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Mount Washington Cruises

Take a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount Washington and see why many call it the most beautiful scenic cruise in New England. Breakfast, lunch, gift shop and lounge are available on board. Dinner Dance Cruises include buffet dinner and dancing to live music. Leave from Weirs Beach daily, and Meredith, Alton Bay, Wolfeboro, or Center Harbor depending on day of the week.

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Mount Washington Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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M/S Mount Washington Cruise Ship

Mount washington cruise ship history.

The M/S Mount Washington was launched at Lakeport in August of 1940. Built by Boston General Ship & Engine Works, this vessel was constructed from the iron hull of another ship, the S.S. Chateaugay, which was purchased from the Shelburne Shipyard located on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain.

It was a phenomenal feat; cutting the Chateaugay hull into twenty sections, transporting it from Vermont to New Hampshire, reconstructing the pieces and adding a super structure to create the new Mount. Most amazing is the fact this was all done in about six months time.

Since the launching in 1940, the Mount Washington has undergone many physical changes including the addition of twin diesel engines in 1946 and the addition of 25 feet to her length in 1982.

The Legacy of the M/S Mount Washington

The Chateaugay was designed and built in 1888 in Shelburne, Vermont by the Harlan and Hollingsworth Company of Wilmington, Delaware at a reported cost of $101,000. It was to be used as a passenger excursion boat. The vessel was made of iron mined from Mt. Chateaugay in upstate New York and was the first iron-hulled steamboat on Lake Champlain. It was 203 feet long and was powered by a 1,000 horsepower Fletcher steam engine that could propel her along at about 20 mph. Chateaugay served Champlain Transportation Company’s fleet on and off for 51 years.

Eventually Chateaugay was replaced by the famous Ticonderoga and was reserved only for special excursions. In 1917 she was taken out of service during World War I.

Ticonderoga runs aground in 1919 on a reef off the north end of Isle La Motte. The Chateaugay returned to service for one season while the Ticonderoga is repaired. Chateaugay was pulled out of storage and converted into automobile ferry in 1925. She was pressed into flood disaster work in November 1927 during The New England Flood. Roads and railways had received a huge amount of damage and could not be used and the lake was the only way to reach people. Chateaugay was loaded down with food, medical supplies, building materials, clothing, refugees, mail and what ever else they could put on her. She navigated the lake without hitting any debris from the flood.

Chateaugay with paddlewheel decoration and later decorated to disguise the fact she was a sidewheeler.

Her machinery was removed in 1939 and sold for scrap. The Lake Champlain Yacht Club rented the steamer Chateaugay for $300 to use as their clubhouse. It was moored at the foot of King Street in Burlington, Vermont.

December 23, 1939 a fire broke out in the railroad station and destroys the S.S. Mt. Washington, which was moored at The Weirs pier for repairs. Ending her 67-year rein on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Within days, the owner, Leander Lavallee started the search for a new ship to replace the original Mt. Washington. On December 28, 1939, he purchased the side-wheel steamboat, Chateaugay from the Vermont Transportation Company for $20,000. April 1940 the replacement ship was stripped down and the hull was cut into 20 pieces, like a loaf of bread, put on railroad flatcars and shipped to Lakeport, NH. General Ship and Engine Works of East Boston, MA did the moving of the new Mt. Washington II and the rebuilding. The new deckhouse would be manufactured entirely of steel to conform to American Bureau of Shipping standards for fireproofing.

Mt. Washington II was launched

August 12, 1940, the steamer Mt. Washington II was launched in Lakeport with a large, enthusiastic crowd on hand to wish her well. After the launching the Mt. Washington II was ballasted down and was ready to be towed to The Weirs for final outfitting. When the vessel reached The Weirs Channel Bridge it was realized that she lacked about 6 inches of clearance. A large number of people gathered on the bridge were invited to board the boat by dropping down onto the upper deck. Some 500 people accepted the invitation and the Mt. Washington II settled down and was able to proceed under the bridge without further trouble.

The remaining work was done at The Weirs, which was mostly painting and installing the stack. Work was quickly finished and a few days later the new S.S. Mt. Washington II, which had by now cost $150,000, embarked on her maiden voyage.

Things did not go smoothly for the new ship. She took nearly twice as long to complete the normal route than the first Mt. Washington did. Part of the problem was the oil burners were not adjusted correctly and the propellers were not immersed far enough into the water. The Chateaugay was a typical shallow-draft side-wheeler and the newly fitted screw propellers were continually breaking water, dissipating the engine power, making foam instead of providing thrust. This problem was overcome by installing plates over each propeller to prevent the water surface from breaking. These measures helped, but problems continued to plague the new ship. By 1941, World War II and the cost of fuel oil, supplies and their limited availability and the inadequate income of the very short first season took its toll. The company went into bankruptcy April of 1942. After the bankruptcy, the steam engines were commandeered for the war, laying up the Mt. Washington II for the duration of the war.

