Accessibility. Are your ships handicap accessible?
The Royal Argosy is wheelchair-friendly.* For all other boats in our fleet, please enquire in advance. (*Please note, depending upon tides at time of boarding and disembarkation, wheelchair assistance may be provided by Argosy crew.) Please notify us of any special-assistance needs prior to cruises on this boat so we may provide appropriate assistance upon arrival.
Animals/Pets. Are dogs or pets allowed on your boats?
Argosy Cruises only allows service animals aboard our vessels. Animals clearly not meeting the definition of a service animal are not permitted on an Argosy vessel or facility regardless of the business location or time of day 24 hours, 7 days a week. This would include, but are not limited to: dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, rodents, birds, etc.
Attire. What is the dress code?
For evening cruise events on our dinner boat the Royal Argosy, appropriate attire is business casual to dressy. Men traditionally wear slacks and sport coats, with or without ties. Women wear dresses or nice pants. We do not recommend T-shirts, jeans, shorts or sneakers in the evening. Brunch and Lunch cruises are generally more relaxed and casual attire is fine, as well as on our tours. If you are attending a private event through an individual or company, we recommend you check with your host as to the appropriate attire. Regardless, we always recommend having a coat or light jacket should you want to stroll the outer decks.
Boarding. What is "Opening Time" and "Cruising Time?"
"Opening Time" is the earliest our guests may board the ship. Typically we begin boarding 1/2 hour prior to the "Cruise Time." Certain special events may board earlier, and tours may board just 15 minutes prior to departure. please check your ticket for the time that your boat will be open.
Cancellations. What is your cancellation policy?
There are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise year-round, rain or shine.
Children. Can children cruise?
Children of all ages are welcome on most of our public dining cruises and tours. Occasionally, we do offer some special event cruises that are for 21 and older and these are indicated on the event description. Discounts for children age 12 and under are offered on almost all cruises throughout the year. Children under age 3 are free. (Please note we have special events such as our Murder Mystery Cruises which douse adult humor. Please feel free to inquire if you have haev questions)
Cruise Route. Where do you cruise?
Our Dinner Ship, the Royal Argosy, generally departs from Pier 55 on the historic Seattle waterfront. Sailing routes vary, based on the weather, other boats in the harbor and other sights that the Captain may want to show to guests.
Tours, of course, have a set sailing route, and if you are on a private cruise, the Captain will generally make recommendations to the group leader.
Directions. How do I get to my ship?
Click here to download maps and directions. We leave from many different ports depending on the cruise. Please feel free to call if you need clarification.
Dogs. Are dogs allowed on your boats?
Argosy Cruises only allows service dogs aboard our vessels. Animals clearly not meeting the definition of a service animal are not permitted on an Argosy vessel or facility regardless of the business location or time of day 24 hours, 7 days a week. This would include, but are not limited to: dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, rodents, birds, etc.
Gift Cards. How can I purchase gift cards?
Argosy Cruises Gift Cards are available in $25 increments and may be purchased online or by calling 206-622-8687.
Groups. What size group can Argosy accommodate?
Our nine boats can host parties of two to 600 guests. The largest is the Royal Argosy with 4 private rooms on the Royal Argosy. Parties can make their reservation online or by calling 206-622-8687. We also offer private charters aboard our other boats, please ask for our Sales Department if they can help you with any event from weddings and corporate events to holiday parties and school functions.
Handicap Accessibility. Are your ships handicap accessible?
The Royal Argosy is wheelchair-friendly.* For all other boats in our fleet, please enquire in advance. (*Please note, depending upon tides at time of boarding and disembarkation, wheelchair assistance may be provided by Argosy crew.) Please notify us of any special-assistance needs prior to cruises on this boat so we may provide appropriate assistance upon arrival.
Menu. What type of food is served on the Dinner Boat?
Northwest cuisine is featured in all of our menus on the Royal Argosy. Brunches feature a mouth-watering buffet and dinners and lunches offer a seated and buffet mix. Click Here for more information and menus. Menus for special event cruises often vary.
Packages. Do you offer packages to make my cruise extra-special?
On our dinner boat, the Royal Argosy, we offer several enhancements and packages that can be added on to your lunch or dinner cruise package. You can choose from a guaranteed window-seat, balloons, flowers, bar packages and more.
Parking. Is there parking close to the ship?
