Sailing into Summer with 'Solaris'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Inquiries: Kirsty Gaukel, Press & Marketing Manager
Solaris Inquiries: Michael Poerio, Education Coordinator 
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Hudson River Maritime Museum Kicks Off Summer Solaris Tours on May 13 with FREE Cruises

Photo caption: Solaris cruises offer a unique way to experience the Hudson River and learn about its rich history.

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KINGSTON, N.Y.  - The Hudson River Maritime Museum will kick off its 2023 Solaris boat tours on May 13 with a full day of FREE cruises as part of the City of Kingston’s Earth Day Festival. Specially themed boat tours onboard the Solaris, a 100% solar powered boat, on the Rondout Creek and Hudson River will run May 13 through October 31, 2023. Solaris tickets are on sale now at www.hrmm.org/all-boat-tours.html. Every Solaris ticket includes a free all-day pass to the museum. 
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On Earth Day, complimentary Solaris cruises will begin at 10:30am, and will continue on the hour, every hour with the last cruise sailing at 4:30p.m. Each cruise will last approximately 45-minutes. Spots on the tours cannot be booked in advance and will be reserved on a first come, first served basis via a sign-up sheet at the Museum day-of.

Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events with our Solaris private charters or join us for one of the uniquely themed tours. This year's cruise schedule includes a live music concert series, historic tours covering topics from Native American history to the history of steamboats and 19th-century industrialization on the river, bird watching, photography,  the ever popular Rondout Lighthouse tours, and more! 

On Memorial Day, May 29,  Solaris will run special holiday cruises beginning at 1pm, with the final cruise starting at 5:30pm. Plus, we will be offering Lighthouse tours from the Rhinecliff Landing Boat Launch on Sundays. Finally, Solaris will be traveling down the Hudson River as part of its Riverwise South voyage, Friday, June 16-Monday, June 19. We will be offering special programs in Poughkeepsie, Garrison, Peekskill, and Beacon. More details coming soon.

All tours, except for the Rhinecliff Rondout Lighthouse cruise, leave from our dock at 50 Rondout Landing in Kingston, NY.

The full cruise schedule can be viewed below or in calendar form at www.hrmm.org/all-boat-tours.html
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Photo caption: Solaris tours are the only way to explore the historic Rondout Lighthouse. Following our expert guides, passengers can climb to the observation deck and view the Hudson River as only Lighthouse Keepers once could.

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Solaris Tour Schedule

Rondout Lighthouse Tours
Thursdays - Sundays, Tour times vary.
Ticketing:
Adult (13-61): $30
Senior (62+): $28
Child (6-12): $26

Take a guided tour of the historic Rondout Lighthouse. Built in 1915, the lighthouse is one of only seven remaining on the Hudson River. You will learn about the history of the lighthouse, its keepers, and tour the historic interior, including an optional climb all the way to the top of the tower and out onto the observation deck! Enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River, including the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and, on a clear day, the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse.


Wrecked and Abandoned Tours
Fridays and Saturdays, Tour times vary.
Tickets:
Adult (13-61): $25
Senior (62+): $23
Child (6-12): $21
Small Children (5 years old and under): $19

Investigate the history of wrecked and abandoned vessels that line the Rondout Creek or lay at the bottom of the Hudson River. Learn about sunken vessels such as the steamboat Mary Powell and hoodledasher Frank A. Lowry and see ribs of wrecked vessels for yourself on this exciting tour!

Hudson River Sunset Cruises
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:15 p.m.
Tickets:
Adult (13-61 yrs): $35
Senior (62+ yrs): $33
Child (6-12 yrs): $31
Small Child (5 yrs and Under): $29

Bring your own beverage and snack and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Catskills, river, and the bridge with this relaxing sunset cruise. This tour will take you north on the Hudson River, passing many interesting and historic sites, culminating with a spectacular view of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge as the sun sets on the horizon. 

Rondout Sightseeing Cruises
Saturdays at 12:30p.m.
Tickets:
Adult (13-61): $25
Senior (62+): $23
Child (6-12): $21
Small Child (5 yrs and under): $19

Cruise up the Rondout Creek and learn about the industrial history of the area, viewing impressive sights such as the remnants of historic structures including Island Dock, the Wurts Street suspension bridge, railroad bridge, and the locations of sunken barges. In addition, your guide will show you the sites of modern industrial activity, including the Feeney Shipyard and various marinas along the creek, while explaining their unique histories and current uses.


Dual Lighthouse Cruises
Sundays at 10a.m.
Tickets:
Adult (13-61): $35
Senior (62+): $33
Child (6-12): $30
Small Child (5 yrs and under): $29
Experience stunning views of Esopus Meadows and Rondout Lighthouses on the Hudson River in this popular two hour cruise! Each has a long history as a beacon of light for mariners and as home to lighthouse keepers and their families.
Tour does not include entrance to either of the lighthouses.

Rhinecliff Rondout Lighthouse Tours (leaving from Rhinecliff Landing Boat Launch)
Sundays at 2:40p.m.
Tickets:
Adult (13-61): $30
Senior (62+): $28
Child (6-12): $26
Now, from the convenience of Rhinecliff's dock (with easy access to the Amtrack station) you can take a guided tour of the historic Rondout Lighthouse. Learn about the history of the lighthouse, its keepers, and tour the historic interior, including an optional climb all the way to the top of the tower and out onto the observation deck! Enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River, including the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and, on a clear day, the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse. 


June Special Events

Sunday, June 4 
8a.m. - Bird Watching Cruise
12:30p.m. - D&H Canal History: A Conversation with Bill Merchant

Thursday, June 8
6p.m. - Solaris Live Music Concert Series - Mario Rincon performs aboard Solaris
8p.m. - Native History Twilight Cruise with Justin Wexler

Thursday, June 22
6p.m. - Solaris Live Music Concert Series - Rick and Marilyn perform aboard Solaris
8p.m. - Native History Twilight Cruise with Justin Wexler

Sunday, June 25
12:30p.m. - Lenape History with Harv Hilowitz

Thursday, June 29
6p.m.: Solaris Live Music Concert Series - Andre Ernst performs aboard Solaris

To book a ticket aboard Solaris visit HRMM.org/all-boat-tours or call (845) 338-0071 ext.11. 


Solaris is the only solar-powered boat in operation on the Hudson River. Built by the Hudson River Maritime Museum's restoration crew, under the direction of Jim Kricker, on-site at the museum's Wooden Boat School. Solaris is the Hudson River Maritime Museum's 100% solar-powered tour boat and floating classroom. She does not require fossil fuels to operate.

Designed by marine architect Dave Gerr from a concept developed by David Borton, owner of Sustainable Energy, the Solaris is commercial in design, meeting all U.S. Coast Guard regulations for commercial passenger-carrying vessels. In late 2018, the vessel passed her speed/range endurance test under the watchful eye of Coast Guard inspectors, using only reserve battery power. This vessel can travel up to 50 miles at night without the use of her solar panels. Even on cloudy days, the solar panels are so efficient that they continue to power the batteries.​

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is located along the historic Rondout Creek in downtown Kingston, N.Y. HRMM is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries, and related industries.

https://www.hrmm.org

Hudson River Maritime Museum
50 Rondout Landing
Kingston, NY 12401