Celebration River Cruises (CRC) has been welcoming groups on the Mississippi River for about four decades. The family-owned business operates the Celebration Belle, a 750-passenger riverboat based out of the Quad Cities of Illinois.
“We are so happy to say we have been cruising the Mississippi for 40 years!” says Susan Yarolem, director of sales and marketing. Still going strong, she suggests the cruise line’s popular themed music lunch cruises for large groups.
The Schadler family is involved in every aspect of the boat’s day-to- day operations, from cooking meals fresh daily to helping serve guests, keeping the engines running, and piloting the riverboat. Joe Schadler started the excursion boat business in 1984. His son, Scott, became a full partner in the business in 1993. The company’s first riverboat was the Queen of Hearts, a 350-passenger riverboat. But after years of welcoming passengers and groups from miles around, the need for a larger vessel became apparent.
In 1998, CRC purchased the Celebration Belle, the largest luxury excursion riverboat on the upper Mississippi River. The larger boat also made way for new cruise options, which is when the family added its all-day cruise lineup that from April to November takes passengers from the Quad Cities to Dubuque, Iowa. In the fall, they travel north to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The all-day cruises include three full meals, narration, entertainment, and more. Occasionally, cruisegoers are offered trips south toward Alton, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. “We have cruise options for any itinerary need,” Yarolem says. “We really do!”
Whether your group is passing through during cruising season or looking for dinner options, the “Captain’s Dinner & Cruise” is a perfect choice. It includes the cruise’s famous prime rib dinner and live entertainment. Groups can experience a popular themed cruise with its famous homemade sticky rolls, lunch, and live entertainment. Or, group planners pick their theme: “Classic Oldies,” “Hits of the Decades,” “Tribute to Piano Men,” “Fall Foliage,” and many more. All meals are freshly prepared on board, and entertainers will perform songs by request. For those in your group who might feel the urge to move with the music, they can boogie on the dance floor!
This family-owned business has demonstrated its love of the river and passion for entrepreneurial success. Scott Schadler’s son, Carter, now 18, is continuing to learn the business. He will soon have his pilot license. Daughter, Madelyn, also helps on the boat during college breaks. Many of their staff have been there for more than 10 years and a few well over 25 years.
While cruising on the river, your group will have reserved tables on the dining deck where guests can take a stroll outside to one of the two observation decks. There is plenty of spacious outdoor seating to take in the beautiful view and wildlife along the way. Visit the gift shop on the third deck or stop in the pilot house to say “hello” to the captain. The Celebration Belle even has an elevator. Over the past four decades, the cruise company has welcomed guests from around the world, including the King and Queen of Sweden, and it keeps adding new cruise options.
By Andrea Stehle
Main Image: The Celebration Belle, Dubuque, Iowa; Credit: Travel Dubuque
