twilight riverboat cruise reviews

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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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Directions to listing

Phone 800 331-1467

1 – Day Cruise

AUGUST 8, 9, 10, 11, 30, 31    SEPTEMBER 1    OCTOBER 25, 26, 27, 28

Dubuque, Iowa to Guttenberg, Iowa & Return

Includes : Continental Breakfast, 2 Snacks, Full Lunch, Historical Narration, Great Scenery, Eagles, more relaxation than you have had in years,

$189 Adults     $89 Children 12 & Under 

Terms and conditions.

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.

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.

• Know Before You Go

Trip Itinerary

This cruise heads North from Dubuque through Lock & Dam 11 and takes in one of the most beautiful areas of the Mississippi River. Your cruise includes continental breakfast, a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack, and a full lunch. Take in historical narration, great scenery, wildlife, and live entertainment.

If river conditions allow, we will dock in Guttenberg and give our passengers the opportunity to depart the boat and spend time in this quaint, river town. Be sure to listen to the instructions from the Captain for the re-boarding time. Lunch will be served after we depart from Guttenberg. If we are unable to dock in Guttenberg, lunch will be served at approximately 12:15pm. Arrival time back at Dubuque is approximately 5:00pm.

Refunds for Cancellations

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 passage must be reserved in advance. No fares transacted at the boarding point. 

Boarding Location 450 E. 3rd St. Dubuque, IA 52001

Boarding time is 7:00 am at our dock in dubuque, iowa. departure time is 7:15 am sharp..

If you are running behind, call 1-800-331-1467 .

Free, ample parking  is available at our  boat dock  in Dubuque. Parking is well-lit and routinely patrolled by the local police. 

You may bring a backpack, purse, tote bag, or other carry-on bag onboard , with essential items you need during the day. Coolers are only allowed for medical use.

The Twilight offers ample, indoor and outdoor seating on all three decks. A gift shop and restrooms are located on the main deck; a cash bar is located on the third deck. Stair climbing is required to reach the upper decks.

An indoor, dining table is reserved for your party; we ask that you sit at your reserved table during mealtimes. You may roam throughout the boat during the duration of your trip.

Suggested Items to Bring with You

We recommend dressing in layers and wearing comfortable shoes. Consider bringing onboard items such as a camera, medication, binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, and or leisure items such as a book, board games, cards, etc. Charge your devices ahead of time; outlets are limited.

Accommodations & Requests

Please notify us in advance of any specific physical or dietary accommodations. We cannot guarantee requested changes less than 10 days prior to your cruise date.

Our chef can accommodate most special diets (e.g. diabetic, vegan/vegetarian, and gluten free). We cannot guarantee the availability of particular foods once the boat has left the dock. Call 1-800-331-1467 to request dietary accommodations. We encourage anyone with special dietary needs to  read our complete policy here.  Any questions? Call 1-800-331-1467 to request dietary accommodations.

The Twilight has three levels; stairs are required to reach the upper decks. We are unable to accommodate motorized scooters onboard; these can be sent with your overnight luggage and will be waiting for you at our dock in Dubuque. Walkers or wheelchairs are welcomed. If you need seating on the lowest level, an ADA room at the hotel, or any other physical accommodation, call 1-800-331-1467.

Hotel Recommendations (for before/after your trip)

These three hotels are closest to the Port of Dubuque . Additional, local accommodations can be found at https://www.traveldubuque.com/stay

Grand Harbor Resort – 563-690-4000

Hotel Julien Dubuque — 563-556-4200

Holiday Inn Dubuque   — 563-556-2000

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