Grand Ohio River Cruise

Each Mississippi region itinerary comes complete with a Hotel Stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

Explore the town on your own aboard this convenient shuttle which makes stops at:

• Grave Creek Archaeological Complex -  Explore exhibits that tell the story of West Virginia, from the ice age to its ancient people and the construction of Grave Creek Mound. Also learn about the city’s role as a manufacturing hub. 
   
• The Strand Theatre – A centerpiece of Moundsville’s Historic District, the Strand Theatre was first opened as a silent movie/vaudeville playhouse in 1920. Learn about its history of as you explore all areas of the theatre, including the main floor and backstage.  
   
• Fostoria Glass Museum - Explore two floors of American made glassware. Each room is carefully curated and primarily sorted by the year in which the glassware was made. Peruse the onsite gift shop on site, where books about Fostoria and glassware are available for purchase.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Learn about the history of The West Virginia Penitentiary on this guided walking exploration. A perfect balance of history and mystery, this former prison once housed some of the most violent inmates in all of the country. This ominous Gothic structure, built in 1866, stopped being an active prison in 1995 and has since been a historic landmark and tourist attraction. Often called one of the most haunted places in America, those interested in the paranormal take advantage of the special events held here. 

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

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

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

When the first American settlers arrived at the juncture of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, they observed an extensive and intriguing complex of earthen walls and mounds, leading to much speculation about how old they were, who built them, and to what purpose they were created. Over 230 years later, we have a general idea of when these earthworks were created and how they were used, even as many questions remain to be answered. Join Castle archaeologist Wes Clarke as we take a detailed look at these prehistoric remains, including significant new information that has been generated in recent years with modern research techniques. Visit the four principal surviving elements of the Marietta works, beginning at Mound Cemetery and driving to Capitolium, Quadranaou, and Sacra Via.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Be treated to a guided exploration of two significant Marietta sites, the former site of Fort Harmar and the Henry Fearing House.

Built in 1785, Fort Harmar was an early United States frontier military fort, built in pentagonal shape at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. Before the settlement of the early Marietta pioneers, the fort served to evict squatters. Less than 3 years later, it became a place where treaties were negotiated and signed with native tribes and also served as a home for soldiers who took part in other important events influencing the settlement of the Northwest Territory.

Built in 1847, the Henry Fearing home exemplifies the lifestyle of middle-class Marietta during the Victorian Era. Henry Fearing was the first lawyer of the Northwest territory. Come visit his original home, maintained by the Washington County Historical Society, to see how early settlers once lived.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

Established in 1801 by Marietta city founders, the Mound Cemetery preserves the Great Mound (also known as Conus), a prehistoric Adena burial mound, with more American Revolutionary War officers buried in it than any other cemetery in the country.  Led by a guide, explore this ancient ground and hear stories of Adena and Hopewell Mound Builders, Marietta founders, Revolutionary War veterans, and other historically significant Marietta residents.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Step back in time while you tour the historic town of Old Washington. Starting at the 1790s Visitor Center, your costumed guide will lead you through this historic Kentucky village, taking you along flagstone sidewalks graced with authentic frontier log cabins and early 19th-century homes. 

Activity Level: High | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Discover small town charm during a narrated exploration of historic Maysville. Begin at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, which brings the stories of explorers, artists, and movie stars to life through award-winning dioramas and a collection of artifacts. 

Visit The Russell Theater, opened in 1930 by Colonel J. Barbour Russell, a flamboyant, well-known Maysville businessman who made his early fortune in the grocery business. The structure is constructed entirely of steel, concrete, brick, and terra cotta in Spanish Colonial style with a Moorish influence. This Theatre is atmospheric, and one of only two in Kentucky. “What the Roxy is to New York,” Russell boasted, “The Russell will be to Maysville.” 

In 1953, Rosemary Clooney, a Maysville native, premiered her movie, The Stars Are Singing.  Today, the lobby is dedicated to memorabilia of that night and other items of interest to Clooney fans. After nearly being torn down, The Russell Theater was saved by volunteers who donated countless hours restoring and preserving this heart of Maysville, which is listed in individually on the National Register of Historic Places.
 

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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

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

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

Experience baseball history on this guided experience of the home of the Cincinnati Reds! Join our private Great American Ball Park Tour offering you a behind-the-scenes look at the clubs, seating bowl, dugouts, and more. You will also enjoy same day access to visit the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. A must see for baseball fans!

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

 Learn about the past, present and future of bourbon in this in-depth tasting at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery, founded on Derby Day in 1935 and reopened to the public in 2014. Your journey includes a tasting of Blade and Bow, the new I.W. Harper Profile, as well as a few Bulleit Profiles. After the tasting, you will have time to visit the gift shop, the small museum area, and the Garden and Gun Club.   

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Louisville Slugger is the maker of the world’s most popular bat. The company’s storied traditions and high standards for quality have produced some of the finest bats for amateurs and professionals alike. Take a guided tour of the facility and museum, learning first-hand their processes from forest-to-factory and the scientific principles used to fabricate the most important tool in “America’s Game.” Enjoy special seasonal exhibits and receive a free souvenir bat to commemorate your visit.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the world-famous Churchill Downs Racetrack. Walk through a portion of the grandstands where thousands of people roar with excitement on Derby Day. Your guide will lead you to the rail of the legendary dirt track where every Derby winner has raced, from Aristides to Secretariat and more. Have your camera ready for pictures of the historic track. Hear stories of the early days of the Kentucky Derby through its transformation into the event it is today. Enjoy a viewing of the epic film, The Greatest Race, a 360-degree, 18-minute media experience that will make your heart race and your emotions soar. Be treated to Mint Juleps and Derby Pie Bites as you listen to a special presentation by an actual Kentucky Derby Jockey who can answer any questions you may have about this iconic event.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Discover Kentucky’s fascinating past, present, and future with exhibits like “The Spirit of Kentucky,” which demonstrates the history, craft, and culture of Kentucky Bourbon.

