Argosy Cruises just added a brand new tour passenger boat to their fleet, Salish Explorer! The new vessel will take guests from Pier 55 to Blake Island State Park, on their exclusive Tillicum Excursion, a Northwest Native American cultural experience.
The vessel will also be adaptable to provide private event charters, as well as join the Christmas Ship™ Festival fleet.
The girls and I had the opportunity of taking the inaugural cruise to Tillicum yesterday, and though it’s been at least a decade since my last visit, it felt incredibly familiar. The 475-acre island was just as calm as I remembered…even on a drizzly day scattered with fog, I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty born in our own backyard, the PNW. The smell of the sound, the ever-changing beach and the dozens of trails tucked in the evergreens – it’s a quintessential Northwest haven.
Upon arrival to Tillicum, we were offered fresh steamed clams, followed by the traditional ‘stomp’ of the shells, which makes up the walkway for both past and future friends. We then headed into the longhouse for a beautiful buffet featuring fire-roasted salmon. During dessert we enjoyed a live performance illustrating Native American history.
Following the show, we were able to explore the island (and let the littles run) for about an hour. The experience definitely offers something for all ages and allows for you to engage in what interests you most – the history, the landscape, the beach, etc.
My first trip to Tillicum (a few decades ago!) was with my grandpa who owned Edmonds Charters, a bus company that offered dozens of PNW tours. Now that I think about it…I can see where I get it from. He always encouraged a good adventure, and often reminded us that we didn’t have to go far to discover something pretty amazing.
This trip sure made me miss him. He would have loved watching my girls, his great-granddaughters, run along the beach, and soak in that fresh, salty air.
Even though we were only a quick 45 minute ride from Seattle, it felt like we were a world away. Yet…also home. I didn’t expect this trip to feel so nostalgic, but it did. And it reminded me of why I always enjoyed visiting Tillicum. I wasn’t required to write a post about our experience, but I felt the need to share this. I hope you’ll consider sharing an Argosy Cruise experience with your friends or family, either local or visiting – it’s a blessing to know this kind of place still exists.
Until next time…
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XoXo Portia
Disclosure: Argosy Cruises graciously hosted our family. The opinions expressed here represent my own, which I take great pride in providing pure honesty…because I’m OBSESSED with sharing the Good!