STOCKTON - One of John Jordan’s best childhood memories is taking a boat ride sponsored by his church.
As an adult, after having run a Sacramento maintenance business and then managing two different teen centers, Jordan returned to his early love by buying a 1970s-era vessel built in Port Hueneme. He put all his energies into refitting it and having it Coast Guard-certified for use in Delta-area waterways. It currently has all the modern amenities expected of a festive river cruise boat.
Now, Jordan and Opportunity Cruises offer a complete cruise boat authorized for carrying a maximum of 80 guests and crew members. For food-service trips, the California Sunset accommodates up to 20 passengers on the upper deck for table meals and up to 40 people on the lower deck (and bow) for buffet service and appetizers. Groups can charter the entire boat or choose between the two decks, and individual tickets can be purchased for select lunch/dinner cruises just visit the web site for current offerings.
Because of the vessel’s shallow draft (reminiscent of paddlewheel steamboats), the boat easily navigates most sloughs in the Sacramento River/San Joaquin River Delta in addition to the deeper ship channels.
The boat offers water-themed opportunities for weddings and parties, corporate events, dinner cruises, fundraisers, educational trips, and more. Guests may provide their own music via an iPod hookup, use the on-board karaoke unit, and features a full bar with no host or an all inclusive feature.
The California Sunset is docked at the new Stockton Downtown Marina, a beautiful, landscaped area with easy access to Stockton and nearby cities. Chartered bus service is available.
“A party or trip on the water is something special – something to remember for years,” Jordan said about a booking for a wedding party to use the boat in the Venice Island area. “ The Delta area is so rich with possibilities – we’re interested in helping people enjoy the relaxed atmosphere you’ll find on a riverboat or a festive event on the water.”
