Upcoming Special Events
| Friday, Sept 10 | 10:00-Midnight | Vermont Adaptive Sports (all ages) Entertainment by Filk |
| Saturday, Sept 18 | 10:00-Midnight | Latino Festival |
| Friday, October 1st - 3rd | Special Cruises Available | UVM Homecoming/ Family Weekend |
| Saturday, October 23rd | Special Cruises Available | Champlain College Parents Weekend |
Welcome To Lake Champlain
Sail Away From the Ordinary
on Burlington, Vermont's Largest Floating Restaurant & Cruise
Ship
- 424-Passenger Cruise Ship
- 3 Heated and Air Conditioned Dining Decks
- Food and Beverage Service on All Cruises
- Handicapped Accessible
- U.S. Coast Guard Certified
- Operates May-October
- Executive Chef Prepares Bountiful Buffets and Elegant Plated Menus Served from On-board Galley
- Sky Deck "Penthouse" for Out-of-The-World Views
- Cultivate, Educate, and Fascinate Package
Welcome Aboard
Our World on the Water
Lake Champlain is the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. after the five Great Lakes, and is one of Vermont´s most sought after destinations. The best way to enjoy the lake is with a cruise aboard the 424 passenger Spirit of Ethan Allen III. Discover the region´s rich history, as the Captain´s narration unfolds tales of Indian lore, the Revolutionary War, and Ethan Allen himself. Explore the depths of the shoreline as the ship cruises alongside the lake´s unique geographic formations. Savor the majestic beauty of the Adirondack and Green Mountain ranges that surround the lake. Bring your cameras--the largest recorded mass siting of Champ, our elusive lake monster, was aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen I.
Our Great Lake! Lake Champlain Facts
- The largest freshwater lake in the U.S. after the five Great Lakes
- The only one of a few lakes that flows in a northerly direction
- It is 12.2 miles wide, 120 miles long, and 427 feet deep at its deepest point. It encompasses Vermont, New York, and the Province of Quebec, Canada
- It is believed to have the best collection of historic shipwrecks in North America
- Samuel de Champlain discovered the lake in 1609
- Keep your eyes open for Champ, our friendly lake monster!
Cruises
The Spirit of Ethan Allen offers a variety of cruises May-October
Enjoy one of our Scenic Narrated Cruises departing four times daily at 10, 12, 2, and 4. Explore the depths of the shoreline as the ship cruises alongside the lake´s unique geographic formations. Savor the majestic beauty of the Adirondack and Green Mountain ranges that surround the lake. Bring your cameras--the largest recorded mass sighting of Champ, our elusive lake monster, was aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen I.
Indulge in Vermont dining at its best onboard the Spirit Of Ethan Allen III. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Champlain while Chef Robért and his crew prepare and serve culinary delights from the onboard galley. Themed Dinner cruises are offered 7 nights a week, with live entertainment and spectacular sunsets. Lunch and brunch cruises feature bountiful buffets.
Entertainment
Let Us Entertain You!
The Spirit of Ethan Allen offers 7-nights of Themed Dinner cruises with live entertainment each night. Come aboard and enjoy our wide range of talented performers. Step back in time with the Joe Levesque Big Band, relax to the smooth Jazz of the Sonny and Perley Jazz Trio , Enjoy our table side Strolling Accordionist, talented Pianist, the Hilarious actors of our murder mystery and the professional DJ's from Spirit Sounds Entertainment.
On Board Private Events
Let the Spirit of Ethan Allen be the lakeside location for your next meeting, client appreciation event, or employee outing. Groups of 20 to 424 can come aboard for private events, themed dinner cruises, sunset cocktail parties, board meetings, team building, fundraisers, annual meetings, association gatherings, and company picnics.
In 2009 two merging companies came aboard for an "ice breaking" cruise as a way to create an informal setting for employees to meet.
Customized Packages available for any budget.
Weddings
Let us help you create your ideal wedding, where your dreams come true and your expectations are surpassed by far. Your guests will be impressed with the personal touches that reflect your special style, all surrounded by out-of-this-world Lake Champlain views.
The Spirit of Ethan Allen III offers 3 private reception decks designed to showcase your casual, elegant, or formal reception. From decorations, to flowers, favors, and seating arrangements, you may rest assured that every detail will be handled flawlessly. Our professional event planners, and customized food, beverage and entertainment packages make everything easy and affordable so you may relax and have fun, too!
