From The Wheelhouse

We are preparing for the 2010 navigation season and things are looking great. We have already booked several wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and corporate charters.

What I find most interesting about any of the wedding event charters or large group cruises is the level of anxiety that the brides-to-be exhibit. What is as remarkable is the level of planning that goes into these events. However, much of the stress can be relieved by working with a professional organization and having realistic budgets for your plans. When planning your event, be it a rehearsal dinner, reception or wedding ceremony make sure you ask exactly what is included. Many of the venues that provide wedding events charge additional fees for linens, stemware, setup etc. I am happy to say that when you book your wedding event with us the price is inclusive of these items. So, when you actually add it all up, having your event aboard our dinner and tour boat is less expensive than in many venues, and after attending many wedding events I can say that our service is far and away superior, the atmosphere more festive and of who wouldn’t think a wedding cruise is romantic?

Corporate charters are really a fantastic idea in these times. Business leaders are trying to maintain budgets or cut expense. However, they understand that they must treat employees with respect reward employees for all the work that they do. The question is how to do that without breaking the bank. Several regional business leaders from construction companies to insurance companies have chartered the Mystère for cruises and very effectively set these up as employee and client appreciation events. Everyone, without exception has a remarkably good time on corporate cruises. Business owners and managers have raved about the upturn in employee moral after these cruises. The employees really see this as a special treat. At the end of the day, it always works out to be more cost effective than traditional company parties, get together’s etc. We have had great success in packaging cruises with a trip to Turning Stone Casino. These all day outing provide time for meetings, relaxation and dare we say it…. Team building.

Special Events:
Everyone considers a sightseeing cruise or dinner cruise to be special, but we like to shake things up a little with our themed cruises and special cruise events. This season will be better than ever.
For the business minded, we will be hosting a “Speed Networking” event on May. This will be a perfect opportunity for business owners, marketing professionals and others to meet with others in the region. These events continue to grow in popularity and effectiveness so be sure to call us for details.

Last year our Mothers Day cruise sold out in one week’s time. This year we will have two cruises. I’m sure that both of these will sell out as in past years so make sure that you reserve early. Once again, there will be flowers for Mom to take with her after the cruise and Mimosas will be provided courtesy of the captain.

There will be three Latin dance cruises this summer with the first celebrating Cinco de Mayo. These cruises always sell out and are sponsored by CNY Latino. If you want to ensure that you get aboard these sell out cruises you should call far in advance and reserve your place.

In June, Seaway Navigation And Tours, Ltd is sponsoring a Family Day event in Brewerton. This event will take place at the Riverfront Park and will feature many vendors for crafts, food and games for kids and adults alike. During the afternoon, we will have special sightseeing cruises every 90 minutes starting at 10AM and continuing until 5PM.

In June and July we will be having a special Jazz & Sushi Cruise with Sushi Chefs from the Mohegan Manner Club Susi aboard. Sushi will be provided on an ala cart basis. For information, you can call Mohegan Manner or us for more information.

July 3rd is our first Fireworks cruise of the year. This is a very special cruise which sells out in a matter of a few weeks. To ensure that you get the best view, and we mean, THE best view of the fireworks on the river in Brewerton make sure to call far in advance. Only 40 people on the dinner and party cruise!

A Ladies Poker Night is also in the works for Friday July 23rd. That event being sponsored by “In The Event Of” planning company.

Changes To Public Cruises

With the pace of life getting faster and more frantic, the last thing that anyone wants is to rush to a dinner cruise. So, this season all of our public dinner cruises will begin at 6 PM. This is 30 minutes later than in previous years. The later time gives our passengers more time to get to the Mystère from their place of work.

Friday night cruises are being upgraded with the addition of hand carved Prime Rib cut you upon your seating. As always, reservations for passage are required for all cruises featuring a meal and meal selections are made at the time of reservations.

