Hudson River Maritime Museum Announces 2026 Solaris Tour Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Abby Drayer / Solaris Coordinator / [email protected]

Kingston, NY -- The Hudson River Maritime Museum (HRMM) is pleased to announce its 2026 season of tours aboard Solaris, its 100% solar-powered tour boat. From historical overviews to scenic views, Solaris continues to offer memorable on-the-water experiences for visitors of all interests.

In 2026, HRMM will present a wide variety of programming, including lectures, live music, sightseeing excursions, and nature-focused tours. Whether guests are seeking entertainment, education, or relaxation, the Solaris lineup offers something for everyone.
Music lovers can once again enjoy HRMM’s popular Live Music Cruises, departing at 6:00 PM on Saturday evenings throughout the season. New this year, guests can take center stage themselves during Karaoke Aboard Solaris, held on the first Friday of each month—an interactive and lively way to experience the Hudson River.

For those looking to learn and grow, Solaris will host a series of engaging onboard lectures. Guests can explore topics such as Indigenous history through programs like Daily Lenape Life and The River People, or dive into regional infrastructure with D&H Canal History. Visitors seeking a more meditative experience can unwind with River Gong with HariPrakaash, a full-body sound immersion designed to relax and restore.

​The 2026 season also introduces several new offerings:​

• Karaoke Aboard Solaris – A fun, social cruise inviting guests to sing along with friends.
• Birdwatching Aboard Solaris – Led by a local birding expert, this quiet, solar-powered experience allows for close, non-intrusive views of local birdlife.
• Brunch Cruises – In partnership with Half Moon Café, these cruises feature light refreshments and will be available on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and select Sundays throughout the summer.
  
  

On-The-Creek Lighthouse Tours – A new format of HRMM’s most popular tour, offering up-close exterior views of the Rondout Lighthouse from the comfort of Solaris. A key highlight of the 2026 season is an increased focus on accessibility. Building on the success of the museum’s most popular offering, HRMM is introducing the On-The-Creek Lighthouse Tours, designed to welcome a broader audience.

According to HRMM Solaris Coordinator Abby Drayer, “Over the years, the Rondout Lighthouse Tour has been our most popular tour. This year, we are introducing an additional, new type of Lighthouse tour: the On-The-Creek Lighthouse Tours. These new tours are more physically accessible, as they do not include the stairs required to navigate the interior of the lighthouse. While this tour does not include exploration of the inside of the Rondout Lighthouse, the On-The-Creek Lighthouse Tours offers up-close exterior views of the Rondout Lighthouse and historical information from our knowledgeable guides, all from the comfort of Solaris. We are excited to expand this popular historical experience to a broader audience for the 2026 season.”

Additional seasonal programming will debut in the fall, including autumn-themed cruises such as leaf peeping excursions, cider tastings, and more.

Solaris Tickets and additional information can be found here or visit hrmm.org 

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries and related industries. In addition to extensive collections documenting maritime transportation, industry, recreation, and natural science, the museum offers classes and programs at its Woodworking School, Sailing and Rowing School, and aboard Solaris, the 100% solar powered tour boat and floating classroom. Now in its 46th year, HRMM is located along the historic Rondout waterfront in downtown Kingston.

For more information about the Hudson River Maritime Museum, please visit hrmm.org, find HRMM on Facebook, or call 845.338.0071.

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