Humans of the Riverboats: Meet Robert
The riverboats are back to cruising on the St. Louis Riverfront, and we’re celebrating their return this weekend, August 2, 3 & 4!
With all this excitement, we spoke with Robert Hopkins, Director of Operations at the Riverboats at The Gateway Arch, about his role at the riverboats, and he gave us a preview of all of the grand re-opening activities and events happening this weekend.
Q: What are your duties as director of operations at the riverboats?
A: I work with a great team in overseeing day-to-day riverboat operations, such as marine, food and beverage, and hospitality. I maintain our budget, book entertainment, and work with vendors and the various city departments and community organizations. I work alongside the riverboat team to create and evolve new specialty cruises and events and menu items at the Paddlewheel Café. I also assist with staff development and work with our sales team to create new sales strategies. Most importantly, I interact with guests and enjoy watching our staff make the riverboat experience as great as it can be.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working at the Riverboats?
A: The diversity of the work, being on the water, and getting creative in developing new cruises and events. For this weekend’s grand re-opening celebration, we’re welcoming three special guests: Fredbird, who will hang out with us from 2:30-3 pm on Friday, August 2; and Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher, who will welcome passengers aboard the St. Louis Riverfront Cruises from 11 am-3 pm on Saturday, August 3.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment at the Riverboats?
A: Bringing new specialty cruises to fruition and the opening of our new dockside bar. Speaking of dockside happenings, on Saturday, August 3 from 11 am to 3 pm at the Paddlewheel Café, guests can enjoy a free ice cream sandwich with the purchase of a combo meal. Blues duo Nick Pence and Colin Blair will provide live dockside entertainment that evening from 4-7 pm. On Sunday, August 4, Jobz 300 will perform live on our dock from 12-3 pm.
Q: If you could recommend one riverboat cruise or event for St. Louisans to enjoy, what would it be?
A: Probably one of the Blues Cruises. You get to experience awesome blues music, local music history and a great evening view of the St. Louis skyline. We have a special evening Blues Cruise this Sunday, August 4 featuring Skeet Rodgers & the Inner City Blues Band!
Q: Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
A: I like to catch alligators in the wild!
Visit our website for more information about this weekend’s grand opening events.