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PRESS RELEASES & UPCOMING EVENTS Here you will find all the latest news from the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. We will update this page frequently to keep you informed of the latest press releases and information. Also, check out the Fact Sheet for stats on the M/V Thomas Laighton. If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Marketing Manager, Hayley Holmes at 603-431-5500 or via email at marketing@islesofshoals.com. Or Dyke Shaw with Mellonhead Media at 603-379-2410 or via email at dyke@mellonhead.com.
Upcoming Special Events: Isles of Shoals Steamship Company Welcomes Tall Ships to Seacoast For Immediate Release Portsmouth, NH (June 29, 2007)- Once again, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company will be joining the boat parade as four tall ships enter the Piscataqua River on Friday, July 6. The tall ships Prince William, Pride of Baltimore, Spirit of Bermuda, and Urania will be visiting Portsmouth Harbor for three days, and docking at the Port of New Hampshire pier. The escort cruise aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton will be departing the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. dock, located at 315 Market Street , at 8:25am to lead the tall ships into the harbor. Upon docking at 10:30am , the New Hampshire Port Authority will be hosting a ceremony to welcome the ships and their crews to the New Hampshire Seacoast! The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, owned and operated by Robin Whittaker, is pleased to be able to offer everyone a chance to participate in this unique event. Reservations are strongly suggested due to the popularity of this cruise. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and military members, and $15 for children- however, all children five and under ride free! For more information about the celebrations this 2007 season or to make a reservation, call (800)441-4620, or visit www.islesofshoals.com ! Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. Hospitality Cruise Returns For Immediate Release Portsmouth, NH- (June 20, 2007)- The cruisers called for an Encore, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company responded with a Hospitality Cruise on Monday, July 2nd . The past Hospitality Cruise was such a success that the Steamship Company decided to follow it up with a second. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, “Home of the Party Ship,” invites all local hospitality workers once again to come and enjoy an evening on the M/V Thomas Laighton. The second 2007 Hospitality Party Ship Cruise embarks Monday, July 2nd and will cruise from 7:00pm-10:00pm and is dedicated to the people who make our community a wonderful place to live, work and vacation. These cruises offer local servers, hosts, managers, bar backs, dishwashers, front desk associates, and all others involved in the service of others a chance to experience the other side, to be waited on for one evening. Each of these Hospitality Cruises offers not only the area employees an opportunity to be served by others but also a chance to become acquainted with those individuals who work in the same industry within the same city, the same block and sometimes even the same building, who otherwise would not have an opportunity to meet one another. The Hospitality Cruise Parties on board the M/V Thomas Laighton have always been a success and have returned with a bang in 2007. A full cash bar, live band, and loads of dancing will be awaiting onboard for you. Reservations are suggested for these cruises. Your spot, or the spots of your employees, may be secured by calling 1-800-441-4620. Come and let the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company “provide you with a good time” aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton and enjoy the company of your fellow hospitality workers! You don't want to miss this boat! For more information about the celebrations this 2007 season or to make a reservation, call (800)441-4620, or visit www.islesofshoals.com ! Isles of Shoals Steamship Company Kicks Off Reggae on the River
For Immediate Release Portsmouth, NH- (June 4, 2007)- Celebrate the 20 th anniversary of the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company this Wednesday, June 6 th from 7:00-10:00pm as the M/V Thomas Laighton kicks off the Reggae on the River Party Ship Series for the 2007 season with the band Jah-Ni! Reggae on the River cruises every Wednesday night from 7:00-10:00pm all summer long! Also, not to be missed is the Steamin' Party Ship Series every Friday night from 8:30-11:30pm . All Party Ships feature a live band and lots of dancing! The Rock Daddys will be bringing the cruise to life this Friday, June 8 th for a night of dancing and fun. Live bands on tap for this summer include: The Rock Daddys, Mystic Vibes, Jump Street, The Groove Cats, NowisNow, Truffle and much more! Party Ships aboard the Thomas Laighton are always a good time! Party Ships are 21+ with ID- so don't forget yours! For more information about the celebrations this 2007 season or to make a reservation, call (800)441-4620, or visit www.islesofshoals.com ! You don't want to miss this boat! Isles of Shoals Steamship Company Announces For Immediate Release Portsmouth, NH- The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company is excited to announce the 2007 Season Line Up! Join the crew aboard any of the great cruises, as there is “Something for Everyone!” this 20 th anniversary season! The Isles of Shoals, Lighthouses & Portsmouth Harbor Cruise: Lobster Clambake Dinner Cruise: Steamin' Party Ships: Season Passes and more: For more information about the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, Private Charters, Cruise