Passengers on our Sunday cruises now have the choice of BBQ Lunch or simply opting for a simple leisurely sightseeing cruise. The Sunday cruises will feature Smokey Bones BBQ.
Make sure to check out our new menu and website layout in the coming weeks

Craziest Things We Witnessed In 2009

As promised here are the top 5 idiotic things we witnessed during the past cruise season
#5 People jumping off bridges just prior to us passing under them.
#4 People anchored in the channel. Even better at night without an anchor light
#3 Boats running at night without navigation lights
#2 Boaters turning around inside the lock chamber
#1 Boaters drinking and doing circles around the Mystère. I would say the law of tonnage applies. We are 44 tones of hardened steel; you are a few thousand pounds of plastic and wood. If you really want to have a cocktail on the water, come aboard for a cruise and leave the navigation to us.

Well, that’s about all for now. We will be rebuilding our website so make sure to check back soon. And as always, if you have a suggestion for a blog subject or cruise idea. Drop us a note.

Happy holidays to everyone, I hope this entry finds everyone healthy and ready for the holidays.

As most of you probably know by now the Mystère was hauled onto her winter carriages for the winter. Many of you have asked what happens during the winter months when we are not operational so that will be the focus of this entry of From The Wheelhouse.

Our running season ended on the last weekend of September, which was two weeks sooner than we had anticipated. The original plans had called for the Mystère to transit to Oswego for a special set of cruises. Unfortunately, the customer could not prepare in time for our arrival so that put an early end to the navigation season.

Once the plans for the Oswego voyage were scuttled, we immediately began preparations for the winter. This involved preparing the propulsion engines for winter including lubricant draining, fresh water removal from the coolant systems, filter removals etc. Then the same was done for the AC power system. Once these engines where prepared, the plumbing system had to be drained and pumped full of anti freeze. After that the wheelhouse displays were removed and communication systems where removed for storage. All that leads up to the day when the Mystère was hauled onto the rail carriage for the winter.

I have to say that I refuse to watch this activity. I took that advice from the same marine surveyor who warned me against watching the stability tests required by the USCG. I learned my lessons and took his advice. Both activities are far too harrowing to watch when it is your own vessel that is being handled. That leads me to the main activity for the winter months. Dealing with the 14 federal agencies which we in one way or another impact our operation either in a supporting role, or in a regulatory role. This is in addition to the half dozen or so state, and county agencies we deal with.

This interaction occures becouse we are required to be inspected and tested by the USCG during each year. If during any of these inspections and audits there is a finding, even the smallest administrative issue, that finding and its correction fall squarely on the shoulders of the vessels Master.

Until that finding is addessed and corrected the vessel may be prohibited from operating. I can assure you that having that happen to me has made me extremely vigilant in ensuring that it does not happen again. Therefore, from November to February I deal with each of these agencies on a weekly basis to ensure that I am fully aware of the inevitable changes in regulations and requirements that are imposed upon small passenger vessel operations and that I plan for the implementation of changes to address these requirements.

In addition, since I had my surgery I a have been unable to complete the reports outlining the issues that need to be addressed, or improvements made for the coming season’s operations. So, during this month I will impose upon my wife to type these up for me. This report is then submitted to the Board of Directors so they may plan for the upcoming season’s budget.

Notwithstanding the two dozen or so governmental organizations, Board of Director reports, budget planning etc we also are now running headlong into the itinerary planning for the next season. This includes developing marketing plans and materials for trade shows and convention planners.

So you may notice that I am not as active when the navigation season is over, which would be correct and that my work hours are essentially cut in half to 40 hours per week. A good rest indeed. While that might sound like a complaint, it is not. I would not trade this job and its long hours for anything.

When my shoulder heals a little more and my wife doesn’t have to type this out for me, I’ll answer the next question posed, what is the most foolish thing you saw this season. Trust me, it will amaze you.

Safe holidays to everyone.

From The Wheelhouse.

This past few weeks have been extremely busy for the crew of the Mystère.   July saw the transit of the Mystère to Oswego where we provided ferry service across the port of Oswego during the annual Oswego Harborfest. While this year’s attendance at the Harborfest was far less then past years, the passengers were treated to longer tours and had the very welcome opportunity to sit and relax while we took a peaceful cruise to the opposite berth.  We also hosted our first wedding.  Words cannot express the romantic feeling that took hold of the entire crew when the Bride and the Groom came aboard for the wedding reception.  We must have done something right since from that single event we have now booked two additional weddings for next year!

