March 2010 -- Under a new contract with the Star Island Corporation, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company (ISSCO) will provide ferry service aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton, its Victorian-style steamship, for guests attending summer conferences on Star Island’s Oceanic Hotel. (Continued below)  

PORTSMOUTH — The new contract marks a major increase in ISSCO’s scheduled trips to Star Island that resumed in June 2009. ISSCO provided three trips per week, though conference-goers reached the island on the Captain’s Lady (Newport, Mass), which sails from Rye Harbor.

New contract with Star Island Corporation includes ferry service
for summer conferences at the Oceanic Hotel 

"Last summer, about 5,000 people sailed on the Thomas Laighton for day visits to Star Island," said Star Island Corporation CEO Vicky Hardy. "This summer, with the day visitors and the people attending conferences, we expect about 15,000 people will come to Portsmouth on their way to Star Island. This is such good news for Star Island, for Portsmouth, and for ISSCO. I'm thrilled." 

Jeremy Bell, Captain of the M/V Thomas Laighton stated "We are very pleased with the continued expansion of our working relationship with the Star Island Corporation, a corporation that appreciates the Steamship Company's commitment to their guests enjoyment, comfort and safety". 

"On behalf of the City of Portsmouth, I’m glad to hear this arrangement will bring an additional 600 people to Portsmouth every weekend through the summer," said John P. Bohenko, Portsmouth’s City Manager. 

Beginning in June, the Thomas Laighton will resume the popular Star Island Walkabout and Stopover Tours. The Star Island Walkabout Tour will run on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday departing at 9:25 AM and returning back to ISSCO at 1:15 PM. The Star Island Sunset Walkabout will also be featured on Tuesday evenings running from 5:25 PM until 8:45 PM.

The Star Island Stopover Tour will be held on Sunday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 9:25 AM until 4:45 PM and on Tuesdays at 1:55 PM until 8:45 PM. Extended Star Island Stopover Tours will be on Saturdays departing at 6:25 AM and with the choice of returning at either 1:15 PM or 4:45 PM for the dedicated explorer and travel enthusiast. The first cruise to Star Island will be held on Sunday, June 5th for Star’s Seacoast Day, a festival where visitors can explore Star Island’s timeless beauty and learn about upcoming events at the Oceanic Hotel. 

ISSCO owner Robin Whitaker, who suspended Star Island service in 2005 to expand other tour offerings (including school, corporate, and wedding charters), says the new agreement reflects innovative thinking from both companies.

"I am impressed with how Star Island Corporation’s offerings open the island and the Oceanic to a new generation of travelers," says Whittaker. "I am grateful to Vicky and to my captains for their creative insights that inspired this mutually beneficial agreement." 

Star Island’s Oceanic Hotel, a popular destination for Seacoast residents and tourists, offers dining services and overnight accommodations (reservations made through ISSCO) with its Personal Retreat program. The island is also home to a marine laboratory and historical museum. 

Star Island conferences are open to all and last from a few days to a week. The 2010 schedule runs from June 12 through September 19, 2010 and offers programs on a wide variety of topics, including marine studies, art, photography and contemporary cultural, explored through discussions, lectures, and workshops. 

ISSCO offers the Star Island Walkabout (a 45-minute self-guided tour from 11:00-11:45) and the classic half-day Stopover (11:00 to 3:00). The Thomas Laighton has three heated cabins, spacious outdoor decks, restrooms, and a snack bar. 

About Star Island Corporation

Star Island Corporation is a nonprofit that maintains Star Island and its facilities and provides hospitality services for visitors. The mission since 1916 is to hold and administer Star Island and other properties for educational, religious, and kindred purposes. The organization is headquartered year-round from its offices at the Morton Benedict House at 30 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH. 

About the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company

The Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. offers river and ocean cruises, party ships, charters, and educational tours of the Greater Piscataqua Region—from Portsmouth Harbor to the Isles of Shoals—on the M/V Thomas Laighton, a 90-foot, Victorian-style steamship that combines historic charm with modern amenities to accommodate any function, including weddings, corporate meetings, and 250-person banquets. Company and cruise information is available at their web site.

RELATED LINKS: Star Island Corp and Isles of Shoals Steamship Co