Ohio River Cruises

The Ohio River rolls and roils along, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cairo, Illinois. It’s the largest tributary by volume of the Mississippi River.

In fact, at its confluence with the Mississippi, the Ohio (Seneca for “good river”) is considerably more mighty than the mighty Mississippi itself!

How mighty? Consider: The Ohio River is 981 miles long, flows through or borders six states, and is home to more than 25 million people — about 10 percent of the U.S. population (in the Ohio River basin).

USA River Cruises provides opportunities for the adventure seeker and the amateur (or not so amateur) historian aboard one of our Ohio River cruises.

For example, we offer an eight-day trip from lovely little Alton, Illinois (actually on the Mississippi River not far from St. Louis, Missouri), to Louisville, Kentucky. The trip begins on a high note in Alton, site of the last debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in October 1858.

Many of our trips provide convenient dry-land travel on board our “Hop-On/Hop-Off” buses. These buses (which look just like our ships!) travel alongside our cruises from port to port, so you’ll be able to take exciting shore excursions without the hassle of worrying about ground transport.

Call USA River Cruises now for details!

Grand Ohio River-American Melody

St. Louis to Pittsburgh

  • July 12, 2024
  • From $9,095
  • American Melody

Music Cities Cruise-American Symphony

Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN

  • August 2, 2024, August 9, 2024, August 16, 2024
  • From $4,530
  • American Symphony

Music Cities Cruise-American Splendor

  • June 18, 2024, June 25, 2024, July 2, 2024 -- 4 more dates available.
  • American Splendor

Music Cities Cruise-American Serenade

  • October 15, 2024, November 5, 2024
  • From $4,840
  • American Serenade

Music Cities Cruise-American Melody

  • September 20, 2024, November 8, 2024
  • From $5,190

Grand Ohio River-American Heritage

  • July 12, 2024, July 26, 2024, August 9, 2024 -- 1 more date available.
  • From $7,935
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Ohio River Cruises

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river boat cruise in ohio

Rockin Thunder River Tours

Scenic River Tour

Quick Details

  • Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
  • Cruise Ship Trip Distance: 40 miles

Relax & enjoy a scenic river cruise

Come enjoy a 40-mile scenic river tour and experience one of America’s great rivers.

Cruise the Ohio River where it can not be seen from a road.

Your Captain and crew will point out historic locations, share river stories and help spot wildlife like Bald Eagles, Blue Heron, Deer and maybe even a Bobcat.

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  • Cruise Ship 155 miles
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2 Day Kentucky River Adventure

The 155 mile round trip two-day Kentucky River Adventure is the ultimate river experience and so much fun. Not another river tour like it anywhere.

  • Cruise Ship 75 miles
  • Hour Glass 5 hours

Midweek Lunch Excursion

Enjoy a 75 mile round trip 5 hour cruise on the Ohio River with a stop for  lunch at a river side restaurant near Louisville KY. Along the way hear amazing river stories and spot  Bald Eagles.  (Meal cost not included)

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Save up to 50% on Ohio River Cruises!

The French called the calm blue depths of the Ohio River "la belle riviere," the beautiful river. Thomas Jefferson agreed, describing it as "the most beautiful river on Earth." The 981-mile-long river passes through or borders six states on its way into Cairo, Illinois, where it joins the Mississippi River. Visit historic Louisville, KY, where the river is at its widest and deepest, and float along calm waters past farmlands, waterfront parks and scenic bluffs.

The price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, wine and beer with dinner, onboard entertainment and more. 

river boat cruise in ohio

  • ACL: Save up to $2,000 per couple off select cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires March 9. Click here .
  • ACL: Receive a free $150 per couple onboard credit on all sailings. Click here .
  • ACL: Receive free shore excursions on select cruises. Click here .

river boat cruise in ohio

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7 Reasons A Stay On The World’s Largest Steamboat Is My Favorite U.S. Cruise

river boat cruise in ohio

  • Cruises and Sailing
  • River Cruises
  • Types of Travel

I have been on several cruises and travel adventures around the world, but recently, I’ve felt the need to focus on discovering great destinations closer to home. The U.S. is filled with countless experiences that travelers can unlock, and a river cruise offers the chance to see so many things in an efficient, hassle-free, and fun way.

Our summer cruise on the Ohio River took us from Pittsburgh to Louisville, and the itinerary included stops in Marietta, Ohio; Huntington, West Virginia; Augusta, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Madison, Indiana, before reaching Louisville.

I had been on voyages on the Mighty Mississippi River and even a couple in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake rivers that traverse through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These itineraries are fairly well known, but I was fascinated to see what an Ohio River cruise was all about. I was happy to accept an invite from American Queen Voyages to review this special itinerary.

As it turns out, it’s filled with memorable experiences and a range of fun ways to spend your days. The best part about our trip, though, was how we got there. American Queen owns a special charm and an incredible river cruise program that makes it a favorite way to cruise within the U.S. Here’s why.

The American Queen in Madison, Indiana

1. An Itinerary With Small Towns And Big Cities

Pittsburg, pennsylvania.

American Queen Voyages offers a pre-cruise hotel stay in Pittsburgh, and it was nice to explore the City of Bridges for a day. We had lunch at the famous Primanti Brothers, diving into our hearty sandwiches — complete with fries stuffed onto the pastrami between slices of Italian bread. And we washed it down with a couple of Iron City beers.

