Meet the Crew

Your cruise will begin with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. From our United States Coast Guard Certified Captains and our United States Coast Guard trained crew and our support staff, we welcome you on board Erie Canal Cruises and the Lil’ Diamond vessels!

We will do our best to provide you a safe and comfortable cruise! Our Captains and Crew perform various functions before, during and after our cruises. Feel free to ask questions about the operation of the vessel, the Locks on the Erie Canal, or about anything you encounter on our cruises. We are hopeful that your time with us is enjoyable, informative and fun!

USCG Captain Jerry Gertz, owner

Captain Jerry is the owner of Erie Canal Cruises Inc. He founded the company in 2003. Previously he and his wife Kimberly owned and operated Anticipation Entertainment Yachts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, retiring from that business in 1999. They began cruising on their 51 foot Island Gypsy Trawler. On a “great circle cruise” around the eastern United States, they traveled on the Erie Canal. Immediately drawn to the history and scenery, they started to ponder a new venture. While cruising through Herkimer, they saw a visitor center under construction, and opportunity knocked. Capatin Jerry has enjoyed building a fantastic team of professionals that share the passion for this amazing waterway.

USCG Captain Dave

Captain Dave has been a Captain for as long as he can remember. He owns and operates a tug, and has traveled the Erie Canal extensively over the years, as well as the Hudson River and New York harbor.

Captain Dave enjoys sharing the wonder and amazement of visitors who learn so much about the Erie Canal on a 90 minute cruise!

Kari
First Mate

Kari is in her first season with Erie Canal Cruises. She assists the Captains with line handling during lock throughs and other duties on the vessels.

Kari enjoys cruising the Erie Canal with passengers from near and far, and sharing the excitement of going through the locks.

Marissa
First Mate

Marissa has been with Erie Canal Cruises for over 5 years. She welcomes passengers on board and assists the Captain with lock throughs and docking.

Marissa likes to discuss the Erie Canal with visitors and answer all their questions about the locks.

Chris
First Mate

Chris is in his second season with Erie Canal Cruises. He welcomes passengers on board and assists the Captain with lock throughs and docking.

Chris loves being on the water and enjoys discussing the operation of the vessel with passengers.

Colleen
First Mate

Colleen has been with Erie Canal Cruises for over 5 years. As a first mate, she welcomes passengers on board and assists the Captain with lock throughs and docking.

Colleen is a local educator, and enjoys discussing the history of the Erie Canal with visitors from near and far.

Noah
First Mate

Noah has been with Erie Canal Cruises for over 3 years. He assists the Captain with lock throughs and docking and welcomes passengers on board.

Noah likes to hear to stories of passengers who are amazed with the Erie Canal lock operations.