The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition since 1949. 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, Decmeber 1st through December 23rd, 2012 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.
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 and join 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.
Thank you for a wonderful Christmas Ship Season 2011. We look forward to seeing you next year. The 2012 Schedule should be available by March 1, 2012.
CHRISTMAS SHIP FESTIVAL FAQS
My friends and I made separate reservations, are we all going to be on the same boat?
Check your confirmation letters for which vessel you are booked on (Spirit of Seattle, Goodtime II, etc). If you are all on the same one, great! If you are still wondering, give guest services a call at 206-623-1445. (Please have all the names on the reservations available.)
Can I bring my latte onboard?
There is no outside food or beverages allowed onboard. There are snacks and beverages available for purchase, or you can pre-order box meals.
What if I’m running late?
Unfortunately, we can’t keep the scheduled performances and hundreds of people waiting for you. Please arrive with plenty of time to find parking and complete the boarding process. We pull the boarding ramp up promptly at the scheduled departure time.
How should I dress?
Festively! The Christmas Ship is a casual but festive party. Please dress according to the weather for the boarding process and enjoying the outdoor deck views. The indoor decks are heated.
Where do I pick up my tickets?
Your tickets will be available at the departure dock on the day of the cruise. Will call opens approximately 1 ½ hours ahead of departure time. Look for a tent or ticket booth.
Does the cruise ever get canceled?
If the mayor or governor declare a state of emergency due to weather or other causes.
Is there ever more than one Santa on the dock or boat?
There will be only one Santa onboard your boat. We do like to warn parents that there may occasionally there may be more than one Santa on the dock during the boarding. We have often told our own children that they are Santa's helpers who dress up and carry him messages, as he cannot be everywhere at once.
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