Isles of Shoals Steamship Company

Operating from Market Street in Portsmouth, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company serves as a significant tour operator, providing scheduled access to the historic Isles of Shoals. This company offers a variety of boat tours that cater to different interests, from historical narration to scenic day trips. However, the quality of the travel experience can differ substantially based on the vessel assigned to your tour, a critical detail for any prospective passenger.

The Onboard Experience: Narration and Scenery

A consistent highlight across numerous passenger accounts is the quality of the onboard narration. The company provides expertly narrated excursions that delve into the rich history of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth Harbor, and the Isles of Shoals themselves. Patrons frequently describe the commentary as highly informative, engaging, and entertaining. The narration covers centuries of local lore, including tales of pirates, colonial history, the strategic importance of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and anecdotes about landmarks like the formidable, castle-like former naval prison often called the "Alcatraz of the East." This educational component transforms a simple boat ride into a compelling historical journey, which is a major draw for many. The opportunity to see lighthouses, forts, and potentially even active naval vessels adds significant value to their sightseeing tour offerings. Many travelers find the journey itself to be a relaxing and scenic experience, enhanced by the chance to spot marine wildlife; one group was delighted to see a giant ocean sunfish (mola mola), adding a memorable and unexpected element to their trip.

Destination: Star Island

The primary destination for many of the company's day trips is Star Island, the second-largest of the nine Isles of Shoals. Upon arrival, passengers are typically allotted several hours to enjoy the island. It is described as a serene and easily walkable environment. Visitors can enjoy picnic lunches, stroll along quiet trails, visit the historic Oceanic Hotel for a snack, or simply sit and appreciate the expansive ocean views. The ticket price for these trips often includes the island's visitor fee, simplifying the process for tourists. For those seeking peaceful island getaways, a day spent on Star Island is often cited as a wonderful and worthwhile escape, with one visitor calling a $89 day trip the best money they've ever spent.

A Tale of Two Vessels: Comfort versus Discomfort

While the destinations and narration receive high marks, customer satisfaction appears to be heavily dependent on the vessel. The company operates at least two main boats for its public tours: the M/V Thomas Laighton and the M/V Challenger. This is where a significant point of contention arises.

The M/V Thomas Laighton

The M/V Thomas Laighton is a larger, Victorian-style steamship with three decks, including two enclosed and heated cabins and an open-air sundeck. It has a capacity of over 300 passengers and is equipped with a snack bar, multiple restrooms, and is noted to have comfortable deck chairs. This vessel is also used for special events, charters, and lively "Party Ship" cruises for adults, positioning it as a versatile and well-appointed boat. Passengers on the Thomas Laighton generally report a more comfortable and spacious journey.

The M/V Challenger

In stark contrast, the M/V Challenger receives consistent and strong criticism regarding its seating. Multiple reviews describe the seating as the worst part of the experience. The vessel is equipped with narrow, hard wooden benches that passengers report become painful within just ten minutes of the trip starting. The discomfort has been so pronounced that on at least one occasion, a group of elderly passengers requested that the captain return to the dock to let them off the boat due to the painful seating. While the boat's smaller, more intimate design offers good visibility, the lack of physical comfort is a major drawback that significantly detracts from the overall enjoyment. Some reviewers who praised the tour itself still gave a lower rating specifically because of the painful experience aboard the Challenger. This vessel is often used for the outbound leg of the Star Island day trip, with passengers returning on the more comfortable Thomas Laighton, a detail that is important for travelers to know in advance.

Planning Your Trip

The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company offers a range of different travel packages beyond the standard Star Island visit. Their offerings can include sunset lighthouse cruises, evening dinner cruises, and special event sails. Booking online is a common and recommended practice to secure a spot, though a ticket booth is also available near the dock. The company's operational status is seasonal, with more frequent trips during the peak summer months. Given the stark difference in comfort between the vessels, it is highly advisable for potential customers, especially those with mobility issues or a simple desire for a comfortable seat, to inquire which boat will be used for their specific tour date and time. While the tour content is excellent, the physical experience of the journey is a critical variable. Some may find the historical narration and beautiful scenery of this maritime adventure are enough to overlook the discomfort on the Challenger, while for others, it could be a deal-breaker. This makes the choice of vessel a key factor in planning a successful outing with this long-standing Portsmouth travel agency.