mississippi riverboat cruise leclaire iowa

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Riverboat Twilight

Most of us have a mental picture of the Mississippi that has been formed from our view from the shore and bridges. Nothing prepares you for the experience of seeing the valley from the river side. This vast wilderness is hidden smack in the center of the densely populated center of our country. Who knew? A romantic could expound on the size, the commerce, the wildlife, the hidden qualities and the fact that the area is not much changed from the early explorer’s times. This is the river Mark Twain knew, not the one from our school geography books.

The great Upper Mississippi River Valley can only be experienced by boat. Fly-over’s won’t do, there are few roads along the shore and small boats are too limited in range and too low in the water to appreciate the true majesty of the many islands, marshlands and palisades along the Upper Mississippi River.

The Riverboat Twilight delivers one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest. And it’s not just a cruise; it’s a conduit to reconnection, to relaxation and ultimately renewal. Marvel at the majestic Mississippi river while relaxing in style aboard a stunningly replicated Victorian Riverboat. Allow yourself to be pampered by the Twilight’s attentive, informative and welcoming crew. Delicious meals are prepared on board in the lower galley, while a full bar complete with top shelf liquors provides custom drinks to enhance your experience.

Where the river runs deep, so do the discoveries. The Riverboat Twilight delivers one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest.

If you haven’t seen the river from the Twilight, you haven’t seen it.

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America's Authentic Mississippi River Experience

Group fares start at 20 passengers  Escort & Driver Complimentary

Climb Aboard! We'll take care of the rest.

The Riverboat Twilight delivers one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest. Come aboard and step back in time to when riverboats were the most elegant and relaxing way to travel.

Miles to LeClaire, Iowa from Major Midwest Cities

Welcome Travel Professionals!

To america’s authentic mississippi river experience.

Group fares start at 20 passengers – Escort & Driver Complimentary

• Max capacity of 140 passengers provides an intimate, quality-driven experience. • No buffet lines here! Meals prepared fresh and plated on china, served at reserved tables. • Commitment to cleanliness with enhanced cleaning processes. • Escort & Driver complimentary. • Abundant comfortable indoor and outdoor seating on all decks for everyone on board. • Fascinating and educational narration provided during the cruise. • Tickets to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium included.

Absolutely perfect in all ways!

My Friend and I went on the Riverboat Twilight and it was the most perfect/awesome adventure! From reserving our trip to our final walk to our car after the two day cruise, all was perfect! Staff are amazing, from the Captain to the servers, to the musical entertainers. The food is suburb and generous! Everything is very well organized, from our luggage/hotel in Dubuque/seating for meals, free shuttles in Dubuque, etc! The scenery and info along the way from the captain was wonderful! This was an absolutely perfect two day cruise, and we are going again in Mid October as we loved it so much!!.

Karen V • Pella, Iowa

The service by all involved was first class all the way!

We were very impressed by the personal service we received by the staff and everyone involved. The trip was very nice from a sightseeing perspective, interesting from a historical perspective and very relaxing overall. Plus the food was plentiful and excellent. We highly recommend this cruise to everyone!

Denny F • Morgan Hill, California

Wonderful relaxing two days....

Extremely enjoyable trip. The cruise itself was delightful as you slowly moved up and down the river enjoying the wildlife and listening to the Captain explain the view and history. Unless you are a very big eater you have to be selective as they feed you FIVE times a day. Not only is the food plentiful but it is also very good. The Grand Resort in Dubuque was a nice stay as we had a view of the river. There was adequate time to explore some of the sights In Dubuque. I think we will do this trip again in the future…….

Ron S. • Tipton, Iowa

3 F's; Food, Food, and Fun

Excellent team from the captain to the crew provide a relaxing time..The chefs do an excellent job and there is more great food than you can imagine. This is the most organized and professional staff that we have ever experienced. No detail is overlooked.

Igs • Crown Point, Indiana

2-Day overnight cruise

Starting @ $409 pp  

Our Signature Cruise

• $409 pp Dbl Occupancy* / $439 pp Single Occupancy* • Departs LeClaire IA and travels to Dubuque IA. Return to LeClaire next day. • Overnight accommodations at the riverfront Grand Harbor Resort Hotel • Fare includes all meals, overnight accommodations • Tickets to National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium • Entertainment and Captain’s narration. *Peak season rates apply for departures after mid-September.

