Ohio River Cruises Coming To Owensboro This Fall
OWENSBORO, KY – Coming to Owensboro this fall, riverboat cruises on the Ohio River.
B& B Riverboats has partnered with Moonlite Bar-B-Q and the International Bluegrass Music Center to offer dinner, lunch, and harbor cruises.
Six cruises will be offered this fall.
People will board at English Park and will cruise around a ten mile round trip on the Ohio River while enjoying barbeque and listening to live bluegrass music.
“We just think it’s a great city, a great stop. You have a great regional pull. I think people will come from Bowling Green, Evansville, around the area, to come to this,” said Alan Bernstein, B& B Riverboats Owner.
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Ohio River Cruise Tips
Think small. While itineraries begin and end with big cities , Ohio River itineraries focus on small-town USA there might be less to see, but residents love to welcome you into their town.
Bring bug spray. States along the Ohio River in July can get pretty muggy and with humidity come mosquitoes. They’re not so much of a problem on the river, but during port stops you’ll want something to keep them away.
Enjoy A Tour With The #1 Jet Boat Company On The Ohio River
“We took the Plantation Dinner tour. Not only was the ride fun, we learned about the history of the Kentucky River and travelled through two locks. The dinner was excellent. Everyone at Rockin River was so friendly and professional. The Plantation owners were warm and welcoming. Cant wait to return and take the 2 day tour.”
“we have done several trips on the river with Captain Paul and Captain Janet and each one is better than the last. I highly recommend this. Both Captain Paul and Captain Janet is very knowledgeable of the river to make each excursion exciting and fun. The river is beautiful. For the thrill of a lifetime check this out.”
“It was a beautiful day! The knowledge of the area was quite interesting as presented by Capt. Paul and Steve! This was a wonderful trip and the Captain’s Quarters Restaurant was very nice!”
“We took the two hour trip and would recommend it for everyone! The Captain was informative and entertaining. We were concerned about getting off and on the boat but it was a very easy process. We will definitely book another tour the next time we are in Madison.”
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Ohio River Cruise Port Highlights
Cincinnati, Ohio. Located right on the Ohio River, visitors to Cincinnati can visit several National Historic Sites via charming walking tours. A must-visit museum is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Louisville, Kentucky. This part of Kentucky is famous for two things — horse racing and whiskey. Like the first? Head to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Prefer the drink? The Jim Beam distillery is nearby tours visit the rack house and, of course, conclude with a complimentary tasting.
Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Johnny Cash — Memphis is synonymous with music, be it blues, jazz or rock ‘n’ roll. Tour Presley’s Graceland mansion or Sun Studio where Elvis, Cash, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis all got their starts. Stroll down Beale Street, peeking into the dozens of music clubs. Explore the country’s troubled history at the National Civil Rights Museum, located in the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968. And while you’re in Memphis, don’t forget to get a taste of the city’s famous barbecue dishes.
Paducah, Kentucky. A tiny town located near the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Its main attraction is a beautiful 50-piece mural detailing the history of Paducah from its early Native American roots through the Civil War and into the 20th century.
New Orleans Round Trip River Cruise
With Interior Staterooms starting at $999.50, guests can climb aboard the American Duchess for an 8-day cruise up and down the Mississippi river. For a more luxurious onboard experience, guests can opt for the Deluxe Suite, offering 3X the space when compared to the Interior Staterooms, plus a private veranda. If you like to enjoy time relaxing in your room or would like the added privacy of your own balcony to take in the sights along the river, the upgrade may be worth the cost.
Stops and Popular Excursions Include:
- New Orleans, Louisiana Visit the French Quarter, try authentic beignets, and visit the famous Carousel Bar. There is plenty to do and see in this famous city, and it has something to offer everyone.
- Nottoway, Louisiana Visit the estate of Randolph Nottoway and tour the 53,000-square-foot pre-war mansion.
- Pointe Coupee, Louisiana Home to many historic estates along the False River, a great place to fish, water ski, and enjoy the natural landscape.
- Natchez, Mississippi Over 1,000 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places call Natchez home. Unique shops, historic homes, and museums await those wishing to take in the sights.
- Vicksburg, Mississippi Visit the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum to learn more about the unique history surrounding this town.
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Miles Of Pristine Scenery
Next stop is Pomeroy, a town I like a lot, with brightly colored buildings and a nice park along the river. From there, the byway route leaves SR 7 and follows SR 124. If you look at a map, youll see that this route is the long way to Parkersburg and Marietta. Dont skip it this is a great drive along the river.
Dont bother with Parkersburg unless youre looking for accommodations. Instead follow SR 7 into Marietta. This is the third nice small city on our route. Here, youll find Victorian houses, cobblestone streets, sightseeing cruises and the Ohio River Museum .
Covered bridge in the Wayne National Forest north of the Ohio river Byway
After Marietta comes the longest stretch of relatively undeveloped riverside all the way to Wheeling. The river is close on the right, and the Wayne National Forest on your left. Several back roads lead north to scenic countryside.
