gateway clipper tour

Discover the Burgh

Gateway Clipper Cruises – A Tour Perfect for Visitors

Published by Jeremy . Last Updated on February 8, 2023.

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The Gateway Clipper is an iconic Pittsburgh attraction. No matter the time of day, odds are good you can look to the rivers near downtown Pittsburgh and see these iconic blue, gold, and red riverboats ferrying passengers or giving a water-level city tour.

As Pittsburgh residents, we've seen these boats for many years but oddly enough had never taken one. Naturally, since founding this site we wanted to change that and finally made the trip down to Station Square to take a sightseeing cruise at the end of peak season.

But in being honest, I have to say that there are two very different experiences you can have on the Gateway Clipper fleet- one as a resident and one as a visitor. Depending on what category you fall into, this may change your approach to this tour significantly.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet – For Visitors

For visitors to Pittsburgh, a trip on the Gateway Clipper is one of the top attractions you can do in the city. This 60-minute tour traverses the three rivers and is narrated to highlight the city's unique history, beautiful architecture, and other facts you may not hear anywhere else (excluding this blog, of course).

During each tour the guides ask who is a visitor and who is a local, and we were some of the only residents who were out for the day- something the guide suggested was fairly common.

The tour plays out much like you'd expect a 60-minute boat cruise to do. You do a quick loop around the rivers, learn a few facts about the city (some of which were sadly, incorrect), receive a few bad restaurant recommendations, and go on about your day.  A typical tourist boat cruise , and in Pittsburgh one that has a fairly incredible backdrop to enjoy.

If we were from out of town and took the trip, we would have enjoyed it immensely; however, in being locals to Pittsburgh and making it our mission to go explore as much as possible, we were a bit let down as the tour fell short of what we think is its full potential.

Gateway Clipper Cruises – For Residents

The reason for our lackluster response to the hour-long sightseeing cruise on the Gateway Clipper stems from the fact that it offer residents little to no new experiences or knowledge other than enjoying the view of the city from the water.

At some point, listening to the narrator talk is not so much a treat, but a distraction from why you're taking the tour in the first place (which for us was to simply experience the views).

This disconnect is where the problem of the Gateway Clipper comes into play. If you sign up for their standard sightseeing cruise, you're going to have a fairly typical sightseeing experience. As a visitor, 60 minutes out on the water is a pretty great tourist activity. But as a local who knows the waterways around Pittsburgh inside and out, we simply wanted more.

That being said, those who live in the city may want to take a trip out on the longer dinner cruises instead (many at sunset, for an added bonus) to appreciate the city we all know and love the way it should be enjoyed- for a very long time .

Looks like another Gateway Clipper cruise is in our future to try it out!

The Gateway Clipper fleet is docked at 350 W Station Square Drive right next to the Sheraton Station Square hotel .  Cruises are offered multiple times per day; however, starting in late October the frequency of departures decreases for the winter.

For more scenic viewpoints of Pittsburgh , check out our Pittsburgh skyline views guide which has an assortment you may never have seen before, or sign up for a Pittsburgh helicopter tour ! Or if you'd rather see the city from the water, check out all the great ways to experience the Pittsburgh rivers here!

For frequently asked questions about the Gateway Clipper, check out the following.

What is a Gateway Clipper tour?

The Gateway Clipper is a historic riverboat cruise on Pittsburgh's three rivers. A general sightseeing tour lasts approximately one hour.

Are reservations required for the Gateway Clipper?

Reservations are highly recommended as popular sailing times do sell out.

Where does the Gateway Clipper dock?

The Gateway Clipper fleet docks in Station Square in Pittsburgh's South Side. Their address is 350 W Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

What is parking like at the Gateway Clipper dock?

A surface lot is available as well as a parking garage that is used by the Sheraton Hotel and charges an hourly rate. Note that most of the parking lots nearby may have surge pricing during events at Highmark Stadium.

Does the Gateway Clipper fleet offer other tours?

Yes. The Gateway Clipper has dinner cruises, themed cruises, and more.

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Gateway Clipper Lock and Dam Dinner Cruise

Join us for a cruise and dinner on the river!

