Argosy Fans get $10 off the December 3rd departure.

The Snow Train climbing up into the Cascade Mountains

Here in Seattle, we can only dream of snow mounded on windowsills and picturesque panoramas of snow-covered towns. But we are glad we don’t have to scoop our cars off in the morning. And its okay if we leave the house without a hat.

 Here is an opportunity to experience all the beauty and cheer of snow without the hassle. For 15 years, local Alki Tours has been offering their Snow Train experience out to Leavenworth. Eat breakfast as you travel by rail (with onboard musicians and Santa!) through the Cascade Mountains covered in snow. The destination, Leavenworth, is decorated, snow-capped, and full of holiday lights. Carolers, bonfires, warm restaurants, sleigh rides, it’s all there to enjoy. At dusk, join the tree lighting to transform the town to an even more magical wonderland.  Then back onto the cozy train for the ride back to Seattle complete with dinner and entertainment.

 For information and tickets call Alki Tours at 206-935-6848 or AlkiTours.com.  

Mention you are a fan of Argosy Cruises and get $10 off the December 3^rd departure. 

Susan at her vibes

Have you ever heard those old-fashioned radio intermission chimes? Those  relaxed smooth tones letting you know it’s commercial time? That’s a vibraphone. It kind of like an aluminum xylophone with a muting pedal. The aluminum gives it the mellow sound we like. It usually goes by the moniker ‘vibes’, so we’ll call it that so we feel knowledgeable on the music lingo.

Lionel Hampton was the first one to introduce vibes into the Jazz Music world, back in 1930. He had played around with the vibes backstage, and he found one in the studio where he and Louis Armstrong were recording. They added its sounds to a recording, and that sparked Lionel to go on to become ‘king of the vibes’.  Now it’s a slightly unconventional but still popular addition to the jazz music scene.

Susan Pascal (being featured on this Sunday’s Jazz Brunch) plays the vibes. Her quartet uses a guitar and vibraphone together. Susan says about that combo, “the combination of vibes with guitar makes a full, rich and sparkling sound–I love it!”

Susan Pascal's Quartet with Capt. Mike on a Jazz Brunch

After months of damp Seattle weather, it seems like the city is waking up, shaking off the water and getting ready to embrace summer. Tillicum Village is no different.

After spending the past 12 months revamping the show, enhancing the stage and lighting, summer at Tillicum Village is in full swing.

 In preparation for the summer season, the Tillicum Village dancers have been all over Seattle sharing a little piece of the experience at Tillicum Village. They recently appeared on KING-TV’s New Day Northwest, and on KOMO-TV where they performed on the 4:00pm newscast.

 Throughout the Northwest talk of the new show is everywhere. The Seattle Times and Journal Media Group featured us recently and Bellingham, Mercer Island and other publications such as Intertribal Times and Wheelchair Living have been talking about the new experience at Tillicum Village.

 On May 21^st Tillicum Village kicked-off the summer season with an official opening weekend event.  We were very honored to have Che oke’ ten perform a tribal blessing.

There is nothing better than being on the water during the summer in Seattle en route to traditionally cooked salmon, fresh fruit salad, mouth-watering Tillicum Village bread. Check out the full menu and read more about what Tillicum Village has in store for you this summer.

Today, July 28^th, is the second official National Cancer Sucks Day.  Argosy’s owners show their generosity year after year by donating a boat to the kids and their families of Camp Goodtimes who are diagnosed with cancer.  Captain Mooselips brings non-stop energy and smiles to all of the kids’ faces as they set sail on an Argosy boat as part of their time at camp while dancing, singing and doing choreographed moves such as “Ninja!” and the famous Choogie Dance!  Not to mention a new rendition of the Macarena, now called the “Mooserena.” 

When the boat pulled into Pier 55 this afternoon for a short visit, Red Robin joined in on the fun by throwing hundreds of French fries from their patio to the kids packed on the bow of the boat.  While most kids were successful at catching the fries in mid-flight, the seagulls loved swooping in to snag the leftover fries on the dock at the end of the day.  Camp Goodtimes is very near and dear to us at Argosy and we feel very fortunate to contribute to this organization each year.  Thank you to the American Cancer Society for all that you do.

The fireboat, Leschi (seen in the distance), even came out to greet the kids!

Stewie may look like an ordinary Seattle dog, but it is when he jumps in a kayak that his full character truly shines through.  Thank you to his owner, Rock, who sent us these great pictures, we now know who to call if we ever need an Argosy mascot. 

Stewie loves kayaking and can usually be seen sitting in a crate on the back of the boat.  He even strategically placed himself in the middle of this picture (above) with Argosy’s Spirit of Seattle behind him.  According to Rock, “I put the camera over my shoulder and took the picture, not knowing that my dog was even “on alert.”   I had no idea it turned out so cool till I got home.”   Of course, we like to think Stewie planned it that way!

Stewie truly is one photogenic little guy.  Just look at his left ear perked up in every picture.  How could you not think this dog was a superstar?