The Mt. Washington II was valued at $64,000 at the time of the bankruptcy. It was then sold to General Ship and Engine Works for $30,000.

In 1946 after World War II ended the new owners of the Mt. Washington II, Carl and Byron Hedblom, who were also the principal owners of General Ship and Engine Works, rebuilt the vessel adding two Enterprise diesel engines with 615 horsepower each. They upgraded her with electrically powered auxiliaries. A new pilothouse was built one deck higher to improve visibility and passenger space. Finally there was a slight name change from S.S. Mt. Washington II to M.V. Mount Washington. The II was dropped and the full spelling of Mount was implemented.

Since resuming operations a few other changes have been made to the ships appearance. In 1951 a canopy was added over the third deck, which opened this area for the first time to passengers. The stack was also raised to accommodate the new canopy.

Byron Hedblom retires in 1972, selling the company to the Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation.

At the age of 78, Byron Hedblom comes out of retirement to oversee a project to lengthen the Mount Washington. On October 31, 1982 the Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation had the vessel cut into two sections at the Center Harbor dry dock, then added a 100 ton, 24’ new section to extend The Mount Washington’s length to 230’. This increased interior seating capacity by 100.

April 30, 1983 the Mount was re-commissioned the M.S. Mount Washington at the shipyard in Center Harbor. With the new length of the Mount all the docks had to be lengthened to accommodate the larger vessel.

To this day, The M/S Mount Washington continues to be an iconic attraction for Lake Winnipesaukee and New Hampshire. Continuing the tradition that started with the first steamship, S. S. Mt. Washington in Alton Bay in the spring of 1882.

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Cruise Lake Winnipesaukee Aboard The M/S Mount Washington

The pride of the Mount Washington Cruise fleet is the 230-ft. M/S Mount Washington. Mount Washington Cruises offers Scenic Daytime and Sunset Dinner Dance Cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH from late May through October. The M/S Mount Washington visits 5 ports on Lake Winnipesaukee and takes on passengers in Wolfeboro, Meredith, Center Harbor and Alton Bay on alternating days of the week with daily cruises from Weirs Beach. Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruises from Weirs Beach and Alton Bay every Sunday. Lake Winnipesaukee is spring fed and surrounded by mountain ranges, contains more than 240 habitable islands and covers 44000 acres of crystal clear water.

Learn more about the cruises  here !

Find lakefront property for sale on Lake Winnipesaukee .

Scott Freerksen “The Lake Guy”, Owner/Broker, Realtor®, Lakefront Living Realty, LLC, Office: (508) 377-7167, EMail: [email protected]

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M/s mount washington cruising on lake winnipesaukee this weekend to kick off season.

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GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

The M/S Mount Washington is kicking off its 151st season with its annual Mother's Day brunch cruise this weekend.

The company launched a new online portal where customers can get tickets, change dates, and modify seats.

There is also a new "Christmas in July" dinner cruise and a “haunted” Winnipesaukee cruise.

The company also acquired a new vessel -- the "Winnipesaukee Belle." It's being refurbished and will relaunch in time for its 40th anniversary.

The season runs through late October.

Other top headlines:

• Box truck clips school bus stop sign while loading students in Pelham
• NH National Guard members assisting at southern border as Title 42 set to expire
• New Hampshire state Senate again rejects marijuana legalization bill

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M/S Mt. Washington to return to Lake Winnipesaukee on June 20

The Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation announced this week that the M/S Mount Washington will be cruising Lake Winnipesaukee again as a floating restaurant, beginning on June 20 for the first lunch cruise of the season. The first dinner cruise will kick off on June 27. “We’ve taken time to consider all aspects of our business, and have been hard at work for the past few weeks revising our operating procedures and redesigning our summer season. We’re ready when you are,” said Captain Jim Morash, General Manager of Mount Washington Cruises. For the first time, the Mount will offer a special Father’s Day lunch cruise, on June 21st. This is a first, as the Mount could not offer a cruise on Father’s Day in the past as it conflicted with Laconia Bike Week. The cost of this lunch cruise is $40 per person. The Mount’s guiding principles in this effort are to meet and exceed all state and federal guidelines for restaurant operation, as well as customer expectations for service. In preparing the M/S Mount Washington for operation, the crew has made adjustments to the schedule, experience and product offering. These changes include: • The 10:00 AM cruise out of Weirs Beach is suspended, as well as all departures out of other ports, for the time being. • There is one lunch cruise every day from Weirs Beach at 12:30 PM, and a dinner cruise on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This allows time to perform additional cleaning between cruises. • All tickets now include meal service, limited non-alcoholic drinks, and tax. • Advance reservations are suggested for all cruises, and they have reduced the number of passengers on board by more than 50%. • Each party will be assigned a table for the duration of each cruise, with proper distancing between tables. • Buffet service will be replaced by new table service on all cruises. • While dancing is strongly discouraged by the State of New Hampshire, ambient music will be offered on all cruises and areas of interest will be highlighted to passengers. In addition to these changes, the Mount has implemented new policies and procedures to make a visit as comfortable and safe as possible. Lunch cruises cost $40 per person and include the 2-hour cruise, lunch, limited non-alcoholic beverages, and tax. Dinner cruises are $40 - $55 and include 2.5-hour cruise, dinner, select non-alcoholic beverages, and tax. “As we receive more information and guidance through the summer, we will continue to evaluate our operation and make adjustments if possible,” said Captain Morash. “We’re hopeful that over time, we will be able to expand our schedule and return to more normal operation.” The M/V Doris E and U.S. Mailboat will remain closed for public cruises, while the Mount continues to monitor the public health situation. The M/S Mount Washington has been a New Hampshire icon since 1872. Departure times and options vary through the season. To learn more about the Mount Washington and to view a complete schedule with times and ticket prices, visit www.cruisenh.com or call 603-366-5531 to request a brochure to be mailed.

Length - 230 feet Beam - 35 feet Draft - 9 feet Weight - 750 tons Power - twin diesel engines totaling 1230 HP Cruising Speed - 14.5 knots

The M/S Mount Washington was launched at Lakeport in August of 1940. Built by Boston General Ship & Engine Works, this vessel was constructed from the iron hull of another ship, the S.S. Chateaugay, which was purchased from the Shelburne Shipyard located on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain. It was a phenomenal feat; cutting the Chateaugay hull into twenty sections, transporting it from Vermont to New Hampshire, reconstructing the pieces and adding a super structure to create the new Mount. Most amazing is the fact this was all done in about six months time. Since the launching in 1940, the Mount Washington has undergone many physical changes including the addition of twin diesel engines in 1946 and the addition of 25 feet to her length in 1982.

The Mount in Drydock

The Mount Hits a Boathouse in 1980

The M/S Mount Washington Web Site

Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, Family Vacation Guide

K nown for its natural beauty and incredible variety of kid-friendly activities and restaurants, the Lake Winnipesaukee area in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a thriving summer vacation destination for family getaways in New England.

With its many waterfront towns, miles of shoreline, and easy access to the White Mountains, there are plenty of things to do in Lake Winnipesaukee, whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or a full-fledged family vacation. As a lifelong New England resident, I’ve vacationed on and around Lake Winnipesaukee many times. Here are my top recommendations for where to go, where to stay, and where to eat in the area.

SCENIC NEW ENGLAND:   11 Most Charming Seaside Villages and Coastal Towns in New England

How to Get to Lake Winnipesaukee

Just a two-hour drive from Boston , the Lake Winnipesaukee area in New Hampshire is easily reached by car from Interstate 93. Bus service is available from Boston’s South Station via Concord Coach , but since there are very few public transportation options available once you arrive, taking the bus is only practical if you already have transportation in the area.

WEEKEND ESCAPES: Top 5 Family Weekend Getaways in New England

If you’re coming from outside of New England, you can fly into either Boston’s Logan International Airport or Machester’s regional airport. Manchester is an hour away from Lake Winnipesaukee by car, but flying into Boston may be cheaper given the greater number of airlines serving Logan airport. 

In any case, once you arrive, you’ll likely want a car to get around , though local taxi service is available if you need it. 

Family-Friendly Hotels at Lake Winnipesaukee

The Lake Winnipesaukee area in New Hampshire covers eight towns: Alton , Gilford , Laconia , Meredith , Center Harbor , Moultonborough , Tuftonboro , and Wolfeboro . Where you stay on your family getaway will depend on how close you want to be to the action. Laconia is home to Weirs Beach , the largest public beach in the area; Meredith is a touristy town on the northwestern shores of the lake; Wolfeboro is the self-proclaimed “Oldest Summer Resort in America.” 

