Multi-talented Crew

Captain Bill Weyant and Deckhand George Henderson 

busy at work waterproofing windows and replacing woodwork. 

We're extremely blessed to have a multi-talented crew. Captain Bill Weyant (above) is also a boat surveyor, and is one of those guys who can fix most anything. George Henderson (above) is also a very talented carpenter and former woodshop teacher. Uh...he's also Krazy George, the professional cheerleader too.  Every one of our captains is equally at home in the engine room and the wheelhouse. It's fun to listen to several of them brainstorming together to solve some maintenance or repair issue. And when Kristin Webb isn't tending bar she's cutting hair and doing makeup. 

New, New, New!

First, let me just say that I hate all these ads for "stimulus specials," even though they're probably doing more than Washington, D.C. to get money flowing again.  But there's no getting around it, we're all looking for ways to stretch every dollar. 

Carroll & I are working hard to make sure that the Lantern Queen Riverboat continues to provide a great experience for the least amount of money possible. As a part of our self-imposed "annual review" we've looked at all kinds of ways to improve the Lantern Queen Riverboat and its cruises. As a result you can expect to see some physical changes to the Lantern Queen. With any boat there's always ongoing repairs and maintenance. This spring you'll be seeing some new woodwork in the dining room and brand new carpet on all the outdoor spaces. Wait until you see the color we picked! And you'll be seeing some new staff too.

Most important to our customers though are new menus and pricing. The new menus are exciting and yummy. But the best part is that we managed to maintain or LOWER our prices, depending on the cruise and menu! Whoo Hoo! (Go on over to www.lanternqueen.com and check out all the charter and wedding menus. The public cruise menus will be coming shortly too!) We've worked hard to bring even more value to a Lantern Queen Cruise this year,  so come on out and sail with us!

Website Updates

Just in case you haven't poked around on the Lantern Queen website lately, here's what's new:

1. Photo Gallery - you can find all kinds of great Lantern Queen photos here.

2. Facebook - yup, the Lantern Queen has her own Facebook page. The blog posts are cross-referenced here too.

3. The Wedding Story page gives a good description of how a Lantern Queen wedding works. 

4. Ads and links to The Knot and The Wedding Channel. They're great sites and we're honored to be part of these organizations!

Valentine Cruise Wedding!

Congratulations Cindy and Will Trostle!

During Carroll's safety briefing at the beginning of the Valentine's Cruise, he mentioned that dinner would be delayed a little while, "since we're going to marry someone this evening." Polite chuckles. A few minutes later when Capt. Fred came into the dining room and asked, "Who wants to get married tonight?" the chuckles were a little more nervous. As he turned to first one couple and then another, the situation grew funnier and funnier. Then Capt. Fred looked down at Cindy and Will right in front of him and asked, "How about you two?"

Although at first thought a public cruise wedding might seem a little...different...it turned out to be a really neat experience. I've described it to friends as a wedding with 50 brand new friends at the reception. The cruise was a little friendlier and certainly more romantic as a result of Cindy and Will's wedding.  And kudos to Capt. Fred - several folks complimented Fred on his officiating. He really does do a great job, and takes it very seriously. 

Just more evidence that the Lantern Queen is truly a "Love Boat."

PS - I suggested that just as Naval vessels paint icons for "kills" on their hull, perhaps we should paint a wedding bell or dove on the hull to represent each wedding we do! I'm not sure the guys took me serioiusly. Oh well!

The Eagles are Back!

These photos were taken on Valentine's Day from the upper deck of the Lantern Queen. Two bald eagles are using the osprey nests on top of the Amtrak Bridge as roosts. It's probably a little early for them to be laying eggs or making a nest, but the amount of time they're spending in this nest it looks like they may be planning to take up residence. I'm not sure how the osprey will feel about it! Could be an interesting spring for bird watching!