While the Skyline Princess is best known for its famous NY Harbor tours, we have sightseeing cruises that depart from the Connecticut ports of Stamford and Norwalk, providing a unique view of the Long Island Sound. For private cruises, we can vary our Long Island Sound tour itinerary to accommodate your preferences and interests. There are some sights that are very popular with our cruise guests and frequently included.
The Bruce Museum Seaside Center
The Bruce Museum promotes both art and science as essential aspects of life. Its Seaside Center teaches the ecology of Long Island Sound with seashore dioramas, videos, and a live animal marine touch tank.
Shell Island Tower
With a recently restored and renovated exterior by the Greenwich Land Trust, the 60-foot tower is on the Connecticut registry of historic places. It was built in 1925 by the Elmer family, which used the island as a summer retreat. The tower was dedicated to the memory of their oldest son, Gus Elmer II. In 1961, the family sold the island to Julius Silver who, in turn, donated it to the Greenwich Land Trust in 1990 to preserve it for education and as a wildlife sanctuary.
Ischoda Yacht Club
Founded in 1886, Ischoda Yacht Club is the longest running and one of the oldest yacht club on Long Island Sound. Originally called Hallika-Wallika Club by the fishermen who founded it, its name changed in 1901 during Norwalk’s 250th birthday celebration. Ischoda comes from a Mohawk Indian Tribe term for “a campfire around which the peace pip was passed.” Today it is a non-profit club.
Playland Park
Opened in 1928 overlooking Long Island Sound, it took over the area that previously housed Rye Beach and Paradise Park. It was designed by Frank Darling who had previous managed Coney Island and the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley. It features the Dragon Coaster, which opened in 1929 and serves as the park’s mascot. It’s one of about 100 wooden roller coasters currently operating in the United States.
Stamford Harbor Ledge Lighthouse
Built in 1882, this charming lighthouse guides sailors safely to the Connecticut coastline. In 1939, Keeper Marty Sowe was awarded the Congressional Silver Medal for heroism in rescuing a man.
Indian Harbor Yacht Club
Located on Captain Harbor near Greenwich, CT, Indian Harbor Yacht Club has a famous history of boating and yacht racing. While it has non-water events for members as well, it’s best known as one of the leading yachting organizations on the East Coast. Its clubhouse was built in 1921 in the Mediterranean style. In 2010, it was inducted into the National Registry of Historical Places.
Mill Neck Manor
This majestic Tudor Revival mansion overlooks Long Island Sound. Previously called Sefton Manor, the Gold Coast mansion was designed in 1922 for Lillian Sefton Dodge, president of the cosmetics company, Harriet Hubbard Ayer, Inc., which she sold to Lever Bros. in 1947. Her husband, Robert Leftwich Dodge, designed the mansion’s famous stained glass windows.
Manursing Island Club
Founded in 1912, Manursing Island Club has a family-oriented atmosphere. It features a sandy beach, summer camp programs, and premier tennis and swimming programs.
Davenport Point
Located between Foul Bay and Sturt Bay, this area is best known for Point Davenport Conservation Park. This protected area was designated a park in 1987 and has high biodiversity with a wide range of habitats.
Belle Haven Club
Traditionally, membership to this highly desirable private beach and sports club was limited to residents of affluent Belle Haven, CT. More recently, it has allowed a limited number of residents from the surrounding areas to join.
Enjoy the Long Island Sound on a Private Cruise
Whether you’re planning a black-tie corporate event, a casually-dressed event, a wedding, or other special event, a private cruise of the Long Island Sound aboard the Skyline Princess will guarantee a memorable event for all. Call today and speak with one of our experienced event planners who will help you organize the perfect day. For private cruises, we have ten ports of call to choose from, including two in Connecticut – Ponus Yacht Club in Stamford and Veteran’s Memorial Park & Marina in Norwalk. A private Long Island Sound cruise aboard the Skyline Princess is the perfect way to impress your friends, family, or clients. Call (718) 446-1100 today and start planning!
