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Explore the impressive Churchill Downs to learn about the city’s renowned Kentucky Derby, the oldest continuously held horse race in the country. Both Mississippi River and Ohio River cruises bookend their itineraries with large cities, but pack them full of the lifeblood-of-America small towns to give cruisers a real taste of Americana. Because Ohio River sailings always start or end on the Mississippi (either in St. Louis or Memphis), you can combine an Ohio River cruise with a Mississippi River sailing for a true American heartland voyage. The Mississippi River may be more famous for its steamboat history than any other river in the U.S., but the paddlewheel actually got its start on the Ohio River.
Ohio River Cruises - Cincinnati & Pittsburgh
Residents gather along the banks of the river to cheer our arrival or give us a friendly sendoff each day. Each riverside destination, no matter how small, loves to show off its slice of American history and regional attractions, such as quirky museums, pretty churches, and, of course, its local shops and eateries. Discover Evansville, a delightful riverside city which is the perfect blend of modern and historic architecture. Evansville is home to Bally's Evansville, the state's first casino, as well as Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, one of the state’s oldest and largest zoos.
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We also dropped by the theater for shows by guitarist Logan Reeves and a song and dance variety production on TV theme songs from the American Queen Ensemble and the Steamboat Syncopators house band. The shows draw on plenty of nostalgia but definitely favor an era more familiar to cruisers 70 and older. For an alternate introduction to the area, upgrade to a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis and explore this city at your leisure.
Day Original Tour for Women CCW
During your cruise, you’ll see landmarks highlighting key points in the city’s 200+ years of history. Make your event truly special with a charter cruise on the Belle or Mary M. Miller. Our team will help you plan the journey, menu and unique details to make your event a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience. The 155 mile round trip two-day Kentucky River Adventure is the ultimate river experience and so much fun.

Day National Parks Page Tour: Zion Grand Canyon - Hotel Private
Wander along the landing to admire more than 50 murals which highlight the region’s rich history. Learn the importance of the town as headquarters for Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant as he embarked to secure Union control of the rivers. Only a block away, the excellent River Discovery Center illuminates for you the importance of the rivers to this historic port. View a treasure trove of incredible works of art created with fabric, needle, and thread at the National Quilt Museum. Located along the banks of the Ohio River Moundsville, West Virginia offers a rich history. Deriving its name from the many Adena Indian burial mounds constructed here more than 2,000 years ago, the town is home to the largest conical burial mound in North America.
From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options. As you cruise, delight in picturesque and ever-changing scenery, as early explorers did centuries ago. Our ship docks near the famous point where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to begin the majestic Ohio River. Long known for steel manufacturing, Pittsburgh was an essential stop along the Ohio River for national and international commerce making it a wealthy town in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hear tales of famous Americans such as Heinz, Carnegie, and others who called this vibrant city home. End your journey in this unique city with frontier-town roots and Midwest modesty.
Your Itinerary
American Cruise Lines uses fresh, local ingredients to show off the culinary glory of the region you’re cruising in. On the Mississippi River, that could mean Andouille Gumbo, a po’boy with red beans and rice, and bourbon pecan pie. In New England, you could find Littleneck clam ceviche on the menu followed by a spiced apple pudding with maple whipped cream. In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fresh fish on the menu, including shrimp bisque or Dungeness Crab cake, and a marionberry cheesecake that’ll make your mouth water! Your ship will provide you with a list of all the locally-sourced ingredients when you unpack.
Travel Themes
The French called the serene blue depths of the Ohio River "la belle riviere," the beautiful river. While each port stop features a variety of things for cruisers to explore, this fancy riverboat offers a daily program with a mix of musical performances, trivia competitions, movies, bingo, and variety shows. St. Louis is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West.” Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis' many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens.
American Cruise Lines Opens 2024 Mississippi River Season - Travel Agent Central
American Cruise Lines Opens 2024 Mississippi River Season.
Posted: Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Come aboard and cruise all season long!
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 itself, but during port stops you'll want something to keep them away. Cruisers interested in the Ohio River typically have a few itinerary choices to choose from (both of which are offered going in either direction).
With no more than 150 passengers onboard, our ships provide spacious accommodations and smooth travel through the protected waterways, sheltered harbors, and magnificent rivers of the United States of America. Experience two of America’s greatest rivers on this enchanting cruise through the Heartland. Immerse yourself in a new element of Americana at each port visited, from the small towns of Kentucky and Ohio to the vibrant metropolis of “Steel City” Pittsburg and St. Louis, the Gateway to the West.
Explore the area’s many museums and take time for shopping and strolling along the charming streets of this picturesque waterfront town. Discover the delightful riverside city of Evansville, the perfect blend of modern and historic architecture. The dramatic bridges that span the Ohio River provide an impressive scenic welcome to your visit to Cincinnati. A sailing on the Ohio River is a surprisingly wonderful way to learn about a region that, frankly, we hadn't given much thought to before our journey.
Built in 2012 and carrying up to 417 passengers, this is the largest steamship ever built. The Grand Saloon resembles a 19th-century opera house with private boxes wrapped around the theater and hanging over the main level and the stage adorned with a large red curtain. American Queen Voyages provides a wonderful service in its hop-on, hop-off bus routes in each city and on each river itinerary that it operates.
American Queen features a large Mark Twain Gallery that serves as a reading room (with a small computer area). It’s outfitted with vintage lamps and antique chairs and all kinds of mementos of a bygone time, including river ship models, paintings, books, vases, and other collectibles. Just upriver of your ship’s dock, the beautiful Tennessee River empties into the Ohio River. Also nearby are confluences with the Cumberland River and the Mississippi. The convergence of these four major rivers crossroads makes Paducah an important port centralized at the axis. Or stop by the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to see how the famous baseball bats are made.
Enjoy fascinating enrichment presentations and festive onboard activities. Relax in one of the many spacious lounges or enjoy a gentle breeze on the sun deck as you read a book or chat with new friends. Every stop along the way of an Ohio River cruise is unique in its own way and can be highly enjoyable to travelers of all interests. While itineraries begin and end with big cities (St. Louis, Memphis, Cincinnati), Ohio River itineraries focus on small-town USA; there might be less to see, but residents love to welcome you into their town.