Argosy Cruises

Written by Scott Messmore

With a business reputation spanning more than 50 years, family-owned Argosy Cruises has been sailing tourists on Puget Sound. Today, with a fleet of 12 ships from small launches to the Royal Argosy, Argosy Cruises offers a wide selection of day trips whether it's a sightseeing trip or a large wedding. The Argosy Cruise line dates back to 1949 when Captain Lynn Campbell started the Spring Street Water Taxi Company with waterborne service to and from Seattle. For the next 40 years, Campbell's taxi service expanded Argosy Cruises

and added trips to the Chittenden Locks, tours of Seattle harbor and dinner trips to Tillicum Village to dine on American Salmon. Purchased by new owners John Blackman and Tom Tougas in 1990, the fleet is renamed "Argosy", the Greek word for "fleet of ships". More vessels are added including the M.V. Kirkland, a 1920s era wooden-hulled boat that is listed on the National and Washington State Historic Register. Half a century later, the Argosy Cruise line is still sailing strong on the waters of Puget Sound.

Argosy Public Cruises

Argosy Cruises offers journeys lasting one hour up to evening cruises with fine dining and dancing. Depending on the size of your party, event or corporate gathering, Argosy Cruises has a dozen vessels to choose from. Reservations recommended for each cruise,

© Paul Dudley

but you can sail without them if room is available. All cruise ticket prices include taxes. For ticket information or cruise times, call 206-623-4252 or 800-642-7816. Or, visit The Argosy Anchor at Pier 56 for tickets and gift items.

Harbor Cruise Seattle

Harbor Cruise Seattle is a one-hour cruise to see Seattle Harbor, Elliot Bay and the famous Seattle skyline with the Space Needle and Seattle Center. Harbor Cruise Seattle departs from Pier 55 several times a day, all year round. From January 1 to March 30 and November 1 to December 31, one-hour cruises are only offered on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices are: adults, $16; seniors and groups of eight or more, $14; children four to 12 years, $10.

Lake Cruise Kirkland

Lake Cruise Kirkland is a one and a half long cruise around Lake Washington with sights that include Mount Rainier, Husky Stadium and the terrific scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Tickets are: adults, $26; seniors and groups of eight or more, $24; children four to 12, $14.

Lake Cruise Seattle

Lake Cruise Seattle AGC Marina on South Lake Union to see Husky Stadium, Portage Bay and the luxury homes that circle the lake. This trip lasts for two hours. Tickets are: adults, $26; seniors and groups of eight or more, $24; children four to 12, $14.

Royal Argosy

Locks Cruise Seattle is a two and a half hour trip to see the locks that Argosy Cruises

keep the waterborne traffic of Seattle on the move. You'll travel on the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of Lake Washington on your way to Hiram Chittendon Locks. Lake Cruise Seattle departs from Pier 56 on Seattle's Waterfront. Tickets are: adults, $30; senior and groups of eight or more, $28; children four to 12, $16.

Corporate Events or Special Occasions

For a fine dining experience on Elliot Bay and Puget Sound, the Royal Argosy is the top of the line for large gatherings or corporate events. Royal Argosy has three wooden decks to stroll and take in the beautiful scenery of Seattle, Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains. Lunch and dinner cruises offer Dungeness crab cakes, wild Chinook salmon, coconut layer cake and fresh salads, among other fine foods. Lunch cruises sail from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Prices range from $38 for seniors and groups during the week, to $46 for adults on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner cruises sail from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and range from $52 for children during the week to $83 for adults on weekend days. Each cruise includes ticket, appetizer, entr?e, dessert, coffee and teas, tax and service. Bar service not included in ticket price. Royal Argosy sails from Pier 56. Reservations are taken on a space-available basis.

Argosy Cruises' 12-ship fleet is available for charter for groups from eight diners to large events with 800 people. The Royal Argosy offers a variety of event plans for weddings, parties or corporate events. The Spirit of Seattle can take up to 400 people sailing around Puget Sound, the Goodtime can handle up to 300 while the historic M.V. Kirkland sails with 150 guests. Prices and sailing times vary from ship to ship, due to season, time of day and day of the week. For special event planning with Argosy Cruises, call 206-623- 1445 or 800-642-7816.