1-Day  cruise

Starting @ $169 pp

North into the Driftless Area

• $169 pp with one ticket complimentary • Group rates begin at 20 or more passengers. • Departs and returns to Dubuque Iowa • Fare includes breakfast, snacks, and full lunch • Entertainment and Captain’s narration.

2 – Day Cruise

Our signature cruise – leclaire, iowa to dubuque, iowa & return.

Includes: All Meals, 1 Night Lodging, Entry to the National Mississippi River Museum, Dubuque Shuttle, Entertainment & Activities Onboard.

From $409 /person Double Occupancy

download Twilight group travel information pdf

Welcome to leclaire & the quad city area, plenty to see & do before and after the cruise.

If you arrive in town early, don’t forget to visit historic downtown Leclaire IA, birthplace of Buffalo Bill Cody and the home of the Buffalo Bill Museum. Many of the turn of the century buildings are now occupied by unique shops featuring artwork, homemade candies, & antiques or enjoy a great meal while overlooking the beautiful Mississippi River. LeClaire is also home to the American Pickers!

For more group tour information and help in planning your visit to LeClaire:  Contact Cindy Bruhn [email protected]

For more group tour information & help in planning your visit to the Quad Cities, contact their Sales Manager –

Nicki Brus  [email protected] 800-747-7800, ext. 828

1 – Day Cruise

Dubuque, iowa to guttenberg, iowa & return.

Includes: Continental Breakfast, two snacks, full lunch, historical narration, great scenery, Eagles, more relaxation than you have allowed yourself in years, plus local favorite LA Suess on banjo.

From $169 /person

your Mississippi river adventure

Step  aboard.

Book Your group tour Today

fastest & easiest

Call Carrie (800) 331-1467

or email [email protected]

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Operations Office

311 North Ave. Scales Mound, IL 61075

MAILING ADDRESS

PO Box 172 Scales Mound, IL 61075

Contact Info

[email protected] Toll Free (800) 331-1467 Business (815) 845-2333 Business Fax (815) 845-2334

WELCOME TO CELEBRATION RIVER CRUISES

Cruising season begins april 1, 2024.

Join us while we celebrate our 40th cruising season in 2024! Our 750 passenger paddlewheel boat, the “Celebration Belle” is specifically designed for cruising the waterways of the great Mississippi River, offering casual sightseeing, luncheon and dinner cruises. We offer various cruises to meet any sailor’s enjoyment needs!

Captain's Narrated Lunch Virtual Tour

DROP US A LINE

(800) 297-0034 / (309) 764-1952, find us on facebook.

Follow us on Twitter!

About Celebration Belle

(800) 297-0034 (309) 764-1952

[email protected]

2501 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265

Group Sales and Marketing: Susan Yarolem (800) 297-0034 x 204 (309) 764-1952 x 204

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Riverboat Twilight Online Reservations

Reservation summary, about this event.

TWILIGHT RIVERBOAT CRUISE July 7 - 10, 2025

From the quad cities to dubuque, iowa.

Register Now!

Day 2 This morning, we board the Twilight Riverboat in LeClaire, Iowa, for a two-day cruise on the Mississippi River, a 94-mile voyage where we will experience Locks No. 12 and 13. There will be an expanded continental breakfast waiting for us on board as we depart north on our journey. We will encounter lots of beautiful river scenes, birds of all kinds, including bald eagles, white pelicans and beautiful snowy egrets. There is the Dutch settlement at Fulton with its windmill, the grave site of President Ronald Reagan’s father and the gothic mansion at Belleview. The food aboard The Twilight is delicious and we will enjoy a continental breakfast, morning snack, scrumptious lunch, afternoon snack and a bountiful dinner. The captain will be our guide to the wildlife, valley landscapes, and historic river towns. There will be live entertainment and Bingo aboard the riverboat during the day. You might want to just lounge on the outside deck and enjoy the sunshine and beautiful view. After dinner, the Twilight will dock along the Mississippi River Walk in the Port of Dubuque where we will overnight at the riverfront Grand Harbor Resort. The evening is free to explore the city of 5 flags; France, Spain, Great Britain, Napoleon and USA. (B, L, D)

