Hudson River Summer Classic (New York to Albany)

Arrive in the Big Apple, the ideal starting point for your cruise along the Hudson River. Celebrated as the city that never sleeps, it's a bustling hub filled with bright Broadway marquees, esteemed museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, iconic buildings that create the most notable skyline.As you board your ship within the towering concrete jungle of Manhattan, we’re ready to set sail. Leaving the cityscape behind, you'll cruise into the calm waters of the Hudson River. Watch as the Statue of Liberty stands proud with her ever-burning flame of freedom. This shift from the energetic urban sprawl to peaceful river settings offers a striking contrast, marking a beginning to your journey.

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park's leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance. World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York's vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

Sleepy Hollow, cloaked in the legend of American folklore, becomes particularly enchanting under the verdant canopy of its summer foliage. Renowned for inspiring Washington Irving's haunting tale of the Headless Horseman, the village embraces its mystical past with lantern-lit evening tours of the historic Old Dutch Church and its ancient burying ground. As legend has it, on quiet nights, some say you can still hear the thundering hooves of the Headless Horseman racing through the sleepy streets. The Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, perched by the enigmatic Tappan Zee, a 10-mile stretch along the Hudson River, offers splendid sunset views. Throughout the warm months, the village is alive with cultural celebrations and lively farmers markets.

Positioned dramatically on the high bluffs overlooking the Hudson River, West Point is not only a site of breathtaking natural beauty but also a storied locale brimming with military history. Founded in 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America, having trained some of the nation's most distinguished leaders. The Academy's Gothic Revival architecture dominates the landscape, with the iconic Cadet Chapel and the imposing statues of Thayer and Eisenhower surveying the grounds. Visitors are captivated by the West Point Museum, which houses a vast collection of military artifacts that chronicle the bravery and strategy of American forces through centuries. The combination of rigorous military tradition, historic landmarks, and the scenic splendor of the surrounding Hudson Highlands makes West Point a truly inspiring destination.

Along the banks of the Hudson River, stands Kingston, a beacon of historical charm and architectural diversity. Founded in 1652, it was once the state's first capital, and its streets still tell stories from its colonial past. The city's Historic Stockade District transports visitors back in time with well-preserved 17th-century stone houses and the Senate House, where New York's first constitution was drafted. Just a short distance away, Hyde Park welcomes history enthusiasts with the majestic estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, America’s longest-serving president. This sprawling property, along with the neighboring Vanderbilt Mansion, showcases the extravagance of a bygone era.

Catskill, NY, a quaint village situated in Greene County, is full of nature and history. Once a vital port along the Hudson River, it served as a key player in the 19th-century ice trade, where large quantities of ice were harvested and shipped to distant locales, including the Caribbean. This area also served as an inspiration for the Hudson River School of painters; notably, Thomas Cole, a founding figure of the movement, established his home and studio here, now preserved as the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. The nearby Catskill Mountains offer extensive hiking trails and striking waterfalls, drawing nature lovers and photographers seeking to capture the natural beauty of the region. Additionally, the historic Rip Van Winkle Bridge, completed in 1935, spans the Hudson River with impressive architectural features and provides stunning panoramic views that connect the picturesque environment with New York’s broader historical narrative.

This state capital city perched on the banks of the Hudson River, is a fusion of architectural elegance and historical depth. Established in 1686, it is one of the oldest surviving European settlements from the original thirteen colonies and serves as a living museum of American history. The city's skyline is crowned by the striking Empire State Plaza, a modernist marvel, which houses an impressive collection of modern art and the iconic Egg, a venue that hosts performances year-round. Albany's rich past is also preserved in its bustling downtown area, home to the New York State Capitol, a stunning example of 19th-century Gothic architecture. The city not only offers a gateway to New York’s legislative heart but also provides parks and riverfront areas where locals and visitors can enjoy peaceful views away from the rush of the city.

Conclude your Hudson River journey in Albany, NY as the city's historic skyline unfolds before your eyes, blending modern architecture with glimpses of Albany's rich past. Take time to reflect upon your amazing week cruising the legendary Hudson River, featuring verdant hillsides, quaint riverside towns, and occasional glimpses of grand estates nestled amidst the trees.