From the category archives:

Day-Tripping

Spring is Coming (and so are more cruises)!

by Sally on March 10, 2010

Saturday, March 13th marks the beginning of the peak cruise season at Argosy.  Our boats have been cleaned, painted and prettied up as we are gearing up for the busy spring and summer months in Seattle.  Not only is the weather supposed to get warmer (despite the snow that fell just a couple days ago…), but our tour schedule will increase once the weekend hits.

Here is the peak season cruise schedule beginning on March 13th:

Harbor Cruise
Daily: 12:15pm, 1:30pm, 2:45pm, 4:00pm

Locks Cruise
Daily: 12:30pm-3:00pm

Seattle Lakes Cruise
Monday through Friday: 1:00pm

Kirkland Lake Cruise
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 1:30pm

Tillicum Village
Saturdays and Sundays:
11:30am-3:30pm
4:30pm-8:30pm

I’m heading out to Tillicum Village on Saturday as the 2010 season has already begun.  Hopefully the weather cooperates and I’ll be able to snap some great photos to add to the blog.  Stay tuned!

Busy Day on the Seattle Waterfront

by Sally on February 19, 2010

With kids out of school and BEAUTIFUL Seattle weather, the waterfront was bustling today with tourists and locals alike!  The waterfront was swarming with people who were looking for an enjoyable way to spend their afternoon.  Of course we had a great option for them – a 1-hour Harbor Cruise on Elliott Bay.  There is definitely no better place to be on a sunny day than out on the water.

The Spirit of Seattle departed Pier 55 with 243 excited people on board for the 1:30pm Harbor Cruise.  The Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainer were in clear view and the air actually provided hints of warmth.  With crystal clear blue skies and the sun in full view, Seattleites still find it hard to believe that it is the middle of February and rain jackets can be left at home.  Rumor has it that we’ll still see a few more rainless days.

While we’re hoping the sun will stick around for a little bit longer, we have to remind ourselves that we still have one more month of winter…

Seattle Lakes Cruise

by Sally on January 29, 2010

Do you have plans to check out the Seattle Boat Show this weekend, either Saturday or Sunday?  If so, make sure you head over to the AGC Marina (1200 Westlake Avenue N.) on South Lake Union to enjoy a Seattle Lakes Cruise.  Cruises depart on Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm, rain or shine!

The Seattle Lakes Cruise is a 2-hour narrated tour, highlighting both Lake Union and Lake Washington.  A live narrator joins you on board, pointing out some fascinating history and interesting facts of the places you are seeing. See the historic houseboat community including the “Sleepless in Seattle” houseboat, Mt. Rainier and homes of Seattle’s rich and famous.  We even have snacks available on board for purchase.

Come visit us at Argosy at the AGC Marina either before or after you stop by the Seattle Boat Show at Lake Union.  We are just a short walk away from South Lake Union Park.

Reservations and walk-ups always welcome!  Visit us online or give us a call at (206) 623-1445.

MV Mona Lisa Visits Elliott Bay

by Sally on January 22, 2010

Guests on the Harbor Tour this afternoon got a nice surprise as the MV Mona Lisa cruise ship sat anchored in Elliott Bay. Our talented photographer, Zack, was able to shoot this great photo as Argosy’s own Lady Mary passed the cruise ship while on its 1-hour Harbor Tour. Zack is always in the right place in the right time (and never without a camera).

Speculation and questions immediately began as to why this huge cruise ship was anchored in the middle of Elliott Bay, so with a little bit of research I was able to find out details. The MV Mona Lisa was built in 1966 by the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland. While the vessel was originally constructed as a combined ocean liner/cruise ship and has sailed under many names including MC Sea Princess, MV Victoria and MV Oceanic IIShe was later rebuilt as a full-time cruise ship and currently holds the name MV Mona Lisa. (http://bit.ly/iSspk)

The MV Mona Lisa will be used as a floating “hotel” for volunteers and workers for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC which explains why she made a quick stop in Seattle and currently resides in Elliott Bay – a clear view from our office windows here on Pier 55.

New Tillicum Village Menu for 2010

by Sally on January 21, 2010

We are proud to introduce a new menu for the 2010 Tillicum Village season!   

Chef Ron Arbour, Executive Chef for the Royal Argosy, has developed a delicious and intriguing menu. In addition to the traditional salmon, Chef Ron has added items to create a wonderful Northwest feast:

Steamed Clams in Nectar
As you disembark the boat join other guests for a welcoming mug of steamed clams in broth with a touch of butter and onions – delicious! As is tradition at Tillicum, the used shells are crushed under foot to create the beautiful pathway.

Traditional Alder Baked Salmon
Savor this centuries-old treat! Our salmon, baked around alder wood fires on cedar stakes, is unlike anything you have ever tasted. Taking approximately one hour to bake slowly to perfection, the salmon retains moisture and takes on a wonderful mild flavor unique to this style of cooking. Served with our signature Juniper Berry Seasoning.

Signature Northwest Stew
This thick meaty stew consisting of venison, beef and bison is full of flavors married together in a rich veal stock, combined with root vegetables and potatoes for a mouth-watering dish.

Wild Grain Harvest Rice
Try this wonderful combination of wild and regular rice,  cooked to perfection with onions, garlic and a fragrant vegetable stock.

Warm Whole Grain Tillicum Bread
This rich, dark, slightly-sweet bread is made with a hint of molasses – our own private recipe, served warm with butter. So popular, in fact, you can even purchase loaves to take home!

Field Greens Salad
Seasonal greens, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, Oregon blue cheese, with stone ground rosemary dressing or raspberry vinaigrette served on the side.

Tri-Colored Bean Salad
A colorful display of marinated creamy-white cannellini beans and bright, fresh green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and shallots in a red-wine vinaigrette

Fresh Fruit Salad
Assorted Melons, Grapes, Strawberries and Pineapple, served with a Strawberry Honey Dipping Sauce

Northwest Dessert Treat
Our Chef’s signature Chocolate Chunk Brownie with Marionberry Swirl – Delicious!

( Note: Vegetarian pasta dish available with advanced request)

Coffee and Tea Service with Your Meal at Tillicum Village

More information about Tillicum Village