Upcoming Cruises

Sun Sep 6
Mon Sep 7
Tue Sep 8
Wed Sep 9
Thu Sep 10
Fri Sep 11
Sat Sep 12

Cruises

River, Harbor and Island Tours

Expertly narrated history tours of Portsmouth harbor, the Isles of Shoals and the New Hampshire Seacoast.

  • Star Island Walking Tour & Portsmouth Harbor Tour (aboard M/V Challenger)

    Star Island Walking Tour & Portsmouth Harbor Tour (aboard M/V Challenger)

    Enjoy a narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor cruise with a one-hour stop on historic Star Island. Cruise 10 miles through scenic harbor and open ocean as your guide shares stories of early explorers, local legends, and the working waterfront.

    Once ashore, take an optional walking tour of Star Island and explore over 400 years of Seacoast history. Learn about Captain John Smith's 1614 map of the Isles, hear tales of pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, and visit landmarks like the Oceanic Hotel, Gosport Village, the Stone Chapel, and the John Smith monument. This cruise is perfect for anyone looking to explore New Hampshire's maritime past while enjoying breathtaking views of the Seacoast. 

    Please note this cruise aboard our smaller, more intimate vessel the M/V Challenger. 

    Star Island visitor fee is included in the ticket price. No need to print your tickets. Check in with ticket booth attendant for your boarding pass(es).

    Learn more about the Star Island Walking & Portsmouth Harbor Tour aboard the M/V Challenger here. >

    Cruise Schedule

  • Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour

    Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour

    Relax and enjoy a fully narrated sightseeing cruise through Portsmouth Harbor and around the historic Isles of Shoals. This tour offers a mix of natural beauty and facinating stories as you travel along the Piscataqua River past lighthouses, forts and the city's working waterfront. 

    Out at sea, you'll circle the rugged Isles of Shoals while learning about their role in fishing, trade, and early colonial exploration. Hear tales of pirates, poets, and shipwrecks as you take in sweeping views of the coastliine.

    This cruise does not disembark at the islands, making it perfect for visitors who want a shorter, scenic experience on the water filled with history, views, and coastal charm.

    No need to print your tickets. Check in with ticket booth attendant for your boarding pass(es).

    Learn more about the Isles of Shoals Portsmouth Harbor Tour here. >

    Cruise Schedule

  • Star Island (pre-season) Walking Tour and Portsmouth Harbor Tour

    Star Island (pre-season) Walking Tour and Portsmouth Harbor Tour

    Food options will be limited, so bringing a lunch or eating prior is recommended. This is pre-season for Star Island, so most of the facilities won't be open. The walking tour is not affected. 

    Enjoy our expertly narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor Tour with the bonus of a guided walking tour on Star Island! You'll hear the fascinating history and lore of Portsmouth Harbor as we navigate 10 miles of river and ocean out to Star Island, one of the first footholds for settlement in the new world.

    Disembark with our tour guide and explore Star Island. Your guide will walk you through over 400 years of rich history including the charting of the Isles in 1614 by Captain John Smith of Jamestown and Pocohontas fame who was given the isles as a reward for his efforts on behalf of the Crown of England. Hear the legend of the pirates Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, and the lady ghost of White Island. In the 1800's, resort hotels were built on Star and Appledore Islands and the Shoals became one of the most popular vacation spots on the New England Coast. You'll see the Oceanic hotel, which rivaled the grandest hotels of the time and is still in operation today. Your tour will take you through the replica of Gosport Village, a fishing outpost dating back to the early 1600s which includes the picturesque Stone Chapel and several cottages. You'll also see the tallest gravestone in the state of New Hampshire, the John Smith Monument, and the Caswell Cemetary. 

    The guided walking portion of the tour is optional and you are welcome to explore the island on your own. 

    Star Island visitor fee is included in the ticket price. No need to print your tickets. Check in with ticket booth attendant for your boarding pass(es).

    This cruise allows approximately 1 hour on Star Island.

     

    Cruise Schedule

  • Star Island Extended Day Visit & Portsmouth Harbor Tour

    Star Island Extended Day Visit & Portsmouth Harbor Tour

    Enjoy a narrated Isles of Shoals and Portsmouth Harbor cruise with approximately 5 hours on historic Star Island. Cruise 10 miles through scenic harbor and open ocean as your guide shares stories of early explorers, local legends, and the working waterfront.

    Once ashore, take an optional walking tour of Star Island and explore over 400 years of Seacoast history. Learn about Captain John Smith's 1614 map of the Isles, hear tales of pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, and visit landmarks like the Oceanic Hotel, Gosport Village, the Stone Chapel, and the John Smith monument. This cruise is perfect for anyone looking to explore New Hampshire's maritime past while enjoying breathtaking views of the Seacoast. 

    Star Island visitor fee is included in the ticket price. No need to print your tickets. Check in with ticket booth attendant for your boarding pass(es).

    This cruise utilizes both our vessels. Outbound portion is on our smaller vessel the Challenger. Inbound is aboard our larger vessel the Thomas Laighton.

    Learn more about the Star Island Extended Day Visit & Portsmouth Harbor Tour here. >

    Cruise Schedule

Party Ships

Come join us on the best Party Ship on the Seacoast! The M/V Thomas Laighton steams through the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor on this 21 and over party ship. 

  • Party Ship

    Party Ship

    Get ready for a night to remember. This 21+ party cruise features bands, DJs, themed nights, and dancing across three decks and full bars on the iconic M/V Thomas Laighton. Whether you celebrating a birthday, bachelor or bachelorette party, or just a fun night out, this is the Seacoast's top party on the water. Loud music, epic views, and high energy from start to finish.

    Must be 21+ with a valid state-issued ID. No backpacks or large purses allowed. All bags are subject to search. Bars are cash only. There is an ATM available before boarding. No need to print tickets. Check in with ticket booth attendant for your boarding pass(es).

    Learn more about our Party Ship here. >

    Cruise Schedule

  • UNH Graduation Party Cruise!!

    UNH Graduation Party Cruise!!

    *Bars are cash only on the boat

    Come celebrate UNH graduation in style aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton. Our DJs will be playing the best dance music and our bartenders will be slinging great drink specials all night long. Round trip transportation is included with your ticket. Our buses will pick you up in A lot at 6:00pm (check in starts at 5:30) and bring you to our dock. At the end of the evening you'll be bused home and dropped off downtown so you can continue the celebration. This event is 21+ and for UNH students only. You must have a valid state issued photo ID to board the vessel. No backpacks, alcohol or other illegal substances permitted. 

    Cruise Schedule

Special Events

Special events are even more magical on the M/V Thomas Laighton!

Charters

The M/V Thomas Laighton is one of the most unique venues available for your special event. Our Steamship is truly is a "floating function facility" that can adapt to any type of special event from weddings and rehearsal dinners to company outings and celebratory parties. The best part about chartering our vessel (besides the breathtaking views and tremendous service) is that the boat and all of its amenities are yours alone.
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