2008 Seattle Christmas Ship Festival Schedule : Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship

Theme Cruises

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The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition for 60 years. Its main purpose is to bring communities together to celebrate the holiday season. From our flotilla of ships to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems of the holiday season.

Each night, from November 28, 2009 through December 23rd, 2009 the Argosy Christmas Ship™ sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, over 45 in total. Choirs onboard sing 20-minute performances to these communities, all broadcast via state-of-the-art speaker system. This year, we are beginning the program on Saturday night, November 28 to help commemorate the new South Lake Union Park. Both Saturday and Sunday will be value nights.

On shore, thousands of people gather around roaring bonfires anticipating the arrival of the Christmas Ship™. You can either join us on board the Christmas Ship™ or one of the Parade ships that follow, or join with friends and neighbors to gather together for your own caroling tradition. If you own your own boat, feel welcome to add lights to you vessel andjoin in the festival and help form the largest holiday floating parade in the world!

In addition to good cheer, family, and friends, a portion of all ticket sales benefits The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.

To make a reservation on the Christmas ship or follow boat please call 206-622-8687.

Please Note

All bookings by phone, on-line or in person are final and non-refundable.

CHRISTMAS SHIP™ SPONSORS

The Christmas Ship™ Festival is sponsored by

The Seattle Times,

KeyBank,

KOMO 4 Television and

Starbucks Coffee Company

in cooperation with the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation.

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2009 CHRISTMAS SHIP SCHEDULE

Currently, to make a reservation on the Christmas ship or follow boat, please call 206-622-8687.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 (SPECIAL PREVIEW and VALUE NIGHT)

CHOIR: Seattle Girls' Choir - Cantamus

Depart: South Lake Union 7:00pm, Return: 9:20pm (Value Night)
7:40-8:00 Seattle Yacht Club, 8:30-8:50 MOHAI

Join us on the Lead Christmas Ship with the Choir More Information on the CHRISTMAS SHIP
Book a Parade Boat that follows the Christmas Ship More information on the PARADE BOAT
More information on the DINNER BOAT
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 (SPECIAL PREVIEW and VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: Lake Washington Singers
Depart: South Lake Union 6:00pm, Return: 8:30pm (Value Night)
6:00-6:20 South Lake Union Park, 7:20-7:40 Seattle Tennis Club

Join us on the Lead Christmas Ship with the Choir More Information on the CHRISTMAS SHIP
Book a Parade Boat that follows the Christmas Ship More information on the PARADE BOAT
Santa Brunch Cruise
More information on the DINNER BOAT
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, OPENING NIGHT
CHOIR: Snohomish County Windjammers
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm
6:30-7:00 Opening Ceremony, Kirkland Marina
7:05-7:25 Kirkland Marina Park, 8:20-8:40 Gasworks Park

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: St. Martin's University Chorale
Depart: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:35pm (Value Night)
7:55-8:15 Mercer Island Beach Club (private), 8:45-9:05 Beaux Arts (private)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
CHOIR: Pacific Sound Chorus
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm
7:50-8:10 Luther Burbank, 8:55-9:15 Houghton Beach

Join us on the Lead Christmas Ship w/ Choir More Information on the CHRISTMAS SHIP
Book a Parade Boat that follows the Christmas Ship More information on the PARADE BOAT
More information on the DINNER BOAT
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
CHOIR: Northwest Boychoir - Advanced Choir
Departure: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm
7:50-8:10 Pritchard Beach, 8:25-8:45 Seward Park

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Seattle Girls' Choir - Allegra
Depart: Kirkland 3:30pm, Return: 5:40pm
4:10-4:30 Medina, 5:00-5:20 Yarrow Point Park

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: Voices Northwest
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 10:30pm
8:45-9:05 Chism Beach, 9:25-9:45 Madrona

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
CHOIR: Northwest Boychoir - Intermediate Choir
Depart: Leschi 5:00pm, Return: 7:20pm
5:40-6:00 Ferdinand Street, 6:15-6:35 Stan Sayres, 6:45-7:05 Mt. Baker Beach

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: The Everett Chorale
Depart: Edmonds 7:00pm, Return: 9:10pm (Value Night)
7:10-7:30 Edmonds, 8:20-8:40 Richmond Beach

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Des Moines 7:00pm, Return: 9:35pm (Value Night)
7:55-8:15 Brown’s Point, 8:50-9:10 Redondo Beach

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: North Kitsap Northern Lights
Depart: Bremerton 7:00pm, Return: 9:15pm (Value Night)
7:00-7:20 Bremerton, 8:05-8:25 Silverdale

