Business Spotlight: Songo River Queen Bus

In the small towns of Maine, there are few things more exciting than a night out with friends. Whether it’s a concert in Portland, a casino excursion in Oxford, a hockey game at the Cross Insurance Arena, or a bachelor or bachelorette party that’s planned to last until the early hours, getting everyone to and from the event can be the trickiest part. That’s where the Songo River Queen Bus comes in. This new option gives groups a way to travel together, leave the cars behind, and turn the ride itself into part of the celebration.

Ryan and Kellyann Calvalho own the Songo River Queen
Bus, giving groups a convenient way to travel to events
together leaving the cars behind.  COURTESY PHOTO

The Songo River Queen Bus is owned by Ryan Calvalho and his wife, Kellyann. They also operate the Songo River Queen II and Songo River Princess, offering scenic and entertainment cruises on Long Lake, the Chute River, and Brandy Pond. They started the Songo River Queen Bus to bring a much-needed service to Naples. Their goal: where transportation meets camaraderie. Rather than organizing carpools, choosing designated drivers, or juggling parking at busy venues, small parties can book the bus and travel as a unit. Everyone boards together, arrives together, and heads home together. The stress of driving melts away, replaced with conversation, laughter, and anticipation for the night ahead.

One of the best parts of the experience is the sense of community it creates. For concerts, the atmosphere on the bus starts to feel like a pre-show warm-up, with friends sharing playlists, talking about the band, and getting into the spirit long before the music starts. At sporting events, the ride itself can feel like the beginning of the tailgate, with cheers and predictions bouncing back and forth across the seats. For bachelor and bachelorette parties, it provides a safe and stylish way to move between dinner, bars, and late-night stops without ever breaking up the group.

Safety, of course, is another major benefit. No one has to worry about who’s driving home, who is navigating unfamiliar streets, or where to find the car after a late night. By keeping everyone together and out of individual vehicles, the Songo River Queen Bus ensures that the fun doesn’t come at the cost of responsibility. Parents sending their kids to a game, friends planning a night in the city, or bridal parties celebrating their last fling before the ring can all relax knowing the ride is covered.

The bus is also practical. Parking at large events has become a challenge, especially when multiple cars are involved. Fees add up quickly, and finding spots near the entrance often means arriving hours early. By taking the bus, groups bypass the headache. Drop-offs and pick-ups happen closer to the action, and the night flows seamlessly from start to finish. It’s an especially welcome convenience for those who want to enjoy a party but don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving back at the end of the evening.

Beyond the logistics, the bus adds a sense of occasion. Stepping onto a private ride reserved just for your group transforms a regular outing into something special. The journey becomes an extension of the celebration itself. For birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions, it offers a chance to reminisce and share stories before the main event. For bachelor or bachelorette parties, it creates a festive, moving headquarters where the laughter never stops. Even a simple trip to a game can feel elevated when everyone is traveling together with the energy building along the way.

The Songo River Queen Bus is more than a ride; it’s an opportunity to reimagine how small groups experience local events. The bus can accommodate up to 50 people and is affordable, at only $100 per hour for a 4-hour minimum. As more people look for ways to spend time with friends and family without the stress of driving, this bus fills an important gap. It’s not just about getting from one place to another, but about making every part of the night, even the ride, memorable.

So, the next time you and your friends are planning a trip to a show, a game, or a night on the town, consider leaving the cars at home. Step aboard the Songo River Queen Bus, settle into your seat, and enjoy the ride. The destination will be worth it, but chances are, you’ll find that the journey is just as much fun.

The bus operates year-round. To reserve your date call 207-693-6861 or send a message on Facebook through the Songo River Queen II page.<