Parking varies depending on the boat departure location. Please click here to download maps and directions.
Payment. What type of payment do you accept?
Payment is required in full at the time of the reservation. We accept major credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club. We also accept traveler's checks and cashier's check. (No personal checks please.)
Phones. Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
Yes, your cell phone will work on the cruise. For the comfort of other guests, we ask that cell phone conversations be held on the outside decks.
Pricing & Schedules
Prices listed do not include service charge, fuel surcharge or taxes. These are additional and paid at time of booking. Prices and schedules are subject to change.
Refund Policy. Do you offer refunds?
There are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise year-round, rain or shine. In the rare event the Coast Guard prohibits cruising because of weather, we will contact you to make other arrangements.
Reservations. How can I make reservations for a cruise?
You may purchase tickets online for all of our tours, events or dinner boat, or feel free to call us directly to book a cruise at 206-622-8687.
Seasickness. Will I get seasick?
It is highly unlikely. Our boats sail in the calm waters of the inner harbor of Elliott Bay as well as the protected waters of Lake Union and Lake Washington. We do not go out into open ocean water.
Seating. How is seating arranged on the dinner boat?
For the Dinner Boat, generally each party is at their own private table. For Murder Mystery Events as well as A Taste of Seattle History Lunch Tours, we do seat cabaret style for a more festive interaction! Some special events (New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, etc.) are designated as cabaret, meaning your party sits with other parties to fill a table. If cabaret seating is used, this will be indicated on the event description. The majority of our tables accommodate four to eight people. On most sailings there is also the opportunity to upgrade to a window seat for an additional price.
Smoking. What is your smoking policy?
Per Washington State law, all of our vessels are non-smoking, including the outer decks.
Tickets. Where can I pick up tickets?
Tickets can be conveniently picked up 30 minutes prior to departure. Please check your confirmation letter for the exact departure location, as we have different boats in several locations around the city. If you need assistance please call 206-623-1445 and reference your confirmation number.
Weather. Do you sail in inclement weather?
Absolutely. Our ships are fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. We sail rain or shine all year long.
Window Seats. Can I guarantee a window seat?
On the Royal Argosy Dinner Ship there is the opportunity to upgrade to a window table for an additional price. To upgrade, please call 206-623-1445 and reference your confirmation number.
Tillicum Village F.A.Q.
What is Blake Island?
Blake Island State Park was an ancestral campground of the Suquamish and Duwamish Indian Tribes believed to be the birthplace of Chief Seattle. The island was named after Captain George Blake, commander of the US Coast Survey vessel in 1837. Blake Island is located between Vashon Island and Bainbridge Island, eight miles west of Seattle in Kitsap County.
What is there to do on the island?
Blake Island is not only home to Tillicum Village, but it is also the perfect place for hiking, camping and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest. The island is densely wooded with many forested walking and hiking trails and 5 miles of beaches. There are 15.5 miles of both hiking and biking trails, as well as many recreational options such as diving, fishing, clamming, crabbing, beachcombing, bird watching and mountain biking. There are 51 campsites for overnight campers. Wildlife on the island includes deer, chipmunks, otter, squirrels, mink and many types of birds.
What does Tillicum mean?
Tillicum Village was named from the Chinook Indian jargon meaning "friendly people."
What will I be doing for the 4-hour Tillicum Village experience?
Your 4-hour adventure begins with an Argosy cruise on Puget Sound to Blake Island. Here, you'll enjoy an appetizer of clams and nectar before entering the Longhouse for your buffet dinner. Guests can watch whole salmon being cooked on cedar stakes over an alder-wood fire in the traditional NW Coast Indian Style. As you finish your meal, you will enjoy dance and storytelling show in the spirit of the Northwest Coast Indians. After the show, you have approximately 30 minutes of free time when you can browse through the gift gallery featuring artwork of local artisans or stroll along the pleasant beaches and forest trails.
How long is the boat ride to Tillicum Village?
The cruise from Seattle's Pier 55 to Blake Island State Park and Tillicum Village takes about 45 minutes.
Can I take my own boat to Tillicum Village?
Blake Island is accessible only by tour boat or private boat. The park offers 1,500 feet of moorage and twenty-four mooring buoys which are available for overnight boaters. Moorage fees are charged year round for mooring at docks, floats and buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. For information, call Washington State Parks at (360) 902-8844 or the information line at (360) 731-8330, or visit http://www.parks.wa.gov/moorage/.