Twilight Riverboat

Day 3 Following breakfast at Tony Roma’s in the hotel, we have the morning free to take a trolley to the Diamond Jo Casino , visit Iowa’s #1 attraction, the must-see Smithsonian-accredited National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium , visit Felton Place Elevator or perhaps shop at Cable Car Square . Cable Car Square is Dubuque’s most famous shopping neighborhood, centered around the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway. A continuous shuttle to the many activities will depart from the main lobby of the hotel throughout the morning. Reboard the Twilight at 11:00am and depart for our return journey. Take in the sites and listen to the Captain’s narration. We enjoy lunch and dinner with afternoon entertainment and view the beautiful Mississippi River. Upon our return to LeClaire following dinner, our motorcoach will transport us back to Bally’s Hotel for the night. Complimentary $5 play included. (B, L, D)

Day 4 After breakfast ($15 breakfast voucher), we depart this morning, stopping for a riding tour of the John Deere Harvester Works or the John Deere Pavilion (based on availability) in East Moline that manufactures combines and associated headers. We learn of the manufacturing process of combines and headers and how all the pieces come together to create a massive green machine. Lunch is included at The Machine Shed . This unique restaurant’s great home-cooked food is well known in this area and not to be missed! We then head for Southern Illinois, arriving late afternoon. (B, L)

• 2-Day Mississippi River cruise aboard the Twilight Riverboat 
• 3 nights’ deluxe accommodations
• 9 meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
• John Deere Harvester Works Tour or John Deere Pavilion
• Dubuque Shuttle
• Onboard entertainment and activities
• Admission to the National Mississippi River Museum
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation/driver’s gratuity
• Fully escorted by Jane’s Journeys

PRICE PER PERSON :  

• Double: $1,102
• Triple: $1,054
• Quad: $1,033
• Single $1,312

$300 deposit with reservation. 

Final payment due April 30, 2025.

Optional cancellation insurance due to illness and medical coverage is recommended and available for purchase. Insurance payment due with deposit. $50 for double; $48 for triple; $47 for quad; and $60 for single.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Mississippi River Cruises

Stretching for 2,350 miles down the United States, from Minnesota's Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, our new cruises on the "Mighty Mississippi" offer a different type of cross-country journey for the curious explorer—one that allows you to be immersed in American history and culture.

Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and our signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River.

Mississippi Delta Explorer

• Request a Quote

NEW! Heartland of America

New Orleans & Southern Charms

America’s Great River

NEW! The Big Easy to the Gateway City

NEW! Mississippi River Odyssey

NEW! Nashville, Memphis & the Cumberland

NEW! New Orleans to Memphis

Upper Mississippi Explorer

Grand Mississippi Voyage

Heart of the Delta

Highlights of mississippi river cruises.

A Mississippi River cruise offers the rare opportunity to sail through America's heartland on the world’s #1 river cruise line. Explore picturesque towns and boom cities; take in views of pastoral farms and towering bluffs; and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture with an included excursion in every port. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:

• Festive French Quarter and Creole cuisine in New Orleans
• Cajun heritage in Baton Rouge
• Civil War history at Vicksburg National Military Park
• Memphis BBQ, Graceland and appreciation of the Delta Blues
• Steamboat sailings with diverse wildlife sightings
• Mark Twain's boyhood home and America’s literary history
• Up close look at America’s national symbol, the bald eagle
• Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the pioneering spirit of the Midwest
• Norwegian cultural experience at Vesterheim
• Intricate locks and dams of the Upper Mississippi

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2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from September 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, Paris to the Swiss Alps, Cities of Light, London, Paris & D-Day, Rhine & Main Explorer . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by October 31, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by April 30, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by January 15, 2026. Offers expires September 30, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to February 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to April 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $799 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires September 30, 2024.

NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

648 Mississippi Terrace,  Le Claire, IA 52753

Single Family

Shueree Boley

Erin Mcchesney

Haven. Real Estate

563-343-9533

Last updated:

September 23, 2024, 09:12 PM

About This Home

COMING SOON Welcome to your dream home in the charming town of Leclaire! This beautifully updated residence offers the perfect blend of modern amenities and classic charm. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by luxurious vinyl plank flooring that flows seamlessly throughout adding both style and durability to your living spaces. The heart of the home is the spacious family room, perfect for cozy gatherings and relaxation. The kitchen, featuring a stunning tile backsplash, ample counter space, and modern appliances that make meal preparation a breeze. With two full bathrooms, mornings will be a breeze for everyone. Each bathroom has been tastefully updated to provide comfort and convenience. Step outside to your private, fenced yard – an ideal oasis for outdoor entertaining. The patio is perfect for al fresco dining, while the fire-pit sets the stage for memorable evenings under the stars. Additionally, a shed provides extra storage space for all your outdoor equipment. Location is everything, and this home delivers! You'll be just moments away from a variety of shops and restaurants, ensuring that everything you need is right at your fingertips. Plus, the proximity to the river offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic strolls. Don’t miss your chance to own this wonderful home in Leclaire. Schedule a showing today and experience all that this property has to offer!

Built in 1972

Price Summary

$182 per Sq. Ft.

Last Updated:

1 day(s) ago

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1,263 Sq. Ft.

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Rollin' on the river: How the Mississippi flows through American music, and inspires to this day

MARQUETTE, Iowa - It was just before sunset on the Mississippi River, the day's last bits of golden light dancing on the water, when four members of the band Big Blue Sky picked up their instruments for one of their defining songs.

During the summer, the group plays Friday nights for Maiden Voyage Tours, a northeast Iowa riverboat company. Its 40-some passengers that evening had been sharing bottles of wine and hearing tales of Mississippi River history as they cruised calmly along, speedboats occasionally racing by on either side.

But in that moment, the boat captain pulled over to an island and cut the motor. It was time for the water song.

Moving and unforgettable, "Water Song" — with the opening lyrics, "Oh, sacred water" — urges listeners to think about how they treat the natural resource, so vital for life on earth. The tune was written in 2015 and came together in minutes, recalled Big Blue Sky singers and songwriters Jon Stravers and Sophia Landis. Much of the group's music is about the river and the surrounding region, a place of curiosity, adventure and solace for Stravers and his late son, Jon-Jon.

Big Blue Sky's work adds to a centuries-long tradition of music inspired and transported by the Mississippi River. The river's role as a major shipping artery and a force of nature, as well as its historical and cultural significance to the nation, make it an easy thing to write about. And riverboats not altogether different from Maiden Voyage carried songs north and south, spreading jazz and the delta blues across the heart of the country.

Most importantly, the music describes people's personal connections to the river — something intensely evident in Stravers' words on the boat.

In singing, he and Landis rhapsodized. In speaking, he kept it simple: "This is a good stretch of the river. It's important. And people love it."

More: These songs are perfect for a drive on the Great River Road, or anywhere near the Mississippi

Mississippi River shaped jazz, delta blues

Perhaps no style of music is as intertwined with the Mississippi River as the delta blues, rooted in the musical traditions of enslaved Black Americans who were forced to work long hours in the fields of the Mississippi delta region. Though slavery had technically ended, many Black Americans remained in unfair and oppressive working conditions at the turn of the 20th century. Blues reflected their real lives and real feelings, said Maie Smith, group tour manager and operations manager at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

"Delta blues music is a music that works from the heart to the outside," Smith said. "It starts with your most inner being, and helps to lift you up and rise you above whatever circumstances you were in."

Lots of delta blues musicians worked on the river, Smith said, including those forced to build levees to protect fields from floodwaters. They endured the Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927, which killed hundreds and displaced almost 640,000 people from Illinois to Louisiana . Many songs were written about this historic disaster and other river floods, including Charley Patton's "High Water Everywhere," Barbecue Bob's "Mississippi Heavy Water Blues," Bessie Smith's "Backwater Blues" and Big Bill Broonzy's "Southern Flood Blues."

But the river also provided opportunities for blues musicians to travel, taking their songs with them. Blues and later jazz music came north to Memphis, Kansas City and Chicago, building a following and mixing with other music styles. Today, blues riffs underpin much of American popular music, Smith said, like rock .n .roll and hip hop.

