Ohio River Cruise

Explore Louisville, a historic Ohio River city shaped by trade, westward expansion, and the bourbon industry. Located near the Falls of the Ohio River, Louisville grew into an important center for river commerce and continues to reflect its bourbon heritage.

Spend a night in the city before boarding your cruise. Sample local cuisine, explore notable attractions, and discover Louisville’s mix of Southern traditions, historic character, and modern entertainment along the Ohio River.

Board the ship and start your Ohio River cruise at an easy pace. Meet the crew, settle into your cabin, and watch the scenery from the observation areas or your private balcony.

Experience the Ohio River as more than a passage between ports. Cruise through America’s heartland while taking in river views, historic communities, and landscapes along the banks. Enjoy the slower pace of small-ship travel, spend time with fellow guests, and learn about the people and events that shaped this important waterway.

A quaint town located on the banks of the Ohio River, Madison is one of the oldest and most captivating cities in the state, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Madison features over 130 preserved buildings that showcase a mix of Greek Revival, Victorian, and Federal styles.

Experience Madison aboard a vintage-style trolley, enjoying fascinating stories, local landmarks, and a special visit to one of the town’s treasured churches. Later, uncover Lanier, the “Crown Jewel” of Madison’s Historic District. Explore this 1844 Greek Revival mansion, learn about James F.D. Lanier’s legacy, and be treated to refreshing lemonade on the home’s grand porch or expansive lawn.

In the afternoon, step aboard a jet boat for an adventure on the Ohio River. As you cruise this picturesque waterway, the captain and crew will share local insights and help you spot wildlife along the way.

Madison Local Loop – Complimentary Excursion
Take the opportunity to explore history, shopping, and the culture of USA Today's Best Small Town in the Midwest. Don't miss the opportunity to walk on Main Street to find unexpected historical buildings, galleries, and boutiques. With more than 133 blocks of outstanding architecture, Madison’s downtown business district is one of the country’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts. Madison’s founders brought with them their own history, which is displayed in the architecture of the homes and buildings that make up this historic gem. Travel America says, “Madison is an outdoor museum of architecture.”
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

The dramatic bridges spanning the Ohio River provide a striking welcome to Cincinnati, a vibrant city with a storied past as an early shipbuilding and shipping metropolis. Known as the “Queen City,” Cincinnati blends old-world allure, cultural attractions, and a proud sporting legacy. 

Experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime with a private behind-the-scenes look at the Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds. Explore the clubs, seating bowl, dugouts, and more before visiting the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum to celebrate the legends of the game.

Delve into the history of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, where powerful exhibits illustrate the stories of courage, resilience, and determination that helped enslaved individuals seek freedom.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Complimentary Excursion
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center celebrates the brave men and women who came together to create a secret network through which the enslaved could escape to freedom. Their examples of courage, cooperation, and perseverance, is relevant to this day, as we continue to deal with contemporary issues of equality and diversity. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Cincinnati Art Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Explore the Cincinnati Art Museum, located in scenic Eden Park. Featured is a diverse, comprehensive art collection of more than 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying its own encyclopedic collection, the museum also hosts a variety national and international traveling exhibitions each year.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Cincinnati City Experience - Complimentary Excursion
Explore both sides of the river on this fantastic, all-encompassing excursion. Begin in the heart of the city at Fountain Square. Along your journey, view the Contemporary Arts Center, Procter and Gamble’s International Headquarters, and the Taft Museum in beautiful Lytle Park. Learn about Cincinnati’s most well-known landmarks including: Union Terminal, Music Hall, Washington Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Bicentennial Commons, the new TQL Stadium, and the Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ball Park – home of the Bengals and Reds.

Enjoy the old-world charm of Mount Adams with its “shot-gun” row homes and charming district of shops and restaurants. View picturesque Eden Park, home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, and Krohn Conservatory. 

Cross the Ohio River to Kentucky’s historic Riverside Drive with its antebellum homes. Explore the entertainment district at Newport on the Levee and the World Peace Bell – the largest free-swinging bell in the world. While in Kentucky, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Cincinnati skyline. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

As you cruise along the grand Ohio River, experience the serenity of America’s heartland. Witness the gentle sweep of greenery lining the banks, pastoral countryside, and quaint towns that unfold from the top deck. 

With a full day dedicated to scenic cruising, guests can embrace the laid-back pace of river travel while enjoying the ship’s amenities, savoring regional cuisine, and taking part in engaging entertainment and educational programming. Participate in a variety of onboard activities designed to enrich your journey, from historical presentations to lively discussions that bring the river’s stories to life. 

On this second day of cruising, let the river carry you through ever-changing landscapes, creating a peaceful and immersive backdrop to your exploration. 
From the sun deck or the comfort of your private balcony, keep watch for great blue herons, bald eagles, ospreys, turtles basking along the shoreline, and white-tailed deer grazing at the water's edge. The Ohio River's diverse ecosystems provide a haven for native wildlife, adding another layer of natural splendor to your journey.

