Adirondac to sail once again

LAKE GEORGE | When an early morning fire ravaged the Adirondac cruise ship in early December, the community rallied with fond memories of the 400-passenger vessel, with hopes it could be salvaged. After days of investigation and poring over the damages, Lake George Waterfront Marina announced Dec. 15 that the 115-foot ship will once again take to the waters of Lake George as owners look to the future and first steps to rebuild. "While we won't know anything definitive until demolition and cleanup begin, early assessments suggest the hull can be saved. With the help of Scarano Boat Building, our plan is to salvage as much as possible and begin rebuilding," Lake George Waterfront Marina announced. "Our hope is to welcome guests aboard a two-deck Adirondac this summer, with construction continuing to restore all three decks in the fall after our final event." In the meantime, the annual New Year's Frostbite event has shifted dockside with renewed support for the Adirondac, offering a lakeside celebration in a waterfront heated tent complete with live music, food, drinks and fireworks. In the devastating fire's aftermath, the marina has also introduced the Adirondac Legacy Circle to help with restoration. The fund was created in the outpouring of support as residents near and far looked to help with the damages and hopeful eventual rebuild. Owners of the Adirondac said early insurance conversations confirmed that anything not permanently attached to the vessel is not covered, so the Legacy Circle offerings help bridge that gap through future experiences and permanent recognition for those who wish to support the ship's return. In a social media post, Lake George Waterfront Marina said, "We are incredibly grateful for the love, patience, and support from our community. It truly means more than we can put into words. We'll continue to share updates as we learn more." The Adirondac made its unforgettable journey to Lake George in 2004. It was built by Scarano Boat Building on the Hudson River and, as a single-deck ship, was launched in Albany before traveling up the Hudson and through the canal system to Lake Champlain. Near Fort Ticonderoga, the Adirondack was hauled out, set on massive wheels, and transported more than four miles before finally reaching Lake George — where her decks were lifted into place and assembled piece by piece. The ship's name pays tribute to the 1800s spelling of Adirondac, traced back to a Mohawk term once used to describe neighboring Algonquin groups. "When our family chose Adirondac, we wanted a name rooted in that early history — a nod to the past, to craftsmanship, and to the stories carried across Lake George long before us. Today, after the 2025 fire, the name means even more: heritage. resilience (and) rebuilding with purpose." The Dec. 8 fire tore through the vessel and was fortunately spotted by Lake George Public Works employees in the area. It was an all-out effort to quell the flames as high winds whipped off the lake, but Lake George firefighters- aided by several neighboring departments- were able to douse the flames in about an hour. Clean-up efforts continued through the day. Lake George Fire Chief Jim Barber extended his appreciation to all of the volunteers, municipal crews and state, Warren County and local partners who assisted in the response. The Warren County Fire Cause & Origin Team oversaw the investigation, assisted by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and Warren County Fire Coordinator's Office. The cause remains under investigation. For more information about the Frostbite Dockside Party, visit https://lgwaterfront.com/cruises/frostbite/. Information about the Adirondac Legacy Circle can be found at https://adirondac-legacy-circle.square.site.

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Adirondac to sail once again

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