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We'll take you to beautiful Pittsburgh for a day aboard one of the Gateway Clipper riverboats! Enjoy dinner and a narrated cruise of the Three Rivers, including "locking through" the lock in real time. Meals - 1D

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Gateway Clipper Fleet

Hours updated over 3 months ago

Review Highlights

“ We booked an event for March ( weather is hit or miss in Pittsburgh), but the climate control inside was great. ” in 19 reviews

“ The 7 pm cruise was perfect, we got to see the sunset but it wasn't too dark by the end of our tour. ” in 11 reviews

“ It's easy to park nearby, and the boarding process is also straightforward. ” in 2 reviews

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350 W Station Sq Dr

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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Terry Wirginis W.

Business Owner

The Gateway Clipper Fleet specializes in public, as well as private boat rides. We offer a wide array of dining and sightseeing cruises daily throughout the summer months. We operate all year round- providing customers with corporate meeting places, brides with reception venues, and families with a fun and exciting dining atmosphere. We offer Holiday Cruises as well- Santa even frequents the boat during December. Halloween, Easter, Fourth of July, you name it, we'll have an event for it! Our family owned business is the largest non-sports attraction in Pittsburgh and over the last 51 years, upwards of 25 million passengers have sailed the three rivers and beyond on one of the Fleet's riverboats. We would love to host you and yours for your next family reunion, wedding, or date night- contact us for reservations and cruise times. …

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Overall rating

195 reviews

Without reservations we traveled here from Wheeling WV on a Sunday for a tour, arriving at 10:30 am on Father's Day and were able to secure a spot for the 11 am tour. The tour lasted about an hour and was very informative. We went down all three rivers, learning about the various bridges, points of interest, and history of Pittsburgh along the way. The boat had two interior decks, a bathroom, and a bar area, as well as 3rd level exterior seating which we choose (and was the most popular even in 90 degree weather). I would suggest if this is where you want to sit to get there early and make sure you are one of the first to board. Be sure to bring sunscreen, you'll need it, and seasonally appropriate clothing. The parking lot cost $8 for 12 hours, so it only makes sense to visit the limited amount of restaurants nearby. It's a nice way to relax and enjoy the city views.

Gross. Outdated and filthy. We did the Easter dinner cruise because we were visiting from out of town. I wanted to show my husband and little girl Pgh from the water. It was a rust bucket on the water. It has not been updated since I last was on it in the 1990s. It smelled like body odor and cigarette smoke and was dreadful. My little 10 year old daughter wanted to jump off and swim back because it was so gross. The food was the same crap they served in the 1990s and a horrible selection to choose from. The salad was the only thing that was edible but the salad bowl was depleted, along with the croutons. I would never ever do this floating nightmare again. 2 hours of our lives we can never get back. The music choice from the dj was cringeworthy. Who plays the Macarena and electric slide in 2024? His outdated music selection added to our misery on this rusty smelly nasty boat. Yuck. Zero out of ten - don't recommend! Almost $300 wasted which would have been better spent on room service at our hotel.

The most beautiful evening for a gateway clipper cruise and it's suddenly canceled 3 hours prior. Good thing I randomly checked my email. It's Father's Day weekend and gorgeous outside, so I can't imagine why the cancellation. Better yet, why I don't get a refund and instead have to get a gateway clipper gift card I have no interest in after spending $130. Do not recommend.

Always a good time. Whenever I visit I make it a priority to get an afternoon cruise. You can't get views from land like you can on the water.

We took a one hour tour before a baseball game. Great way to see the rivers and relax!

Visited Pittsburgh at the end of October and knew i had to take a cruise. I took the PRT over from downtown and enjoyed the walk along the water. I opted for a mid-day cruise and bought my ticket in-person. They give physical tickets, which I liked because it's definitely being added to my scrapbook. The weather was nice, thankfully no rain. The views, 10/10. I really loved all the information that was shared over the speaker, explaining the different areas. Definitely a highlight of my amazing trip.

My favorite view from the tour.

Great experience - our donors enjoyed the cruise so much, and it was a highlight of our Annual Conference in Pittsburgh!

We did the 3-Rivers Tour. Really comfortable. Nice easy-going, very informational tour of the waterways in the downtown Pittsburgh area. We sat on the top deck. Good way to get your bearings for what sites to plan for next thing-to-do. Definitely recommend!

Fabulous first time experience on a Captain's Dinner Cruise!! I enjoyed every minute. You just cannot beat the view!! Even with the chilly 25° weather, I still made sure to get out on the deck to take some pictures! The staff were so friendly and accommodating. They had an extra, empty table that they offered to my date and I rather than a banquet set table, which was nice & unexpected! The food tasted great, but I did have to add some seasoning which I didn't mind at all! The bartender was lovely as well. I would love to experience this again in the future!