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10
CHOIR: The Kitsap Carolers
Depart: Pier 55 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm
8:05-8:25 Manchester City Park, 9:15-9:35 Olympic Sculpture Park

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11
CHOIR: Seattle Children's Chorus - Arioso
Depart: Pier 55 7:00pm, Return: 9:50pm
8:00-8:20 Carkeek Park, 8:30-8:50 Blue Ridge

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Northwest Girlchoir - Vivace
Depart: Pier 55 4:00pm, Return: 6:00pm
4:20-4:40 Pier 66, 5:15-5:35 Seacrest Marina

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: Canterbury Belles
Depart: Pier 55 8:00pm, Return: 10:20pm
8:50-9:10 Lowman Beach, 9:40-10:00 Alki Beach

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
CHOIR: Soundwave
Depart: Pier 55 5:00pm, Return: 7:50pm
6:00-6:20 Winslow Waterfront Beach, 7:10-7:30 Don Armeni

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: The Kitsap Carolers
Depart: Tacoma 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm (Value Night)
7:00-7:20 Glass Museum, 8:20-8:40 Gig Harbor

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: Vivace! Cathedrals Choir
Depart: Shilshole 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm (Value Night)
8:10-8:30 Locks, 9:05-9:25 Golden Gardens

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: Rainier Concert Choir
Depart: Des Moines 7:00pm, Return: 9:15pm (Value Night)
7:10-7:30 Des Moines, 8:10-8:30 Dash Point

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
CHOIR: Seattle Seachordsmen
Depart: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:40pm (Value Night)
8:00-8:20 Gene Coulon, 8:50-9:10 Newcastle

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
CHOIR: Con Brio Women's Choir
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:40pm
8:00-8:20 Tracy Owen Station, 9:00-9:20 Juanita Beach Park

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Rainier Ensemble
Depart: Kirkland 3:45pm, Return: 5:55pm
3:55-4:15 Kirkland Marina Park, 4:55-5:15 Madison Park

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: Northwest Girlchoir - Amore
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 10:30pm
8:55-9:15 Sheridan Beach Club, 9:45-10:05 Matthews Beach

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20
CHOIR: Master Chorus Eastside
Depart: Kirkland 5:00pm, Return: 7:45pm
5:15-5:35 Carillon Point, 6:35-6:55 Meydenbauer Bay

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21
CHOIR: Bellevue Chamber Chorus
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:15pm
7:30-7:50 O.O. Denny, 8:30-8:50 Laurelhurst

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
CHOIR: Choir of the Sound
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm
7:55-8:15 Lake Forest Civic Club (private), 8:50-9:10 Magnuson Beach

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 3:30pm, Return: 5:40pm
4:00-4:20 Matthews Beach, 5:00-5:20 Houghton Beach

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, PARADE FINALE
CHOIR: Seattle Girls' Choir - Prime Voci
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 11:05pm
8:45-9:05 Portage Bay (W. Montlake Park), 9:45-10:05 Gasworks Grand Finale

CRUISE CHOICES & RATES FOR THE FESTIVAL

People who want to participate in the festival have a number of options:

1. You can ride the Official Christmas Ship. This Lead Ship is called the Spirit of Seattle and has the choir on board that sings out to shore. It is the lead ship that all other boats follow. Every night from November 28th through the 23rd of December, the Christmas Ship™, Argosy's Spirit of Seattle, takes its place at the head of the parade as the Official Christmas Ship. On board, a local featured choir sings 20-minute programs at scheduled shoreside locations. The choir is broadcast over state-of-the-art speaker systems, letting those on shore join in the festivities. On board, Santa mingles with guests, spreading cheer. Certain holiday activities keep guests entertained between choral performances: sing-a-longs, a"Ho-Ho-Ho" contest, a children's activity corner, and the camaraderie that the holiday spirit brings out.

The boat has two fully enclosed, heated decks, one outside deck, restrooms, and a cash bar. Guests also have the option of pre-purchasing boxed meals. (Boats that follow the Christmas ship are called Parade Boats and do not have a choir onboard).

Rates to ride the Christmas Ship itself:

$35 adults, $19 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee and tax are additional on all events).

The finale performance, December 23rd, is $58 for adults and $38 for kids 5-12.

Value Night Rates:

We also have special value nights on the Christmas Ship, as indicated on the schedule.