At Marietta is the junction with I-77, which leads north to Columbus or south to Charleston.
A Mail Pouch barn along Ohio SR 124 at one time, there were thousands of these
Rivers Of Wine Theme Cruise On The Columbia And Snake Rivers
These seven-night American river cruises on the UnCruise Adventures S.S. Legacy sail round trip out of Portland, Oregon cruising a similar route to American Empress but focusing on wine. A sommelier and guest wine expert sail with passengers for the week, serving as an onboard resource and hosting tastings. There are also wine tastings, vineyard tours, and wine cave tours in Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, and the Willamette Valley and guests get to taste old-vine varietals and wines from eco-cultivated vineyards. River cruises are also popular across the pond.
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Best Rivers To Learn By Riverboat
The longest river in the world begins with two branches in Ethiopia and Lake Victoria. They merge in Sudan and split again before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile and its branches flow through 10 countries in East Africa. Its name is derived from the Greek word neilos for river. The rivers water supply and fertile banks allowed the civilizations of Ancient Egypt to thrive and gain wealth and power. Visit ancient temples along the river and learn about the Niles famous dams that serve as major feats of engineering.
Beginning in Minnesota, the Mississippi River flows south through a total of 10 U.S. states to Louisiana and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. It ranks as the fourth-longest river in the world. The Mississippi has played important roles in U.S. history as a vital source for Native Americans, a means of western expansion, trade and transportation. Cruise on the Mississippi River to charming port towns and famous cities like Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans as you learn about southern heritage, Civil War history,American jazz and more.
The Mekong River begins in China and runs through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before emptying into the Mekong Delta of the Pacific Ocean. The river is home to intense rapids and beautiful waterfalls, and it provides a major route for trade in Asia. Cruise the Mekong and stop in tiny fishing villages and at Angkor Archaeological Park to learn about its ancient temples.
Which River To Choose
If its better known Ante-Bellum South, plantations, the Civil War and New Orleans you prefer, then choose the Mississippis Lower River. The Upper and the Ohio are far more scenic and land you at small town America, each with its own charms, main street, museums and attractions that highlight their past.
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Ohio River Cruise Lines
Two companies sail the Ohio River each summer. American Cruise Lines operates a limited number of Queen of the Mississippi itineraries on the Ohio from Cincinnati to Memphis , while American Queen Steamboat Company operates two voyages on its namesake boat American Queen from St. Louis to Cincinnati .
Ohio River Cruise Faqs
What are the best ports to visit on an Ohio River cruise?
The Ohio river is nearly 1000 miles long and stretches from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, all the way to the mighty Mississippi river. Ohio River cruises with American Queen Voyages visit destinations such as Cincinnati, Ohio, Madison, Indiana, Louisville and Paducah, Kentucky, St. Louis, Missouri, Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, and so much more.
How long are Ohio River cruises?
Ohio River cruises with American Queen Voyages last nine spectacular days and include six to eight port visitations depending on your itinerary of choice. However, you can combine your Ohio River cruise with a Mississippi river voyage for a wholesome American heartland experience.
What is included in an Ohio River Cruise?
Ohio River cruises with American Queen Voyages include high-quality amenities and luxurious and spacious staterooms to ensure you feel at home away from home. Included in the cost of the cruise you will be welcomed with a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, ground transfers between hotel and vessel, personally tailored and expertly crafted unlimited guided tours, unlimited beverages at open bars and lounges, acclaimed cuisine in multiple venues, in-room dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, live entertainment and enrichment onboard, and bicycles and hiking sticks. Airfare is not included in the price of the cruise and should be organized by guests separately.
Are there Ohio River cruises that leave from Cincinnati?
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Lower Mississippi River Cruise
On this 8-day Lower Mississippi River cruise sailing between New Orleans, Louisiana and Memphis, Tennessee, enjoy customized excursions from iconic ports in Oak Alley and Natchez where you gain an insiders perspective of classic antebellum homes and renowned plantations.
Upper Mississippi River Cruise
On this 8-day Upper Mississippi River cruise sailing between St. Paul, Minnesota and St. Louis, Missouri, experience the majestic river and its scenic bluffs as the settings in his most popular works of literary great Mark Twain. Visit his boyhood home in Hannibal, where the characters of Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, and Becky Thatcher come to life.
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Highlights Of The Mississippi River
This 5-day Highlights of the Mississippi River cruise adventure begins and ends in New Orleans, a melting pot of French, African, and American culture. Here you can enjoy exclusive access to its vibrant music scene and the best in Cajun and Creole cuisine.
A Museum Of American Cooking
I want to call your attention to a restaurant Ive been to four times despite living 2,500 miles away. Its Quinets in the small town of New Martinsville, W.V. Theres a bridge nearby to get you across the river. Quinets is a buffet thats a museum of American cooking all the wonderful dishes your mother made but which just arent frequently seen any longer things like short ribs, creamed chipped beef, tuna casserole, candied yams, leg of lamb, and a wide variety of fresh vegetables. Awesome place!