See all photos from Karina P. for Gateway Clipper Fleet

We did the Fourth of July fireworks cruise on the princess. The positives were a great view of the fireworks, little tour and Pittsburgh info/history, no worries about saving a family spot on the lawn or having to use port a potties in the park, access to food and drink. overall glad we did this and would recommend. Some of the things to be aware of that make this less than a five star experience: people line up early so they can get the prime seats. We didn't realize that you have to keep checking the board for which gate your boat is leaving from so you know where to line up. Then after boarding, passengers come around trying to steal chairs to bring them literally anywhere on the ship decks that they want to sit. It gets chaotic. Took a little longer than expected to dock the boat after the fireworks display because everyone with a smaller boat streams down the river immediately past this large ship so to be safe we wait. You can decline the boarding photo.

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Taking a Pittsburgh Sightseeing Cruise on the Gateway Clipper

Pittsburgh has many defining qualities. From its many championship sports teams to its iconic skyline and industrial past, there are many different qualities that make Pittsburgh Pittsburgh. However, there probably isn’t anything that’s had more of an effect on Pittsburgh history and culture than its three rivers.

The city of Pittsburgh was first settled by Europeans in the mid-18th century. Access to the Forks of the Ohio, as the area is officially known, was one of the major catalyst that began the French and Indian War . It’s also the reason for the high concentration of industries throughout the city of Pittsburgh.

Today, Pittsburgh’s rivers do not have as much cultural impact on the city as they once did. However, the three rivers (the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio) still dominate the city’s landscape. In fact, the rivers are so ingrained into the layout of the city that Pittsburgh is home to more bridges than any other city in the world.

Given the three rivers’ historical and cultural significance, as well as the way they wrap around the downtown area, there is no better way to explore the city than by boat. While several companies rent small personal watercrafts, a river boat tour of the city is more my speed.

The Gateway Clipper leaves from Station Square on the city’s South Shore, just steps from the Monongahela Incline, which takes passengers to the top of Mount Washington . The fleet has been sailing the rivers of Pittsburgh since 1958, and now features six boats with capacity of up to 1,000 visitors.

While the Gateway Clipper Fleet offers a variety of cruise options, such as diners, fall foliage tours, and even pirate-themed trips, most visitors opt to take the one-hour sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh. During a recent visit to Pittsburgh, I had the opportunity to climb on board and see what these tours are all about.

The Gateway Clipper offers sightseeing cruises of Pittsburgh from April through October, with multiple sailings on each sailing day. There are also evening sightseeing cruises that travel the rivers both before and after sunset.

The onboard experience is fairly similar no matter which boat you board for your sightseeing cruise. Since seating is not reserved, riders can choose from a variety of spots, both indoor and outdoor.

While indoor spots might make it a bit more difficult to take photos, some outdoor spots have poor quality speakers, so the narration can be hard to hear. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you choose which option is most important to you. After all, the views are amazing, but the narrated guide provides a lot of great information about the city of Pittsburgh .

It’s also worth noting that the Evening Sightseeing cruises can be challenging for photos. Since the ship is constantly moving, it can be hard to shoot photos after it gets dark. While this is a great time to see the city, it might not be the best option for those looking to take photos of Pittsburgh from the Gateway Clipper

Sightseeing cruises only last about an hour, and they typically travel along all three rivers, offering fantastic views of downtown Pittsburgh from a unique angle. On my trip, we headed up the Monongahela for a short distance, before heading to The Point and turning up the Allegheny. We then turned around and ended a few hundred yards off The Point in the Ohio River.

All too soon, the sightseeing cruise on the Gateway Clipper comes to an end. Without a doubt, there is no more relaxing or beautiful way to see Pittsburgh . Whether you’ve lived in the city your whole life or are visiting for the first time, taking a Pittsburgh sightseeing cruise on the Clipper will give you a unique view of the city and a new appreciation for the history, culture, and beauty of this amazing city.

Want to take another sightseeing cruise in Pennsylvania? Check out the Just Ducky Tours in Pittsburgh , the  Proud Mary Showboat on Raystown Lake and the Hiawatha on the Susquehanna River in Williamsport .

