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Mystic River Cruise
Pictures of Mystic CT

On July 4th, we all wanted to do something special.

We had thought about going to New York for the huge fireworks, but instead opted for a quiet day at Mystic Seaport.

I had mentioned to them that I had heard of a cruise up and down the Mystic River.

Once we were inside Mystic Seaport we saw there was a cruise, and we got tickets immediately for the 4 o''clock 3 hr cruise which was $8.00 person.

It was already 1:00, so we walked around Mystic Seaport for 3 hrs. At 4:00 it was time, and we were the first ones in line

Mystic Sabino Ferry

Our Mystic Cruise was on a small steamship called the Sabino. You can only reach the Sabino from inside Mystic Seaport.

The lady in the ticket booth was very nice. She said some people wait till Mystic Seaport closes, and then comes in for an evening cruise, which is good to know, if you've already seen Mystic Seaport

Mystic River Ferry view

The Sabino is one of the original steamboats still in operation today. It has 2 levels, one is covered on top and the other, below, had seating all around the outside of the steam engine. We decided we wanted a great picturesque view from the top level

Once the Sabino was chugging along, we came to a bridge that needed to open up before we could pass. It was interesting watching the bridge open up, because it was not hydraulic. It was lifted by heavy weight on the ends to raise it. Like huge concrete blocks. There was another bridge that had to open up too. It opened in the center to let us pass.

Inside the Mystic Steam Ferry

After we left the dock, I wandered down below to see what was there, and was suprised to see a man shoveling coal into a stove. It is a real steamboat.

He explained to us how it worked as he closely watched the dials. He answered all our questions without hesitation. It was warm by the steam engine. So if you go during cooler weather there is always a warm spot on the Sabino.

We watched all the little sailboats go by and took in all the scenic views. It was a very relaxing trip.The Sabino took us all the way to the Noank Lighthouse, and this is where we turned around.

On the way back is when we spotted Abbott's Lobster Restaurant, and decided THAT was where we wanted to have supper.

See the pictures of Mystic Seaport and Abbott's Lobster Restaurant

More Pictures of our Mystic River Cruise

- Steamboat Sabino Cruises building... Steamboat Sabino Cruises
- Another view of the Sabino at dock... Sabino ferry at pier
- A picture taken as we leave the pier... Mystic Seaport view
- A view of a Mystic Marina and sailboat... Mystic Marina
- Crusing into Mystic Harbor... view of Mystic Harbor
- Watching the engineer adjust the gauges... ferry gauges
- This is as close as we got to the Noank lighthouse, and then the ferry turned around... Noank Lighthouse
- View approaching Abbott's Lobster Restaurant from the harbor... Abbott's location
- View towards Mystic Seaport from the front of the ferry... view from ferry - This is the final picture I have of our steamboat trip, as we were cruising toward Mystic Seaport to dock. I would say it was a great trip, and I will never forget it, our first cruise.

You don't have to take the 3 hr cruise either. They have 1 1/2 hr cruises for $5.00 a person. Very worth it! GO!

Driving Directions:

Exit 90 off of I 95. At the end of the ramp, if you turn north, all the hotels and motels are there. If you turn south at the end of the ramp, follow it till you start seeing areas for parking for the Mystic Seaport. We highly recommend traveling early in the morning.

Mystic Lodging

While we were in the area, we noticed several hotels and motels, if you turn north after you exit 90 off of I-95. Such as the Mystic Hilton, Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Residence Inn and a Best Western.

See the Hotels in Mystic CT

More New England Cruises

REAL ESCAPE Cruise Captain Graham Nicholson - Cruising the Connecticut River, Long Island Sound, Manhattan, Long Island, Newport, Boston, New York and surrounding waters. 99 Ledge Road Plainville, Ct 06062 (860) 793-9933 Office (860) 302-0559 Cell Phone Lady of the Sea Charters Saybrook Point Marina

Camelot Cruises Haddam CT - Camelot Cruises offers spectacular dining and unique entertainment while cruising the scenic and ever-placid Connecticut River.Camelot Cruises, Inc. 1 Marine Park Haddam, CT 06438 800-522-7463 or 860-345-8591


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