See Why You'll Want to Make Cruising With the Lake George Steamboat Company a Priority This Season
The Lake George Steamboat Company is the oldest continually operating passenger vessel company in the world, and they’re not stopping any time soon.
We chatted with Luke Dow - the Dow family has owned the company since the 1940s - to find out what’s new this season, along with more info people should know about, like being able to bring a bike on the ship.
Here’s What Happening for the 2024 Season: New Cruises & Returning Favorites
“We have some great music cruises planned for this year!” Dow said when asked what’s new and exciting this season. “We have a few new specialty cruises on the Saint this year as well.”
The Lake George Steamboat Company has bumped up the Minne Ha-Ha cruises from six to seven per day. And, the Rock the Dock Festival is now in July.
Here’s an overview of the specialty cruises and events:
- Comedy Evening Buffet Cruise (June 26)
- Fireworks Cruise on the Saint (July 2)
- July 4th & Summer Thursdays Fireworks Cruises on the Saint (through August 29)
- Minne Ha-Ha Fireworks Cruise (July 2 & 4)
- Rock the Dock (July 13)
- Hawaiian Luau Luncheon & Dinner Cruises (July 15)
- Rockin' Music Cruise: Aquanett (July 20)
- Mohican Family Trivia Time (July 21 & August 18)
- Mohican Family Carnival Cruise (July 28)
- Loveboat Evening Dinner Cruise & Evening Sightseeing Cruise (July 30)
- Country Western Dinner Cruise With Skeeter Creek (August 7)
- Princess & Superhero Party Cruise (August 11)
- Roaring 20s Gatsby Dinner Cruise (August 14)
- Rockin' Music Cruise: Kisstory (August 17)
- Cruising Oldies Dinner Cruises (September 6 & 7)
- Elvis Luncheon Cruise (September 11 & 25)
- Sherlock Mystery Dinner Cruise (September 28)
- Oktoberfest Luncheon Cruise (October 5)
- Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise (October 12 & 13)
- Full Lake Fall Foliage Cruise (October 12 & 19)
- Halloween Costume Cruise (October 26)
The above list only covers the specialty cruises, and does not include the other multitude of cruise options that take place daily during the season.
Here are the main categories of cruises offered:
- Spring Cruises
- Family-Friendly Cruises
- Dining Cruises
- Sightseeing Cruises
- Morning Cruises
- Midday Cruises
- Evening Cruises
- 1-Hour Cruises
- 2-Hour Cruises
- Fall Cruises
Each of the above break out into their own cruise options. For instance, under Family-Friendly Cruises, you'll find the Mohican Family Carnival Cruise, Minne Summer Night Pirate Party Cruises, and more.
Don't Miss Rock the Dock 2024
The fun-for-all ages Rock the Dock Festival is set for Saturday, July 13 this year, from 4pm to 11pm! This festival takes place at the pier of the Lake George Steamboat Company for a truly unique experience, and you will not want to miss out on this great lineup:
- Lotus
- Dopapod
- Wild Adriatic
- Formula 5
- Quantum Cosmic
- Neon Avenue
- Two Planets Away
Guests can also look forward to food and artist vendors, craft beer, merchandise tents with band memorabilia, and more at this massive festival!
The Lake George Steamboat Company donates 25% of their ticket proceeds to the Lake George American Legion Post 374.
Buy your Rock the Dock tickets now >>
There Are So Many Cruises! How Do You Choose Which One?
“We offer something for everyone with roughly 11 cruises sailing daily,” Dow told us. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
The Most Popular
The Pirate Cruise on the Minne Ha-Ha is one of the fastest-selling cruises the Lake George Steamboat Company offers. The brunch cruise is also quick to sell out.
“Most cruises have availability up to a few hours before they take off, but those two cruises sell out sometimes a week in advance,” Dow said.
If You’ve Never Been
Dow recommends the Mohican's Paradise Bay Cruise, for those cruising with the Lake George Steamboat Company for the first time.
“You get to enjoy a large amount of the highlights of Lake George, including going into Paradise Bay! It’s an incredible experience that not many larger ships can do.”
For the Best Deal
The Mohican’s Full Length of the Lake Cruise is the best deal the company offers.
“See all the highlights of the lake for only a couple of extra dollars? It’s a long trip, but a heck of a deal!” Dow said of the six-hour experience on the lake. “The Mohican Meal Cruises are also a great way to have fun with your family, and have a nice dinner without breaking the bank.”
The two Rockin' Music Cruises are also a fantastic perk, as they always book highly popular, sought-after groups. For 2024, it's Aquanett on July 20, and Kisstory on August 17!
What Else to Know: Fun Facts, Little-Known Perks & More
Each Ship Has a Special Claim
The Lake George Steamboat Company consists of three cruise ships: the Lac Du Saint Sacrement, the Mohican, and the Minne Ha-Ha.
“The Saint” is the largest passenger vessel on the inland waters of New York State. The Mohican is entering her 115th year of operation, and is the oldest continually running passenger vessel in the world. And, the Minne Ha-Ha is one of only two authentic steam paddlewheel ships in New York, and one of only five in America.
Cruising On a Lake Is Smooth & Awesome
When asked about cruising on a lake versus an ocean, Dow said that the cruises offer more to see with smaller waves.
“You see a lot more on lakes than oceans, since oceans are so large that you see nothing for long stretches of your cruise,” he explained. “Not on a lake or a river! You are constantly seeing something different. Also, the lack of serious waves on a lake is pretty clutch. I’ve never heard of anyone getting lakesick."
You Can Incorporate a Bike Trip Into Your Cruise
Did you know? The Lake George Steamboat Company is the only company on Lake George that offers full length trips of the lake, and the option to get dropped off or picked up at their pier in Ticonderoga. This is convenient if you’re looking to bring a bike.
They allow cruisers to bring a bicycle aboard and get dropped off in Bolton Landing or Ticonderoga. “Or, you can bike up to Bolton or Ticonderoga and get brought back. Just make sure to call ahead of time to let the ship know!”
Be a Part of Lake George History & Plan Your Cruise Today
The Lake George Steamboat Company has been a significant Lake George staple since 1817. When you embark on one of their cruises, you’re not just participating in a classic Lake George activity - you’re immersing yourself in this important chunk of Lake George history.
Tickets can be purchased at their ticket office at 57 Beach Road in Lake George, by calling the ticket office at 518-668-5777, ext. 4, or you can purchase online through their website. The maximum number of passengers you can reserve online is eight.
Search cruises by date and get your tickets >>
Kids under the age of four are free, but still require a ticket. Strollers are allowed anywhere on the boats except the dining rooms on the Lac du Saint Sacrement. Note, there are lifts on the Saint and Minne Ha-Ha, but those are exclusively for wheelchairs. A senior rate is offered for those 65 and over, and each boat is handicap accessible.
Don’t forget, the most popular cruises can sell out as much as a week in advance, so don’t delay and get a Lake George Steamboat Cruise excursion on your calendar today.