Meet Dolly Kennedy of The Dolly Steamboat in East Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dolly Kennedy.

Dolly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
We were a family of nine, five boys and two girls . My husband worked as HR manager in the Aerospace industry until he decided to pursue his dream.  We were a family transplant from Huntington Beach, California by way of a three year detour in Monroe, Louisiana to Phoenix, Arizona.

That is where the story begins.

My creative husband, “P.K.” (short for Paul Kennedy) was a determined Irishman who decided to build a tour boat and  become Captain of his ship. The year was 1982.

Fast forward five years later. “P.K.”s creation , “Dolly’s Steamboat”, became so successful that a larger boat was needed to accommodate local visitors. Thus the sale of the 48 passenger, double decked dreamboat to Roger Grimh, another creative genius. Roger immediately re -created the entire boat to accommodate 140 passengers, changed the name slightly to THE Dolly Steamboat and hired me back as Public Relations Director. 

Has it been a smooth road?
Challenges? Everyone has challenges in their lifetime, right? Mine were the usual ones that accompany  raising a family . My husband’s obligation to his family was paramount. In my mind, the profitable hours of overtime versus family time and shared responsibilities were questionable. Eventually, it all worked perfectly.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Dolly Steamboat story. Tell us more about it.
When Dolly’s Steamboat was born, I received the title of “Arizona’s Dolly” from Secretary of State, Betsy Bayless. I’m proud to say it’s a title I still maintain.  As Good Will Ambassador, I give presentations, including but not limited to networking groups, trade shows, events, and conventions. My criteria is any place attended by at least 50 people that enjoy hearing entertaining stories.  I’m proud to be a part of the Dolly Steamboat business, a caring, compassionate company, one that truly cares about people, as proven in their relationship with employees and passengers. Our passengers continuously recognize the exceptional qualities of our crew as well as the office staff and give shining unsolicited testimonials referencing their personable manner and warm hospitality.   

I am particularly proud of The Dolly Steamboat because it represents a vessel of joy by sharing the heartbeat of Mother Nature coupled with creative energies of  water. It is a love filled journey , a sharing of friends and family , a place to create a treasured life-long memory . The Dolly Steamboat…..a majestic legend created and maintained by special beings.

Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
Childhood memories? There are a few!

One of my favorites that still resonates with me and brings a smile to my face….

I was about 8 years old when I discovered my Mother’s wedding dress in the closet!  I “modeled” for hours, giving glances of approval in the mirror now and then and admiring myself in the bouffant, lavender, taffeta gown. I felt like a fairy princess the kind I saw in the pictures my Mom showed me and read about in stories. Today, I still get to play “dress up” while I sing the praises of The Dolly Steamboat as she cruises the canyon on spectacular Canyon Lake. She is the new  found “gold” in the Superstition Mountains!  

Pricing:

Prices include taxes and gratuity

• 1 ½ Hour Narrated Cruise :
  Adults $25.00
  Seniors 60 and over  $23.00
  5yrs.-12 yrs. $15.00
  1-4 yrs. $6.00
  Under 1 yr. old  free.
  Cruise the secluded inner waterways of the “Junior Grand Canyon “.
  Call for current schedule
• 2 ½ hour Dinner Cruise:
  Adults  $74.95
  Vegetarian $74.95
  Children 5 yrs.-12 yrs  $46.95
  Children 1-4 yrs.  $10.00 (meal not included )
  All the grandeur of the scenic nature cruise plus the ambience of twilight.
• 2 ½ hour Astronomy Dinner Cruise
  Adults: $82.95
  Vegetarian:  $82.95
  Children: $54.95
  Children: 1-4 yrs. $10.00 (meal not included )
  Join Dr. Skye on an incredible journey through the heavens of twinkling stars.
  Chartered cruises available upon request. For additional information: 480-827-9144.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dollysteamboat.com
• Phone: 480.827.9144
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/dollysteamboat

Image Credit:
Glenn Mire – Mire Images, Denise Traver, Beth Kennedy

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