PROSPECT, Ky. (July 2004) – Private and public cruises along the Ohio River are now being offered aboard the CQ Princess, an 86-foot luxury commercial yacht that departs from Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille in Harrod’s Creek. It is the latest enterprise of brothers Paul, Brian and Andrew Masterson and sister Sueanna Masterson-Carroll, who in addition to Captain’s Quarters own Masterson’s Catering, The Olmsted, SmokeHouse Catering and Courtyard Cafe.

Photo by Ruth Wright The CQ Princess yacht departs from the back of the Captain's Quarters restaurant.

It’s no wonder the Masterson siblings felt comfortable embarking upon a new restaurant business venture. Their family has been in the restaurant business for more than six decades. Grandfather Nicholas Mastoras (who later changed his name to Masterson) opened in 1937
The Little Mansion restaurant in downtown Louisville on the corner of Fifth and Congress. The name was later changed to Hollywood Steak House, and eventually Masterson’s Catering was born. The business grew quickly from a small drive-in restaurant into a multi-million dollar food service enterprise.
The Masterson siblings purchased in 1997 Masterson’s and in 2003 Captain’s Quarters from their father, Philip Masterson, and two uncles, Greg and Alex Masterson.
It was Paul Masterson’s idea to branch into private dinner charters. He spotted a yacht on the waterfront in Louisville and, after asking around, found out that it had been brought to the area from St. Louis, Mo., by Capt. John Boyle.
Boyle, who is captain of Caesars Riverboat Casino in Elizabeth, Ind., originally had planned to operate Ohio River dinner cruises from downtown Louisville but had decided against it. Masterson struck a deal with Boyle to buy the ship and offered him the captain’s job.

Photo provided The dining room aboard the CQ Princess.

The yacht was manufactured by SkipperLiner Marine Group of LaCrosse, Wis. A world-class manufacturer of steel and aluminum pleasure and commercial vessels since 1971, the company’s credits include the manufacture of two passenger vessels for Walt Disney World, including a 63-foot water taxi, which transports passengers from Frontier Land to the Magic Kingdom, and the 124-foot Liberty Belle paddlewheeler, which carries more than 12,000 guests a day around the theme park’s Tom Sawyer Island.
The CQ Princess, built in 2001, is comprised of a lower level that comfortably accommodates up to 80 seated and an upper level bar and lounge area that provide room for mingling. Both levels are fully enclosed and feature heating and air conditioning.
The vessel, which accommodates up to 120 passengers for lunch, dinner and sight-seeing cruises along the Ohio River, has been available since April. Both private and public cruises have been made, including a sold-out public cruises during the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Photo by Ruth Wright Paul Masterson poses beside the CQ Princess.

On board catering by Captain’s Quarters and Masterson’s includes menu items like stuffed chicken marsala, bourbon glazed pork filets, Asian pan-seared tuna and filet mignon. All dinners include a choice of marina house or caesar salad, fresh foccacia bread, iced tea and coffee service. Lunch and dinner buffet service are available.
A private cruise ranges in season (April-Oct.) from $400 during the week to $1,100 on Friday and Saturday evenings.
A minimum food and beverage charge is also required and ranges from $900 to $2,100. Rental fees are based on 3 1/2 hours, which includes a half hour for boarding, a 2 1/2 cruise and a half hour for disembarking.
A private charter on the CQ Princess includes an approximately eight-mile cruise in either direction on the Ohio river from Captain’s Quarters Grille. Evening cruises toward downtown offer a spectacular view of the Louisville skyline, according to Andrew Masterson.
Charters will be available year round and in addition to private excursions public cruises are planned for special occasions and holidays, including Mother’s Day, Easter and Thanksgiving.

• Captain’s Quarters is located at 5700 Captain’s Quarters Rd. in Harrod’s Creek, or by boat at Ohio River mile marker 595.8. For information about charters, call (502) 228-1651 or visit: www.cqriverside.com.