With a private beachfront location overlooking Meredith Bay, Mill Falls at the Lake is one of the most spectacular Lake Winnipesaukee hotels. A restored 19th century mill, the hotel features a 40-foot waterfall, three pools, a large common area, and easy access via a covered bridge to more than a dozen shops and restaurants. The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is just a five-minute walk away, too. 

SUN AND SAND:  20 Best Family Beaches in New England (and Where to Stay Near Each)

In Laconia, the Naswa Resort first opened its doors to guests in 1935. Its spacious private beach gives you exclusive waterfront access. Boat slips let you get out onto the lake, and live entertainment keeps the family fun going long into the night. An onsite restaurant and bistro gives you quick dining options, but the hotel is also centrally located just steps from Weirs Beach in the heart of the action on Lake Winnipesaukee. 

Guest rooms at the upscale Wolfeboro Inn offer great lake views, and this pet-friendly New England hotel is a picture perfect New England getaway spot on Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s also within easy walking distance of the shops, galleries, and boutiques of Wolfeboro’s historic resort town center. In the evening, relax by the giant fireplace or enjoy a kid-friendly meal at the Wolfe’s Tavern.  

Fun Things to Do with Kids at Lake Winnipesaukee

The best thing to do at Lake Winnipesaukee is totally free: Go for a swim! With numerous public beaches sprinkled across its 182 miles of shoreline, it’s not hard to find a spot to soak in the sun and soak up the waves. Other water sports are also easy to come by. Rent a boat, a kayak, or a canoe and hit the water for a day of pure family fun.

Another fun activity with kids at Lake Winnipesaukee is to board the M/S Mount Washington for a pleasure cruise around the lake. This is a tradition for many visitors to the Lakes Region and a pleasant way to pass an afternoon on the water, especially on a multigenerational vacation with varying ages. The lake cruise has been operated in one form or another since 1872. (The previously mentioned Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is another fun thing to do with grandparents who may need a break from on-the-go action.)

WINTER WONDERLAND:   10 New England Winter Getaways for Families Who Don’t Like to Ski

When you’ve had enough of the sun and sand for one day, head to Funspot to experience the self-proclaimed largest arcade in the world. This is the place to go for old-school arcade fun in the Lakes Region, not to mention indoor minigolf and bowling. On a rainy day, you could happily spend hours here with the kids. 

The Lakes Region has its very own castle, and it’s a stunner with incredible aerial views of Lake Winnipesaukee and its surroundings. Dubbed the Castle in the Clouds , the historic Lucknow estate offers more than just its fabulous architecture and scenery. There are kids’ activities inside the mansion, plenty of places to take a picnic lunch, and a beautiful pond stocked with jumping rainbow trout. 

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Lake Winnipesaukee

Famous in the Lake Winnipesaukee area for its vibrant atmosphere and hand-tossed pizzas, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria in Meredith is a perennial favorite with families. There’s live music every night during the tourist season, and alfresco dining on the patio is not to be missed in the summer months. 

Head to Cider Bellies Doughnuts in Meredith for the best donuts you’ve ever tasted (no, that’s not an exaggeration). This bakery is a must-visit on your list of places to go with the kids in Lake Winnipesaukee. The challenge for your waistline will be to not pay them a visit every day of your vacation. 

FALL COLORS: 10 Best New England Towns for Fall Family Getaways

Enjoy kid-friendly American tavern food at Garwoods Restaurant in Wolfeboro, which offers great Lake Winnipesaukee views and a welcoming all-ages atmosphere for families. 

In Meredith, Town Docks Restaurant is only open in the summer it’s a must-visit restaurant on your family getaway if the timing lines up. This kitschy, beachy lakeside restaurant offers seafood, outdoor dining, and a fun tiki lounge. 

I’m going to go out on a limb and guarantee your kids won’t complain about ice cream for dinner. So with that in mind, you can enjoy meal-sized ice cream cones and bowls at Kellerhaus in Laconia’s Weirs Beach, the aforementioned Town Docks in Meredith, or Bailey’s Bubble in Wolfeboro.

More from FamilyVacationist:

• North Conway, NH, Family Weekend Getaway Guide
• 8 New England Fall Getaways That Will Charm the Kids (and Parents, Too)
• 10 Best Family Resorts in the Northeast

The post Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, Family Vacation Guide appeared first on FamilyVacationist .

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Now hiring for the 2024 season

Each year, dozens of dedicated employees return to Weirs Beach to preserve the proud tradition of the M/S Mount Washington and her sister vessels.

We're looking for new people to join our crew! Have some fun, meet new people, and help us share the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee with guests from all over the world.

In addition to competitive salary, employees also receive free cruises, and free meals during a shift.

Full-time and part-time/seasonal positions available.