The M S Mount Washington at 150 Years

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The S.S. Mount Washington was first introduced to the Big Lake in 1872. According to Mount Washington Cruises, the original ship was a wooden side-wheeler, 178 feet in length with a beam of 49 feet. Known as the “Old Mount,” the vessel was built and launched in 1872 by the Boston & Maine Railroad to transport travelers and cargo from one side of the lake to the other. The crowd that had gathered on the Weirs Beach docks cheered and applauded as the M/S Mount Washington and her invited guests headed out. Every shakedown cruise is special because it marks the beginning of another summer and fall tourism season. The 2022 cruise was accompanied by more excitement and fanfare than usual.

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We teamed up with some of the best cruise lines in the industry to provide you added amenities, AAA Vacations® 24/7 Member Care, and AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee. Includes 2 ½ Hour Cruise with Brunch Service.Beverages available for purchase. He had been prepared to sell it and retire when the fire occurred. He quickly decided to bring in a new and bigger boat to replace the S.S. Lavallee worked with business leaders and members of the Weirs and Laconia communities to raise the necessary funds. “Attempts were made to set her free, but lake water levels were low and she was stuck helplessly in the mud.

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Passengers will be exposed to the elements and should plan accordingly. Please note that the Third Deck is an outdoor deck and passengers in this area will be exposed to the elements and should plan accordingly. The Promenade is the outside walkway on the second deck of the ship, including a seating area located on the bow.

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Maraio explains that ever since the Mount Washington conducted its first voyage on Lake Winnipesaukee, scores of local residents have tirelessly worked to preserve the vessel and its rich history. Accompanying Smith on the inaugural cruise were fellow captains Jim Morash, Robert Duffey and Robert Amann. Lake Winnipesaukee is surrounded by three mountain ranges and is 504 feet above sea level.

Although this is a seasonal business, Maraio says they have loyal employees who return year after year. In some cases, they have employees who have worked onboard ship for as many as 30 years. “There will be a number of people who have been with us for many years and we want them to be able to share stories. I think it will be something that will be very special,” Maraio says.

What makes this anniversary even sweeter is how the company, which is headquartered at Weirs Beach in Laconia, has not only weathered the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s actually bigger and better than ever. In addition to its signature vessel, the cruise ship company’s fleet added the Winnipesaukee Spirit in 2021 to provide another great party boat option in a sleek, modern pleasure craft. Please note that the Promenade is an outdoor deck and passengers in this area will be exposed to the elements and should plan accordingly. In the event of severe winds or inclement weather, passengers will be directed to an indoor area of the ship. Located on the western end of Lake Winnipesaukee, Weirs Beach is the home port of the M/S Mount Washington and her sister vessels. Full of nostalgic charm, this lakeside neighborhood offers arcades, amusements, shops, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Where To Go for Easter Brunch

The M/S Mount Washington offers bar service on every deck of the ship, and our friendly and knowledgable bartenders are ready to assist you with soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails. During some dinner cruises, entertainment may be offered in Flagship Lounge. Popular for small parties and more intimate conversation, this indoor lounge offers panoramic views of the Lake Winnipesaukee with doors leading directly to the outside decks. The largest area on the M/S Mount Washington, the Main Deck offers the most amenities of any section of the ship, including restrooms, buffet, bar, and gift shop. 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.

There are few boating excursions more lovely and peaceful than those aboard the Lake Queen and the M/V MT. Sunapee II on Sunapee Lake. Guests can enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Lake Queen or scenic cruises aboard the M/V MT. Sunapee II that include guided tours narrated by the captain. These tours feature three operating lighthouses and views of Mount Kearsarge, Mount Sunapee, and even Mount Ascutney in neighboring Vermont on clear days. Sunapee Cruises’ newest boat, the Lake Queen, will also offer guests dinner cruises. The 70-foot vessel was recently transported from Missouri and retrofitted in Sunapee.

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Today, the future prospects of Mount Washington Cruises are brighter than ever, thanks to the commitment and dedication from the ownership and staff to preserve the experience for future generations. Lavallee sold his business to the Boston General Ship & Engine Works and its owner, Carl Hedblom, in 1941. The Hedblom family owned and operated the company for the next three decades.

The two-deck former riverboat can accommodate more than 100 guests. When the Lake Queen’s arrival was delayed by seven weeks due to a transportation issue in Pennsylvania, Gov. Chris Sununu stepped in and expedited the process to bring her to her new home. Located on the second deck of the ship toward the stern, the Flagship Lounge is a larger lounge featuring photography and artifacts that celebrate the flagship of the Winnipesaukee Fleet.

The M/S Mount Washington also serves as a bridge that connects today’s visitors and residents to the rich history of this summer resort. Lake Winnipesaukee and the Mount Washington — the two are forever linked to cherished memories of this special place. It continues to serve as one of the Granite State’s most iconic ambassadors after previous symbols like the Old Man of the Mountain passed into history nearly 20 years ago.

This cruise line will offer cruises from Washington, DC, this spring - USA TODAY

This cruise line will offer cruises from Washington, DC, this spring.

Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

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. The M/V Sophie C offers both indoor and outdoor seats, and all seats are positioned in rows. To get up close and personal with some whales or to the Isles of Shoals, the “Uncle Oscar” is at your service. The 49-foot vessel in Rye Harbor offers the shortest trips to Star Island as well as the unmatched thrill of seeing some whales well offshore. Besides the majestic M/S Mount Washington cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire offers many other lake and ocean excursions. Some of the big changes that visitors will notice include a revamped menu that includes New Hampshire-made products from local vendors.

Maintaining those traditions is a big part of the Mount Washington’s success. A day before the Mother’s Day Brunch cruise, Maraio said the ship cruised into Wolfeboro to pick up the Kingswood High School Class of 2022 for their prom. He said it marked the first official visit of the season to the Lake Winnipesaukee town, and the students and community members cheered as the Mount Washington made its way into port. This summer, the M/S Mount Washington marks its 150th anniversary of delighting passengers with idyllic cruises around Lake Winnipesaukee and its 72 islands. It was just a few days before Mother’s Day weekend when New Hampshire’s most famous boat was scheduled to take out its first full complement of guests for the Mother’s Day Brunch cruise on that Sunday. The largest area on the M/S Mount Washington, the Main Deck offers the most amenities of any section of the ship, including restrooms, grille, bar, and gift shop.