In August, we’re looking forward to our second wedding reception, a Murder Mystery Cruise, our second Hot Latin Night Dance Cruise and a Moonlight Wine Cruise and of course, we’ll have fantastic cruises every week.

One thing that everyone should notice right away is the new menu. We pride ourselves on providing the absolute best dinner aboard any tour boat in the region and every week, without fail people come up to me after the cruise and say that they have been on this other cruise over here, or that cruise over there,  and our food is far better and the crew far friendlier. We intend to continue this reputation and in fact extend it further to exceed your expectations.

We also listen to our customers on every cruise and while some things are beyond our control, (weather), we always explore things we can do to improve our offerings and services.  Well, we have done so.  Many people asked if we could change our Sunday schedule so that they didn’t have to rush to get to us after church, or so they could relax a bit on Sunday morning. Well, you asked, we listened and we have done it! Our Sunday cruises now depart at Noon and the menu is now a lunch menu. We return dockside at 2PM and we have even lowered the prices!  Make sure to check out our website www.seawaynavigationandtours.com or call the office (315) 934-4157 for more information.

Now, as usual I’ve taken some experiences since the last entry and hope to use those experiences to pass along some bits of information, which will help boaters in the region to increase safety and enjoyment for everyone on the water.

We do transit canal locks dozens of times each month and we do witness boaters doing odd things, which are usually just annoying or inconvenient, sometimes just plain hilarious, but every so often, someone does something that is simply dangerous.  During several transit this month a few recreational boats stopped at the gates on the way out of the locks to have conversations with other boats. While this may sound trivial, it is not. Every boat, EVERY BOAT has a limitation known as steerage speed. This is the minimum speed at which a vessel can maintain course and control.  When boaters stop in confined areas, i.e. at the exit of a lock, boats behind them cannot maintain a safe course of travel and may strike the lock structure or strike another vessel.

If you must talk with someone near the lock, pull well out of the lock and tie up along the waiting walls to hold your discussions. The middle of a navigation range is not the place to talk with your friends in the next boat. In a similar vein, if you are going to be locking through with several vessels, the larger vessels require more speed to maintain steerage so do everyone a favor, either pull well forward and get out of the lock promptly when the gates are opened, or lock through at the end of the float so that the larger vessels can have the maneuver room required. Don’t stop to pick up dropped items; don’t hold conversations while entering or exiting. If you drop something, hail the lockmaster via Marine 13 and notify them. They will be glad that you notified them rather than stopping with vessels waiting and potentially causing a marine incident.

Until next time. Keep her between the buoys and be safe.

Welcome to From the Wheelhouse. This entry into the blog will, I hope, provide some insight into the locking process and the reasons for the locks along the New York State Canal System.
 

The history of the canal system is replete with political intrigue and wrangling, which unfortunately still continues to this day. Thankfully, the purpose and process of locking remains constant namely provide a means of efficient transportation of bulk goods and people across a great expanse of territory.
 

When you look at a topographical map of New York, you will notice that the canal system runs a route that changes in elevation relative to sea level. The base elevation is referred to as the tidewater level and is located in Troy on the Hudson River.
 

From the tidewater, travelling west the level of the canal raises in elevation though a series of locks in the Mohawk Valley to elevation 420 feet above sea level at the summit level at Rome. The minimum depth of the canal is achieved and maintained through the manipulation of a series of damns. The summit level in Rome is the highest point above sea level for the Erie Canal. It is also at this location where the buoys switch in their reference to the “Home Port”.
 

Travelling westward from the summit in Rome the canal begins its decent to elevation 363 feet above sea level at the junction of Three Rivers, which is just north of Syracuse in the Town Of Clay. At this point, the mariner can either turn toward the north and head to Lake Ontario or continue westward toward Lake Erie. Transiting westward the canal will rise once again to an elevation of 565.6 feet above sea level at the Niagara River. If the mariner transits north to Lake Ontario along the Oswego Canal, the river descends to an elevation of 244.4 feet above sea level.
 