Gateway Clipper Sightseeing Cruise

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Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

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Gateway Clipper Fleet

Nothing says Pittsburgh like a sail down the rivers with the fall colors alive and well along the riverbanks on the Autumn Serenade. Let our Gateway Clipper Fleet team treat all the senses aboard the Empress as she shows you the sights, our entertainers literally provide music to your ears, and the Chef presents a buffet to please the pallet. Can’t wait for Fall in Pittsburgh, take a gander at our Captain’s Dinner Dance, Sunset Cruise, Lock and Dam Dinner Cruise one of our Summer Showboat Luncheons. Discounted rates available for groups of 15 or more passengers. Visit our website for all our latest cruise information and great online only special offers!

Dining Cruises: Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise Sunset Dinner Cruises Wine Tasting Cruise Showboat Luncheon Cruise Autumn Serenade Cruise (October Only)

Holiday Dining Cruises: Valentine Dinner Cruises Easter Dinner Cruises Mother's Day Dinner Cruises Father's Day Dinner Cruises Fourth of July Dinner Cruises Thanksgiving Dinner Cruises Holiday Sparkle Dinner Cruises Holiday Captain's Dinner Cruises

Sightseeing Cruises: Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise Haunted Three Rivers Cruise (October Only)

Kids Themed Cruises: Princess Cruise Superhero Cruise Trolls & Pup Patrol Cruise Princess & Superhero Cruise Holiday Themed Cruises – Easter Bunny Fun, Halloween Fun, Santa Fun

Dance & Entertainment Cruises: Moonlight Dance Cruises Specialty Entertainment Music Cruises Polka Dance Cruise

Shuttle Service - Sails from Station Square Dock Only to: Pittsburgh Pirates Games at PNC Park Pittsburgh Steelers Games at Acrisure Stadium Pittsburgh Panthers Games at Acrisure Stadium Major Concert Events at PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium Private Events and Weddings: Have your Special Event as you sail the picturesque Three Rivers!

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• Group Rates Available
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• Parking Available
• Occupancy : 180 - 250
• Occupancy : 280 - 600
• Occupancy : 190 - 250
• Occupancy : 150 - 300

Gateway Clipper Fleet 350 W. Station Square Dr. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

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Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise 350 West Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

Saturday Luncheon Cruise & Tour 350 West Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

Captain's Dinner Cruise & Tour 350 W Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

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Please note: The following are TLC's general polices and procedures that cover all of our tours, so some of these may or may not be applicable to this particular tour.

Age Requirements:

All ages are welcome to join a TLC Tour beginning with age 5 years old and up.   Because our goal is to provide a relaxing, enjoyable ride for all when on our coach, we must ask that adults plan appropriate, quiet entertainment for their younger ones in order to not disturb the others aboard.  There may be a reduction in cost for the younger children, but no guarantees, especially on Day Trips.

On all overnight tours, we use a daily seat rotation. The first day of a trip, you choose your seat when you board, and rotate from there. We feel this is fair to all. If the coach is not full, a less formal rotation may be used at the Escort’s discretion. Persons traveling single or with uneven amounts in their group may need to sit with other like-travelers. We cannot guarantee that small groups will be seated together. We welcome single travelers, but the single rate does not include two seats on the coach. * We cannot accept doctor’s notes regarding requests to sit in the front seat/s. Please consider boarding at the first pickup location if your seat location is of concern. It is also recommended to see your doctor for motion sickness medication, if this should apply.

Smoking/Drinking:

We make regular stops for restrooms and for the convenience of smokers; however, we have a NO SMOKING (or vaping) policy aboard all coaches. If someone violates the non-smoking policies of places we are staying or visiting while on tour, it is the sole responsibility of that person should there be any penalties and/or fines for not adhering to their rules and regulations. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at any time on the coach.

Transportation:

All of our tours use beautiful modern, deluxe wide-body motorcoaches from Campbell Bus Lines . Campbell has received the highest possible rating with the Dept. of Transportation. The motorcoaches are equipped with air-conditioning, reclining seats, public address system, DVD player, outlets for each passenger, and emergency restrooms. Our intent is for all overnight tours to be professionally escorted. Upon occasion, in order to avoid canceling a trip with a low passenger count, our Driver may serve both positions of Driver and Escort, and all are professionally trained to do so. ~ Also, on air trips with low passenger counts, we will not be able to provide an Escort from our company. However, once you arrive at your destination, a guide from our connecting company will be with you throughout the entire tour.

