The Seattle Traveler

One of the many beautiful light displays this time of year is the Parade of Christmas Ships.

The Christmas Ship is Argosy Cruise Line’s Spirit of Seattle, and it leads off the parade.  Onboard will be music and entertainment, including scheduled shore-side caroling.  Santa will be there checking to see who’s been naughty and who’s been nice, and helping to keep the festivities merry.  There are lots of activities for children (activity corner, sing-a-longs, etc.), you can order a box lunch to eat onboard, and for adults, a cash bar is available.

Don’t worry if the weather is a little chilly; the boat has two fully enclosed heated decks!

Following the Christmas Ship is a flotilla of additional parade ships, along with private, decorated boats, making a bright spot out on our local waters.  You can see the lights of a parade from quite a distance away.

Location:  Varies, check schedule online.  Departures are from various marinas around the greater Seattle area.  You can view the parade from ship or shore.

Dates & Times:  November 29th – December 23rd, various sailing times

Tickets:  Vary depending on sailing date and time, and also which ship you choose.  Value rates and special events are available. 

If you can’t join the festivities onboard, the schedule will show the various shore stops.  Catch up with the music and sing-alongs there!  Or plan a waterfront meal at a local restaurant.  Or just find a parking spot to watch the colorful parade of floating lights go by.

A portion of all ticket sales goes to the Seattle Times Fund For The Needy, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.

Image credit:  Courtesy of Argosy Cruise Lines

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