On the freshly revitalized GOODTIME III, guests are treated to a fabulous on-board experience, and there is a packed schedule of special events happening this season
By Mary Malik
How deep is the water? Where’s the best place for lunch? What are the hours of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? These are some of the most common questions Captain Rick Fryan gets as President and Director of Fun for the GOODTIME III. And he’s ready with the answer to all of them.
“Between the kids on school field trips, family reunions, corporate outings, special events and visitors from around the world, we are all about educating people no matter what questions they ask,” Captain Rick says. “Guests on the Goodtime III love learning about Cleveland and all the landmarks unique to our city. And there’s no better, or more quintessentially Cleveland, way to see them than while relaxing on a cruise down the Cuyahoga River.”
The original Goodtime was brought to the shores of Lake Erie in 1958 by Captain Rick’s grandfather and great-uncle. Rick officially joined the family business in 1986.
“It was May 23, 1986,” Rick says. “This is our 67th season of cruising Lake Erie. There have been four Goodtime vessels over the years. The Goodtime III arrived in Cleveland on September 16, 1990, and officially went into service on April 26, 1991.”
Captain Rick is especially proud this year because of all the updates and beautification projects on the Goodtime III. The ship has undergone a significant “glow-up” in the past couple years and most of the projects are now complete.
“We’ve done quite a facelift on the whole ship,” Rick says. “From painting almost every surface and renovating all restrooms, to new seating, lighting, a brand-new dance floor and a media wall on the main deck, she’s looking shipshape and ready for all the upcoming events of the spring and summer seasons.”
As you tour the Goodtime III, you’ll notice an overall theme—Cleveland.
“We are so proud of our city,” Rick says. “We have murals of the city’s skyline wrapping some of the walls on board along with our beloved teams’ logos and other nods to this city, including the comfortable Levin Furniture leather couch in the pilot house. Our guests come from all around the world. We want to show them a great time and show off our city. Our renovations reflect that.”
Rick adds that maintenance and updates have also been tackled in areas of the Goodtime III you won’t necessarily see.
“It might not be glamorous, but the engine room is the heart of the Goodtime III,” Rick says. “The safety of our guests and crew is always most important, and making sure this boat is running properly is at the top of our list.”
And speaking of the crew, Rick says everyone working on board pitches in where needed.
“It’s a way of life on a boat like this,” Rick says. “If you’re not willing to clean the bathrooms, you can’t have a job on the Goodtime III. I do, and now my son does. He’s learning every part of this boat from the engine room to the pilot house and everywhere in between.”
That’s right, Rick’s son and his wife are both involved with the Goodtime III. His wife helps out as an accountant keeping the books, and his son is busy learning every aspect of the family trade.
The Goodtime III spring schedule runs weekends, from Memorial Day Weekend through Sunday, June 9, and the summer schedule from Friday, June 14, through Labor Day.
Here’s a glimpse at a few of the special events coming this year:
• Princess & Superhero Day - Saturday, June 22
• Murder Mystery & Dinner Cruise - Thursday, June 27
• Friday City Lights Cruises - June 14 to September 27
• Saturday City Lights Cruises - June 15 to September 7
• Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise - Thursday, July 4
• Christmas in July Aboard Goodtime III - Sunday, July 14
• Halloween Dinner Cruise - Saturday, October 5
Special Band Cruises
• Michael Stanley Band Tribute - Saturday, June 22
• “Swiftie Cruise” featuring Taylor Swift songs - Sunday, July 7
• Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month - Friday, October 4
“We offer two cruises a day along with all of our themed and happy hour cruises,” Rick says. “There’s a cruise for everyone, whether you want to learn about the buildings and bridges of Cleveland, enjoy a dinner cruise or rock out on the dance floor.”
And speaking of dinner, all events on the Goodtime III are catered by Marigold Catering.
“Anyone planning an event on board works with Sheila, the director of sales,” Rick says. “Leave the details to us. All you need to do is have a good time.”
The GOODTIME III is docked at 825 East Ninth Street Pier, North Coast Harbor in Cleveland. For a complete tour schedule, details and more information check the website GoodtimeIII.com or call 216-861-5110 with questions and special requests.