Lodging and Meals:

Your lodging is included on all overnight tours. All hotels are AAA rated. We never use second rate hotels, restaurants, or activities on any tour, to the best of our ability to make that determination. If you need two beds in your room, please state this when making your reservation. Generally, some meals are included on overnight trips (see individual tour inclusions); however, we cannot guarantee any special dietary requirements.

Border Crossings:

As of June 2009, a Passport or Passport Card is required for border crossings. Either of these travel documents may be obtained through your local courthouse. The Passport Card is limited but is sufficient for Canadian border crossings and is good for 10 years – it is also very easy to apply for. Your Driver and/or Escort will be asking to see one of these documents before boarding the coach for trips with this requirement. We cannot be responsible if you are unable to travel due to failure on your part to obtain the proper documentation. Please begin the process early enough to ensure that you will have it in time for your tour’s departure. Click here for for more information .

One suitcase per person is included in the price of your tour. You are also permitted a carry-on, which is your responsibility. Additional luggage may be transported at the cost of $10.00 per bag, per day. It is wise to travel light. Luggage tags are provided and required for hotel identification and are sent with the final letter and phone numbers of your hotels.

Medical Devices:  

Medical devices must be handled by you, the passenger.  They are either to be stored under your seat (not protruding out into the person’s space behind or in front of you), or if too large for that accommodation, they must be placed under the coach by you, and taken off at each place it’s needed by you.  It is not safe for a medical device to ride in an overhead compartment for multiple reasons, nor are our Drivers or hotel personnel allowed to handle it for safety and liability reasons.  If it needs to ride under the coach, please have it in a quality container (as small as possible) to assure it rides safely.

Taxes and Gratuities:

All taxes and gratuities for included meals and activities are included, unless otherwise mentioned by the Escort. Driver and Escort gratuities are not included in the price of your tour. The suggested rate for a “job well done” is a minimum of $4.00-$4.50 per person/ per day for the Tour Escort, and a minimum of $4.00-$4.50per person/per day for the Driver. We request that you express this on an individual basis and let the quality of service received be your guide.

All prices listed are per/person rates. On one day tours, full payment must be made with the reservation. For overnight tours, see “How To Make A Reservation”. Balance of an overnight tour is due 45 days prior to departure (unless otherwise stated/notified). Confirmation will be sent after we receive your deposit. Please call as soon as possible if you should decide not to go.

FYI :  About a week before your overnight trip departs, you will receive from our office a letter packet with updated itinerary, passenger list, departure and return times, luggage tags, hotel phone numbers, and other pertinent information.

1 – Our intent is to have all our tours accompanied by one of our professional Escorts –  However, occasionally a low passenger count may make it necessary to send that tour out as “Driver Only” in an effort to ensure that the trip you wanted to go on does not have to be cancelled.  Please be assured our Tour Drivers are first-class professionals, capable of handling any trip we offer from beginning to end.  You will be in great hands and have a wonderful time!

2- Please Note – We’re truly sorry if we’ve canceled a trip that you wanted to go on.  Sometimes excellent trips with super itineraries are canceled when people wait ‘til the last minute to put in their reservation.  OUR monies are usually due at least 45 days ahead on regular trips, and sometimes 90 on certain ones.  If we don’t have enough signed up at that time, we have no choice but to cancel it.  Then when you call later, it’s already too late… and disappointing for us all!  Please help us and CALL EARLY – Thank you so much.

3- The information about trips on this website (funwithtlc.com) is complete.  It contains the same information that a paper flyer has.  However, if you prefer a paper flyer you can call for Fully Detailed Flyers for Most Trips of 3 Days or More. We’ll gladly send extras for you to pass along to your friends!  We will also happily send a Tour Book to anyone you feel would enjoy receiving one.

Up to 45 days prior to departure date, a full refund will be made. *Air and cruise tours, and some longer tours, may be different—be sure to ask for details when making your reservation. Tours including tickets also generally have earlier non-refundable dates. There are no refunds for cancellations made within 45 days prior to your departure date. However, we will do our best to recover as much as we can, but cannot guarantee anything including prepaid reservations and other costs that are non-refundable to us. There will be a $25.00 per/person charge for this service. There will be no refund, for any reason, for a “no-show” on the day of the tour.

