Riverboat Twilight – Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

Where will we go on our cruise?

It all depends on the length of your cruise. A typical Sightseeing Cruise will travel 5-7 miles up the river and back. We will pass the quaint river towns of Rapid City, Fulton and Princeton IA. Our Two-Day Overnight Cruise travels north from LeClaire IA arriving at Dubuque IA for the overnight accommodations. Along the way we will pass many river towns, travel through two locks (Lock 12 and 13) and hundreds of small islands teaming with eagles, nesting pelicans, egrets, cormorants and the occasional swimming deer. The One-Day Cruise departs Dubuque, IA and heads north towards Guttenberg, IA, passing through one of the most beautiful sections of the Mississippi River. All of our cruises provide the best viewing possible of the Upper Mississippi river.

What does per person double or single occupancy mean?

A (per person) single occupancy fare is for passengers purchasing cruise tickets that include overnight accommodations for one person (single room). A (per person) double occupancy fare if for passengers purchasing tickets that include overnight accommodations for two persons (or more) in one room (double occupancy). This type of room could have one bed (usually a queen or king bed) or two beds (usually two doubles or two queens).

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

Use 400 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001 or use this link – Port of Dubuque.

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. We 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?

We recommend making reservations as soon as you know you want to cruise on the Twilight. Our cruises sell-out quite often, especially in the fall, and if you don’t make your reservations early enough, you could be left out. If you are trying to make last minute travel plans, I would recommend calling our office to check availability.

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?

We sail rain or shine. In the event of severe weather or dangerous river conditions, it is up to the captain of the boat to make that decision. There are times where storms can roll through the river valley and can cause a cruise to be delayed, but that is usually only for a short amount of time. If the situation exists where we are unable to cruise, we will notify our passengers as soon as possible. In the event we should have to cancel a cruise due to weather or other unforeseen circumstance, we will offer a full refund or option to reschedule.

Do you have a dress code?

We do not have a dress code. We encourage everyone to dress in comfortable and casual clothes. Sensible rubber-soled shoes are most appropriate. Boating is an outdoor activity. While on-board, you may encounter occurrences such as rocking/swaying motion, water on the decks, inclement weather and other outdoor discomforts such as insects, soot and soil.

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?

Yes, smoking is allowed, but only on the bottom deck aft (rear) of the boat. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the interior cabin of the boat or at the Grand Harbor Resort Hotel.

Are drinks included with a dining cruise?

Coffee, iced tea, lemonade, hot tea and water are included with all dining cruises. A cash bar is available on the third deck for the purchase of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Your server will be happy to visit the bar for you if you are unable to reach the third deck.

Where do we park?

There is a free parking lot right in front of our boat dock in LeClaire. For the cruises departing from Dubuque, there is ample public parking at the Port of Dubuque.

Are there nearby hotels that we can stay in?

Yes, there are quite a few hotels for you to choose from. Click here for more information on hotels in the area.

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?

The best way to receive special deals for the Riverboat Twilight is to sign up to receive our EBlast newsletter or like us on Facebook. We send special deals specifically to these two groups. Click here for special discounts for groups.

I am on my way for my cruise, but am running late. Can you hold the boat for me?

The short answer is no. Every cruise has a stated boarding time and departure time. You can board the boat at any time during this window. It is our goal that every one of our cruises leave at its scheduled departure time. There are extenuating circumstances that sometimes arise and in those cases that are deemed to be outside the control of a large number of our guests, departure will be held for up to 10 minutes. Unfortunately, once those 10 minutes have been exhausted, the boat will depart. We do encourage you to call if you are running late and we can give you further directions. We urge you to arrive early and to leave plenty of time for traffic and parking. Per our reservation policy, any reservation not cancelled outside of 24 hours prior to the cruise is not eligible for any refund.

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: Info@riverboattwilight.com

If you prefer to mail your information –

Mailing Address:

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