Have you ever eaten on a floating restaurant? Well, if not, you are missing out. The Raquette Lake Navigation Company is a MUST-DO on any Adirondack bucket list. So, to be clear, it's not necessarily a floating restaurant. What it is, is a large ship called the WW Durant that cruises around Raquette Lake, while serving you some of the most delicious food I have ever eaten. The Raquette Lake Navigation Company is family owned and operated and has been for over 30 years. Dean Pohl, the "Father", not only is the Captain, but he also gives you a historic narration of Raquette Lake. I just learned that Dean actually built the WW Durant boat as well!! Donna Pohl, the "Mother", has handled all things organization wise. Rachel Pohl, the "Daughter" and has led the bar and dining room, while Jim Pohl, the "Son" is the head chef. Rachel and Jim recently bought the business from their parents. Congrats to them! Rachel will take over for Donna and they are looking for someone to take over Rachel's position. Dean will remain the Captain for most cruises and Chef Jim will remain in the kitchen. Every voyage is pulled off flawlessly and they make it LOOK effortless - although it is very evident A LOT of effort is put into each cruise. This is a high-class experience with exceptional food, sites and service.
Don't be fooled into thinking there is one kind of cruise with The Raquette Lake Navigation Company. Oh no folks, there are many! To start they offer 2 kinds of Brunch Cruises - in July they offer the "Reinvented Sunday Brunch" and August into October they offer their "Traditional Sunday Brunch". They offer 2 kinds of Lunch Cruises - T, W, Th and S they offer the "Luncheon Buffet Cruise" and on Fridays they have the "Pizza Buffet Cruise". The Pizza Buffet Cruise is a great idea for families with kids! And of course, Din-Din...they provide 3 different options for their dinner cruises. The "Traditional Dinner Cruise" is a four course, plated dinner where you choose your menu from a few selections. This cruise is available T, Th and Sat. Then they offer the "Intimate Dinner Cruise" for those that like a slower, quieter, less crowed pace... They take half as many reservations and allow for more cocktail hour time. With this cruise you are guaranteed your own table. The "Intimate Dinner Cruise" is the perfect choice for those celebrating a special occasion or want an even more amazing experience. This cruise is available W and Sun. Finally, they offer the "Prime Rib Buffet Dinner Cruise" and as you can probably gather, they feature chicken. Kidding! They feature Prime Rib and a variety of other foods in a banquet seating, buffet style setting. This cruise is available M and F.
After reading all that, you are probably tired and hungry and dying to make a reservation. But wait, there's more! They have an entire variety of Special Events they host. These include a "Jimmy Buffet Party Cruise", "Beer and Wine Pairing Cruises", a "Saranac, BBQ and Blues Cruise", among others!
As you cruise Raquette Lake and dine, you are given a detailed history of Raquette Lake and many of the camps along the way. It is such an interesting commentary to hear, and the sites are gorgeous. You will often catch the sunset as you finish up the cruise and there are ample opportunities for pictures. There is a full bar on board with many options to try if you are thirsty. Rachel chooses special wines and rotates them throughout the season. The dining room is fully enclosed and heated, so they sail no matter what the weather. They are willing and want to work with people with specific allergies, as long as it is discussed ahead of time!
I personally have been several times and it is always a very special treat! I have always been a simple person when it comes to restaurants. Burgers and fries, chicken tenders and tater tots, pizza and wings, you know, the fancy stuff. And I mean, there is nothing wrong with what I tend to prefer. But one year as a present my parents gave me a dinner cruise on the WW Durant and it was honestly some of the most delicious foods I have ever eaten. There are several for-purchase appetizers such as Shrimp Cocktail and Cheese Platter. We tried the Shrimp Cocktail - Yum! Then you are served a hand-crafted salad and homemade soup - I cannot remember what kind of soup it was, but I remember initially turning my nose up to it and it turned out to be one of the best soups I ever had! For dinner they offer a variety of choices including Fish, Chicken, Beef, Vegetarian and several Chef Specials. Lastly, dessert... they vary depending on the month but can include Strawberry Shortcake, Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Maple Creme Brule or Apple Crisp. I distinctly remember wanting to pick more than 1 dessert...
Check out their website to find the cruise that best fits you and your budget best. No matter which one you choose, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