At Wheeling, either I-470 or I-70 will carry you across the river into town. Wheeling and nearby St. Clairsville, Ohio, have lots of motels and restaurants. Head east for Pittsburgh or west to Columbus.
I hope youve enjoyed our Ohio River road trip. Please come back to Road Trips with Tom on Sunday, May 21, when we visit Californias Pio Pico State Historical Park.
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Mississippi River Bourbon Theme Cruise
Cruise up the Mississippi River from Memphis to Louisville on the American Queen Steamboat Companys American Queen, with private tastings and cooking demos along the way, as well as lectures by historians. This special sailing, offered annually in July, also includes the opportunity to sample rare and vintage bourbons as well.
Mississippi River Gateway Cruise
On this 11-day Mississippi River Gateway cruise, cruise the Mississippi River from the banks of the Bayou to the shores of St. Louis. Embark on a modern riverboat and enjoy guided excursions to famous port cities, locally inspired cuisine, and a full array of small ship amenities.
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Upper Mississippi American Heartland Theme Cruise
This river cruise from Chicago to St. Louis is on American Queen Steamboat Companys newest ship, the American Duchess, a paddle wheeler as majestic as her older sisters, with the same iconic red paddlewheel. Youll see the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and get the perfect photo op of St. Louiss famed arch. The focus of this cruise is American history, and you can see towns that were settled as trading posts by French explorers, visit the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottowa, Illinois, and check out places from Mark Twains writings in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Want to learn even more of Americas backstory? Start with these 16 best cities for American history buffs.
Hudson River Valley Fall Foliage Theme Cruise
This eight-day American river cruise on American Cruise Lines American Constitution sails round-trip out of New York City before taking you to Hyde Park, the Catskills, and West Point as well as Sleepy Hollow, all in upstate New York. But in addition to the history in the region, the highlight of the cruise is easily the changing colors of the autumnal leaves.
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Lower Mississippi From New Orleans To New Orleans
Seeand eatthe highlights of New Orleansfrom beignets to po boysbefore setting sail on American Cruise Lines America Song. Youll head to Natchez and Vicksburg in Missouri for Civil War sites and St. Francisville and Houmas House, Louisiana for historic plantations with a stop in the middle in Baton Rouge to see the Louisiana State Museum and the capital buildings. Occasionally, the line also offers a food-themed cruise out of New Orleans, too.
Best Time For Ohio River Cruises
With the Lower Mississippi states at their hottest and muggiest during the summer, the bulk of the summer is split between mostly Upper Mississippi sailings and a select few Ohio River sailings in late June and into July. But even temperatures on the Ohio can climb into the 90s and humidity is high during the summer. Always be prepared for sudden thunderstorms brought on by the humidity.
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Your Destination Guide To Cincinnati
Riverboat cruises in Cincinnati are a tradition as old as the city itself. No matter how many highways and byways we build, Cincinnati will always be a river city. A riverboat cruise is a great way to celebrate the history of the city and enjoy the peaceful scenery that the Ohio River has to offer.
Ever Heard Of Mothman
Just for fun, though, cross the bridge to dreary Point Pleasant, W.V., to see one of the funkiest attractions on this road trip route. Its the Mothman Museum, commemorating the 2002 film The Mothman Prophesies, starring Richard Gere and based on reports of a mysterious flying creature. Whether or not the creature actually existed, theres a statue of it on 4th St. and the worlds only Mothman Museum at 400 Main St. .
Mothman statue in Point Pleasant, West Virginia
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Ripley Good Rest Stop
Your next must-see destination is Maysville, Kentucky. To get there, youll pass 50-some miles with several small river towns, the nicest of which is Ripley. Leave the highway and check out the very nice riverside park a great place to watch the river go by. Theres always a chance a river barge will chug by, carrying coal, chemicals or farm products.
Front St., Ripley, Ohio
At Aberdeen, youll see Maysville on the south bank. Take the bridge across to Kentucky, then head into the compact downtown area. Maysville was co-founded by Daniel Boone and served as an important point on the Underground Railroad, with the free state of Ohio promising freedom to escaping slaves. Youll want to see the beautiful murals on the floodwall. The Kentucky Gateway Museum has a famous collection of miniatures . US 68 leads up the hill from downtown to a strip with motels and restaurants.
Back in Ohio, its 41 miles on the byway to Portsmouth, a downbeat town that does have some nice floodwall murals along Front St. Another 40 miles brings you to the bridge leading to Huntington, W.V. Two things to note on the way: First, a signed turnoff leads to Ironton, a drab place with a few nice historic buildings. And second, US 52 branches off to the south. Youre now on SR 7.
Huntington has seen better days, but its saved from being downbeat by the presence of Marshall University. Its main attraction for road-trippers is its many motels and restaurants. From Huntington, head back to Ohio and SR 7.