Travelling along the Champlain Canal, the canal ascends from tidewater at Troy to elevation of 140 feet above sea level at the summit level and then descends to elevation 96.5 feet above sea level at the entrance to Lake Champlain.
 

What should be noticed, especially at the Three Rivers Junction is that there are several directions of water flow. To control and manage the depth of the water and the magnitude of the water currents the Canal System utilizes a series of dams and streams in conjunction with the locks to create an artificially maintained “pool level”. The pools allow vessels to travel on what would otherwise be a series of rapids, waterfalls, or minimal streams.
 

By controlling the depth carefully, the Canal System maintains a minimum published depth of 12 feet and a manageable and navigable current flow. It should be noted that when travelling along the canal system there are locations where the flows can be confusing and a boater can get himself or herself in quite a predicament if they are not paying attention. The locks, of which there are 57 are essentially gateways to another pool with doors on either side to prevent water from rushing between pools, imagine when you walk through two sets of double doors or a mud room, the mud room prevents an inrush of cold air into the main house, the double gates serve essentially the same purpose.
 

When a vessel passes through a lock, it is known as “Locking Through”. During our dinner, brunch or sightseeing cruises the M/V Mystère locks through Lock E-23. The “E” denotes that this is a lock on the Erie Canal Section. The number 23 is the lock number designator.
 

Each lock has a staff of people who work at the lock. These folks are generally assigned to a specific lock and are tasked with performing maintenance, and operating the locks themselves. The senior person at the lock is called the Lockmaster and can be hailed on Channel 13 (marine vhf bridge to bridge). The process of locking through is straightforward but the navigator must ensure that they account for set and drift of current and for vessels with a larger air draft the speed and direction of the wind.
 

Locking Through
 

Initial Contact
To lock through the boater hails the lockmaster on MR 13, and provides the direction of their travel and an estimated time of their approach to the gates. The lockmaster will contact the boater and provide status of the locks and when the lock gates will open for the boat requesting a lock through.
 

When the lockmaster receives word that vessel is requesting a lock through they will close both sets of lock gates and begin the process of either flooding the lock, or drawing the lock down depending upon which direction the requesting boat is approaching. While you are waiting, set out fenders and prepare hooks and other equipment. Do not wait until you are in the lock to do so.
 

Approaching the Lock:
When the lock preparations are complete, the lockmaster will open the gates for the requesting vessel and set the approach lights to green. The approach lights are very similar to stop lights on the road. If they are red, boaters should stand well clear of the gates.
 

A green light means come ahead. Enter the lock slowly, stay in line of approach, and pull forward. If there are vessels behind you make way to the furthest location, especially if you are locking through with a commercial vessel as draft and clearance are often critical to the vessels master.
During the lock through keep bow and stern close to the wall by looping line to holding apparatus but do not under any circumstances tie off or wrap lines around hands or feet as lines may tighten and cause injury.
 

Exiting the Lock:
Take in lines when lock gates are fully open and shove off away from the wall. Proceed slowly out of the lock chamber in order. Observe, “lock limit” speed before increasing cruising speed.
 
As a Master of a tour boat, the biggest issues that we come across are boaters who purchase their passes when they are inside of the locks and boats that are not forward in the lock. This is a point of consternation everyone in the lock who are now delayed and it is also a headache for the lockmasters. If you do not have the appropriate pass, you would be better off notifying the lockmaster of this prior to arrival and tie up at the approach walls to conduct the transaction. Doing this will save other boaters time, and it will make the lockmasters job just that much easier. If you are ahead of other boats, pull forward in the lock to make room for others. Simple courtesy and observation go a long way.
 

As I mentioned earlier, we transit through lock E-23 several times each week. The lockmasters and the other lock tenders are very knowledgeable people and can provide a lot of information on the history of the locks and the canals. They are always willing to help if asked in a respectful manner. As a commercial operator, I could not perform our functions without the help and cooperation of these people. They deal with thousands of vessels and tens of thousand of people each year and have always been professional in their manors. If you do come aboard M/V Mystère for one of our cruises you will undoubtedly meet the folks at lock 23, feel free to ask them questions, we are always learning some new piece of history from them. Better yet, come on one of our Lockmaster tours where we tie up on the wall and passengers disembark and are provided with a guided tour of the lock structures and the powerhouse. This tour is fabulous and we are sure you will enjoy it immensely.
 

