The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition for 60 years. Its main purpose is to bring communities together to celebrate the holiday season. From our flotilla of ships to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems of the holiday season.
Each night, through December 23rd, 2010 the Argosy Christmas Ship™ sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, over 45 in total. Choirs onboard sing 20-minute performances to these communities, all broadcast via state-of-the-art speaker system. This year, we are beginning the program on Saturday night, November 28 to help commemorate the new South Lake Union Park. Both Saturday and Sunday will be value nights.
On shore, thousands of people gather around roaring bonfires anticipating the arrival of the Christmas Ship™. You can either join us on board the Christmas Ship™ or one of the Parade ships that follow, or join with friends and neighbors to gather together for your own caroling tradition. If you own your own boat, feel welcome to add lights to you vessel andjoin in the festival and help form the largest holiday floating parade in the world!
In addition to good cheer, family, and friends, a portion of all ticket sales benefits The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.
To make a reservation on the Christmas ship or follow boat please call 206-622-8687, or follow the links below to book your event.
Please Note
All bookings by phone, on-line or in person are final and non-refundable.
CHRISTMAS SHIP™ SPONSORS
The Christmas Ship™ Festival is sponsored by The Seattle Times, KeyBank, KOMO 4 Television and Parent Map in cooperation with the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation.
CRUISE CHOICES & RATES FOR THE FESTIVAL
People who want to participate in the festival have a number of options:
1. You can ride the Official Christmas Ship. This Lead Ship is called the Spirit of Seattle and has the choir on board that sings out to shore. It is the lead ship that all other boats follow. Every night from November 28th through the 23rd of December, the Christmas Ship™, Argosy's Spirit of Seattle, takes its place at the head of the parade as the Official Christmas Ship. On board, a local featured choir sings 20-minute programs at scheduled shoreside locations. The choir is broadcast over state-of-the-art speaker systems, letting those on shore join in the festivities. On board, Santa mingles with guests, spreading cheer. Certain holiday activities keep guests entertained between choral performances: sing-a-longs, a"Ho-Ho-Ho" contest, a children's activity corner, and the camaraderie that the holiday spirit brings out.
The boat has two fully enclosed, heated decks, one outside deck, restrooms, and a cash bar. Guests also have the option of pre-purchasing boxed meals. (Boats that follow the Christmas ship are called Parade Boats and do not have a choir onboard). Return to Top of Page
2. Parade Boats, or follow boats to the Christmas Ship do just that. They follow the Christmas Ship but do not have the choir on board. The brightly lit Parade Ships follow the Christmas Ship™. Boats that follow the Christmas ship are called Parade Boats and do not have a choir onboard. Many boats make up the parade ship fleet, including many of Argosy's own ships as well as privately owned boats from nearby marinas.
Parade Ships are fully enclosed with outside areas, restrooms, and a cash bar. Guests also have the option of pre-purchasing boxed meals. On board activities include a 'Ho-Ho-Ho' contest, Santa's magical presence, sing-a-longs, and a kids' activity area. All parade ships position themselves alongside the Christmas Ship™ to enjoy the outstanding choral performances.Return to Top of Page
3. Some nights are also followed by the Royal Argosy, Seattle's Dinner Boat. This option allows you to follow in the parade while having a 3-course seated-served meal that you order form a menu. Everyone has their own private table and there is generally a live band on board. The Royal Argosy only follows the parade on SOME evenings. The elegant Royal Argosy (decorated beautifully for the holidays) is a perfect way to create a holiday tradition in your family or with co-workers. Join us for a seated served 3-course dinner, live music and a 2-1/2-hour cruise on most nights. Locations and times vary greatly in the month of December.
Soem nights, we also offer a special sailing of the Dinner Boat for families that includes a family-friendly buffet and follows the Christmas Ship. (Both the Christmas Ship itself and all the other follow boats have boxed-meal options). Please check the schedule or call if you want to ride this boat on a parade night. Return to Top of Page
4. Or, you can bring out your own boat and follow the parade with friends and family. For those who simply want from shore, please join us at one of the locations in the schedule - many with wonderful bonfires and community involvement. To know where to find the bonfire sights, just click on the live links in the schedule
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FAMILY NIGHT EARLY DINNER AND PARADE
Join Argosy for a December tradition designed for families. As you watch the Christmas ship, enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner as well as strolling carols provided by the Dickens Carolers. Santa will be on board and special arts and crafts will be available for little ones!
Buffet dinner includes: Field Greens Salad, Grilled Vegetable Platter, Fruit Platter, Chicken, Salmon with rice pilaf, Ravioli, breads and dessert samplers. Plus kids will have home-made macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers.
Rate: $59 adults, $10 kids ages 5-12 (Under 4 no charge) (pre-paid service charge and tax additional on all Royal Argosy events)
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MAPS TO DEPARTURE LOCATIONS
Click here for directions to different departure locations.
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BOXED MEALS
Please note: No outside food or drink are allowed on board our boats. Guests, who would like a full service dinner included, may want to consider cruising on the Royal Argosy. Or, for those who are riding the Christmas Ship or a follow boat, you may pre-order boxed meals. Boxed Meals are from Organic to Go
Boxed meals must be ordered a minimum of 48 hours in advance by calling Argosy Cruises at (206-622-8687). A limited number of boxed meals may be available for purchase on board the boat. All sales are final.
Only Advance Orders include a ticket for one free coffee, tea or soda.
Boxed meals must be ordered a minimum of 48 hours in advance by calling Argosy at 206.622.8687. A limited number of boxed meals may be available for purchase on board the boat at a higher rate, however, only advance orders include a ticket for coffee, tea or soda. Rates above include sales tax, all sales are final.
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