A Parent's Review: Ice Cream Cruise on Lake Union – Aye, Aye, Captain!
By Machelle Allman
Whether it’s warm and sunny or cloudy and cold, like it was when we set sail, the "Ice Cream Cruise" on Lake Union is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It’s a reasonably priced, out-of-the-ordinary, kid-friendly outing – one that could easily turn into a regular habit.
Captain Larry and First Mate Rosie pilot the M/V Fremont Avenue around Lake Union and point out interesting features of the area, including the houseboat communities, an array of interesting boats, renowned glass blower Dale Chihuly’s place, and the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat. Throughout the 50-minute cruise, Captain Larry humorously and unobtrusively comments on the history of Lake Union and Seattle.
The sailing we took also happened to be a 3-year-old’s birthday party, so everyone on board was ready to have fun! Captain Larry played golden oldies music on the speakers, and First Mate Rosie served the ice cream sandwiches, floats, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Prices range from $2 to $4.
The vessel is 50 feet long and has a capacity of only 49 people, so it’s easy to make your own little community of new acquaintances. The cabin was heated, so the chilly air was not an issue. We also had fun in the open air when we ventured out on the upper deck. Captain Larry has a laundry basket filled with wool blankets to use as sit-upons or to wrap up in if needed.
Our 6-year-old was enchanted. He’s a big fan of “things that go,” so the boat ride was a real hit. The same was true for an added bonus: several seaplanes that took off and landed in the lake while we were cruising the water. He really liked his ice cream sandwich and hot chocolate. All in all, his take: It wasn’t just fun. It was “super awesome!”
IF YOU GO:
Where: Seattle Ferry Service, Valley Street and Terry Avenue N., South Lake Union When: Sunday sailings on the hour, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October (if daylight allows). Tickets: Adults $11, seniors $10, kids (5 to 13) $7, under 5 $2, pets OK. (Note: Cash or check only, and galley treats range from $2-$4.) Contact: 206-713-8446; Larry@SeattleFerryService.com; www.seattleferryservice.com.
Machelle Allman is a Seattle educator, actress, and mom of a first-grader.
This story was originally published March 20, 2009. It was updated July 14, 2009 by Seattle’s Child staff.
