Toast 250: Revolutionary Sunset Cruise on the Hudson in Peekskill

On a warm summer evening along the Hudson River in Peekskill, New York, the Emerald Princess pushes off Fleischmann Pier for Toast 250!, a Revolutionary-themed sunset cruise that rethinks how a history lesson feels: lively, musical, and buoyant. The two-hour voyage threads the narrow channel beneath the Hudson Highlands, slides past Bear Mountain's wooded ridges and the stoic masonry of West Point, and pauses for a ceremonial toast as the sun slips behind Constitution Island. Boarding begins at 6:30 PM after a free dockside pre-cruise celebration with fife and drum and a reading of the Declaration of Independence; from there the evening unfolds with period characters, trivia, folk music, and dancing. This outing is more than costumed theater. It uses the river itself—the tide-fed Hudson that shaped the Highlands—as the platform for storytelling. Characters portraying George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Benedict Arnold, and Major John André bring differing viewpoints, and the dockside ceremonies—supported by Westchester County and the New York State Council on the Arts—turn local history into a shared, loud-voiced community event. The cruise frames familiar landmarks in a new way: the granite slopes of Bear Mountain take on scale, West Point's parade ground reads as focal point, and Constitution Island, small and grass-topped, becomes a silhouette for sunset portraits. For travelers, this trip is a visitor-friendly mix of spectacle and scenery. Capacity is limited, so book early at RMSCruises.com or by calling (201) 312-3554 to secure a spot on this ticketed, non-refundable event. Expect a cash bar and bar bites available for purchase; bring a light jacket—the river after sundown can carry a cool breeze—and a camera with a steadied hand for low-light shots. Families will appreciate the accessible storytelling and interactive trivia, though check accessibility and age details with the operator if needed. Beyond the scripted entertainment, the cruise is a reminder that the Hudson remains an active cultural artery. From the pre-cruise fife and drum on Fleischmann Pier to the ship's wooden rail underfoot, guests feel a physical link between place and past. Whether you come for the historical characters, the sunset that paints the Highlands, or simply the easy pleasure of being afloat, Toast 250! on the Emerald Princess offers a memorable, place-based evening that highlights why Peekskill’s waterfront is a living stage for American stories. The ship’s crew and performers treat safety and atmosphere with equal weight: life jackets are stored nearby, announcements explain boarding and disembarking procedures, and staff guide guests to socially comfortable viewing spots. If you want a more intimate experience, request a bow-side seat when you book, or arrive early to roam the pier during the pre-cruise ceremony. The evening is theatrical, scenic, and distinctly Hudson Valley. Enjoy.