Explore the “Lewis and Clark Experience,” a one-of-a-kind exhibit that recreates Lewis and Clark’s 1804 mission. Find out “What’s Cool About Kentucky,” in an exhibit that illustrates the quirky, often surprising, and always authentic culture of Kentucky.

Activity Level: Low

The Audubon Museum and Nature Center interprets the life of John James Audubon through his art and personal memorabilia framed within a timeline of world events. Join a park naturalist on a guided tour before enjoying some free time to explore the Museum’s three galleries and the Center’s wildlife observation room, theater, and Discovery & Learning Center on your own.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

This unique museum celebrates the service of the Evansville region's armed forces, focusing on the manufacturing contributions made during World War II by the region's hometown heroes. Be treated to an exclusive exploration of the Main Hall and four galleries. The Home Front Gallery displays exhibits on the wartime munitions and personal military memorabilia, including uniforms, weapons, and honors. Also featured is the Evansville Canteen - having served the troops passing through on their way to war, an exhibit honoring the sacrifices made by nurses in the war, as well as period automobiles, and military equipment, such as a landing craft from the LST 325, an Evansville-built P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane, and a 1943 M4A4 Sherman Tank, to name a few.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Explore downtown Evansville on your own. Take time for shopping and strolling along the charming streets of this picturesque waterfront town. Stops include:

• Evansville Museum - Explore a permanent collection of over 30,000 objects from fine art to natural history artifacts as well as the "From the Hand of the President" collection of documents signed by Presidents of the United States.

• USS LST-325 - Come aboard the last fully operational WWII Landing Ship Tank (LST) afloat in US Waters.

• Reitz Home Museum - Visit the historic Victorian house built by Evansville "Lumber Baron" and philanthropist, John August Reitz and his wife Gertrude, who emigrated from Prussia to Evansville as young adults. Noted as one of the country's finest examples of Second Empire architecture, the Reitz Home features authentic period furniture, spindled archways, and French gilt chandeliers to name a few of the home's well-preserved features.

• Main St. - Experience some of the sights, shops and restaurants of downtown that are uniquely Evansville.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Vanderburgh County was thriving following the Civil War and this Courthouse was constructed in 1890 to function not only as a new, larger government building but also as a marketing tool to promote the area as a center of trade, manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Led by an expert guide, explore the rich history and architectural marvels of the Courthouse and campus, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Outside of the Courthouse, admire the notable sculpture on the grounds. Commonly known as "The Genius of Electricity,” it is a larger-than-life figure of a man holding a light bulb, symbolizing the transformative power of electricity. Learn about the nearby jail, a former cemetery that was recently excavated, and how the grounds were once the site of a race riot 1903. As you move inside the courthouse, be greeted by an impressive neoclassical facade adorned with intricate detailing and towering columns. Admire a stunning central rotunda crowned by a breathtaking stained-glass dome. Your guide will explain the history of the building will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Explore downtown Paducah at your own pace. Visit the areas many museums and shops and stop at the riverfront to view the wall murals that tell the story of Paducah's past.

Making stops at:

• Paducah Railroad Museum - Explore this interactive museum showcasing equipment and memorabilia from the romantic past of America's railroads.
   
• Inland Waterways Museum - You can be a captain and choose your vessel type in the state-of-the-art boat simulator, as well as explore and learn about the history, environments, culture, and economy of these rivers through interactive exhibits.
   
• The National Quilt Museum - View exhibits by renowned quilters who are implementing creative ideas and approaches to fiber art.
   
• Lowertown Arts District & Neighborhood - Explore this 25 sq. block neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places. Look for the directory at the old Texaco Station. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Paducah’s location at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers makes it unique. The city is home to some of the nation’s largest barge and towing companies. At the Inland Waterways Museum, learn all about the inland waterways and the impact they have on the daily lives of local residents. You can be a captain and choose your vessel type in the state-of-the-art boat simulator, as well as explore and learn about the history, environments, culture, and economy of these rivers through interactive exhibits.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Let our local guide take you through the quaint city of Paducah. This excursion has been carefully divided into three distinct sections to make sure you experience all that Paducah has to offer. First, explore the downtown as our local expert guide points out the areas’ many historical sites. Then, ride along the riverfront where you will witness more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting elements of Paducah’s past. End at the National Quilt Museum, the world's largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Immerse yourself in the rich history and warm southern hospitality of Patti's 1880's Settlement, a place to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, stroll through the beautiful gardens, shop for unique treasures, and experience a glimpse into the past. Upon arrival, gather in the Atrium where CEO and Director of Marketing Ann Martin will provide a brief history of the restaurant and the Tullar Family. Following this, venture outside to explore the Gardens as she regales you with the fascinating story of Patti Tullar and the history behind the 8 log gift shop cabins nestled within the beautiful gardens. Each cabin has its own unique tale and history of how it found its place on the grounds, adding to the charm and character of this historic destination.  After, return to the Atrium to make dining reservations for a meal immediately following the guided exploration.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

This narrated exploration provides you with a wonderful overview of the city, including downtown St. Louis and the riverfront, Citygarden Sculpture Park, the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square, Forest Park, and The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, a stunning church which rivals the cathedrals in Rome, Italy.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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.

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

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