In June 2009, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. (ISSCO) resumed its Star Island Stopover, which it discontinued in 2005 to develop other areas of its business, including party cruises, wedding charters, and educational field trips.
ISSCO’s ship, the M/V Thomas Laighton, still ran daily historical tours of the nine rocky islands six miles off the Maine-New Hampshire coast. But passengers never stopped asking the ship’s captains about stopping at Star Island, home of the Oceanic Hotel and site of over 40 summer conferences run by the Unitarian Universalist Star Island Corporation.
Ongoing interest prompted ISSCO to revisit the Stopover and in April 2009, under a new contract, the company announced a June re-launch of one of its most popular cruises, which the Whittaker family had operated since 1962.
Taking the Star Island Stopover
ISSCO offers the Star Island Stopover three times per week, on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Passengers purchase tickets and board at ISSCO’s office at the Port of New Hampshire (315 Market Street) across from the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel.
The Thomas Laighton is a three-level, 90-foot Victorian-style steamship that features two enclosed heated cabins; three full-service bars featuring local draft beers, continental breakfast and lunch services, and restrooms. The ship is handicapped accessible.
The Stopover cruise (which also includes the Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour and the Star Island Walkabout) departs at 9:55 AM, heading down the Piscataqua River and out to sea. The tour is narrated, highlighting the sights and sounds of Portsmouth Harbor, a true “working port,” while stretching back to cover 400 years of New Hampshire maritime history.
The Thomas Laighton arrives at Star Island at approximately 11:15. Guests can experience Star Island in two ways:
- Taking a 45-minute Walkabout tour, returning to Portsmouth on the noon boat. Total trip time: approximately 3 hours.
- Staying for the full Stopover, returning to Portsmouth on the 3:00 boat. Total trip time: approximately 6 hours, 50 minutes.
Star Island Stopover Highlights
After docking in Gosport Harbor, Stopover guests are greeted by representatives of the Star Island Corporation, which purchased the island in 1916 and has hosted a variety of summer conferences and retreats since 1897.
The island offers many options for spending a relaxing afternoon, including:
- Scenic walking paths ending in glacier-carved rock cliffs
- Swimming area (with lifeguards) and playground
- Gosport Village—a replica of the 17th century fishing village
- Oceanic Hotel featuring a snack bar, gift shop, and a wide porch with antique rocking chairs
- Many secluded spots to spread out and enjoy a picnic.
Star Island Stopover Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for the Star Island Stopover, which includes the Star Island visitors fee, are as follows:
- Adults: $38
- Junior (13-17): $35
- Children (6-12): $28
- Seniors (60+): $35
- Military: $35
- Children under 5 ride free!
- Group discounts (25+ guests) are available.
Reservations and prepayment are not required. Reserve passengers, however, will receive a courtesy call should weather result in a schedule change. Please note: if the seas are rough, cruises will explore Portsmouth Harbor and then travel up river to Dover Point.
Whether touring the Isles of Shoals on a sightseeing cruise or getting off to explore Star Island, the Thomas Laighton enables visitors to experience Portsmouth in a way that makes history come alive, and live on in one’s memory. Call 800.441.4620 to for more information.
Andrew Leibs - Andrew Leibs is Suite101’s Feature Writer for Accessible Recreation. He is a longtime chronicler of the disability movement with ...
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