Music was moving on the Mississippi even before then — during the so-called "golden age of steamboats" in the 19th century. Thousands of steamboats traveled the river and its major tributaries during that time, said Steve Marking, a river historian and guest performer for American Cruise Lines on its Mississippi River cruises.

The boats took on passengers as well as freight, and companies sought to hire the best musicians to entice people to pay to board, Marking said. Later, even influential jazz musician Louis Armstrong performed for a few years on the Streckfus Steamboat Line.

Other forms of music that developed and were popularized along the river include ragtime in St. Louis, and river folk music that featured banjo, fiddle and percussion. Dixieland, a form of jazz, and country music also owe a debt to the river.

Rivers are a consistent theme in songs?

Rivers in general "have inspired almost as many songs as love for your partner," Marking said.

Many people have some sort of connection with them, whether it's traveling them by boat or simply watching them run. Marking pointed to the song "Watchin' the River Go By," by John Hartford , which depicts two people who get together each night on the porch to watch the Ohio River. It's an experience anyone, young or old, can relate to, he said (well, maybe not completely — the people in the song do so in the nude).

But more than lakes, forests or prairies, rivers are captured in song over and over again. Why?

It could be their heavy symbolism. For Marking, rivers signify the passage of time, reminding us of our journey through life.

"If you're standing on the shore," he said, "upstream is the past, downstream is the future."

Rivers also make a connection — between places, or even between the past and the future.

The musicians who still travel the river today are helping make that connection, Marking said, including the ones who make up Big Blue Sky. He described taking the boat tour and listening to them play "Water Song" as "one of the top five events of my entire life."

It's easy to see why. The group's music both honors the river's musical traditions and adds something new: an eye toward its ecological importance. In between songs, passengers got to hear about Stravers' decades of bird research on this stretch of the river, including monitoring of the cerulean warbler, one of the rarest nesting warblers in Iowa. They stopped to watch a beaver on an island waddle through the sand to make his way back to the water. And they were granted what the captain called one of the best sunsets of the summer: a bright, show-stopping pink.

Big Blue Sky's songs aren't on Spotify, so listening to them on the river is a unique opportunity to hear their work. ( They do sell CDs , proceeds from which go to Stravers' bird conservation organization, Driftless Area Bird Conservation.)

Though most of their songs evolve over time, Stravers said, "Water Song" pretty much gets played the same every time. The exception is in his echo to Landis's main melody, where he regularly inserts the name of whatever body of water they're playing on to remind listeners they need it to live.

Sacred Mississippi River water, indeed.

Madeline Heim is a  Report for America  corps reporter who writes about environmental issues in the Mississippi River watershed and across Wisconsin. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or  [email protected] .

Phone 800 331-1467

Riverboat Twilight – Frequently Asked Questions  ( FAQs )

Where will we go on our cruise, what does per person double or single occupancy mean, what is the address for the boat landing so i can put it in my gps, leclaire departures.

Please use 197 Front St., LeClaire IA 52753 or use this link – Riverboat Twilight Dock.

Dubuque Departures

What is your cancellation policy.

Cancellation Policy TWO DAY CRUISES: Less than 30 days notice of cancellation: $100 /person not refunded. – Less than 5 days notice: 50% refund. – Less than 24 hours notice, no shows or late arrivals no refunds. If your plans change less than 30 days prior to departure, we may let you reschedule based on availability. An inconvenience fee of up to 50% of the cruise value will be charged for passengers who fail to show up for their scheduled cruise.

ONE DAY CRUISES: Less than 30 days’ notice of cancellation: $50 /person not refunded. – Less than 5 days notice: 50% refund. – Less than 24 hours’ notice, no-shows or late arrivals: no refund . An inconvenience fee of up to 50% of the cruise value may be charged for passengers who fail to show up for their scheduled cruise.  W e may allow you to reschedule, based upon availability.

ALL OTHER CRUISES  – Less than 24 hours’ notice, no-shows or late arrivals: no refund

What are your Terms & Conditions?

