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Captain's Blog

Interesting Times Continue

Ahoy! We’re gearing up for another season.  2020 was challenging, and that challenge is surely carrying over into 2021.  We are currently scheduled to begin cruses now on May 6, 2021 at 1:30 pm.  After months of phone calls, emails, and praying, we finally got our inspection date of May 5th.  Our original inspection date was in Mid-March, but was changed due to lack of qualified inspectors available.  Sandy, Megan and I really appreciate all of the passengers who expressed understanding as to why they have been cancelled and refunded due to this late inspection date.  We know that it changes their plans for their visit to Hannibal, MO.  I don’t know of anyone who wants the boat running more than we do.  Not everyone has expressed their understanding in a positive way.  Again, we apologize for the disappointment of…

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April 23, 2021

We’re Cruising – July 15th update

Ahoy!! I apologize for the lack of updates on the Captain’s Blog.  We have been trying to figure out what is normal now.  Here’s what we know. We are trying to operate to our normal summer schedule.  We have had to cancel several cruises. Our schedule this week is:    1:30 pm one hour sightseeing cruise, 4:00 one hour sightseeing cruise, and a dinner cruise at 6:30.  All cruises are subject to conditions permitting. More Soon!!  Stay Safe and PRAY!! Capt Steve

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July 15, 2020

Spring Is Here – Take 2

Hannibal River Stage  19.46 Ft Ahoy! It’s 72 degrees today, southeasterly wind, and a beautiful day for a boat ride, I Wish! As the world deals with the COVID-19 Virus, we are all “staying safe” as ordered by the government.  This Virus is real!!  Sandy and I pray that all folks practice Social Distancing, Proper Hygiene, and the multitude of other recommendations issued by the Federal Government, State Government, Local Government, Health Professionals, and others.  It’s definitely new territory for us.  Last year was a crazy year due to excessive flooding.  This year, the Virus. We look forward to cruising as soon as it’s safe.  We cannot put a timeline on when that will happen.  We ask that all future passengers please hang in there, and we’ll get to enjoy Mark Twain’s Mighty Mississippi once again. As for the Hannibal…

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April 7, 2020

Spring is here!!!

Ahoy!!! Spring is here!!  While it doesn’t look or feel like it today, the calendar says so. As we all hunker down and wait out the virus, we’re getting the Mark Twain Riverboat ready for a fantastic season.  We’re getting some upholstery work done on the main deck (Thank You, Nash Upholstery in New London, Mo).  He’s recovering all 34 benches this year.  Last visit to Nash Upholstery was to have all (200+) inside chairs redone.  He and his crew always do a great job.  We’re also doing some maintenance in Fort Madison at Hall Towing before we return the riverboat to Hannibal.  We plan on moving the Mark Twain back to the Hannibal next week. The Hannibal Riverfront Renovation is progressing nicely.  The rain the past few days is slowing things down.  We will be back at the foot…

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March 19, 2020

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Ahoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! The shortest day of the year has past.  That means spring (and Mark Twain Riverboat Cruises) will soon be here.  We’re hoping that the mighty Mississippi cooperates this year and we can start up on schedule. Our cruise schedule is posted on the www.MarkTwainRiverboat.com web site and you can purchase your cruise tickets online now. Our popular Captain’s Sunday Lunch is back and will start on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020.  If you’re not sure when you wish to ride, or are purchasing for someone else, consider a Mark Twain Riverboat Gift Certificate.  They are available now and all season long. Stay warm, think spring and get excited.  Riverboat’s a’comin. Capt Steve

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December 26, 2019

WE ARE CRUISING!!!

SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019  RIVER STAGE 23.50 ft AHOY!! WE ARE CRUISING!!! Finally, Mother Nature has allowed the Mighty Mississippi to drop enough that we can get you to the boat with dry feet.  We are operating from our high water location at 608 Bridge St, Hannibal, MO.  Please check our website frequently to see our updates, or keep track of us on our Facebook Page, Mark Twain Riverboat.  Of course, you can always call us at 573.221.3222. Let’s go for a boat ride! Capt Steve

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June 15, 2019

Finally. We’re Cruising!!!

Ahoy!!! The Mississippi River has finally fallen below the benchmark required for us to begin operations at the 608 Bridge Street location.  As the water fell, it left lots of mud on the parking area.  We’re blading it off with the John Deere tractor and getting it back into shape. All scheduled cruises are resuming today, Monday, May 13, 2019.  It’s a great time to book your cruise.  You can book online at www.MarkTwainRiverboat.com, or give a call at 573.221.3222.  Let’s go for a boat ride on Mark Twain’s Mighty Mississippi! Capt Steve

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May 13, 2019

Well???????

*River Stage at Hannibal, MO – 22.61      River Stage at Canton, MO – 19.19 * Ahoy from Hannibal, MO. We have been patiently (not so much) waiting for the river to drop below 18 ft at Lock & Dam 20 located in Canton Mo.  We thought we would have a window of opportunity to lock through this coming week.  As the newest predictions come in, that is not going to be the case.  So, the waiting continues with the Mark Twain still moored in Ft. Madison, IA. For more information, or if you have questions, or want to make a future reservation, please call us: 573.221.3222 or email us at [email protected]. See you soon!! Capt Steve

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April 19, 2019

High Water is here. Hopefully going down soon.

March 25, 2019 Hannibal Riverstage: 23.57 and supposed to crest today Ahoy! Spring rains and snow melt have reached the Hannibal Riverfront.  Our wharfboat (landing barge, ticket office, and gift shop) is at the high water landing.  The Mark Twain is in Ft. Madison, Ia. getting some mechanical work done.  We are waiting for the work to be completed and the river to fall below 18.0 ft at Lock and Dam 20 in Canton, MO.  Lock 20 has to close to navigation when the river goes above 18.0 ft there. Our Winter Office is our headquarters right now.  We are taking reservations, answering questions, and also taking applications for the upcoming season.  You can check us out at www.MarkTwainRiverboat.com or call us at 573.221.3222. Spring is here!  Hope to see you soon!   Capt Steve

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March 25, 2019

Spring is coming! So is high water.

Monday, March 11, 2019    Temp 50    Hannibal Rivergage  14.61 ft… Ahoy! The temperature is finally rising.  And so is the river.  With rain and snow melt up north, we’ll be experiencing high water for a while.  Also, Lock 20 at Canton, MO is still closed for renovations. We hope to be moving the Mark Twain back to Hannibal, MO in the next week or two.  The riverfront construction project is moving forward and we’ll have a temporary docking place soon.  We hope to be running by April 1st to accommodate those visiting Hannibal for spring break. Stay warm and check back often. Capt Steve

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March 11, 2019

2019 Riverboat Season Com’n

Ahoy!  The Riverboat Season is just around the bend.  The children will be on the levee shoutin’ “Riverboat Com’n” just as they did in Mark Twain’s day. Our season is scheduled to start in late March.  The riverfront construction is ongoing and making progress daily.  The riverstage today is 14.34 feet and falling for now.  A spring rise is a given with all the snow on the ground in northern Iowa and Minnesota. Now is a great time to schedule your cruise.  You may purchase online, or make your dinner cruise reservation by phone (573.221.3222).  And we are now taking reservations for the fireworks cruise on July 4th. Stay warm, spring is just around the corner.  I’ll keep you updated often. Capt Steve

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February 26, 2019