Schedules, or Season Passes call (800) 441-4620, or visit www.islesofshoals.com! Isles of Shoals Steamship Company Gives Back to Seacoast Community For Immediate Release Portsmouth, NH- The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company consistently strives to be a supporting partner in the community, region, and state. Robin Whittaker, owner and operator, along with the friendly Steamship Staff donate the M/V Thomas Laighton, as well as their time, to over two hundred organizations each year. Among the many charities and groups in the area that the boat is donated to are Pro Portsmouth's annual Children's Day festivities, United Way for their semi-annual Day of Caring event, and Club Finz for their annual Sock, Hat, & Mittens Drive. On Sunday, May 6 th , 2007 , Pro Portsmouth will be celebrating its 17 th edition of Children's Day and ISSCo. will be offering free cruises to families throughout the day. Cruise times are 12:30pm , 1:30pm , and 2:30pm . Cruise vouchers will be available for pick-up beginning at 11am on May 6 th and are required to board the ship! The United Way 's mission, “Rallying resources to address the community's most pressing needs” coincides with their day of caring event held in September. The one day event mobilizes 1500+ volunteers, individuals and groups, to participate in service projects at non-profit agencies throughout the region. The ongoing relationship between ISSCo. and United Way strengthens both organizations' passions for providing others with countless opportunities in the seacoast area. Club Finz, the Seacoast division of Parrot Heads in Paradise , holds their annual Hat, Sock, & Mitten Drive onboard the M/V Thomas Laighton in November. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company donates the vessel so that others may donate hundreds of pairs of hats, mittens, and socks, which are distributed to six seacoast agencies during the holiday season. In addition to events held on the boat, ISSCo donates to schools, organizations, and scholarship funds throughout the Seacoast to help with annual fundraisers and employee incentive programs. Robin finds it essential to share with those in the community, “It would be a shame to keep the great city of Portsmouth and the beautiful Seacoast from those that need it”. For more information about the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company or if your organization is in need of help, call (800)441-4620, or visit www.islesofshoals.com ! The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company Celebrates Twenty Years! For Immediate Release Portsmouth, NH- (April 12, 2007)- Nestled in beautiful Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company and the M/V Thomas Laighton, a Victorian steamship replica, are excited to be celebrating their twentieth anniversary this 2007 season! The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company is proud of its twenty years of providing guests and local residents with “Something for Everyone”, and this season is guaranteed to be one big celebration! Captain Arnold Whittaker formed Viking Cruises in 1962, at that time he also took over the ferry service contract to Star Island . He began with the M/V Viking which carried 100 passengers, but through hard work, vision, and good old Yankee ingenuity he grew Viking Cruises into a well respected and well recognized tourism business in the greater Seacoast community and beyond. In 1986, when Captain Whittaker retired, his namesake Viking Cruises as well as the 540 passenger vessel, the M/V Viking Sun, was retired along with him. Robin and Bob Whittaker formed the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. and launched the M/V Oceanic and M/V Thomas Laighton. While both vessels participated in contracted ferry runs, the M/V Oceanic's primary function was whale watching. In 2004, the decision to discontinue whale watching was made, and the Oceanic was sold to the Spirit of Tarrytown, in Tarrytown , NY . Today, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, owned and operated by Robin Whittaker, offers daily sightseeing cruises through historic Portsmouth Harbor to the legendary Isles of Shoals. Guests onboard enjoy the personal and famous narration; listen to the legends of pirates, ghosts, buried treasure, brave lighthouse keepers, tugboats, tankers, and the country's oldest working naval yard. The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation provides a dockside touch tank full of interesting marine life and creatures. The seacoast is full of unique characters, historical events, and amazing scenery. Join the crew aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton, and experience the fascinating legends of New Hampshire 's Seacoast. While the Piscataqua River is home to many great restaurants and nightlife venues, none are quite like the ‘Laighton'. Enjoy a Portsmouth Harbor Cruise with a Traditional Lobster Clambake or an evening out with friends, dancing under the stars on a Steamin' Party Ship! Experience it all this 2007 season! The M/V Thomas Laighton is a great place to celebrate any occasion for parties from two to two hundred. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Portsmouth from a different view. For more information about the celebrations this 2007 season, call (800)441-4620, or visit www.islesofshoals.com ! You don't want to miss this boat! For Immediate Release View the Historic Isles of Shoals Like Never Before PORTSMOUTH, NH- “I have been coming on this boat for many many years, and I have never had as much fun as I had today. The new narration and the length of time we were able to idle around the islands made it just an absolutely fantastic ride. I go out two to three times a year and this by far has been the best year!” Helen Kiehl of Kittery, Maine expressed after returning from a Historic Isles of Shoals, Portsmouth Harbor , and Scenic Lighthouses Cruise with the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. This sightseeing cruise offered by the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company is a must-ride by the end of this 2007 summer! The Thomas Laighton will take you back in time with a complete trip around all nine of the islands. Learn about the pirates and the families that inhabited the islands during the early settler periods, and the murders and scandals that took place during the grand hotel era. This narrative cruise presents notable geological aspects of the Isles of Shoals with up-close viewing. Cruise in and around the nooks and cranies of the shoals in a way no one else can offer. You'll have a close look at the seal colony on Duck Island . You'll sail through Malaga Island 's gut and see Marin's rock, and hear about the moonlight murder of Smuttynose. Hear what we have found out about Louie Wagner, the murderer. Our captains have discovered two new features at the shoals: a rock formation that Captain Bob Whittaker says is the Old Man of the Sea profile while Captain Ray Houtler thinks it is the ghost of Blackbeard's wife. Cruise on out with us and take a look and you decide!! There are new and expanded programs especially for kids!! The Blue Ocean Society is onboard every daytime cruise with a touch-tank full of live animals from the ocean and different games for fun and education! Be made into an Honorary Naturalist or a Pirate!! The summer is hot and our cruises are hotter! Come relax and have fun onboard the M/V Thomas Laighton. Book your reservations today!! “I often wished that we were able to spend more time cruising around the islands instead of staying docked, but now we are able to see each of the nine islands. It is fantastic! I'm sure that we will come back again this season and for many to come!” Lynne Holmes from Kensington , NH . For more information call (603)431-5500, or visit us online at www.islesofshoals.com For Immediate Release Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. & Club Finz Help Spread Cheer This Season PORTSMOUTH, NH- With the donation of the use of the M/V Thomas Laighton from the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, the hard work and dedication from employees of Club Finz, and the generosity of hundreds of local residents, this holiday season will be joyful once again for many seacoast families. On November 14th , Club Finz hosted their annual Sock, Hat, and Mitten drive! Club Finz collected 1894 items which were divided and donated to six local charities. This very successful event was able to donate socks, hats, and mittens, raffle prizes, as well as cash donations to charities such as Families First Health and Support Center , Seacoast Consumer Alliance, Hampton Community Coalition, and Family Services Association of Portsmouth. Checks were also presented to A Safe Place , Make-A-Wish Foundation, and My Friends Place. “It is so nice to be able to donate the boat to such a wonderful cause during this holiday season,” Isles of Shoals Steamship Company owner, Robin Whittaker shares, “I am honored to have participated in these great events year after year.” For Immediate Release Greater Portsmouth Area Sponsors a LobStar PORTSMOUTH, NH- Now, these are not your typical lobsters! Local businesses in the downtown Portsmouth area show their support for the Lighthouse Kids. The Lighthouse Kids are the seventh and eighth grade students at the North Hampton School . In their efforts to save White Island Lighthouse from crumbling to the ground, the group is selling fiberglass lobster or “LobStar” statues to be purchased and displayed by local businesses. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company would like to announce the acquisition of a “Neighborhood LobStar”. Local businesses in the Greater Portsmouth Area have worked together and bought a LobStar to be shared with the city. The Lighthouse Kids LobStar Fundraiser has successfully raised 25 different sponsors for this endeavor! “What the Lighthouse Kids are doing is something to be so proud of,” shared Robin Whittaker, owner of the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, “I am pleased that so many area businesses and organizations have supported our efforts to have a Neighborhood LobStar in support of the student's goals.” Those involved with this Northern Tier Neighborhood LobStar include: The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, The Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, Granite State Mineral, Portsmouth Trading Company (metal recyclers at the Port of New Hampshire), Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, The Traveling Wildcats (University of New Hampshire Tourism Club), Pease Development Authority's Division of Portsmouth and Harbor, and the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. This Neighborhood LobStar, decorated with buoys, will be proudly displayed on the dock at the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. The lobstering theme was created by a local artist in celebration of the legacy of “those who came to fish and those who still do”. For more information on the Lighthouse Kids and the LobStars please visit www.lighthousekids.com For more information on this Neighborhood LobStar please contact Hayley at the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. 603-431-5500 or marketing@islesofshoals.com Contact Us Dyke Shaw, Mellonhead Media Some photography used in this site is provided compliments of Jen Kennedy, Rob Robertson, and Jeff Spoor. |
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, 315 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
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