Captain Mary Pat Driscoll and her crew of two were hard at work this July fourth weekend perfecting and testing their new vessel, the Evening Star. By the end of the month, the 40 passenger 46-foot riverboat will launch its tour season along the Hudson Highlands. It will be used for public tours and chartered parties (time and details below.)
After 11 years in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, Driscoll became a licensed 100 ton Master (Captain) in 1991. Since then she has run cruises on the Erie Canal in upstate New York, the Blackstone River & Blackstone Canal in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Brush Creek in Kansas City, and New York Harbor. Driscoll purchased the Evening Star earlier this year, making her foray into owning her own tourism company, The Trinity Cruise Company.
Captain Driscoll worked on the Evening Star more than twenty years ago while it too was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard as a Buoy Tender vessel. Her familiarity with the vessel combined with decades of experience leading cruises on the Hudson River leaves Driscoll confident and excited about her new venture. Plus, she says, the community has welcomed her with open arms.
“I met a lot of great people who were really enthusiastic about having this here,” Driscoll said.
As a member of the National Maritime and Hudson River history buff Dirscoll was involved with public city government meetings for stakeholders involved with last year, which is when she got the idea for starting Peekskill’s own tourism cruise line. She is in the process of moving with her family from Rochester to Peekskill and plans to continue running her own embroidery business in the winter. The boat will dry dock from late October to May.
“The local government has been very supportive. They are very forward thinking with the waterfront development,” Driscoll said.
the Peekskill Common Council approved a license agreement for Trinity Cruise Lines. Driscoll has also made arrangements to offer packages with Peekskill resident Leslie Masson’s and The Cove, located at Charles Point Marina where The Evening Star is docked.
Passengers can purchase box lunches from the restaurant and the Evening Star promotes visitors to stop by The Cove before or after tours for drinks and meals on their sprawling outdoor deck overlooking the Hudson. The trolley will be used to take tourists who arrive by train from the Peekskill Metro-North Station to Charles Point on days when the tours are not leaving from Riverfront Green.
The two-hour tours will pass by West Point, Constitution Island and continue up the Hudson Highlands to the Cold Spring area before turning around. The tours offer seating for 36 people and soft drinks service. Driscoll is in the final processes of receiving her liquor license and hopes to do wine tastings on board. Food will not be served on board the vessel, but people are welcome to bring their own.
Private charters will also be offered for $500 the first hour and then $300 each hour after. Themed kids birthday parties - Captain Parrot Pirate and Princess Sea Parties- will be offered as well.
Driscoll mentioned that she is also looking forward to giving fall foliage tours once the leaves begin to change in the fall. Visit eveningstarcruises.com for more information.
Check back with Patch for updates on the launch date.
Tour Schedule:
Wednesdays in July & August – Depart from Riverfront Green
5:30 - 7:00pm Evening Cruise
Returning in time to enjoy the Wednesday Riverfront Green Concert Series in July & early August
Adults $18. Seniors $15. Children 12 and under $10.
Second Saturday of each month (August 13th, September 10th & October 8th) – Depart from Charles Point Marina
12:00 - 2:00pm Sightseeing Cruise with historical commentary
3:00 - 5:00pm Sightseeing Cruise with historical commentary
6:30 - 8:00pm Sunset Cruise
Adults $20. Seniors $15. Children 12 and under $12.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday* & Sunday *1st, 3rd & 4th Saturday of each month
12:00 - 2:00pm Sightseeing Cruise with historical commentary
3:00 - 5:00pm Sightseeing Cruise with historical commentary
6:30 - 8:00pm Sunset Cruise
Adults $20. Seniors $15. Children 12 and under $12.
Charles Point Marina is located at 5 John Walsh Blvd. The ticket booth and office are located on the barge at Pier E.
