RIVER CRUISES OFFER COOLING BREEZES AND BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF THE MAJESTIC

There are those who say that you haven't truly experienced the wonder of the Hudson River until you have sailed its timeless currents and watched its scenic shorelines drifting by.

Since the very first steam powered boat, (the Clermont), first sailed up the Hudson, pleasure excursions have been a preferred adventure for visitors to the Valley. Over the decades great paddle-wheelers and passenger ships have offered day and overnight trips between NYC and Albany. From onboard visitors have been given the opportunity to experience the majesty and scenic beauty of the Hudson.

These days from May through October, visitors can choose from a variety of river experiences, each offering special views of the region's rolling hills, riverfront villages, great estates and natural features that distinguish the Hudson from every other river in the world.

A different angle on the history of West Point is sure to please with boat trips to Constitution Island, once the home of Fort Constitution and the Warner sisters, who wrote inspirational books and conducted Bible classes for generations of cadets. Tour boats leave South Dock at West Point every Wednesday and Thursday during the summer at 1 and 2 pm. Reservations are a must (845-446-8676).

The MV Commander plies the Hudson Highlands, providing narrated excursion cruises April thru October, with departures from West Point, Haverstraw Marina and Peekskill (845-534-7245) The Commander is available for private charters, as is the River Queen out of Verplanck, June through October (914-788-4000).

Ruins of a 19th century castle on Bannerman's Island can be seen on special narrated history tours aboard the "Pride of the Hudson" that departs from Newburgh Landing (845-782-0685). Also out of Newburgh is the "River Rose," a New Orleans-style paddlewheeler that offers sunset and moonlight cruises, as well as Sunday afternoon cruises and Sunday evening dance parties (845-562-1067).

Sightseeing and evening music cruises sail from Kingston's Rondout Landing past two Hudson River lighthouses and many great estates on the MV Rip Van Winkle, a 300-passenger cruise boat with all the comforts of home (845-340-4700).

In the Capital District, murder mystery and comedy cruises are offered by the Captain JP Cruise Lines out of Troy (845-270-1901), while Dutch Apple Cruises out of Albany feature sightseeing, dinner cruises and special events (518-463-0220). Or hop aboard a paddlewheeler that departs from Rensselaer for jazz, Dixieland music and weekend dinner dance cruises (518-449-2664).

For cruise enthusiasts who want more time to explore the Hudson Valley, River Valley Tours provides a seven-day trip during which you travel by boat and tour historic sites and charming villages by bus (845-255-2955). The Nantucket Clipper, a 100-passenger yacht, also books a week-long fall foliage tour that departs from New York City and goes up the Hudson, taking you on land adventures along the way (800-325-0010).