Please Note: Refunds will be made by the same method you paid us, e.g., if you paid by credit card, the refund will be put back on that credit card. No exceptions.

TLC Tours offers a “Refund Protection Plan” for overnight tours that is available at our office at a minimal cost. It needs to be purchased when you book your trip. This insures you a full refund in case of:

• A.) a death in your immediate family (requires a copy of death notice)
• B.) personal illness (requires a doctor’s written note confirming you were too ill to travel)
• C.) Exceptions would be made if an immediate family member’s serious illness necessitates you staying home but would still need confirmed by a doctor’s note. *Immediate family, in these situations, includes spouse, parents or children only.

Call our office for full details about TLC’s RPP. We encourage you to take advantage of the protection plan, or secure insurance on your own if you prefer “cancel for any reason” coverage. Our Refund Protection Plan is not available for Day Trips, nor are there any refunds for Day Trips, with a few exceptions.

Cancellations:

TLC Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour that has not reached a minimum number of reservations. We always avoid changes and cancellations, if at all possible, as we realize the inconvenience to you, our valued customer. We reserve the right to cancel or refuse service to anyone, in our sole discretion. Any person may be dismissed from a tour at any time by the Tour Escort or Driver should their conduct be problematic in any way. No refund will be made, nor will any further responsibility be assumed by TLC Tours or anyone in their employment.

Responsibility:

TLC Tours, LLC is insured. Campbell Bus Lines is registered and insured with the ICC. TLC Tours acts only as an agent. We are not responsible to any person for any loss of time or money due to a change or delay beyond our control. Nor are we responsible for non-performance by those we have contracted with. We reserve the right to change tour prices, inclusions, and itinerary, if so, dictated by circumstances beyond our control. We are not responsible for pricing, typographical, or other errors. Any claims against TLC Tours must be made, in writing within 30 days of the trip.

HOW TLC IS ADDRESSING COVID/VARIANTS FOR 2024

We are so thankful that much of our country has ‘opened up’ and we are back to being able to travel freely, for those who desire to get out & about again.  While rejoicing over such good news, there are still a few things we must remain aware of that are listed below.  We believe these things are a very small price to pay to be “On the Road Again’! ~ Thank you for your gracious understanding and kind cooperation as we wisely embark on wonderful memory-making journeys together this year!

A- There are a few parts of the country that are still enforcing a mask mandate in their particular area. Please tuck a mask in your pocket just in case we should arrive somewhere and find out unexpectedly that we are required to wear one for entrance.  We continue to pledge to be good neighbors and help these establishments stay open by cooperating with whatever they are required to ask of us, and to do it with a good, kind spirit.  If you’re not in agreement with this, please refrain from traveling with us at this time.

B- At this writing, all the places we plan to visit are open for business. However, as mentioned above, that can change by the time we arrive.  Should there be some place that is not able to take us, we will do our very best to substitute an activity or attraction of an equal quality.  We just have to “go with the flow” again this year somewhat – but trust me, every single place we plan to visit WANTS to be open for us and will be doing everything they can to do so.

C- We ask that you take your own temperature before leaving home on the morning of Day One, and if you show any fever at all, please stay home. If you have additional/other symptoms that suggest Covid-19 or a variant, we ask that you please stay home.  If you have been around someone with Covid-19/variant, or highly suspected Covid-19/variant, we ask that you please follow the CDC guidelines according to their timeline, and possibly stay home.  Any of these methods are somewhat dependent on the “honor system”.  We trust that our upstanding TLC customers will “do the right thing” and not put anyone else at risk for contracting Covid or a variant on a TLC tour.

D- Should someone come down with Covid during or after their tour, we assume no responsibility or liability. We cannot control every minute of everyone’s day, nor can we control how people handle themselves when off the coach. We have done our very best to secure accommodations and venues that state the highest sanitation protocols to the best of their ability. If on tour you should come down with Covid-19 or a variant, or strongly suspect it, you would be responsible to quarantine yourself and arrange for transportation home when appropriate. — By traveling with us, you are agreeing that TLC Tours, LLC will not be held responsible for contracting Covid-19 or a variant, nor liable for any expenses involved in any way.

