songo river queen

We had a great one hour tour on the Songo River Queen. Knowledgeably narrated,relaxing trip. Food and drink was available if you so desire as well as restrooms.

The Songo River Queen cruised the scenic Long Lake with a narrated hour trip. Although the noon boat was near empty it would wonderful exploring the unspoiled lake at a relaxing pace. The price was reasonable too. We will take guests there again.

This was so great. We were at the Blues Festival, and one Blues venue was on the Songo! It was really fun! Great music, beautiful day & the Lake was soothing! We had drinks, talked to many people, looked at the houses along the shore. It was fun!

The crew and staff of the Songo River Queen were very accommodating and friendly. The venue was a unique setting for a beautiful afternoon bridal shower. Many wonderful memories were made that special July day on, The Songo River Queen II.

We treated my sister to the Songo River Queen 2 hour tour while she was visiting. We had never done it either and were excited to try it out. On a beautiful day, it was so relaxing and comfortable under the shade of the top deck. We sat at tables and enjoyed the passing scenery as the Captain related what we were seeing. It was interesting to hear about the development of the lake, see historic and new homes and mansions. The people along the shore waved and the captain rang the bell. I give the cruise a score of 5 stars, however the food was less than that. The "lobster roll" sandwich was a small hot dog roll with hunks of lobster meat on it. No sauce. It looked so stark and unappetizing that my sister was going to throw it away and get something else, but my husband traded his chicken salad with her. He added some mayo and said with that, it tasted ok. Perhaps they are over-reaching trying to serve lobster rolls? All in all it was a lovely afternoon aboard the Songo Queen.

This is a great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon. The Songo River Queen II is an authentic replica of a Mississippi River Stern Paddlewheeler. Her LOA is 93 feet. She is 23 feet at the beam and 100 tons. She can carry 350 passengers. She and her predecessor were built by Frank C. Gerrish, Jr. She was launched in May, 1982 to replace the original that burned at the dock in October 2981. Her twin stacks have decorative “crowns” on the tops that really dress her up. The Queen has two decks with staircases that are labeled UP and DOWN. The lower deck is enclosed but has windows. The snack, food, and drink bar is on the lower deck as is a souvenir counter selling T-shirts, sweatshirts, postcards, fridge magnets and ball caps. The upper deck has tables and chairs, plus the head. This deck is open on the sides and is covered with a red and white striped awning that matches the red on the paddlewheels. She is a beautiful, well-maintained cruise boat.The noon cruise last 2 hours. That fare is $25.00 for adults and $13.00 for children ages 4-12. The 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM cruises last 1 hour. These cost $15.00 for adults and $8.00 for children ages 4-12. Children under age 4 are always free. There are no AARP or AAA discounts. The cruise originally went through the swing bridge, Brandy Pond, and Songo Lock and on to Sebago Lake; however, a new fixed causeway bridge in September 2011 closed off the boat’s access to that course.Today’s cruises go along the shoreline of Long Lake which is 11 miles long, one mile wide, and officially 59 feet deep. The narration tells about its creation by a glacier, local history, and past owners of certain summer lake homes. The Heinz family, author E.B. White, a former Maine governor, and Stephen King were the most notable. Presently, the boat passes Camp Takajo, owned by Jeff Konigsberg, Joan Lunden’s husband. It hosts about 800 campers from all over the world yearly. On the noon cruise the day we went, the boat was not crowded. There were about 30 people aboard. Most other passengers sat topside with us. Most had drinks and lunch from the snack bar. The best offerings were hamburgers, hot dogs, and lobster rolls. I had a lobster roll. My two friends had hot dogs. Everything was very good. It was a clear, blue-sky day so the scenery looked its summer best. There was a very light breeze. The boat moved along slowly and smoothly. For a boat that size, the engine was quiet. A lot other boaters and folks on land waved to us in passing. We also saw other people enjoying seaplane rides, parasailing, windsurfing, and being pulled on towable ski tubes and rafts.It was very pleasant, leisurely cruise. We enjoyed it thoroughly. Afterwards, we went to see the hand-operated Songo Lock which is over by Sebago Lake State Park Campgrounds a few miles away. There were lots of speedboats and pontoon boats passing through the lock. The state park ranger said that it was a very busy place.

This is the Songo River Queen II. The original boat burned down. Years ago, it was possible to take a ride on the Songo River Queen that went through the locks, but neither the 1 hour nor the 2 hour trip now do this, since there is a new bridge. The one hour trip was a bit pricey: $15 each for 3 adults, with no special price for seniors. It was also a very hot day when we went, but the ride was pleasant and the narration pointed out some of the sights on the shore, including the former estates of some very rich and somewhat famous people. We sat on the upper deck and enjoyed the scenery, though the hoped-for breeze didn't materialize. The Songo River Queen is a paddlewheel boat, and if you want to spend a peaceful hour watching life on the lake, it's a reasonable but not very exciting thing to do. The people running it are very nice, and the crew did an amazingly accurate job docking it on our way back.

omg. this is like the worst boat ride you could ever take. You go faster in a canoe this this thing. So slow, so boring, just zzzzzzzz

We took the longer ride on this riverboat and it was lovely. It was a hot day but we felt shaded and cool under the canopy on the top deck. it was a very relaxing ride and we learn lots about the Long lake area. they had food you could order on the boat including a Lobster roll that was FULL of lobster and very reasonably priced. I only gave it 4 stars because on the day we went they didn't have Cheese burgers, as listed and only had the "red snapper" hotdogs, which my kids and husband do not like.

