Cruising Lake Tahoe in the Winter

by: Elizabeth Sedway, Famplosion.com

Visiting Lake Tahoe in winter brings to mind skiing, snowboarding, sledding and generally playing in the snow. A well-kept secret at 'the lake' is how amazingly fun, beautiful and educational it can be to take a cruise on the M.S. Dixie II in the Winter. This boat, reminiscent of the steamers that graced the lake nearly one hundred years ago, departs from Zephyr Cove Marina.

M.S. Dixie II was captained by Ozzie Gonzalez, on the day of our visit. He greets passengers at the gangway with a delightful smile and an eagerness to share his knowledge of this unique boat. Captain Gonzalez began his career on the M.S. Dixie, in 1994, when the it was new.

The two hour tour of Emerald Bay is gentle, comfortable and scenic. The boat travels an average of 7.5 miles per hour. There are 3 levels. Guests enter on the first level, where you'll find plenty of indoor tables and chairs. The indoor tempature on this level is set at a cozy 72 degrees ferenheit. There is a small outdoor deck on the first level bow (front of the boat). There is no seating outside on level one.

By taking 12 steps up, either indoors or out, you can access the second level bow of the boat. Indoors, on the second level, is where the food is. (and it's good family-food too) In addtion to the snack bar and grill, the second floor also has restrooms and abundant indoor table/chair seating. You can place your order at the counter and your meal is brought to your table by friendly staff.

The third level is entirely outdoors, and provides an awe-inspiring view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Dress warmly to enjoy the outside decks, where the views are the most spectacular.

The highlight of the cruise at the half-way point, as the boat arrives at the mouth of Emerald Bay. The view of Emerald Bay in the Summer or Fall is a completely different experience from seeing this natural wonder in the quiet of Winter.

In Winter, the bay is much more majestic. This might be because, most often, you are likely to be aboard the only vessel in the bay. In the Summer, the bay is filled with many boats.

As the history of Emerald Bay, from how it formed to the construction of the Vikingsholm, plays on the ooat speakers passengers are treated to the rare beauty of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe in the Winter aboard the M.S. Dixie II.

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