Terms and Conditions

TWO DAY CRUISES: Less than 30 days’ notice of cancellation: $100 /person not refunded. – Less than 5 Days: 50% refund. – Less than 24 hours’ notice, no shows or late arrivals no refunds. If your plans change prior to departure we may allow you to reschedule, based upon availability. An inconvenience fee of up to 50% of the cruise value may be charged for passengers who fail to show up for their scheduled cruise.

ONE DAY CRUISES: Less than 30 days’ notice of cancellation: $50 /person not refunded. – Less than 5 Days: 50% refund. – Less than 24 hours’ notice, no shows or late arrivals no refunds. If your plans change prior to departure we may allow you to reschedule, based upon availability. An inconvenience fee of up to 50% of the cruise value may be charge for passengers who fail to show up for their scheduled cruise.

ALL OTHER CRUISES – Less than 24 hours’ notice, No-shows or late arrivals – No Refund.

In the event of a global pandemic or other crisis beyond our control, we reserve the right to issue gift certificates in place of cash refunds.

The Riverboat Twilight will make every accommodation possible to stay on schedule, however, will not be responsible for cruise delays that are beyond their control. It is agreed that River Cruises shall bear no responsibility for inclement weather or waterway restrictions.

During the cruise the Captain shall have absolute authority to:

1) Terminate the cruise at any time for considerations of safety for either the vessel, its passengers or crew.

2) Refuse the service of alcoholic beverages to any persons onboard the vessel at any time.

3) Determine all matters relating to the safe navigation of the vessel

4) select a different point of embarkation or disembarkation of the vessel passengers if deemed reasonably necessary due to an inability of the vessel to utilize its customary dock. No food or alcohol is to be brought aboard the vessel unless otherwise agreed upon with River Cruises.

River Cruises reserves the right to cancel any cruise, change schedules or routes, and substitute vessels without prior notice. Cruises may be abbreviated, altered, or cancelled, if, in the judgement of the Captain, conditions are not conducive to safe operations.

Cruises will only be suspended due to a medical emergency in which case, an ambulance will be called to assist the ticket holder and/or their guest. Any other cruise suspensions will be done so at the discretion of the Captain. Any ground transportation, outside of normal cruise operations, will be at the cost, risk, and coordination of the ticket holder and/or their guest.

Ticket holders and their guests voluntarily assume all risk and danger incidental to boating whether known or unknown. Contract holders and their guests acknowledge that management assumes no responsibility for accidents, personal injury or loss, or damage to property, regardless of their cause.

Passengers, who by their actions, endanger themselves, other passengers, crew members, or the vessel, or who violate the USCG SSA (H.R. 6866) will be subject to removal from the vessel and/or arrest.

How far out should I make reservations?

What does your price include.

Your two-day overnight cruise fare includes all meals, overnight accommodation, entertainment, narration, complimentary shuttle service around the Port of Dubuque, and tickets to the National Mississippi River Museum. The one-day cruise fare includes breakfast, snacks, full lunch, entertainment and narration. A $5.00 per person ticketing fee is added to each reservation. Gratuity is not included and is left to passenger discretion.

Do you allow pets onboard?

Do you allow pets onboard?  I am sorry, but only properly trained service animals are allowed on board.  The ADA requirements regarding service animals can be found here

https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm#:~:text=Service%20animals%20are%20defined%20as,tasks%20for%20people%20with%20disabilities.&text=Dogs%20whose%20sole%20function%20is,service%20animals%20under%20the%20ADA.

Does the boat sail in inclement weather?

Do you have a dress code, are you handicapped accessible.

Individuals with walking disabilities are welcome to sit on the first deck of the boat. Each deck offers the same views, experience, and ambiance however, because main deck seating requires no stairs, it is the most convenient spot for passengers with mobility issues. All of the meals, entertainment, narration, and sites can be experienced on the main deck. The restrooms and gift shop are also conveniently located on the first floor.

Will a wheelchair fit on board the boat? Individuals in wheelchairs will be assisted on an off the boat with the help of our staff and are able to access the indoor and outdoor main deck. Wheelchairs can be stowed out of way once on board, or can be stationed up to your assigned table at the individual’s request. Wheelchairs will not fit in the doorway of the restroom however it is only a few steps into the restroom and a stall. Handicapped stalls with grab bars are also available in each restroom.

