STIER FAMILY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP
Where did the years go?!
This year, we are proudly celebrating 20 years of ownership of the Riverboat Twilight! Owners Kevin and Carrie Stier first began working on the Twilight in their early 20s, and the boat has been a major
part of their lives ever since.
The Twilight was originally designed, built, and piloted by Captain Dennis Trone until his retirement in 2006. Carrie began her journey with the Twilight taking reservations, ordering supplies, coordinating group sales, and helping wherever
needed to keep operations running smoothly.
Kevin was involved from the very beginning as well, helping build the Twilight before eventually
earning his pilot’s license in his early 20s.
Today, the next generation has become part of the family business, too. Their children, Emily and Jacob, both started working aboard the Twilight in their early teens. Emily worked as a waitress, in the galley, and in the gift shop, while Jacob began as a deckhand. Now, Jacob holds his pilot’s license
and helps steer and maintain the vessel, while Emily oversees marketing and social media behind the scenes. Like many family businesses, everyone wears multiple hats and pitches in wherever needed to get the job done!
To celebrate 20 wonderful years of ownership, the Stier family will host an intimate celebration
during the Twilight’s first overnight stop in Dubuque during the 2026 season. None of this would have been possible without the love and support of our family, friends, partners, and of course, our
amazing passengers.
Thank you for being part of our journey!
Our annual Coast Guard inspection is right around the corner! Each year, the Coast Guard conducts a thorough inspection to ensure everything aboard the Twilight is safe, secure, and ready before the start of our 2026 season.
During the inspection, they review many different aspects of the vessel. This includes verifying that our title and certification documents are accurate and up to date, as well as inspecting and counting all life jackets, emergency lighting, whistles, and fire extinguishers.
The Coast Guard also conducts man-overboard and fire drills with our crew to ensure everyone is prepared in the event of an emergency. The inspection process typically takes about half a day, and there’s always a great sense of relief once we’ve officially passed!
It’s one more important item checked off the preseason to-do list as we get ready to welcome everyone back aboard.
