The Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, WA is excited to offer the 35th annual History Sunset Cruises this summer. Due to the popularity of last year’s sailings, the Museum is also chartering two additional cruises this year. Partnering again with San Juan Cruises for tour operation, the weekly cruises, which sail in July, August, and the first two weeks of September, will be offered on Tuesday evenings and will depart from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven.
Starting Tuesday, July 10, and continuing each Tuesday through September 11, the Whatcom Museum's popular summer cruises will take locals and visitors aboard the 100-foot Victoria Star tour boat.
Participants will get great close-up views of parks, businesses, industry and neighborhoods from Bellingham Bay, with Bellingham historians Brian Griffin or Doug Starcher serving as tour guides. They will tie their knowledge of local history with up-to-date facts about bayside activities. Their narrative of history, trivia and current events makes cruise guests feel they are becoming experts in their community and gives new understanding of the area to both locals and visitors.
"It's amazing that after 35 years, the history cruise continues to grow," said Patricia Leach, Executive Director of the Whatcom Museum. "It has become a popular tradition for our community to take family and friends on the cruise during the summer months as a fun way to entertain."
The Victoria Star leaves from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating on two levels, an onboard snack bar, and a full bar with a selection of Northwest beers, wines, and cocktails. Restrooms are available on board. Guests are welcome to bring dinner, snacks, and beverages (non-alcoholic) for a picnic-style dinner while cruising. Each sailing boards at 6:15 pm, with a prompt 6:30 pm sailing, and an 8:30 pm return.
Tickets went on sale May 1 and are $35 general; $30 for Museum members; $28 per person for groups of eight or more people (registered together). Purchases can be made through BrownPaperTickets, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3380820, by calling 800/838.3006 ext. 1, or in-person at the Museum Store located at 250 Flora St. Bellingham, WA 98225.
Proceeds benefit Whatcom Museum exhibitions and educational programs. For more information about the history cruises, visit www.whatcommuseum.org/history-sunset-cruise.
San Juan Cruises is located at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Avenue, Suite 104, Bellingham WA 98225. The Port of Bellingham charges $0.50/hour for parking, in the large lot with numbered spaces about 30 yards in front of the terminal building. Overnight parking is $6/day. There is free parking for up to 2 hours in front of the terminal. To learn more about San Juan Cruises visit Whales.com.
