CLEVELAND — Something new is coming to the waterways of Cleveland.
Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. has announced that Lady Caroline, a 120-foot-long, 15,000-square-foot luxury ship, arrived in Cleveland to dock at the Flats West Bank on Monday. It will then begin its inaugural season in Cleveland sometime in early June, replacing the aging Nautica Queen.
The new vessel is named for the daughter of Jacobs Entertainment Inc. CEO Jeff Jacobs. “Lady Caroline celebrates the next generation contributing to the vibrancy of the region. Our family hopes it inspires many to see our hometown’s promise and appeal,” he said in a statement.
Lady Caroline will offer a variety of regular lunch, brunch, dinner holiday and special event cruises to enjoy with fellow passengers. It will also be available privately chartered corporate, group or wedding voyages.
The ship has four decks, three of which are fully enclosed and climate-controlled. Its open-air sky deck features a covered bar with panoramic views of Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. "This stylish ride absolutely will be one of the best ways to experience Cleveland,” added Lady Caroline Director of Operations Ellen Kelley. “With exceptional views, multiple bars, DJ entertainment and a buffet freshly prepared onboard, every voyage will be a celebration.”
So what will become of the Nautica Queen, a staple of the area since 1992, once Lady Caroline arrives in Cleveland?
"We’ve invested significant resources, time and energy into Nautica Queen over the years, but before she became part of our family in 1992 she was embraced by other communities in Ohio and Michigan,” says Jacobs Entertainment Inc. Executive Vice President Patrick J. McKinley. “As for the 42-year-old ship’s next chapter, there definitely could still be new waters for her to explore."
Officials say cruise schedules, events, ticketing and parking information for Lady Caroline will be made available soon. In the meantime, you can click here or call 216-696-8888 to plan your trip.