Who doesn’t like a party? Ask around, and you’ll likely find very few people in the ‘no’ column on that survey. Elements that contribute to the perfect shindig where loved ones gather and memories are made include decorations, food, libations, entertainment… and, don’t forget, ambiance. What’s better than toasting Tom and Sue in a swanky hotel’s gala room as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary? A re-creation of their wedding cake enjoyed on a beautiful climate-controlled cruise boat with luxurious seating and grand views. Gliding along on Lake Minnetonka on a Paradise Charter Cruise, you might just be tempted to shout, “I’m king of the world!” and you wouldn’t be wrong – because that’s how this hospitable crew makes you feel when you set sail with them.
Dave Lawrance, owner of Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen – a fleet of grand lake and riverboats that elevate private events and host tranquil public cruise tours – says that all of the heartfelt hospitality they pour into this “grand class service” (yep, you read that right, grand class service) is built around their customers’ needs. “Paradise Charter Cruises and the Minneapolis Queen is a family-owned company built from the ground up. We have been in operation since 1985, providing grand class service on beautiful Lake Minnetonka and the majestic Mississippi River,” he shares. This is why when you work with their crew and step aboard the Paradise Destiny II, Paradise Princess II, Princess Grand, or Minneapolis Queen, you feel like you’ve been invited to a meal with the family, complete with divine cuisine and a welcoming host. This family dinner just happens to provide picturesque views and an elegant ambiance admired atop a gorgeous body of water.
Paradise Charter Cruises offers daily public cruise tours and private charters on a fleet of four different cruise boats with accommodations for groups of 10-125. If a relaxing narrated tour of one of Minnesota’s largest lakes and beyond is what you have in mind, their public cruise tours depart from the Port of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka. Throughout a 90-minute sightseeing cruise, you’ll be entertained with engaging, informative narration along with onboard concessions available for purchase. If you’re interested in spending two hours exploring, you’ll be served a full meal, depending on the cruise type you choose, an evening dining or Sunday brunch cruise.
”Full bar service, climate-controlled salons, expansive window views, and spacious sundecks with or without sun canopies are available on all of our boats, along with our experienced Captains and Crew,” says Dave.
For private charters, they’re known to host anything from corporate events and birthday parties to neighborhood gatherings and weddings. Ask Dave about the time when the bride and groom were picked up by a float plane soon after they said their ‘I dos.’ Just another day at the office. While planning your special event with one of their experienced Cruise Coordinators, you’ll have a large full menu to choose from along with a list of custom cruise enhancements, including DJs, glassware packages, champagne toasts, music entertainers, magicians, and much, much more.
What makes Paradise Charter Cruises the true master of all ships is the unique experience they offer to each of their guests. “We maintain flexibility in everything that we do because we know that our clients want something different than a cookie-cutter experience.” And they believe that the best events are on the water. As you peruse the ways this one-of-a-kind service elevates any event or special outing with views, insightful commentary, and all the trimmings, it’s really hard to argue their point.
Ready to book your little piece of paradise? Simply visit them at TwinCitiesCruises.com or call their office directly at 952-474-8058. For public cruise tours, you can view the complete cruise calendar online and purchase tickets on their website.