Behind the scenes

Cruising into 2024: Looking Back on the Gateway Clipper Fleet's 65th Year

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The Princess paddlewheeler docked beside planters of roses and petunias, with downtown Pittsburgh towers behind it

From the archive. This post looks back on 2023 and ahead to 2024. For this year's cruises, see all cruises; for weddings, see Weddings.

Quick answer

In 2023, its 65th year, the Gateway Clipper Fleet raised funds for Western Pennsylvania charities with local media partners, celebrated with an anniversary lunch cruise and hosted weddings on the rivers. Heading into 2024, the Princess began a complete interior remodel.

As the Gateway Clipper Fleet cruised into 2024, we couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey of the past year. With a trail of unforgettable memories from 2023, the fleet was poised to build on that success and keep adding to Pittsburgh's riverfront experiences.

Looking back on our 65th year

We're proud to be part of Pittsburgh's blend of innovation, culture and community spirit. In 2023 we joined forces with local news and radio stations, including 102.5 WDVE, WTAE, 94.5 3WS and 105.9 The X, to raise funds for local charities. Together we supported vital causes in Western Pennsylvania, including the UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation, the Mario Lemieux Foundation, the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank and the Dollar Energy Fund.

A 65th anniversary cake reading 1958–2023 in front of a ship's wheel, a framed family portrait and a captain's hat aboard a Gateway Clipper boat
Celebrating 65 years on the water, 1958–2023

To mark 65 years of service on the water, we celebrated with a lunch cruise attended by friends and family, valued vendors and collaborators, and local officials including Mayor Ed Gainey, then-County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and then-Council President Theresa Kail-Smith. Read more about the fleet's history on Our Story.

A year filled with love

In 2023 we celebrated weddings on board against the backdrop of Pittsburgh's skyline. Heading into 2024, our beloved wedding boat, the Princess, began a complete interior remodel. Today the Princess welcomes couples with its newly renovated interior and great-size windows; see Pittsburgh riverboat weddings to plan yours.

Weekly dining cruises

At the heart of our maritime legacy is our tradition of weekly dining cruises, like the Barbecue Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise, our Friday dinner cruise and the Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise. For 2024 our culinary team introduced a fresh array of menus that blend tradition with something new.

Game day and concert shuttles

Ease into game day or concert night with our Game Day Shuttles to Steelers, Pitt and Pirates games and concerts at Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park. Let us handle the trip so you can focus on the event.

Stay in the loop

New cruises and events are always being added. Follow us on social media (@gatewayclipper) and watch your email for the latest announcements, or browse all cruises.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet wishes everyone a happy and healthy year ahead. We can't wait to create more memories with you on the beautiful waters of Pittsburgh.

Cruises in this story

Dining Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise

Our flagship Saturday night: dinner buffet, dancing and the skyline.

$88.35 per adult, all-in · Select Saturdays, Apr–Nov

Dining Barbecue Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise

Barbecue buffet and a trip through a working river lock.

$62.37 per adult, all-in · Thursdays, June 18 – Oct 15, 2026

Dining Skyline Dinner Cruise

A relaxed, family-friendly Friday buffet as the city lights come up.

$72.76 per adult, all-in · Select Fridays, Apr–Nov

Find your cruise

Sightseeing tours, dinner and dance cruises, family and holiday cruises, all sailing from Station Square.

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