tahoe queen gets the royal treatment

The authentic paddle wheeler is undergoing a half-million-dollar renovation.

By NEVADA MAGAZINE | March/April 2008

Photo: PR

Some might say brass isn’t a precious enough metal for a 25th-anniversary gift, but the Tahoe Queen isn’t complaining. In celebration of her quarter-century of plying Lake Tahoe, the authentic paddle wheeler is undergoing a half-million-dollar renovation, complete with a new brushed-brass look for all the deck railings.

Other improvements in the saloon-style upgrade are a new wooden railing around the third deck, an open deck with chandelier, and lounge-style furniture. The Queen will be out of operation for renovations from mid-March to early spring. A re-opening celebration, scheduled to coincide with the annual Battle of Paddles race against her sister ship, the MS Dixie II, is set for June 21.

Lake Tahoe Cruises will operate its usual ski shuttle service through early April, depending on the snowpack. Throughout the summer, the Queen will feature special 1983 rollback prices and ’80s dress-up nights. laketahoecruises.com, 800-23-TAHOE

Mother’s Day Brunch

Treat Mom to a scrumptious brunch on Lake Tahoe this Mother’s Day, May 11. The M.S. Dixie II, one of the most popular vessels on the lake, is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch cruise.

M.S. Dixie’s brunch menu includes champagne and mimosas; Belgian waffle sticks with maple syrup; scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese; crispy smoked bacon and sausage; country-fried potatoes with onions and peppers; assorted petite quiches; traditional Caesar salad; spinach pasta salad; wild rice pilaf; chicken breast stuffed with cranberries and sage; carved spiral-cut ham with honey mustard glaze, and more.

The M.S. Dixie II will depart from Zephyr Cove Marina at 10 a.m. The cost of the brunch cruise is $51 per adult and $31 for children ages 3 to 11.