The Whatcom Museum in Bellingham is excited to offer the 36th annual History Sunset Cruises throughout summer 2019 along Bellingham Bay. Partnering again with San Juan Cruises for tour operation, the weekly cruises, which sail the last week of June, all of July, August, and the first week of September, will be offered on Tuesday evenings and will depart from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven.
Starting Tuesday, June 25, and continuing each Tuesday through September 3, the Whatcom Museum’s popular summer cruises will take locals and visitors aboard the 100-foot Victoria Star tour boat. Participants 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 on their community, and gives new understanding of the area to both locals and visitors.
It feels like summer is coming earlier each year, so we are excited to get outside beginning this June to enjoy the history of this beautiful region while cruising along the bay, said Patricia Leach, Executive Director of the Whatcom Museum.
The Victoria Star leaves from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven, boarding at 6:15pm, with a prompt 6:30pm sailing, and an 8:30pm return. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating on two levels, an on-board snack bar, and a full bar with a selection of Northwest beers, wines, and cocktails for purchase. Restrooms are available on board. Guests are welcome to bring dinner, snacks, and beverages (non-alcoholic) for a picnic-style dinner while cruising.
Tickets go on sale May 1st and are $30 for Museum members and $35 general. A group rate of $28 per person is available for blocks of 12 or more tickets when purchased together. Purchase through BrownPaperTickets, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4191750, by calling 800/838.3006 ext. 1, or in-person at the Museum Store located at 250 Flora St. Bellingham, WA 98225. Proceeds from the History Sunset Cruise 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.