Top Spring Boat Rides
The transition from spring to summer is the ideal time to get on the water. Take a cruise. No, it doesn't have to be a week in the Caribbean. The voyage can be close to home or a day trip away. It can last a couple of hours or half a day. It can involve sightseeing, transportation, dining - even dancing or slicing through the water on a sleek sailing yacht. Here's where you can find a variety of nautical interludes as near as the Philadelphia waterfront.– Jay Lloyd
It was a memorable overnight stay in Philadelphia. Dinner and dancing on the Spirit of Philadelphia, the trim pocket cruise boat, docked at Penn's Landing was our ride. The cruise includes a commendable buffet, well stocked bar and riveting views of the city lights as the vessel glides through the Delaware River from Center City to the Navy Yard. Lunch time cruises cover the same course while sipping, supping and sightseeing. Noontime cruises will run just under $40 including lunch plus drinks and tips. The basic price for dinner cruises are just under $70. There is an evening dress code, so check: http://www.spiritcruises.com/philadelphia for details, prices and schedules. Our visit was extended to an overnight stay at the neighboring Hyatt Regency, lunch aboard the Moshulu on Penn's Landing and breakfast at the Famous 4th Street Deli. That's a lot of enjoyment to pack into 24 hours.
If you spent any time on a Cape May beach, you've seen the colorful whale and dolphin watching boat cruising past. The southern tip of the Jersey shore is a prime location for playing among dolphins and catching a glimpse of migrating whales. I've always been fascinated by the inclination of dolphins to join up with cruising boats, match the speed and porpoise in the bow wake. They're plentiful in this Jersey patch of water. The Cape May Whale Watcher offers a variety of cruises including a tour of Delaware Bay Lighthouses. Check out the trips, times and rates at: http://www.capemaywhalewatcher.com/rates.php
You have to meet Cap'n Mark. He's a sailor's sailor who can find wind to fill his sails on the calmest of days . An hour-and-a-half Chesapeake Bay cruise aboard the CRAB ROYALE triggers fantasies of adventure, exploration - even sailing under the black flag. He does have a cannon aboard which is fired at sunset. Cap'n Mark Einstein and his first-and-only-mate Suzanne can set the scene for a romantic cruise, a learning experience for family members who want to handle the helm or a breeze filled bit of exhilaration. They'll mix up complimentary Margaritas, strum a guitar or tell a tale of the sea. The cost is $35 a person and they only carry six. The most popular cruise is timed to watch the setting sun. Put together your own group or meet new shipmates. Full disclosure here. I have frequently filled in as first mate with the Cap'n on the Chesapeake, and we sailed together in the Caribbean.
For New Yorkers, the East River Ferry is their ride to work, a pleasant and reasonably priced alternate to subways and buses. But for visitors, it's much more. It gets us to parts of the city, we wouldn't otherwise find. It provides a sightseeing tour to trendy neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens as well as the financial district and mid-town Manhattan. I usually board at Wall Street for a short cruise to my favorite pizza stop in Brooklyn, Ignazzio's, right under the Brooklyn Bridge. You can cruise to Greenpoint and Williamsburg - even Long Island City and get off at 34th Street in Manhattan for a tour of the empire State Building. The cost is $4 to ride the entire route on weekdays, $6 on weekends. But all-day passes are available for $12 and $18. Find all the rates here: http://www.eastriverferry.com/FareInfoPolicies/
One tip: Avoid rush hours.
The majestic twin schooners, the Woodwind and Woodwind II, flying their towering sails are familiar sights in Annapolis Harbor. Gliding past the United States Naval Academy and steering a course from the colorful Severn River to the Chesapeake Bay, both vessels draw interested glances from crews of visiting boats, moored and anchored in the harbor. The 2-hour cruises reveal the lore and history of the Chesapeake, aboard stable 74 foot vessels with sails that are trimmed to take advantage of bay winds and channels. The Woodwinds are tied up right next to the popular Pusser's Rum Bar on Annapolis' "Ego Alley." A lively bar and outdoor deck, it's an ideal stop for a nautical nibble and an after-cruise toddy. Cruise rates for adults on the Woodwinds run $39 mid-week. $42 on weekends and sunset cruises. See all the rates here: http://www.schoonerwoodwind.com/public-sailing-cruises-annapolis-maryland/rates-and-schedule/
Tips: Wear sensible casual clothing, On the sailing cruises, boat shoes and sneakers are best for traction and comfort. Except for dinner cruises on the Spirit of Philadelphia, women should avoid high heels. On the trips under sail or when on deck, wear a hat. Carrying a light anorak is a good idea in case a sudden, unexpected shower pops up.
