beanweb24

Thinking about doing the Christmas ships parade this holiday season, but am a little overwhelmed by all the choices of ships (there are 4 from Argosy). Does anyone here have any recommendations for the ships they enjoyed the most? I'll be going with my parents, and I think one of their big interests will be to see the other boats lit up...is that possible when you're actually part of the parade?

Or is there a place from shore (restaurant) that enables a good view of the parade?

happytrailstoyou

From what you write, you want to book a Ship Follow Boat on December 1 or later:
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/events/christmasship.htm

You can view boats from the locations on the list to which the above link takes you For instance, on December 1, you can view boats from Gasworks Park 8:10-8:30.

enzian

Hi Beanweb---we've tried to put together a group at work to do this, but we never can agree on a night. And DH, the original Christmas Grinch, has no interest in going. So I've not done it myself, but I'll try to help you sort it out.

Here's the link to the 2008 schedule:

http://www.argosycruises.com/themecr...cfm#paradeboat

There are several types of ship you can choose---the actual "Christmas ship", with the choir on board; a "follow boat", which is part of the parade but without a choir; and on some nights a "dinner boat", aboard which you will be seated at a table and can enjoy dinner. (Some of those are already fully booked).

Lots of private boats join the parade. I think you could see all the lighted boats from any of the four Argosy boats. You should also be able to hear the music.

As for which night to pick---I would choose one that includes a stop at a "bonfire" beach. Lake Washington seems more interesting to me, because you would see more lighted homes along the waterfront. On the other hand, going through the locks would be fun. And Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge (the only place I have actually seen the ships) is lovely too, with all the marinas and sailboat masts lit up.

There are probably restaurants from which you could watch the boats go by (around Leschi, for instance, and on Lake Union), but I don't know that they actually stop and sing there. It might be fun to join one of the bonfires, though---the boats do stop ther for 15 minutes or so.

The one thing you can't predict is the fog, but I don't know how often it is actually a problem.

beanweb24

Thank you both for the feedback. I have a hunch that my dad's preference would be to be on the lead ship (due to the singing...which I probably wouldn't enjoy as much), but I think we might see more from the others. I'll have a chat with them about it.

Enzian - you're more than welcome to come along! My parents are alot of fun, and could fill in for your grinch.

NWWanderer

I've been on a follow boat (out of Kirkland) and have gone to a bonfire beach (Lowman in West Seattle) and I actually enjoyed the beach experience more (I found the evening too long when we were on the boat). You might consider having dinner someplace near a bonfire beach (maybe in Leschi or at Salty's?) and then walking over to the beach. We could hear the singing from the beach the time I did it.

beanweb24

Thanks, everyone. After reading through the opinions and checking out the links, I think we're all leaning towards doing one of the beach bonfires instead of actually being part of the parade. Will hope for an updated bonfire schedule in the next few weeks since Seattle.gov is still showing the schedule from 2007! A bonfire at Gas Works would be great...can walk there from home.

happytrailstoyou

Complete information about Christmas Ships is published on pages A22-A23 of the November 27, 2008, Seattle Times.

beanweb24

Thank you! We just got back from Hawaii today and don't have yesterday's newspaper...will look it up online and plan our night out.

Casual_Cairo

I'm home sick! I want to see a Christmas ship! Waaaa!

Guess I can kiss that idea good-bye for a while longer.