Mount Washington Cruises prepares for return of Winnipesaukee Belle to Meredith

MEREDITH — After the Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation acquired it three years ago, and following extensive renovations, the Winnipesaukee Belle will once again be departing Meredith Bay for cruises this summer.

This is just one of several key changes to Mount Washington Cruises, which includes adjustments to the schedules for its entire fleet.

“Between the new connectivity for the Mount and the relaunch of the Belle in Meredith, there is a lot of new ground for us to cover,” said General Manager Jared Maraio.

Winnipesaukee Belle

Meredith Town Manager Judie Milner told the selectboard at a meeting in February that she received a phone call from Maraio about the purchase, and how they plan to start up cruises again this summer. Mount Washington Cruises is operated by Winnipesaukee Flagship Corp.

“It is ready to make its debut in July of 2026 from the Meredith docks,” Milner said.

Mount Washington Cruises posted on its website Dec. 4, “The Belle is back.” The company purchased it from the Wolfeboro Inn in 2023.

“The Belle has undergone a transformation, carefully preserving her classic charm while embracing a modern design aesthetic,” according to the website. “Prepare to step aboard a vessel where history meets contemporary elegance, creating a truly unforgettable setting for your next event.”

The post states the Winnipesaukee Flagship Corp. and Wolfeboro Inn “mutually agreed” on the sale of the vessel, as it will increase interest and give the ability expand its schedule.

The Winnipesaukee Belle was launched in 1985, and after the purchase, was transported to the shipyard in Center Harbor where it was refurbished, according to a website post on March 30, 2023.

Since it was acquired, The Belle has gone under an “extensive revamp,” with Maraio saying the restoration essentially gutted and rebuilt it from the inside out. Originally, the company wanted to have it ready last summer, but it was delayed due to the amount of work. He is excited to bring it back this year.

“I think a lot of people are pretty fond of The Belle, so we are excited to bring it back and show it off a little bit,” Maraio said.

Upgrades include what is described as a “chic bistro design,” complete with new seating and ambient lighting. There are now large windows and open deck spaces, designed for people to see views of the scenery, and all aspects, “from the galley to the restrooms”, have been renovated.

The Belle will sail for scheduled cruises as well as private charter, and those interested can work with the events team to customize the experience. She can accommodate up to 120 guests.

Milner told Mountain Washington Cruises know about the Greater Meredith Program's celebration for the nation’s 250th anniversary, and Maraio said they would like to make The Winnipesaukee Belle part of the event.

The new schedule includes happy hour cruises, sunset dessert cruises, and Haunted Winnipesaukee cruises.

Mount Washington Cruises is best known for the M/S Mount Washington, a 230-foot cruise boat. It also operates the Winnipesaukee Spirit and the U.S Mailboat Sophie C for daytime and sunset dinner cruises.

Close call in Wolfeboro

Winnipesaukee Flagship Corp. had a busy winter, working with town staff on approvals across the entire fleet. These related to electrical aspects, as well as landing permits, for the Town of Wolfeboro.

Maraio had an appointment with the Wolfeboro Selectboard on March 18, about finalizing plans for this summer. According to the meeting minutes, Maraio resubmitted landing permits originally submitted on Feb. 26, then withdrawn March 2, due to uncertainty surrounding potential fees.

The permit application cover letter includes increasing activity in Wolfeboro, which means greater benefits to the town, and citizens and visitors would be able to take the M/S Mount Washington at Weirs Beach.

Selectboard member Linda Murray said it is late in the calendar for any boating business to make decisions, and thus, made a motion to maintain the 2025 commercial vessel landing permit as-is through the 2026 season.

Maraio said tour operators make decisions on pricing a year in advance, and it’s difficult to change after that. He noted the current $3,000 seasonal fee for the Mount would be $100 more with a potentially expanded schedule. Tour operators plan 12 to 18 months in advance when they sell packages based on ticket costs given by Mount Washington Cruises.

After discussing dock upgrades, and town leaders' desire to hire more dockhands, Maraio noted Wolfeboro is the only town on Lake Winnipesaukee with landing permits. He said a boat that size will never be launched on the lake again, and since the COVID-19 pandemic, the schedule has increased for the Mount, bringing more visitors to the area.

The board ultimately voted 4-0, with John Thurston abstaining, to issue the 2026 commercial vehicle landing permits for the 2025 fee, which applies to all vessels. The board will return to any ordinance changes regarding dock fees effective Jan. 1, 2027, instead.

“We were getting a little nervous, but they approved the landing permits, and we are moving ahead and looking forward to a great season,” Maraio said.

Expanded schedule

The fleet has expanded, which means the most significant schedule changes in decades.

This year offers a new departure from Wolfeboro for the Mount. The ship added a 1:45 p.m. departure time, in addition to 11:15 a.m. There is also a new departure from Weirs Beach, at 3 p.m., on top of the existing departures at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

This is designed so passengers can spend more time off the boat in Wolfeboro, to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping and sightseeing. Passengers boarding from Wolfeboro can also get off at Weirs Beach.

The Winnipesaukee Spirit is moving to Center Harbor, and for the first time, there will be sailings from there multiple times a week all summer. The ship will stop at Center Harbor and Wolfeboro, and this summer features a sunset cocktail cruise that leaves from the Wolfeboro Town Docks.

The new schedule had a focus on expanding the connection between the northern and eastern ports, but there are also plans to return to Alton Bay: the most southern point of The Big Lake. Maraio said the Mount didn’t stop at Alton Bay last year, because there was an issue with the stern cluster, but they have been working on repairs and options.

“The company is currently exploring logistical options for service to Alton Bay and expects to share a formal update regarding the port’s role in the 2026 season in the coming weeks,” according to a Mount Washington Cruises media release.

For schedules, visit cruisenh.com.