Isles of Shoals Steamship Company
| Ages: | Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | $$$ |
| Category: | Boating & Sailing |
Located one hour north of Boston, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company has been providing cruises, tours, and educational fieldtrip opportunities to passengers of all ages. The M/V Thomas Laighton is a Victorian style steamship, built in 1987 and featuring three decks: two fully heated enclosed cabins and an open air sundeck with seating.
The Thomas Laighton can be booked for weddings, birthday celebrations, and employee outings, but it is best known for its cruises offered daily in the summer and less frequently in the spring and fall.
The Isles of Shoals, Lighthouses and Portsmouth Harbor tour is the most popular, and frequently offered, cruise. This tour allows you to 'experience the fascinating legends of the New Hampshire/Maine Seacoast.
Little known but historically crucial, the legendary Isles of Shoals, located 6 miles off the coast, are an archipelago of 9 islands steeped with history.'
Portsmouth Harbor boasts tugboats, tankers, the nation's oldest and active naval yard, a closed castle-like prison, the quaint Olde Port waterfront, 5 historic forts and 3 lighthouses.
From April 1, 2006, until June 18, 2006, the tour is offered several times per week and are dependent on weather. From June 19, 2006, until September 5, 2006, the tour departs twice daily: once in the morning, and once in the afternoon. From September 5, 2006, until October 31, 2006, daytime sightseeing fall foliage cruises also depart twice daily.
In addition to this popular tour, the IOSSC also offers scenic sunset lighthouses cruises, evening dinner cruises, evening harbor/river cruises, and party ships (for passengers 21+).
For children, onboard activities include games, puzzles, stories and much more. Children who wish to can become an “Honorary Naturalist” by completing a log of all of the marine creatures that they see. While you wait to board the ship, there is an exciting live touch tank and presentation done 30 minutes prior to the daily cruises, sponsored by the Blue Ocean Society.
The ship is handicap accessible. The boat is equipped with restrooms, a full beverage bar and snack bar. Passengers are welcome to bring their own food.
Tickets
Reservations are strongly recommended, and prepayment is required for dinner cruises. $3 discounts are offered for senior citizens (60+) and military, and $5 discounts are given to groups of 25 or more.
Daytime cruises:
$24/Adult, $14 Children (3-12), $21/Seniors (60+), $21/Military
Sunset cruises:
$32/Adult, $22/Children (3-12), $27/Senior (60+), $27/Military
Evening cruises:
$48/Adult $38/Child $19/Adult without dinner, $9/Child without dinner
Directions
From the south: Take I-95 N into New Hampshire, to exit #7 (Portsmouth/Newington). Turn right onto Market Street, drive for .6 mile.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
315 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801 map
Phone: (800) 441-4620 o
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- Arrive at the dock 30 minutes before scheduled departure time.
- Groups of 25 or more receive discounted rates by calling (800) 441-4620.
- Onsite parking is available for $3.00.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
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