Motorcoach
Climb aboard and "Catch the Spirit". An escape to the lake is the perfect compliment to your Vermont tour, and with our exciting schedule of day-time and night-time cruises, you are certain to find the ideal cruise to enhance your itinerary. The Captain´s narration will fascinate your travelers with Lake Champlain's rich history--including the Revolutionary War, the adventures of Ethan Allen, and Abnaki Indian lore. He will point out geographic formations, sights of ship wrecks and the natural beauty that is unique to our corner of the world. And, for the curious minded, there is always the chance to search for "Champ" the Lake´s elusive monster. The Lake Champlain Enchantment Package is a great day long adventure for any motorcoach group, with a visit to the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, a Lunch or Brunch Cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen and a Property Tour and Cheese Tasting at Shelburne Farms. Three attractions for one great price!
Groups
Celebrating an Anniversary, Birthday or Special Occasion? Let the Spirit of Ethan Allen be the location for your next special event. Trying to find a unique location for a baby shower, engagement party or family reunion? Bring your next family event on the Spirit of Ethan Allen and let us do all the cooking, planning and cleaning up. The Spirit of Ethan Allen can accommodate groups of any size with any budget. Are you a teacher or camp councilor looking to plan an exciting field trip for your students? Check out our special education rates and packages. Combined a Cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen with a Trip to the ECHO Science Center and Lake Aquarium or Shelburne Farms. Make it a whole day adventure by including a cruise while you are visiting the Flynn Theater, Shelburne Museum or Maritime Museum.
About Us
The company started in 1984 with the Spirit of Ethan Allen I, a 149 passenger paddle wheeler, and has expanded to the present day operation.
May 3, 2002 marked the inaugural sail of the Spirit of Ethan Allen III, Lake Champlain´ largest cruise ship. The Spirit III, 140´ long and with a 33´ beam, accommodates 424 passengers, and is one of Vermont´ largest banquet facilities. The ship was built in 1997 in Salisbury, Maryland, and is powered by two Detroit Diesel engines, navigating at an average speed of seven knots. The Spirit III offers 3 heated and air conditioned decks for your cruising pleasure.
Mission
Aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III, the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission. We pledge the finest personal service and facilities for our guests. Our goal is to enliven the senses, instill well being, and fulfill even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests.
How To Find us
Click the maps above for larger views (maps will open in a new window)
The Spirit Of Ethan Allen III departs from the Burlington Boathouse, at 1 College Street, Downtown Burlington, Vermont.
Are you visiting Burlington and looking for other things to do or a place to stay:
Please click here to get coupons for area attractions:
Our Preferred Hotel Partners
Holiday Inn
1068 Williston Road
South Burlington, Vermont
Call: 802-863-6363
Comfort Inn and Suites
5 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT
802-863-5541
Please visit these hotels at: http://www.innvermont.com
Catering
Shoreline Catering…
Our Deck or Yours
Shoreline Catering is the exclusive caterer for the Spirit of Ethan Allen III, Lake Champlain´ 424 passenger cruise ship, and is highly regarded as an offsite caterer as well. Our team of professionals offer complete event planning services for weddings and parties of all kinds. Our executive Chef and his staff specialize in customizing menus certain to please you and your guests. Rest assured that you will relax and have fun, while confidently leaving the details to us.
Our Event Packages Include
- Customized menus offering plated, buffet, and action station service
- Table Linens
- China and Flatware
- Tables and Chairs
- Waitstaff
- Consultations and Site Inspections
- Complete Event Planning Service
- Presentation and Service with WOW!
In Addition We Will Assist You With
- Floral Arrangements
- Entertainment
- Beverage Selections
- Equipment Rentals, such as tents, staging, dance floors, grills, lights, etc
- Wedding Cakes
- Photographers
- Justices of the Peace
- Decorations
Spirit of Ethan Allen III - Catering
Whether you are planning an event for 25 or 400, Shoreline Catering is here to help you every step of the way. If you want to be confident that your next special event will be handled flawlessly, call Shoreline Catering today at 802-862-8300, or click the Contact Link below!
Terms & Conditions
CANCELLATIONS REQUIRED BY NOON ON CRUISE DATE FOR DINNERS AND SUNSETS AND 9:00 AM FOR BRUNCHES AND LUNCHES. • Charters Available and Do Prevail |
