Whatcom Museum History Sunset Cruise

355 Harris Avenue,Bellingham WA 98225

12 July, 2022

Description

Our popular annual summertime History Sunset Cruises are back this year for another season of beautiful scenery and fascinating regional history with local historian Brian Griffin. Partnering again with San Juan Cruises for tour operation, the weekly cruises will take place Tuesdays, June 28 – August 30, 2022, 6:30 – 8:30pm. About the Cruise The tour takes a close-up view of parks, businesses, industry, and neighborhoods from Bellingham Bay. It travels down waterways, sailing past historic points of interest, shipyards, and fishing activities, as well as work boats, pleasure boats, freighters, and tugboats in the harbor. Harbor seals and water birds are regularly seen—it's a memorable evening! Our history cruises are narrated by Griffin who ties his knowledge of local history with up-to-date facts about bay activities. His narrative of history, trivia, and current events makes cruise guests feel like they are becoming experts on their community and gives new understanding of the place they live in or are visiting. Guests travel aboard the 100-foot Victoria Star, which leaves from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven. 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. Guests are welcome to bring dinner, snacks, and beverages (non-alcoholic) onboard. Restrooms are available on board. FAQs When does the cruise begin and end? The cruise boards at 6:15pm, departs promptly at 6:30pm, and returns to the dock around 8:30pm. Tickets remain non-transferable between dates. How much are tickets? Whatcom Museum Member ticket: $35 Non-member ticket: $40 Children 5 and younger are free with pre-registration (Please let us know if children 5 years old or younger are boarding with you when you purchase tickets as we need to include them in the head count.) What is your cancellation policy? If the Museum must cancel a sailing for not reaching minimum capacity, we will send notification and a full refund within 24 hours of cancelation of the booked sailing. There are no refunds for purchaser cancellation or no-shows, and tickets are non-transferable between dates. History Cruises are a fundraiser for the Whatcom Museum and proceeds from ticket purchases support exhibitions and educational programming on our downtown campus. If you cannot attend and would like to gift your ticket to someone else, we're happy to change the name on your reservation; please call and let us know at 360.778.8930. Where is the boat located? San Juan Cruises is located at Bellingham Cruise Terminal / Alaska Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven, Bellingham, WA 98225. Map & Driving Instructions. Parking is available on the street, or in a lot in front of the terminal building. 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. What Covid-19 Safety protocols are in place? San Juan Cruises will remain in compliance with all Washington State Department of Health Guidelines. Visit whales.com/covid-19-safety/ for the most up-to-date information. Can we bring food? Yes, you may bring dinner/snacks/beverages but may not bring your own alcohol. Beer, wine, and cocktails sold on board only. Snacks are also available for purchase at the snack bar on board. Are dogs allowed on board? Dogs are not allowed on the History Sunset Cruises. Is the Victoria Star boat wheelchair accessible? The dock at the ferry terminal has a ramp to the boat that is wheelchair accessible. San Juan Cruises staff will assist wheelchairs loading onto the boat and can accommodate for seating once on board. Can I change my reservation date? Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate reservation changes. What if it is raining? The cruise will depart rain or shine. There is covered seating on the boat. Will we be able to hear the history narrator if we sit inside? Yes, there are speakers throughout the boat. We ask that people keep conversations quiet or minimal so that everyone on board can hear the narrator. Are children allowed? Children ages 5 and younger are free with pre-registration. For ages 6+ regular ticket pricing applies. While the History Cruises are a fun activity for all ages, we ask that people with young children consider whether or not their children can remain quiet throughout the cruise to allow others to hear the history narration.