Riverboat Twilight

My eight-year-old daughter and I had a fabulous time aboard the Riverboat Twilight. It was fun to share meals in the beautiful interior of the boat, and as vegetarians, we appreciated the way that the chef made sure we had plant-based meal options. The crew was professional, friendly, attentive, and fun to talk with, as was the captain. The captain allowed my daughter to come up to the pilot’s box and even let her put her hands on the steering wheel and steer the ship for a second.

The stretch of river that we traveled was between LeClaire and Dubuque, and we saw a beautiful windmill, several bald eagles, lots of pelicans and seagulls and cormorants, many natural banks full of lovely trees, barges and tugs, and several river towns. There were plenty of chairs on the decks—some in the sun and some in the shade—and many rocking chairs with cushioned seats which were very comfortable as well.

By far, the highlight of the trip for us was meeting the other passengers on board. We made friends with several other travelers, and we will keep in touch after the voyage. The stories and conversations we shared are memories we will treasure. Many were interested in playing games with us, and overall we just had a blast!

LeClaire is an adorable little river town, and Dubuque is a true gem. We highly recommend riding the Fenelon Elevator if you take the overnight trip and are able to stay in Dubuque for the evening. Also, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is just fantastic. Highly recommend!

It’s all just a lot of fun, and the commentary shared by the captain taught us so much about flora, fauna, other boats, locks, and the Mississippi river in general. My daughter especially loved it when the calliope would play on board.

Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera with a zoom lens!

What a relaxing two days on the Twilight. We ate and ate and ate. Staff served meals at your table and snacks were buffet style. Coffee, tea, lemonade was available at all times.
We drew a rainy coldish two days, but big windows let us enjoy most all of the sights on the river. The captain did some narration about sights and history along the river, IMHO, did this just the right amount of time. So the PA was not in your ear too much. His insights from 40 years of river boating were brief, to the point and very interesting.
Questions from us were welcome.
Although we chose not go listen, there was an entertainment hour or so each day with a talented singer/ guitarist.
We stayed in 1st class accommodations in Dubuque very close to the boat and the really cool Mississippi River museum (which is included in your ticket). Shuttle was available to go anywhere downtown from the boat.
The boat is beautiful motor driven replica of an old 3 level paddle wheeler.
The stairs are narrow and small in width. So any major mobility issues should remain on 1st level with the bathrooms and no steps.
The staff were assigned to your floor level and were around all the time. Great kids.
Bathrooms were on lower level. they were clean and well sized.
Food was a nice combination of of beef, pork, chicken, and Turkey all served at specific meals with salads, fresh crisp cooked veggies, a potato, and really yummy deserts.
Wonderful way to kick back for two days and paddle up and down the Mississippi River. FYI, wifi was excellent and Verizon reception good 90% of the time.

Our tour company, Tom's Christian Tours, brought a group of 50+ (twice) in June for the two day cruise from Le Claire to Dubuque and back. From the time we started making plans, Carrie and Thomas in the office, made setting up our tour easy. Whenever we had a question, they quickly responded with the answer. Once at the riverboat, our luggage was whisked away and everyone was given plenty of opportunities to enjoy the cruise up the Mississippi River. Captain Kevin gave interesting narrative as we traveled, the crew made sure everyone was satisfied, and the food was delicious. (which included meals and mid morning and afternoon snacks). Once in Dubuque, those going on tours were directed one way while those heading to our hotel (Hotel Julien :) !) were taken there. Our overnight accommodations were beautiful and the morning shuttles were efficient. Our trip down river was just as enjoyable as the day before, with plenty of room inside and outside with comfortable seating and views. Everything was perfect. The owners and staff of the Riverboat Twilight were professional, kind and hospitable. They certainly made this tour easy for our company to set up and for all to enjoy. Thank you Riverboat Twilight!

There simply is not a better way to experience the Upper Mississippi River out there. The Riverboat Twilight offers a great all around product of education, entertainment, and a crew who cannot be beat. The arrangements for the land portion of the tour are carried out in such a fashion that they are seamless. The ability to relax while you travel makes it all the more special.

Then there is the food. You can’t go hungry on this boat. The quality and presentation are amazing.

The narration is full of facts and information that make the scenery come alive. You find yourself fascinated with wildlife and scenery you take for granted in your everyday life for good reason. You have time to relax and enjoy it for a change.

I’ve done the overnight cruises on the big boats several times and find the combination of amenities the Twilight offers to be way superior. The big boats take you away from the river to learn about it in theatres with no windows. On the Twilight, you learn while you watch it happen. It’s live and ever present.

This is my 3rd cruise with them and you probably expect me to say I’ll be back, and I will! This cruise is worth double the fare charged!

Loved the leisurely pace of the boat on the river, and all the interesting information given by the guide. You could tell he wasn't just reading from a script, he commented on actual craft we saw along the way, and various wildlife. It was a beautiful day and a relaxing interlude. Adored the oversized padded rocking chairs on deck!

We took the day trip from Dubuque to Gutenberg and back. Everything was perfect. The captain’s narration was interesting and informative. The food was excellent and so were the drinks. It was nice to get off the boat and explore Gutenberg for an hour. The live music during the cruise back down the river was enjoyable and fitting for the trip. I would recommend this to trip to people of all ages that enjoy the river, history, good food or just simply relaxing.

If you are looking to take a river cruise this is the one to take.
Our 2 day cruise was so relaxing The owners and staff thought of every detail to make this a stress free trip from taking your luggage before you board and driving to the hotel where it was waiting for you in your room to dining on excellent home cooked meals.
The captain narrated along the way with stories of river history and pointing out sites along the way. We saw a lot of bald eagles, a couple of their nests. We went through 2 channel locks.
The trip up and down he river was so relaxing that you almost couldnt help closing your eyes for a bit. We talked with many folks from all walks of life.
We were absolutely pleased with this trip from start to finish.

This was an excellent trip. Very relaxing sitting in the rocking chairs, nice breeze, watching the water pass by. Captain Kevin is very informative, sharing his knowledge of the history of the Mississippi River. I highly recommend the two-day trip. It was fun to tour the City of Dubuque, the oldest city in Iowa, and see the river from high above. Beautiful homes, churches, shops, breweries, and museums. Something for everyone. The food was great and the crew was very friendly and accommodating. Looking forward to my next trip on the Riverboat Twilight.

We took a 1 1/2 tour trip aboard the Twilight today with the family. Being from hometown LeClaire and a past employee of the Twilight I had to get back aboard for my families first time on the Mississippi river. The crew was awesome and Captain Kevin gave a well informed narrative of the Mississippi River and the area as we went up river and back. I highly recommend Riverboat Twilight for a relaxing trip on the river. for their sightseeing or 2 day trips. Thank you for my family weekend where memories were made.

Love this cruise, so relaxing and smooth, even though the day was windy and cool, our party still had a great time onboard. The stories that the Captain told as we went up and down the river, added so much to the experience. HIs knowledge of the river is very apparent. The leaves were still beautiful too.