Upcoming Week

This week ushers in the holiday weekend. We have a sold out fireworks cruise on Friday night, but that isn’t a problem for holiday revelers. Come aboard for our dinner cruise at 5:30 on Friday and then stay right in town to watch the fireworks light up the bay in Brewerton. The views are still great from one of the local shorelines so enjoy a great cruise to start the holiday weekend. If dinner isn’t what you’re looking for we have a Sunday brunch cruise that is truly out of this world. So get Aboard And Get Away!

This entry into the From The Wheelhouse blog is the result of a specific incident last week and the ongoing concern that recreational boat operators are unaware of, or are ignoring, basic regulations pertaining to the rules of the road and thereby endangering themselves as well as others.

The incident in question occurred on the New York State Canal System west of Lock E23. This section of the canal system is extremely busy and provides our passengers with an opportunity to see vessels of all types from around the world. Unfortunately it also visited by many boaters who ignore the law often creating dangerous situations.

Last week while we were Making Way at approximately 2130 hrs when we came upon a recreational boat that was mid channel without a single light blazing. This is extremely dangerous and could have resulted in a fatal accident. The operator of this pleasure craft broke several federal laws and more importantly placed his passengers as well as mine in danger.

To understand why this is an important issue I will provide some basic background. At night or in limited visibility, the lights of a vessel are used by other navigators to not only “see” the other boat, but are used to determine, size, direction of travel and what the vessel is doing at that time, i.e. trawling, fishing, a tug pushing, towing astern or on-the-hip, at anchor etc. This information is used by vessel masters to determine how to best navigate within a particular section of waterway. The characteristics, color, brightness, rate of flash etc. are specified within international treaties and codified in US law in 33 CFR Part 84 . The requirement to use them is also required by international treaty and within waters under US Admiralty by US Law. This includes private pleasure craft.
 

These laws, which the recreational boater ignored, are covered within the COLREGS in Rule 20, part (c) which states, “The lights prescribed by these Rules shall, if carried, also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary.” 

Since this at night the boat should have been displaying an all-around light as required by Rule 30 (ai), (aii) and (b) which states that “(a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen: (i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball; and (ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in subparagraph (i), an all-round white light. (b) A vessel of less than 50 meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.”

By not displaying the lights as required the vessel operator placed many people in jeopardy, this is compounded by an equally egregious act of impeding the passage of vessels which is prohibited by RULE 9 (b) which states that “A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.”

While the passengers aboard that night did not notice, and both I and a deck hand spotted the recreational boat in time to maneuver around them a serious incident could have occurred. This very issue is why when the Mystère is cruising at night is staffed with an extra deck hand that is tasked with standing watch at the exclusion of all other activities.

Please, take some time and study the 72 COLREGS. If you do have questions I would be happy to answer them or ensure that you are placed in contact with the Navigation Center who will answer your question. Please be safe and courteous.

 Upcoming Events

• This coming Sunday is Fathers Day! We have sold out for our first cruise and have added a second cruise in the afternoon. This cruise will also feature the world famous Dinosaur BBQ which was voted best BBQ in America a few weeks ago. Dads will also be provided two tokens for free beer. This cruise is going to be fantastic! Do not miss out.
•  We have a fireworks cruise on July 3rd. Many passengers are double booking to take advantage of a discounted price when you cruise with us for dinner that night and then join us for our fireworks cruise. We will have a radio station personality DJ aboard that night. The last time we had him on we had the crowd dancing with 20 minutes, unbelievable. This cruise is sure to be a sell out.
• Later in July we welcome Miss Trixie And Her Dolls aboard. This old fashioned burlesque show is a perfect fit for the Mystère who has the lines of the old steamers which cruised the waters of CNY in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. This troupe of entertainers sells out everywhere they go and we are limiting this to a 50-passenger cruise. Book early or you will be sorry! What Happens Aboard Stays Aboard!
• If for some reason, fireworks, and old-fashioned burlesque show does not get you going, we will be hosting a Latin dance party in July. This posting is the first we have made this public and we have already sold 25 tickets! People heard it through the rumor mill so I am sure we will sell this out.

