All Aboard the Lantern Queen by Apryl Parcher

Think you’ve tried every possible way to eat turkey and fixin’s after Thanksgiving? How about aboard a boat?

You don’t have to jump a cruise ship to the Caribbean…you don’t even have to leave the state. You can enjoy a delicious post-Thanksgiving feast right here in Maryland while cruising the Susquehanna, snug and warm in a cozy dining deck with a window seat—aboard a working replica of a Mississippi paddle-wheel boat, the Lantern Queen.

Ken and I took our first dining trip aboard the Lantern Queen on Thanksgiving weekend, and we brought my father (visiting for the holidays) and our daughter Christine (visiting from college) along for the ride.

You really should try one of their cruises, but be warned—you might get hooked! Judging from the crowd aboard for the Post-Thanksgiving Luncheon, the Queen has many repeat patrons—and for good reason. Not only does it get you out of the house, but there’s something about being on the water with a friendly group of people, enjoying a hot meal while watching the shoreline drift by, that just hits the spot.

We settled in our seats at a starboard side table (the spacious dining deck serves about 50), and watched the other diners settle in. You can wend your way to the bar in the back and grab a drink before the cruise gets underway, but you won’t want to miss the welcome and safety message from the owner, Carroll Fitzgerald. As the crew backs the Queen away from the dock at Hutchings Park, he introduces the crew, explains how the paddle-wheel works, and jokes about where all the life jackets are hidden.

Carroll also told us that if you happen to drink a little too much ice tea and fall overboard, a vote is taken among the other passengers to determine whether or not the life ring will be used to get you back—so it might help to make a few friends before launch time!

As we got underway, Tom Eikenberg (and crew) of Marquis Downs Caterers explained the menu and took great care of us, loading plates with hot sliced turkey, spiced ham, creamy mashed red-jacket potatoes, herbed bread stuffing and salad. On our way down the buffet line, we stopped at the bar for gravy and some of Kathy Eikenberg’s out-of-this-world cranberry chutney.

That chutney was certainly a hit—so much so that Tom called his wife Kathy on his cell phone and held it up so the guests could cheer their appreciation. The colorful, spicy ambrosia of whole cranberries, apples, walnuts, and just the right amount of fresh ginger is an old family recipe. You’ll have to beg her for it yourself— I promised I wouldn’t give it away.

Afterwards, apple and pumpkin pie with whipped cream tempted us on the “dessert table,” but Tom told us that we couldn’t have any unless we “cleaned our plates.” I think Dad took him seriously, because his plate was empty in jig time.

Marquis Downs has been serving patrons of the Lantern Queen ever since owners Carroll and Becky Fitzgerald began operation over a year and a half ago, and have served over 150 cruises so far this year. They make the experience very enjoyable, and have a great rapport with the guests.

The day was sunny and crisp, so we put on our jackets for a tour above deck after lunch. The leaves were off the trees, but even in early winter the shores of the mighty Susquehanna are beautiful, especially the high rocky cliffs close to Port Deposit. Lucky for us, the Lantern Queen is available for Susquehanna cruises all year. They have scheduled public cruises (check the website), and are also available for private charters, weddings, school trips and corporate events.

While chatting with Becky and Carroll in the pilot house, Becky told me that the Lantern Queen is a “lean and green” operation. The 160 horse diesel that powers the paddle wheels only uses four gallons of fuel an hour, which not only pushes the engine, but also powers the lights, heating and air conditioning, and galley refrigeration. So not only can you dine in comfort on the water any time of year, you can also feel good about the Queen’s contribution to our local environment.

Our luncheon cruise arrived back in Havre de Grace promptly at 4:00, and we said our goodbyes to the Fitzgeralds and their crew. What a great way to spend a post-holiday afternoon! When you decide to book a cruise, be sure and bring someone special with you—it was a real treat for us—and all three generations enjoyed themselves. You will, too!
-CSM