Herkimer, New York
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
Jacqueline White
General Manager
Jacqueline started with Erie Canal Cruises in 2014 after living abroad for 2 years. She’s very excited to have settled back here in the Mohawk Valley and Herkimer is her home town. In her role as General Manager, Jacqueline is delighted to see people from all over the world coming to Herkimer to experience the Erie Canal in person.
When she is not in the office or standing in as a Mate on board a vessel, Jacqueline is involved with different community events that take place in Herkimer throughout each year.
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!
USGC Captain
John
Captain John has been with Erie Canal Cruises since 2003. After many years working at the New York Canal Corporation, Captain John now enjoys traveling the Erie Canal with passengers from near and far. His vast knowledge of the Erie Canal operations enable him to answer just about any question that comes up! When he is not on an Erie Canal Cruises vessel, he prefers to be on his own vessel pleasure cruising and enjoying life.
Alec
Senior Mate
Alec has been with Erie Canal cruises for over 3 years. As a senior mate, he performs all the duties of a First Mate, along with maintenance of the vessels.
He enjoys welcoming passengers on board and answering any questions they have about the Lil’ Diamond vessels.
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.
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.
Steven
First Mate
Steven is in his second season with Erie Canal Cruises. He welcomes passengers on board and assists the Captain with lock throughs and docking.
He enjoys talking with visitors who have never navigated on the Erie Canal.
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.
Jose
First Mate
Jose is in his first season with Erie Canal Cruises. He welcomes passengers on board and assists the Captain with lock throughs and docking.
Jose is from the local area and has always loved the Erie Canal history, and shares that passion with visitors.