Don’t be left ashore. Get Aboard And Get Away.

Seaway Navigation And Tours does it again; we prove that we are CNY’s exclusive nightclub destination.

The main subject for this entry is an explanation of the annual inspection process for passenger vessels as it relates to yearly exams. In future entries, I will discuss the five-year inspection process and requirements.

Certificate Of Inspection

We often field questions from passengers and people ashore concerning the frequency of US Coast Guard inspections and why the crewmembers are required to be trained so heavily since we “stay so close to shore”.

There really are several answers to these questions. First, the safety of our passengers is of paramount concern to us and of course the USCG. The responsibility of the ships Master to the crew and passengers is deeply held by every captain and the USCG is charged with ensuring that the ships owners maintain the safety of every vessel and that the captain is properly licensed and trained and is performing the duties required of the captain. This is accomplished through frequent and continuous inspection of the vessel, testing of the crews’ abilities. This testing and audit process occurs formally once per year and routinely every few months.

This inspection provides for several things. First and foremost the vessel and her fittings and appurtenances are inspected for serviceability. This includes the obvious items such as ensuring that there are the required number of life preservers and that they are in good condition, it also includes items which many people are not aware of such as inspection of all plumbing systems, fire suppression systems, electrical load measurements, navigation lights, compass accuracy and deviation table accuracy, drug test compliance, training requirements, employee assistance audits and other items which are contained in a checklist of 32 pages. This level of inspection occurs once per year at a minimum. Every five years an extremely in depth inspection occurs which I will write about in future blogs.

Once the physical and administrative audits are completed the vessels Master, is put through the paces to test the ability to maneuver the vessel in close quarters, the ability of the crew and captain to effectively recover a “man-over-board”, perform fire fighting actions including maneuvering of the vessel for such emergencies and several other actions. This inspection, as rigorous as it is pales in comparison to the full COI inspection required every five years.

I am very pleased to report the M/V Mystère was awarded her annual COI without condition and that the crew performed in an exemplary fashion. Of note is the compliment of the senior inspector that the Mystère was maneuverable beyond expectation. It is not very often that the Marine Safety Inspector gives a compliment. Well done to all hands aboard.

Way Points

The week we will be hosting several seniors groups as well as several clubs in the region for midday sightseeing and lunch cruises. We are very pleased that the groups have chosen Seaway Navigation And Tours, Ltd as the destination for their events.

Last week we hosted the State University OF New York Institute of Technology Utica/Rome for the University Presidents alumni event. They chose a Luau theme, which was a load of fun. The President awarded Seaway Navigation And Tours, Ltd a Presidents Award for outstanding service and contributions. We are honored to have been granted this award.

Friday night we will be hosting a dance party cruise with Skip Clark serving as DJ. Skip is a professional DJ working on the MOVin 100.3 morning show. This cruise departs at 8:30PM and is sure to provide a fantastic night out for everyone. I hope that you will be lucky enough to get a ticket before they sell out.

Do not forget about Fathers day. We will be having the world famous Dinosaur BBQ aboard for this one. Dinosaur was awarded the best BBQ in America a few weeks ago. We are sure that Dad will have a great time if you cruise with us for the Fathers Day BBQ and Brew Cruise.

In addition to our very popular regularly scheduled dinner, brunch and sightseeing cruise we now have several special cruises planned for this summer. Here are a few that are currently planned. Make sure you check back to our website frequently because we are always adding special cruise. Check us out at www.seawaynavigationandtours.com
 

Beach Party Cruise! Saturday July 10h Depart 6 PM Return 8:30 PM
Join the AdVentures a local favorite surf / beach band as the perform for you aboard the Mystère. The AdVentures provide a great atmosphere to sit back and relax while you enjoy a great dinner and a cold margarita or Land Shark beer.
 

