Gateway Clipper Fleet facts for kids
The Gateway Clipper Fleet is a group of special boats called riverboats in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These boats sail on Pittsburgh's three main rivers: the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio. Pittsburgh was once known as the "Gateway to the West," which is how the fleet got its name.
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Sailing Through Time: The Gateway Clipper Story
The Gateway Clipper Fleet was started by John E. Connelly. The very first boat, named Gateway Clipper, began sailing in 1958. By the mid-1960s, the fleet had grown to three boats. These were the Gateway Clipper, Party Liner, and Good Ship Lollipop.
In 1999, the fleet added its fifth ship. The Gateway Clipper Fleet celebrated 50 years of sailing on the Three Rivers in 2008. In 2013, a sixth ship joined the fleet. This was the Three Rivers Queen, a classic paddle wheel boat made of steel.
Meet the Fleet: Gateway Clipper Ships
Today, the Gateway Clipper Fleet has six amazing ships. Each ship is unique and offers different experiences for passengers.
| Ship name | Passenger capacity |
Size (length vs width in feet) |
Year joined the fleet |
Former name(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Majestic | 1,000 | 227 X 50 | 1987 | n/a | This is the main ship of the fleet. It has the main kitchen for all the boats. |
| Empress | 600 | 212 X 50 | 1966 | Party Liner | This is a large barge pushed by a smaller boat called the Empress II. |
| Princess | 400 | 120 X 35 | 1999 | Keystone Belle | This boat has a traditional paddlewheel and big windows. |
| Three Rivers Queen | 338 | 110 X 32 | 2013 | Arkansas Queen | This boat has three decks and was built in 1994. |
| Duchess | 310 | 125 X 35 | 1975 | Liberty Bell | Built in 1965, this boat often hosts "Good Ship Lollipop" cruises. |
| Countess | 150 | 55 X 14 | 1979 | City of Champions Good Ship Lollipop |
This is an open-air boat and the fastest in the fleet. |
What Can You Do on a Gateway Clipper Cruise?
The Gateway Clipper Fleet offers many kinds of cruises. You can go on sightseeing tours to see Pittsburgh from the water. School groups can enjoy fun day trips. There are also party cruises and fancy dinner cruises, perfect for special events like wedding receptions.
On days when the Pittsburgh Pirates (baseball), Pittsburgh Steelers (football), or Pitt Panthers (college football) have home games, the fleet offers shuttle service. This means you can take a boat ride right to PNC Park or Heinz Field to watch the game!
A Big Fleet on Inland Rivers
The Gateway Clipper Fleet is thought to be the largest group of inland riverboats in the entire United States. This means it's the biggest fleet of its kind that sails on rivers, not the ocean.
Where the Boats Call Home
The fleet used to be docked at the Monongahela Wharf. But since the 1980s, the boats have been moored at Station Square. This is where their main dock and loading area are located today.