Slow speed viewing of Long Lake. Great narration. On my trip today the batteries in my camera died. I was only 10 minutes into the trip. Went to little store they have on board to ask if they sold batteries. They did not. But the woman (sorry I didn't get her name) actually took the batteries out of her own personal camera and gave them to me. yes , gave them to me. Didn't want anything in return. She made my day!!! I put a nice tip in her tip jar on my way out. What a great time we had.Thank you so much!!!

This ride is a staple of mine, I go there at least once a year. My family loves it. The ride is smooth and the scenery is beautiful. I never tire of it. I like the fact that I can bring my own food aboard and I enjoy the upper deck as I can see for a good distance. They used to have large picnic tables on the top deck and you could spread out all your stuff and just have a great time. The last time I was there though the tables were gone and along with them went some of the fun. Hopefully they will put them back. The boat has a bar and some of they're own snacks that you can buy.

What a beautiful way to spend some time at a slow and easy speed viewing Long Lake. There is plenty of seating. You can choose to sit on the upper level outside where chairs as well as picinic tables are provided. Or if it is a chilly day you can sit in the heated area on the first level. There is a limited menu of food choices as well as beer, wine , coffee, etc.The narration is interesting on the way out . On the way back there is little narration which I found very considerate as you can enjoy conversatoin and the sounds of the lake without interruption.The price is reasonable and I don't believe you will be disappointed. I try to take a ride on the Songo at least once every season.

Quaint old boat. It was nice that there was someone narrating rather then a recording which is so common these days.

I highly recommend this 1-2 hour Long Lake cruise, either as a family outing (yes, with dog, if you wish--no extra charge), or, as an extraordinary sunset romantic cruise for two. The boat is a replica of a Mississippi River Paddle Wheeler (kept in beautiful shape), accommodates 350 passengers, and, is disability friendly. It has two levels, with an open upper level having a bright red/white stripe canopy for protection from sun/rain. There is a food court on board (with standard kid faire), and, a cocktail bar serving beer, wine, and, liquor. Hence, you cannot bring “your own” liquor, but, you can bring your own picnic basket, and, enjoy a meal on one of the many picnic tables on board. Depending on whether you take a 1 or 2 hour cruise, 2012 prices are adults $12 to $20, kids $6 to $10, and, kids under 4 always free.The cruise is particularly enjoyable with less crowds on board. The boat is big, so, if you are prone to seasickness, it hardly rocks back, and, forth--you should do fine. If you do plan your Maine trip either early, or, late in the tourist season, you'll be rewarded by enjoying this large boat almost to yourselves. The height of Maine's tourist season is July 4. May/June, things start opening up, and, after parent tourists head back in late August to prepare their kids for school, there's a lull in trade before leaf-peepers arrive mid/late September. (Check this cruise's website for its opening/closing dates each calendar year--it also cuts back on its runs during September/October to weekends only). When busy, there are 4 cruises daily apx. Noon to 6PM, and, during September/October weekends only Noon to 2PM. Also check-out this cruise’s website for special events. Don't forget, if you also enjoy leaf peeping, you may wish to coordinate your cruise during the height of color in the region. Check-out Maine’s leaf-peeping alert website to help you plan the best time for your trip.Coming from the south, the cruise is easy to find, directly off Rte #302, and, is easily seen on your right (it’s dock is less than 20’ away from the main road), and, you actually see the boat just as quickly as you enter Naples. It's the BIGGEST one! And, there is very convenient, well-lit, off-street parking near the cruise ship's entrance. This cruise is especially enjoyable around sunset (no sunset cruises during September/October), which, at the right time of year, can be breathtaking. Beautiful lake properties/sites to see along the way, the air smells of pine, very peaceful. The trip is simple, but, beautiful—and, the air seems to wrap around you like a cozy blanket! If you wish to stay in the area, there are wonderful accommodations, and, restaurants nearby. And, don't forget, there are other lake rentals to use, such as jet skis, etc. Also, plane rides--a fabulous way to see Maine's majestic landscape. Wow! Check out the Naples website for more information. Also remember, being Maine, temperatures can change quickly, depending on the time of year. Even when temps are very warm during the day, they can get chilly at night. Bring a pair of slacks, or, lightweight jackets, just in case. Day/night changes in temps occur most often during season changes. Finally, if you are interested in purchasing a boat, across the road is one of the largest Maine boat retailers-- he seems to have every make, and, model, in all shapes, and, sizes.The Songo River Queen is a fabulous Maine lake cruise!

A beautiful way to see a bit more of Long Lake and the great houses on the shores. The Captain was also our tourguide, and he did a good job, telling us lots of interesting things.I can definitely recommend a cruise on the Songo River Queen.