Captain Alan Bernstein’s illustrious career in the river industry began in 1970 with a deckhand position aboard the historic Steamer Delta Queen where he served during Betty Blake and Bill Muster’s campaign to save the historic steamboat. In partnership with his father, Ben, Alan began the process of identifying and locating a new vessel to start a new business venture which would soon become known as BB Riverboats. This progression took about a year, but in 1979 BB Riverboats leased its first excursion boat from Gateway Clipper Fleet in Pittsburgh, PA. The new vessel was named the M/V Betty Blake in honor of her efforts to help Alan and Ben begin the new company. Betty was a longtime friend of Captain Alan’s father, Ben, and helped get the company off the ground laying the groundwork of what is still in motion today.
Alan has been a member of the Passenger Vessel Association since 1980. He was the PVA President in 1988 and continues to serve on the Board of Directors and the Site Selection Committee. Alan was one of three individuals that founded the Passenger Vessel Foundation after giving a donation in honor of his father.
In March of 1981, Captain Bernstein received his first Master’s license and has since upgraded and currently holds a Western Rivers 1600 ton Master’s license. His credentials also include a 100 ton Inland Master’s License and an unlimited Master of Towing License for the Western Rivers.
BB Riverboats operates two U.S. Coast Guard inspected riverboats, the Belle of Cincinnati and the River Queen. They also operate Current Catering, which is the family’s full service catering company. The future looks bright for the Bernstein family and continue to work hard to preserve a family business that has been around for thirty-six years.