Are electric scooters allowed on the boat? We are sorry, but scooters are not allowed on board.  Please plan to bring another walking assistant such as a wheelchair, walker, or cane to use aboard the boat. For our overnight guests, an electric scooter can be transported up to the hotel and back with your luggage and will be waiting for you at the boat dock.

Are there handicapped accessible rooms at the Grand Harbor Resort? The Grand Harbor Resort offers two types of handicapped rooms. One room includes a king bed, a pull out sofa, grab bars in the restroom as well as a roll-in shower. The second room has a queen bed, a pull out sofa, and extra grab bars in the restroom. If you would like to request either of these rooms, simply make a note on your online reservation form or mention it when making your telephone reservation.

Is there transportation available for those with walking disabilities around the Port of Dubuque area? When we dock in Dubuque, Iowa in the evening, the hotel is within walking distance however, we do provide golf cart transportation for those who cannot use stairs. The next morning, a complimentary shuttle service will be available at the front door of the hotel to escort passengers around the downtown Dubuque area. Wheelchairs can be brought on board the shuttle however it cannot accommodate electric scooters. All of the sites in the downtown area are handicapped accessible as well. When given advanced notice, we will provide a vehicle with a lift when needed.

Is smoking allowed on the boat?

Are drinks included with a dining cruise, where do we park, are there nearby hotels that we can stay in, what are your office hours.

Our business office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Sunday mornings May-October.  November to March we are open Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Do you offer any discounts or coupons?

I am on my way for my cruise, but am running late. can you hold the boat for me, can you accommodate special dietary requests.

When  notified at least 7 days in advance we can accommodate Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Diabetic and Lactose Intolerant dietary needs.  We encourage anyone with special dietary needs to read our complete policy here.   Any questions? 800-331-1467

Would the Riverboat Twilight be willing to donate to my organization's event?

The Riverboat Twilight donates thousands of dollars each year to various organizations in the Quad City and Dubuque areas and beyond.  We strive to help non-profit organizations meet their mission and improve quality of life in our communities. Each year we receive a large amount of donation requests and cannot afford to fulfill all of them. If you would like to request a donation, you must send an email that includes information on the event and where to send the donation.  No phone calls please.  All requests are looked over and the donations are sent via email if they are approved. If your donation is not received within 2 weeks, we regrettably are unable to donate.

Email requests to: [email protected]

If you prefer to mail your information – 

Mailing Address:

River Cruises P.O. Box 172 Scales Mound, IL 61075

If you are not vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to do so, however, at this time the Riverboat Twilight does not ask for proof of vaccination. Mask wearing is the choice of the individual. The Twilight offers ample indoor and outdoor seating on all three decks and plenty of fresh air.

We will continue to maintain our increased sanitization efforts of the TWILIGHT and our boarding facilities, and we continue to provide hand sanitizer aboard the boat and employ a strong air purifier that uses UVC lighting that has been proven to destroy viruses and other bacteria.

For the safety of our passengers and crew and to maintain proper cleanliness, we have implemented the following guidelines for parents of children under the age of 14. While onboard the vessel and when making use of our food and beverages services, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. With your cooperation and understanding, we will be able to continue to offer a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

As an owner, of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Le Claire, IA and the President of Great Lakes Management Group which manages the hotel’s day to day operations, I wanted to say thank you. The business relationship with the Riverboat Twilight and her passengers is valued and much appreciated. We all know businesses from every industry has been operating in a different environment the last 8 weeks and will encounter new changes in the future.

We continue to monitor the franchise, local, state and federal safety guidelines to insure our guest and staff safety. For example, we anticipate a few changes in the near future which will include the following: a plastic shield / barrier at the front desk check,  revised breakfast offerings without a buffet setting, hand sanitizer located in the lobby and all floors at the elevator landings, continued use of hospital grade products to clean and sanitize the guest rooms, individual sanitizer wipes as an in-room amenity, removal of all products in the rooms that are reusable for example, pens, pads, laundry bags, and throw pillows, these items will be available upon request. We hope to see you soon. Stay safe and healthy!

  Respectfully, Neil Densmore | President glmg | hotels