Blount - Small Ship Adventures

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2013 Hudson, Erie Canal, St. Lawrence Seaway: New York to Montreal (on the Grande Mariner)

13 days, 12 nights

Adventure Day-by-Day

Day 1: On this adventure through the rivers, lakes, and fjords of the northeast, our signature small ships enable you to slip in and out of historic and picturesque river towns. After a noon departure from New York City, travel through the bustling New York Harbor enjoy-ing unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline. A short trip up the Hudson brings you to Kingston, NY.

Day 2: In Kingston, you can visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits dedicated to preserving the area’s maritime history. Either Hyde Park or Vanderbilt Mansion will be an option (based on availability). Hyde Park includes visiting “Springwood,” the estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, now home to his presidential library and museum. Later, cruise to Troy known for its unparalleled Victorian architecture and abundant Tiffany windows seen in such films as Martin Scorsese’s Age of Innocence. Here, witness the unique feat of lowering the ship’s pilot house as we prepare to travel under the low bridges of the Erie Canal. This engineering design was the brainchild of founder Luther H. Blount and is still a trademark of the Blount Small Ship Adventures experience today.

Day 3: Pass through Lock 11 of the Erie Canal to Amsterdam, NY, originally a Dutch settlement on the banks of the Mohawk River. New York’s Mohawk Valley is the ancestral home of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Mohawk, who now reside predominantly along New York’s northern-most border.

Day 4: Enjoy a full day on the Erie Canal’s calm, blue water and the unspoiled beauty of the surrounding countryside. Today you may choose to visit Cooper-stown, NY and meet the ship later in the day. Located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, Cooperstown is home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Farmers Museum and the Fenimore Art Museum. Watch America’s history come alive in this picturesque town that combines big-city excitement with small town charm. Tonight in Sylvan Beach, on the shores of shimmering Oneida Lake, a local performer will entertain with the history and period music of the Erie Canal.

Day 5: Cruise along the Oswego Canal. Your port of call today is Oswego, NY on the shores of magnificent Lake Ontario. You may choose to take a local shuttle on a panoramic loop around this charming area and view some of the highlights such as the H. Lee White Marine Museum, the Richardson-Bates House Museum, or Fort Ontario. Witness the marvel of the pilot house being raised.

Day 6: Today cruise to Clayton, NY in the gorgeous Thousand Islands region. You will visit the notable Antique Boat Museum for a glimpse of the world’s largest showcase of classic recreational boats. Overnight in scenic Alexandria Bay with views of the famed Boldt Castle.

Day 7: Continuing through the scenic Thousand Islands, you will visit tiny Dark Island in Chippewa Bay and tour the stately and elegant Singer Castle. Built as a private home in 1905, the mansion was used for rum-running during Prohibition. Continue on to Ogdensburg where you may opt to visit the Frederic Remington Art Museum to admire the original works of this American painter.

Day 8: Crossing into Canada you cruise the St. Lawrence Seaway, the gateway from the Atlantic Ocean to the North American Great Lakes. The Seaway is a system of locks, canals, and channels dotted with waterfront communities, scenic islands, and amazing wildlife habitats.

Day 9: Welcome to charming and historic Quebec City. With its distinctly French culture it’s considered by many to be the most romantic city in North America. Be sure to visit the impressive Chateau Frontenac and browse the shops and restaurants along the cobblestone streets of Old Town. This morning an optional tour introduces the charms of Quebec City and the stunning view from Observation Towers before visiting the impressive Montmorency Falls. Tonight, a local pianist entertains you onboard.

Day 10: Cruise north along the St. Lawrence River to the mouth of the beautiful Saguenay River. This swift waterway is bordered by dramatic cliffs which create some of Canada’s most stunning natural scenery. The Saguenay is noted to be one of the world’s best locales for whale watching, attracting belugas, right whales and even the elusive blue whale. A naturalist and fjord expert will join you at this scenic wonder to introduce you to this area’s majestic fjords and phenomenal wildlife, including seals, birds and whales.

Day 11: Spend the day cruising south to Montreal, a fantastic world-class city filled with culture, history, and artistic wonders.

Day 12: You’ll fall in love with Montreal, from its charming riverside locale to its diverse, big-city attractions. Choose an optional city tour which will include Old Montreal, Olympic Park, Mount Royal Park, and St. Joseph’s Oratory (northbound only). Later this evening enjoy a performance of the flute and guitar by local entertainers.

Day 13: Disembark in Montreal.

Click return to Itinerary Explorer

”It doesn’t get any better than this. The crew are all very good and friendly people.“

Joseph P. Pilesgrove, NJ

Itinerary Details

SHIP: Grande Mariner

  • EMBARK:
    New York, NY
  • DISEMBARK:
    Montreal, QC
Start Date: End Date:
  • Sep 10, 2013 Sep 22, 2013
  • Sep 24, 2013* Oct 06, 2013*

*Reverse itinerary available for these cruise dates

  • Category 1
    $3,999
  • Category 2
    $4,379
  • Category 3
    $4,869
  • Category 4
    $5,129

PORT CHARGES: $295

Waterways Traveled

  • New York Harbor
  • Hudson River
  • Erie Canal
  • Oswego Canal
  • Lake Ontario
  • St. Lawrence Seaway
  • Saguenay River

All itineraries including ports, activities, and routes are subject to change based on availability, weather, river, water levels and sea conditions. Please note foliage is subject to Mother Nature.