Can I just take the boat out to the island and not do the salmon dinner and show?
Yes, tickets are available for the boat ride only to Blake Island. Please be aware that frequently there is only one boat per day, or per week, that returns back to Seattle so if you miss the boat then you are stuck on the island until the next scheduled trip (space permitting)! It is your responsibility to catch the return boat at your reserved time. Please call Argosy Cruises at 206-622-8687 for pricing and availability.
What is the cost to have the meal and show if we find our own way to the island?
If you plan on bringing your own private boat to Blake Island and have reserved moorage through Washington State Parks, you can still purchase tickets for the salmon meal and show only at Tillicum Village. Please call Argosy Cruises at 206-622-8687 for pricing and availability.
My child won’t eat fish, is there a separate children’s menu available?
No. A children’s menu is not available at Tillicum Village.
What restrictions do you have when camping on Blake Island and taking the Argosy boat over?
For individual campers, we kindly ask that you bring only camping gear that fits in a backpack or in your hands as there is limited space available on the boat. Please be considerate to those guests around you and place your camping gear out of the walkways. Explosives, weapons, firearms and propane tanks are not permitted.
Can we bring dogs on the boat ride over to Tillicum Village?
No. With the exception of service animals, dogs and other pets are not allowed on the Argosy boat ride over to Blake Island and Tillicum Village. Animals clearly not meeting the definition of a service animal are not permitted on an Argosy vessel or facility regardless of the business location or time of day 24 hours, 7 days a week. This would include, but are not limited to: dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, rodents, birds, etc.
For those providing own transportation to the island, please observe State Park rules regarding pets. Please note we will offer one cruise to the island this summer that is Dog-Friendly. Special dog treats and giveaways. Be sure to check back on our theme cruise page for these details of this summer event.
Can I take pictures during the dance show?
Flash photography is not permitted during the dance show.
What is the 2013 menu at Tillicum Village?
Steamed Clams in Nectar
Traditional Alder Baked Salmon Served with our signature Juniper Berry Seasoning.Signature Northwest StewThis thick meaty stew consisting of venison, beef and bison is full of flavors married together in a rich veal stock, combined with root vegetables and potatoes for a mouth-watering dish.
Wild Grain Harvest Rice Try this wonderful combination of wild and regular rice, cooked to perfection with onions, garlic and a fragrant vegetable stock.
Warm Whole Grain Tillicum Bread This rich, dark, slightly-sweet bread is made with a hint of molasses – our own private recipe, served warm with butter. So popular, in fact, you can even purchase loaves to take home!
Field Greens Salad Seasonal greens, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, Oregon blue cheese, with stone ground rosemary dressing or raspberry vinaigrette served on the side.
Tri-Colored Bean Salad A colorful display of marinated creamy-white cannellini beans and bright, fresh green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and shallots in a red-wine vinaigrette
Fresh Fruit Salad Assorted Melons, Grapes, Strawberries and Pineapple, served with a Strawberry Honey Dipping SauceNorthwest Dessert Treat rustic individual apple pies, table served at room temperature with coffee– Delicious!
( Note: Vegetarian entree available with advanced request)
If I'm just riding the boat, do I have to specify which departure back from the island I want to take?
Yes. If you will not be purchasing a ticket inclusive of the 4-hour experience including the boat ride, meal and show you will need to reserve a specific departure back to Pier 55 at the time of making your reservation. Please be aware that frequently there is only one boat per day, or per week, that returns back to Seattle so if you miss the boat then you are stuck on the island until the next scheduled trip (space permitting)! It is your responsibility to catch the return boat at your reserved time. To purchase tickets for the boat only, please call Argosy Guest Services at 206-622-8687.
Do I have to pay to camp on the island?
Yes. There are 51 campsites for overnight campers at Blake Island State Park. This is a first-come, first-served park. No reservations are available. For camping information, call (360) 731-8330. For group camping requests, please contact Washington State parks at (888) 226-7688 or visit them online at http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Blake+Island.
Can I upgrade my City Pass to Tillicum Village?
Yes, you may upgrade your City Pass to visit Tillicum Village for only $45! Please call Argosy Guest Services at 206-622-8687 for additional information and availability.
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