O randy mink EASTERN WATERWAYS Cruise boats spotlight some of the East’s most photogenic shorelines on sightseeing excursions and overnight journeys New York City’s SHARK speedboat ouring by water provides a refreshing alternative from the “road routine,” as many group planners know. Seeing the sights on a harbor cruise, riverboat or traditionally rigged sailing vessel adds a heady dimension to any group itinerary. Waterborne trips not only give travelers a fresh perspective but in some cases provide access to T areas that can’t be experienced any other way. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat / Essex, Connecticut he only steam train and riverboat connection in the country spotlights the Tunspoiled Connecticut River Valley, designated “one of the last great places on earth” by the Nature Conservancy. The serenity of the valley, with its coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife and rocky shoreline, enchants passengers on the 220-passenger Becky Thatcher, a three-deck, Mississippi-style river- boat. Sights on the 1¼-hour cruise include Gillette Castle and the Goodpseed Opera House. The boat can be chartered for evening cruises. The 2½-hour rail-cruise journey begins at the historic station in Essex, Conn. with a ride in vintage coaches pulled by a steam locomotive. The train travels through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester and near the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek, natural habitats for birds. A highlight is the undeveloped Selden Neck State Park, accessible only by boat. (essexsteamtrain.com) Yorktown Sailing Charters /Yorktown, Virginia roups can experience the days of Captain John Smith and the golden Gage of sail on tall ship cruises departing from Riverwalk Landing Pier in Yorktown, part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle. Yorktown Sailing Charters’ 49- passenger Schooner Alliance offers two-hour cruises into Chesapeake Bay tidewaters, three times a day, from April to early November. Under a cloud of canvas, passengers on Historic Yorktown Cruises glide past Yorktown Bat- tlefield, view the Victory Monument along the banks of the York River, sight dolphins and osprey, and sail by working watermen. They can even help raise the sails. Snacks and drinks are sold on board, and box lunches can be or- dered. The 26-passenger Schooner Serenity, new this year, offers Pirate Cruises with crew in pirate costumes and cannon firings; kids get pirate tat- toos. Also available are educational cruises that focus on the ecology of Chesapeake Bay. Both the Alliance and Serenity can be chartered for private cruises. In Yorktown visitors enjoy the seafood restaurants, 18th century homes, museums showcasing Revolutionary history, strolling the scenic Riverwalk and relaxing on the sandy beaches. Picturesque streets are the backdrop for art galleries and antique and specialty shops. Not far away are Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement. (sailyorktown.com) LeisureGroupTravel.com June 2012 51 EASTERN WATERWAYS New York Water Taxi / New York City St. Lawrence Cruise Lines / Canada’s St. Lawrence River everal cruise options give travelers a chance to view he 32-stateroom Canadian Empress, a replica steamship SManhattan’s famous skyline from the water. The “Statue T with brass handrails and ornate metal ceilings, operates of Liberty Express” departs from South Street Seaport and overnight cruises that begin or end in Kingston, Ontario, takes passengers on a narrated one-hour tour of the Big where the St. Lawrence River begins at Lake Ontario. Apple. Highlighted by close-up views of Lady Liberty, the cruise Groups have a choice of showcases sights like the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Build- four itineraries that range ing and World Trade Center site. from three to six nights. On The “Statue by Night Cruise” spot- the five-night “Canada’s Capital” route, the boat jour- lights New York under the stars neys from the St. Lawrence and includes a champagne toast. to the Ottawa River as far The “Hop-On/Hop-Off” option lets as Ottawa, or vice versa. passengers disembark as they The six-night “Canadian please for visits to such sights as Connection” travels to or the Intrepid Air, Sea and Space from Quebec City, while Museum, 9/11 Memorial, Times three-night “Heritage Water- Square and Statue of Liberty. Or way” sailings go to Mon- they can just relax and enjoy the treal. A three-night roundtrip 90-minute loop. The tour picks up and drops off at West 44th from Kingston spotlights Street (next to the Intrepid), Christopher Street, Battery Park, the 1,000 Islands. Shore ex- South Street Seaport and Fulton Ferry Landing. The New York cursions (included in the Water Taxi/Circle Line Downtown fleet includes bright yellow, cruise fare) visit such living history sites as Upper Canada 149- and 64-passenger water taxis and the 600-passenger Village and Fort Wellington, built during the War of 1812. A Zephyr luxury yacht. For the adventurous, there’s the SHARK highlight is transiting the locks of the St. Lawrence Interna- speedboat’s 30-minute thrill ride. (nywatertaxi.com) tional Seaway. (st.lawrencecruiselines.com) Operating Season: Group Rates for Private Charters on Alliance: April 15–November 1 (up to 49 pax) and Serenity: (up to 26 pax) Join the Alliance and step back into history and cruise down the shores of the York River on a traditional 3-masted schooner, past the battlefield where our country won its independence. For groups that love history, yearn for romance or enjoy a true sailing adventure, “Your ship has just come in!” Box lunch or catering options available. Contact Laura Lohse, Yorktown Sailing Charters 757-639-1233 • [email protected] • www.sailyorktown.com.