The Duc d'Orleans II during the Sarnia senior cruise day. (File photo by Sarnia News Today)The Duc d'Orleans II during the Sarnia senior cruise day. (File photo by Sarnia News Today)
Sarnia

Sarnia seniors cruise returns to the St. Clair River

The Sarnia seniors cruise has returned to the waters of the St. Clair River following a three-year hiatus.

On Monday, hundreds of area seniors boarded the Duc d'Orleans II for a free 45-minute cruise along Sarnia's waterfront. The first of six cruises set sail from the Front Street dock in Centennial Park at around 9 a.m.

Lambton Elderly Outreach Volunteer Coordinator Della Croxford said they've had upwards of 2,000 people attend the event in the past.

"We're hoping for the 2,000 but 1,500 [would be] a really good turnout I think," said Croxford.

The long-running tradition, started by CHOK Hotline host Peter Henderson in 1978, hasn't been held since 2019.

Croxford said they're excited to bring it back and to bring it forward for many years to come.

"So it's been around for a long time and we were very fortunate that the new owners of the Duc were willing to bring it back," she said. "A lot of clients are so excited to have it again."

Judy and John Wilson were among the first to board the Duc this year. John said it was their fourth or fifth time on the cruise.

"It was the best cruise we've ever had," he said. "It was a perfect day."

Judy said the trip was both wonderful and excellent.

"We need stuff to do and that was a good way to start off," said Judy.

Ellen Dodds and Joan Wilson were waiting to board the second cruise, scheduled for 10:30 a.m., when they spoke with Sarnia News Today.

Dodds, who's been on the cruise several times before, said it was nice listening to the live music at the event and seeing some familiar faces.

"And my mother used to come when I was younger," she said. "She was on the cruise rain, shine or anything, she was there."

Both Dodds and Wilson said if it started to rain, they didn't care about getting wet.

"We've got our umbrellas," said Dodds.

Departure times were scheduled for 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The Duc d'Orleans II during the Sarnia senior cruise day. 26 June 2023. (Photo by Sarnia News Today)

John and Judy Wilson following a trip on the Duc d'Orleans II. 26 June 2023. (Photo by Sarnia News Today)

The Sarnia Kitchen Party Band performs during Sarnia's seniors cruise event. 26 June 2023. (Photo by Sarnia News Today)

The Sarnia Legion Pipe Band performs during Sarnia's seniors cruise event. 26 June 2023. (Photo by Sarnia News Today)

Read More Local Stories

File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / tmainiero

America at the polls, a nation votes

Americans will choose their next President Tuesday night. Follow along for regular updates.

Dryer Control Panel, Air Pollution Control Cyclones, Venturi Scrubber and Dryer Exhaust Fan (Photo courtesy of City of Sarnia staff report)

Renovation at water treatment plant boosts October building stats

The pace of construction activity in Sarnia remains steady, but October's numbers were boosted by a significant planned renovation.

Bluewater Health in Sarnia. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

New hospital information system launches at Bluewater Health

The new system -- which links to the Erie St. Clair region's shared HIS initiative -- aims to improve clinical processes and digital security following a cyberattack last fall.

Photo courtesy of Lambton OPP via X (formerly Twitter)

OPP costs expected to increase 24% in Lambton Shores

Mayor Doug Cook said they'll continue to lobby the province to cover the cost of overtime required to meet their needs.

A hockey puck on an ice surface. © Can Stock Photo / vencavolrab

Scoreboard, Nov 5

Canada Red doubled the U.S. 6-3 at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge underway in Sarnia.

BlackburnNews.com file photo.

nuSarnia Foundation raises concerns over Ontario transportation bill

The proposed legislation would make cities get provincial approval if they want to install new bicycle lanes that require the removal of an existing lane of traffic.