The D&L Blog

Post by: Sara Ann Salter, D&L Marketing and Development Intern

If you’ve been to the National Canal Museum then you’ve probably seen the Josiah White II cruising along the canal, but perhaps you didn’t know that you can dine aboard the traditional vessel. The multilevel boat holds up to 70 passengers and is equipped with electric and sounds systems as well as two bathrooms below deck that are handicapped friendly. These seasonal events are wildly popular and provide a unique perspective of the canal in the evening that is best shared with the company of your loved ones or friends. Dinner cruises aboard the Josiah White II are unique to all of Pennsylvania and quite prolific as well.

With so many different themes available there is a cruise for everyone! The music of the 1940s cruise features music by the Lehigh Valley’s own The Swing-Time Dolls and they sure do put on a show! The history of beer making in the Lehigh Valley cruise features Bethlehem beer historian Christopher Bowen, whose beer-related adventures brought him all over the world and libations from Lost Tavern Brewery in Hellertown will definitely excite any beer advocate. The canal music, stories, and songs cruise with historian Roy Justice will take you back in time to the 19th-century when canal boats prowled the Delaware and Lehigh. This evening of history and hearty Pennsylvania German cuisine will surely be one to remember. The wine-tasting cruise with Sand Castle Winery’s owner, Joe Maxian, will introduce their finest wines, with a complimentary wine glass, as music is played in accompaniment. This is one of our most popular cruises and always sells out very fast, so be sure to book soon! The Italian connection cruise will tell the tale of 19th century Italian immigration to the Lehigh Valley through stories and songs by Martha Capwell Fox and the Lou Pettinelli Band that is sure to be a night for the ages. The Lehigh Valley’s Steve Broksy Band will perform their irresistible jazzy tunes that will surely bring you to your feet for a night of dancing.

If you revel in the roaring 20’s, then we have just the cruise for you. Local DJ and historian, Steve Capwell, will share stories and music to satisfy any swinging 20’s lover, but don’t forget your dancing shoes! Finally, we haven’t forgotten the rich steel history of the area either. You can explore the 125 year history of Bethlehem Steel as told by Martha Capwell Fox, our very own archives and museum coordinator.

Each cruise will include a lift lock experience in Lock 47 to display how canal boats were lowered and raised in the old days as they traveled to multiple sections of the canal. The cruises also feature cuisine to match each theme and bringing your own beer and wine is encouraged, except on the beer and wine themed cruises where alcohol is included in the price of your ticket.  If you’re looking for a night out like no other, then check out more dinner cruise information here. Get your tickets before they’re gone!