Central New York’s Most Exclusive Wine Tasting and Dinner Cruise, July 11th Depart 5:30 PM Return 8:00 PM

This cruise sold out fast last season. This year we are bringing aboard yet another winery. Savor a fantastic meal enjoy beautiful views, all while a representative from Pheasant Ridge Winery provides a wide range of vintages and varieties to please.
 

Vegas Showgirl Event, Miss Trixie And Her Dolls, Saturday July 11th Depart 9:00 PM Return 11:30 PM
Vegas comes to Central New York when Miss Trixie And Her Dolls perform their Vegas style burlesque show aboard the Mystère. This troupe of beautiful retro style burlesque performers have been featured in many newspapers and magazines and sell out time after time. Join this very limited cruise for 2 hours of sophisticated adult entertainment.
Since this is an exclusive and limited engagement, we are limiting passengers count. Reserve now.

Lockmaster Tour, Wednesday July 15th Depart 12:30 PM Return 2:30 PM

Experience a special cruise designed specifically for schools, summer camps and larger out of town groups including motor coach tours.

Come aboard the Mystère whose lines and scantlings are developed after the packet boats of long ago. On these tours which last 2 hours you will cruise to Lock E 23, the busiest lock on the entire canal system, and after you experience the “locking through” the vessel will snub up to the lock approach wall and visitors will disembark for a special 45 minute to 1 hour tour provided by a Lockmasters who have decades of experience. You will tour the power-house which generates electricity for the lock system and which has been in service for nearly a century. You will watch actual operations of the lockworks in and hear tales of lore and fact told by these very knowledgeable and colorful men of the lock canal system. No other cruse boat offers this unique opportunity made possible by special arrangement with the New York State Canal Authority.

Latin Nights Dance Party, Friday July 17 th Depart 9:00 PM return 11:30 PM Latin Dance Cruise With CNY Latino

Seaway Navigation And Tours, Ltd in collaboration with CNY Latino Newspaper brings you the hottest Latin dance party ANYWHERE in Central New York. CNY Latino will provide local Latin DJ services, appetizers and Seaway Navigation provides the most exclusive venue in the region This cruise is limited in tickets so reserve early.
 

Oswego’s Harborfest Cruise, July 23rd

If you are looking for a unique and interesting way to travel to Oswego’s Harborfest this summer, this is it! The Mystére will make her annual voyage from Brewerton to Oswego on Thursday July 23rd.
We offer two ways to make the unique excursion. Guests can enjoy the full cruise and all the features including, dinner, and later on light hors d’oeuvres while you enjoy dancing under the stars, or if the nightclub cruise is more your style, then you can join the cruise at Fulton and kick start the Harborfest festivities.
The full cruise is seven hours and you will experience eight lock-throughs including a lock of nearly 40 feet and one at the edge of a waterfall!
Full excursion passengers will enjoy our fantastic 4-course dinner served to you as you enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in New York.
After dinner, the Mystére will stop briefly in Fulton so the crew of the Mystére can load the night’s music entertainment aboard. Once the entertainment and additional passengers are all set we will continue our trip to Oswego.
Full excursion includes four-course dinner, one drink on the captain, light hors d’oeuvres and a night of dancing under the stars aboard Central New York’s most exclusive nightclub.
Nightclub passengers board in Fulton and experience Central New York’s most exclusive nightclub, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment with two dance floors to let loose.

Welcome to the first entry into the From the Wheelhouse blog. I hope that this and future entries will help to shed some light onto the itineraries we have planned for M/V Mystère. I also hope to provide some useful information for boaters in the region.

About The Designation M/V
Several passengers have inquired about the designation M/V when we refer to the Mystère. The designation of M/V denotes Motor Vessel and although this applies to any boat that is propelled by a diesel motor, its use is generally reserved for commercial vessels. If you happen to be listening to a marine radio and hear a ship designated as “SS” (x) this denotes that the vessel is a Steam Ship and is powered using steam turbines or through some steam contrivance. You may even here a R/V called out. This is a Research Vessel. Each of these types of vessels is subject to differing safety regulations with the strictest regulations being applied to passenger vessels such as the Mystère.