The wonders of the mighty Hudson River come into sharper focus when you cruise and enjoy its timeless beauty. Opportunities for enjoying this spectacular American treasure are being offered on cruises to and from the Historic Hudson River Towns.

The Commander

This classic excursion boat out of Haverstraw plys the Hudson all season, serving charter groups and cruises to West Point. On the last Saturday of every month from May through October, a 3-hour narrated cruise north to the Hudson Highlands leaves Peekskill at 12:30 p.m., returning at 3:30 p.m. For fare, schedule and charter information, contact Hudson Highland Cruises at (845) 534-7245.

Constitution Island from West Point

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 p.m. Reservations are a must (845-446-8676).

Newburgh Landing

Ruins of a 19th century castle on Bannerman's Island can be seen on special narrated history tours aboard the "Pride of the Hudson" which 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).

Kingston

Sightseeing and evening music cruises sail from Kingston's Rondout Landing, navigating 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, www.hudsonrivercruises.com.

Albany and Troy

In the Capital District, murder mystery and comedy cruises are offered by the Captain JP Cruise Lines out of Troy, 518-463-0220, www.captainjp.homestead.com, while Dutch Apple Cruises out of Albany feature sightseeing, dinner cruises and special events (518-463-0220), www.dutchapplecruises.com. Or hop aboard a paddlewheeler that departs from Hudson or Poughkeepsie, 518-822-1014, www.hudsoncruises.com

River Valley Tours

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 coach, 239-395-2191, www.rivervalleytours.com.