Rhode Island, founded in 1636, has approximately 400 miles of coastline and is aptly named the "Ocean State." It also has grand residences, tiny islands, historic sites and lighthouses lining the land. And there's something special about a seagull's call and a dinging buoy that attracts even die-hard landlubbers to a 90-minute narrated cruise on lower Narragansett Bay. Add in the lure of 10 lighthouses along a scenic water route and famous Newport Harbor and the combination is magical.
The Millennium Ferry covers 60 of those miles during its Lighthouse Cruises that run yearly from late May through late October. The craft is a 400-passenger, state-of-the-art, high-speed, three-level catamaran powered by four water jets. Its interior has plush seats and is climate-controlled. But many passengers prefer the outside sundecks for seating or leaning against the rails for the perfect shot. Three restrooms are onboard, plus beverages and snacks can be purchased.
Lower Narragansett Bay Has 10 Lighthouses to See
All Narragansett Bay lighthouses have legends. Some began in the 1800s, others earlier. Some structures were washed away in the 1938 hurricane, others are now private residences. Two along the cruise route are open to the public (the boat does not stop at them). And one memorializes its deceased keeper who took on the job at age 16 and stayed with it until 70. Several lighthouse highlights are as follows:
- Plum Island is known as the "spark plug" since it resembles one.
- Whale Rock has almost vanished except as a perch for birds.
- Castle Hill is only 34 feet tall and can be accessed from the Castle Hill Inn and Resort.
- Beavertail is a state park and where fishing and sunbathing are allowed from its rocks.
- Rose Island offers overnight stays in its two rooms.
Popular Sites on the Rhode Island Shoreline
When not viewing lighthouses, two bridges are sailed under. The larger one is Newport Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in New England with an overall length of almost 12,000 feet. The other is Jamestown Bridge that connects the island to Newport.
But it's the leisurely cruise within Newport Harbor that's a crowd pleaser. Gleaming yachts are anchored next to rusty lobster boats while sailboats tilt offshore in the wind. Hammersmith Farm, once home to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and where she and John F. Kennedy held their wedding reception before 1,200 guests, is pointed out as is historic Fort Adams. Today the fortification is used often for events and the Newport Folk Festival. The Naval War College can also be seen from a water view.
The Lighthouse Cruises are superbly narrated by Arthur Strauss. He's a retired state employee, and a man with a whimsical wit and a love of local history. In particular, Rhode Island's founder, Roger Williams, had five daughters. Three were named Prudence, Patience and Hope. Williams named three of the state's small islands seen on the cruise after his daughters. Strauss' raconteur style about the lighthouses and the sites can be heard throughout the entire boat that has an excellent sound system.
Rates and Schedules for Rhode Island Lighthouse Cruises
The Lighthouse Cruises are Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during July and August. Other months include some weekends and weekdays. Departures are either 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. Advance tickets are: adults ($25); Seniors 60+ ($22); children 4-12 ($14); infants free. Walk-up purchases slightly higher. There's complimentary dockside parking.
The vessel is owned by native Rhode Islander, Charlie Donadio, who also owns the highly successful Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry run between Quonset, Rhode Island and Martha's Vineyard.
Contact Lighthouse Cruises or call (401) 295-4040 . Group rates available for 15 or more.
Judith Glynn - I've written travel articles for years. See more and my novel about romance and travel at www.facebook.com/judglynn
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