollers on shore until you return from your cruise.