E- If you do need to cancel at the last-minute because of having covid/variant, being exposed to covid/variant, or suspecting a possible case of covid/variant, our normal cancellation policies apply, just as they would to any other last-minute illness that prevents you from going on a tour. See General Information/Refunds in this book.  Without insurance, there is no refund except what we might be able to get back from individual vendors on your behalf.  We highly suggest taking out either our in-house Refund Protection Policy, or another more comprehensive insurance plan of your own choosing.

Overall, please lovingly respect the concerns of others if they differ from yours. 

Some may have health issues that cause them to be more cautions than you may feel is necessary for yourself.

– Here’s the best plan: “Do Unto Others as You Would Have Others Do Unto You!” –

ON THE COACH

( 1) Every Campbell coach is completely disinfected before they depart for a trip. You can be assured that the bus that arrives to pick you up has been thoroughly cleaned with an environmentally friendly solution that is EPA-approved, and not diluted or mixed at our facilities.  The solution is rated on the EPA K-List that supersedes the current EPA suggestion for elimination of Corona Virus and has no harmful properties.  It has received the Green Seal certification.  The solution is applied with electrostatic sprayers to increase coverage to eliminate all pathogens on hard surfaces.

(2) We have upgraded all air filters and increased the frequency that we change the air filters on the coach to reduce contamination.  Our motor coaches refresh the air on the coach every five minutes, and combined with the upgraded filters, will reduce stale used air in the coach.

 ( 3) We have UV lights in our HVAC system to eliminate any airborne pathogens.

( 4) Disinfecting wipes available for the Driver & Escort, and hand sanitizer on board for your use.

( 5)  Should the situation regarding pandemic conditions rise during the year, we are prepared to increase the level of our procedures accordingly.

Ohio Departure Points:

Our departure points are as follows:

• Akron:   Home Depot, 2811 S. Arlington St, Akron – just up north from the Walmart – park in the front corner behind Golden Corral
• Canton:  Target parking lot behind Panda Express, 5584 Dressler Rd. NW – near Belden Village (you park in the row of the buggy corral)

Alliance:   The back parking area of Lowe’s, 2595 W. State St. (turn into Lowes and drive straight back to the last row)

• Salem:   Burger King on E. State St. (rear parking area)
• Columbiana:   Our TLC Office at 44139 St. Rt. 14.

Other departure points may be established for groups of 10 or more if the itinerary and direction of travel permits. We reserve the right to change departures. Departures are arranged in the direction of travel, with last departure being the closest to the destination, for the convenience of all passengers.

Pennsylvania Departure Points;

*We may use smaller shuttle buses to make these pickups and will join the tour en route at a logical transfer point.

For Overnight Trips:

• Slippery Rock:   Campbell Bus Lines, 258 Grove City Rd
• Butler:   Ollie’s, 602 Moraine Pointe Plaza
• Grove City:  County Market Plaza, 49 Pine Grove Square
• Mercer:    Rodeway Inn, 835 Perry Hwy.

PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes excellent trips with super itineraries are canceled when people wait ’til the last minute to put in their reservation. OUR monies are usually due at least 90 days ahead on “fly trips” and at least 45 days ahead on regular trips. If we don’t have enough signed up at that time, we have no choice but to cancel it. Then when you call later, it’s already too late… and disappointing for us all! Please help us and CALL EARLY – Thank you so much.

Find another tour!

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Saturn Stadium

Click here for a downloadable brochure of 2024 Cruises!

THE GATEWAY CLIPPER FLEET

Pittsburgh riverboat tours & dining since 1958.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet has been sailing the Three Rivers (the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio) for over 50 years and is locally owned and operated by third generation owner Terry Wirginis. Our crew is dedicated to providing local passengers and visitors from around the globe with a true Pittsburgh experience. There’s no better way to see this breathtaking city than aboard one of our riverboats!

Our riverboat cruises offer the best views of the “Steel City,” featuring the stunning skyline, bridge architecture, and the natural beauty along the riverbanks. Take in the Pittsburgh of today, while also getting a glimpse into her glorious past. We also offer renowned Pittsburgh dining cruises, featuring delicious buffets prepared by our award-winning executive chef, with menus using the best locally grown and prepared products.

With this combination of magnificent views and fantastic food and drink, the Gateway Clipper is the perfect place to hold your Pittsburgh Wedding or Private Event . Our professional event staff is here to make your event the perfect affair!

Thank you for celebrating aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet, where great cruises make great memories. We hope to cruise with you soon!

AS FEATURED ON:

Policies, Guidelines & Safety