NEW ORLEANS — As the Steamboat Company continues to grow, so do their staff. Charles “CJ” Lardner completed his 1600 Ton Masters of Western Waters this past year, and is now a certified captain onboard. Details were shared in a press release.
Lardner was born and raised in New Orleans and graduated from Grace King High School in 2007. Captain Steve Nicoulin offered him a job soon afterwards as a deckhand. Driven to succeed, Lardener began to pursue further studies in the marine industry. He currently holds three licenses: First Class Pilot, 100 Ton Masters of Inland Waters, and 1600 Ton Masters of Western Rivers.
“CJ has a passion for the river and steamboats that’s crucial for his new position,” says captain Steve Nicoulin, master of the Steamboat NATCHEZ. “He can fulfill three roles: a Relief Pilot, First Mate, and Watchman. We are proud of how far he has come.”
The NATCHEZ sails three times daily and hosts private events and weddings. It features Creole cuisine and beverages, live jazz music, live narration, Steam Engine Room visits, and calliope concerts. Her sister boat, the Riverboat CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, will do daily brunch cruises with an optional stop for a tour of Mardi Gras World, a nightly Dinner Jazz Cruise and will be available for private deck parties and whole boat charters.