Nestled at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, Marietta offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s early days. Founded in 1788 as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, this enchanting river town preserves its pioneering spirit through its historic architecture and a wealth of notable landmarks.

Guests can delve into Marietta’s remarkable past on a guided Earthworks Walking Exploration, viewing ancient Native American earthworks and learning about the mysteries, discoveries, and ongoing research surrounding these extraordinary sites. 

The journey continues with the Harmar Heritage Walking Experience, featuring the former site of Fort Harmar and the famous Henry Fearing House. Guests will uncover stories of frontier life, early military heritage, treaty negotiations, and the settlers who helped shape the Northwest Territory. 

The Castle Historic House Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Explore this beautifully preserved, 1855 Gothic-Revival house which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Castle was once home to some of Marietta's most prominent citizens and the site of many prestigious functions. Hear fascinating stories about its history and learn about of one of the oldest regions in the Northwest Territory.
Activity Level: Medium | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Marietta Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Explore the captivating museums of Marietta at your leisure with our convenient shuttle, making stops at:
Campus Martius and Ohio River Museum - Explore America’s migration west, its earliest native inhabitants, and Marietta’s pioneers. Discover the golden age of the steamboat and learn more about the ecology of the Ohio River system. Outside the museum, visitors can take an escorted exploration of the WP SNYDER JR – the last intact, steam-powered “pool-type” stern-wheeled towboat in the United States.  
Children’s Toy & Doll Museum - Get a glimpse into what entertained and educated children in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore nine rooms, displaying antique and vintage doll collections, including Kewpie dolls, Barbie dolls and GI Joe model dolls, miniature houses, as well as larger models of fairy tale homes such as the Ole’ Woman in the Shoe model and a Hansel and Gretel Gingerbread Doll House. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Delight in a relaxing day cruising the Ohio River, with the Appalachian foothills and lush countryside unfolding along the way. Wind through verdant valleys, dense forests, and tranquil lakes that paint a picture of unspoiled beauty. 

As you approach Pittsburgh, the city’s remarkable bridges and stunning skyline become clear, nestled between the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. The transition from rural tranquility to urban vibrancy is striking, as the city’s steel heritage blends seamlessly with modern architecture, creating a captivating contrast between past and present.

Pittsburgh offers a fascinating finale to your Ohio River journey. Once a powerhouse of steel manufacturing and a vital center for national and international commerce, the city grew into a thriving 18th- and 19th-century industrial hub. Today, the “Steel City” has transformed into an established destination known for its technology, culture, universities, and world-class medical institutions.

Discover Pittsburgh’s remarkable evolution on a locally guided city experience through some of the neighborhoods and popular sights that define the city’s character. Explore the South Side, once home to bustling steel mills and now a district blending history and modern attractions. 

Travel through the elegant streets of Millionaire’s Row, lined with grand mansions reflecting Pittsburgh’s prosperous industrial era, before visiting the Downtown Golden Triangle, the heart of the city where three rivers meet. Continue to the North Side, home to celebrated cultural and sporting landmarks, before ascending Mount Washington for breathtaking panoramic views of Pittsburgh’s dramatic skyline and riverfront.

The Andy Warhol Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Visit the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. The Andy Warhol Museum holds an extensive permanent collection of art and archives from this Pittsburgh-born pop art icon. Explore the museum’s many galleries, which feature his paintings, photographs, unique prints, and sculptures, as well as Warhol films and videotaped works. A must-see for any art aficionado.
Please Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Pittsburgh.

Senator John Heinz History Center - Complimentary Excursion
Named after Republican Politician Senator John Heinz, this interactive museum is full of six floors worth of Western Pennsylvania History, covering the past 250 years. Exhibits include the life of Senator John Heinz, the history of Pittsburgh, professional sports memorabilia, and much more.
Please Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Pittsburgh.
Activity Level: Medium | ADA Accessible: Yes

Pittsburgh City Experience - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy your locally guided experience exploring Pittsburgh, PA, ranked one of the most livable cities in America. Located at the confluence of three mighty rivers, this resilient city has reinvented itself through the years from a smoky industrial "Steel City" to a modern city of technology, culture, and world class hospitals and universities.

While on this excursion, travel through many of the city's unique neighborhoods and hear the colorful stories of what makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh. Enjoy an exploration of Pittsburgh's South Side and former Steel mill sites, as well as its Eastern neighborhoods, including Millionaire's Row, and the Downtown Golden Triangle. In the Northside, enjoy the iconic sites in Pittsburgh's playground, home to Heinz Field, PNC Park, and the National Aviary. And of course, no visit to the city would be complete without a stop atop Mount Washington to view the spectacular Pittsburgh Skyline.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

After breakfast on board, begin your journey home with memories of welcoming river towns, idyllic scenery, and unforgettable moments along the Ohio River. Reflect on the connections made through shared excursions, onboard activities, and time spent with fellow guests and crew.