Portland Spirit invites passengers to 'party like it's 1994' for 30th anniversary

The “Best of Portland Anniversary Cruises” will feature local characters such as The Unipiper and Una the Mermaid.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In honor of its 30th anniversary, Portland Spirit plans to “party like it’s 1994.”

The cruise company was founded in 1991, and began operations three years later. It is now gearing up for two “Best of Portland Anniversary Cruises” that will set sail next month.

“For 30 years, Portland Spirit has been locally owned and operated in a city we love,” Portland Spirit General Manager Dennis Corwin said in a statement. “What better way to mark this milestone than by throwing a distinctly Portland party on the river while supporting two organizations dedicated to keeping our city vibrant and, well, weird?”

The special cruises will feature quintessential Rose City characters such as The Unipiper, Una the Mermaid and Portland Pickles mascot Dillon. Each of them will be on board to take photos with passengers.

But those characters will — hopefully — not be the only ones in costume. Portland Spirit wants passengers to dress in their best 90s attire.

The two-hour cruises typically start at $44 per person, but the anniversary edition will cost $30 for all ages to commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary.

Tickets include samples from local businesses including Nico’s Ice Cream, Creo Chocolate and Abbey Road Farm. Guests will also be able to purchase food and drinks throughout the cruise.

Proceeds will go toward Weird Portland United and the organization behind the annual Portland Winter Light Festival.

The anniversary rides will board from the Salmon Springs dock on 1010 SW Naito Pkwy., on Thursday, May 9 and Thursday, May 23 at 5:30 p.m.