$25 adults, $12 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee & tax are additional on all events)

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2. Parade Boats, or follow boats to the Christmas Ship do just that. They follow the Christmas Ship but do not have the choir on board. The brightly lit Parade Ships follow the Christmas Ship™. Boats that follow the Christmas ship are called Parade Boats and do not have a choir onboard. Many boats make up the parade ship fleet, including many of Argosy's own ships as well as privately owned boats from nearby marinas.
Parade Ships are fully enclosed with outside areas, restrooms, and a cash bar. Guests also have the option of pre-purchasing boxed meals. On board activities include a 'Ho-Ho-Ho' contest, Santa's magical presence, sing-a-longs, and a kids' activity area. All parade ships position themselves alongside the Christmas Ship™ to enjoy the outstanding choral performances.

Rates to ride the parade boats:

$25 adults, $12 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee & tax are additional on all events).
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3. Jazz Boats also follow the Christmas Ship, but have a local live jazz band on board. Join us with KWJZ for our annual Jazz ship following the Christmas Ship. The Jazz ship will have staff on board from KWJZ as well as full bar service. You may pre-purchase boxed melas for this. Some light snack items may be included.
Schedule TBD

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4. Some nights are also followed by the Royal Argosy, Seattle's Dinner Boat. This option allows you to follow in the parade while having a 3-course seated-served meal that you order form a menu. Everyone has their own private table and there is generally a live band on board. The Royal Argosy only follows the parade on SOME evenings. The elegant Royal Argosy (decorated beautifully for the holidays) is a perfect way to create a holiday tradition in your family or with co-workers. Join us for a seated served 3-course dinner, live music and a 2-1/2-hour cruise on most nights. Locations and times vary greatly in the month of December.

On December 23rd we also offer a special early sailing of the Dinner Boat for families that includes a buffet and follows the Christmas Ship. (Both the Christmas Ship itself and all the other follow boats have boxed-meal options). Please check the schedule or call if you want to ride this boat on a parade night.

Rates to ride the Dinner Ship:
Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs: $89 adults, $29 kids 5-12
Fri, Sat: $99 adults, $39 kids 5-12
Wednesday, 12/23 (Early Sailing 3:30-6:00): $59 adults, $10 kids 2-12
Wednesday, 12/23 (Finale show): $99 adults, $39 kids 5-12
(pre-paid service charge and tax additional on dinner boat events)

Available Dates for 2009 December Dinner Ship TBD: (Note: This schedule changes frequently.)
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5. Or, you can bring out your own boat and follow the parade with friends and family. For those who simply want from shore, please join us at one of the locations in the schedule - many with wonderful bonfires and community involvement. To know where to find the bonfire sights, just click on the live links in the schedule
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SANTA BRUNCHES ABOARD THE ROYAL ARGOSY

November 29th, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
December 6th, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
December 13th, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
December 20th, Carillon Point, Kirkland

Join us on Sundays from 12-2 beginning November 29th for a fabulous brunch buffet, crafts for kids and a visit from Santa! These cruises feature a buffet brunch, Santa on board who will read to the kids. There is also an arts and craft area designated for little ones.

The menu includes: Fruit Display, Waldorf Salad, Northwest Egg Scramble, Roasted Potatoes, kids special Mac and cheese, Chicken and Apple Breakfast Sausage, Smoked Salmon Display with cream cheese, capers & bagels, Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Served with real Maple syrup, Bacon, Fresh Pastries and Holiday Cookies.
Included bevarges: Coffee, Tea, OJ or Milk.
More information coming soon!
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FAMILY NIGHT EARLY DINNER AND PARADE

December 23rd, Carillon Point, Kirkland, 3:30-6:00 pm

Join Argosy for a December tradition designed for families. As you watch the Christmas ship, enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner as well as strolling carols provided by the Dickens Carolers. Santa will be on board and special arts and crafts will be available for little ones!

Buffet dinner includes: Field Greens Salad, Grilled Vegetable Platter, Fruit Platter, Chicken, Salmon with rice pilaf, Ravioli, breads and dessert samplers. Plus kids will have home-made macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers.
Rate: $59 adults, $10 kids ages 2-12 (Under 2 no charge) (pre-paid service charge and tax additional on all Royal Argosy events)
CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW!
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MAPS TO DEPARTURE LOCATIONS

Click here for directions to different departure locations.
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BOXED MEAL MENU

Please note: No outside food or drink are allowed on board our boats. Guests, who would like a full service dinner included, may want to consider cruising on the Royal Argosy. Or, for those who are riding the Christmas Ship or a follow boat, you may pre-order boxed meals.

Boxed meals must be ordered a minimum of 48 hours in advance by calling Argosy Cruises at (206-622-8687). A limited number of boxed meals may be available for purchase on board the boat. All sales are final.
Only Advance Orders include a ticket for one free coffee, tea, soda or juice.

2009 Boxed Meal Menu and Rates: TBD