Boats. Lobster. Beer.

Our latest adventure took us off the coast of Dennis, from Sesuit Harbor into Cape Cod Bay. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch-time cruise in calm waters under the warm sun.

We heard about “Lobster Roll Cruises” while drooling over an episode of “The Phantom Gourmet”. You could watch that show after a four course meal, and it would still make you hungry. Anyway, it was a no brainer for us – two of our favorite things – boat rides and lobster. The phone keys smoked as we dialed for reservations.

The Lobster Roll is a 58 foot custom-built dinner and party boat. With room for 60 people, it is both a beautiful and comfortable vessel. Now in its third season, the Lobster Roll has proven to be a popular attraction in peak season. Reservations are highly recommended. Our trip was early in the season, so it was just us and a party of 10 celebrating the 80th birthday of one of their group. The Lobster Roll is also available for private charters.


The crew was super friendly, especially Jillian, our hostess/server/bartender. Jillian was friendly and accommodating, giving us brief information on the points of the shoreline we were passing. Upon embarking, Jillian asked if she could get us a drink. It was 11:30am. Assured by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett that it was 5 o’clock somewhere, I got a beer and Lauren got a Bloody Mary – possibly the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever tasted. Jillian is our new best friend.

We were on the open air upper deck as we departed Sesuit Harbor at low tide through a narrow channel. It was sunny and 75 degrees and my beer was ice cold. The wind was just so that we hugged the shoreline at perhaps ½ mile out, which afforded a great view of beautiful houses and beaches of dreams. It’s hard to pinpoint why such a view is so appealing, so instead I’ll just recommend being appealed yourself. The sun, salty air and burble of the engine combine to become a quintessential Cape Cod experience.

About 45 minutes into our cruise we were informed that lunch was served. Thank God, because for the last 10 minutes, all we could smell was the fact that lunch was soon! We went down to our assigned tables to find our meal already waiting for us. When you see the pictures you’ll understand why this excursion is a must. The biggest lobster roll I have ever seen. In fact, you couldn’t even see the actual roll; the buttery, toasted roll. Mmmmm. I could go on for ions about this lobster roll, but I will spare your busy schedj. If you’re not into lobster, there are other offerings such as a chicken caesar salad, roast beef roll up and a veggie roll up; all expertly prepared on board by the staff of the Sesuit Harbor Café.

After lunch we joined in singing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl; after which we were delighted to be offered a birthday cupcake. A delicious lemony confection that was a perfect complement to the lobster roll we just devoured. (Truth be told, I spied the cupcake Tupperware container and secretly hoped they would have extras!) They were made by the birthday girl's granddaughter-in-law. We highly recommend these cupcakes - we loved them as much as we did the lobster roll - and you can find the recipe on her fun blog here: Sunshine in the City

The S.S. Lobster Roll has Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner cruises. Check out http://www.lobsterrollcruises.com/to find our more. For a true Cape Cod experience, give Lobster Roll Cruises a try!