The embarkation pier for the riverboat sits at the doorstep of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ football stadium, making for a scenic sail away from the confluence of the three rivers (Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela).

Cincinnati, Ohio

The cruise also features a stop in Cincinnati and wraps up in Louisville, so travelers have opportunities to explore these interesting big cities and all they have to offer. We went for a bike ride on the riverfront, explored the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, and had lunch and craft beers at Moerlein Lager House.

Louisville, Kentucky

In Louisville, cruisers can explore city highlights like the famed Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby track) or the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory before catching flights back home.

These big cities are nice, but it’s the small towns that really make this trip shine. 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.

Marietta, Ohio

In Marietta, Ohio, attractions included Mound Cemetery, one of the oldest in the original Northwest Territory, the Ohio River Museum, and the Childen’s Toy & Doll Museum.

Huntington, West Virginia

When I went ashore in Huntington, West Virginia, the hop-on, hop-off bus loop took us to the Touma Medical Museum, a delightful little open-air railroad museum (a yard filled with colorful old rail cars), Ritter Park Rose Garden, and the Marshall University Campus, which features a wonderful grounds filled with statues, sculptures, trees, and flowers.

Augusta, Kentucky

In Augusta, Kentucky, AQV passengers were able to walk just a few hundred steps from our spot on the river to explore the Rosemary Clooney Museum. This is the former home of actress, singer, and aunt to superstar George Clooney. Highlights of this charming town also include Bates Garden, the 1811 Jail, and Baker-Bird Winery.

Madison, Indiana

There was another railroad museum to see in Madison, Indiana, and the town also lists the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, the Broadway Fountain, and Lanier Mansion as top attractions for visitors to check out.

The Grand Ballroom of the American Queen

2. Enriching Entertainment

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. 

Music, trivia, and enrichment talks are held in American Queen’s majestic Grand Saloon theater space. During our cruise, we saw Phil Westbrook several times, as the singer and piano man performed a tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as entertained passengers at the intimate Captain’s Bar just outside the main J.M. White Dining Room.

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. However, the overall mood is quite fun.

A hip vibe can be found nightly at the Engine Room Bar, where the ship’s musicians get the crowd dancing with a great mix of blues and rock tunes.

Fresh pastries on the American Queen

3. Regionally Inspired Cuisine

The American Queen chefs kept us well-fed. Meals are served in the main dining room and in the casual eatery called the Front Porch, which offers wonderful views as you cruise on the river. When the weather is nice, it’s worth having at least one dinner outside there to enjoy the sunset and sailing.

The menu includes items like chicken fried steak, frog legs, and a variety of steak and fish preparations. The cuisine is more hearty than healthy, but you can find some fresh fruits and salads in the mix at the lunch buffets. We were always tempted by the mouth-watering selection of homemade pies and slices of chocolate cake set out each day at lunch. There always is a delicious soup, gumbo, or chili available, too.

If you need a snack, you can swing by the Front Porch for a bag of fresh popcorn, a couple of cookies, or a soft-serve ice cream cone or dish.

The author and Colleen riding bikes in Cincinnati

4. Set Your Own Pace

As a person who loves his daily workouts, I’m happy that a river cruise on American Queen makes it easy. Not only is there a well-equipped gym, but the ship carries a fleet of bikes. Colleen and I started several days with a run along the riverside trails through small towns or by grabbing a couple of bikes to go exploring independently.

In general, river cruising allows travelers the chance to explore on their own in a hassle-free way. It’s so easy to stroll onto and off of the ship at your leisure, and the towns and cities are mere steps away. You can go set your own schedule for the day if you’re not interested in rigorously following the ship excursion program.

Pro Tip: Ask crew members for their insight on nice places to eat or go shopping — or for their favorite places to get a coffee or craft brew. We received great insight from lead butler Adam, who is a coffee connoisseur and loves to find and frequent local cafes along all the river towns he visits.

The author at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame

5. Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours

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. Passengers walk off the ship and straight onto waiting buses with clear signage at each stop along the route at the attractions in town.

Cruisers love being able to have peace of mind that they will see a nice mix of highlights in each port without worrying about transportation. You can get off at each spot or pick and choose what you are interested in on the loop.

Deck chairs on the American Queen

6. Plenty Of Space Onboard

American Queen itself is an attraction. Built in 2012 and carrying up to 417 passengers, this is the largest steamship ever built. The décor takes you back in time to a golden era of steamship travel. 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.

Chandeliers fill the main restaurant, rocking chairs line the railings on the front porch, and gingerbread ornamentation accents the staircases and stateroom patios of the bright white ship. The signature big red paddlewheel churns at the stern of the ship helping to power the voyage along the river.

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.

There are two parlors at the very front of the ship ahead of the Main Twain Gallery, and these spots also are carefully decorated and ideal for working on puzzles, reading, or enjoying the river views while relaxing with friends.

The author on a steamboat cruise on the Ohio River

7. Scenic Sailing

I found the periods of sailing from town to town one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of this river cruise. It was fabulous to watch the world floating by, with the pretty evening sunsets, flowing waters, and subtle bends in the river. We would pass under a variety of bridge styles and see trains on adjacent tracks and tugboats pushing coal barges.

Cruisers also enjoyed the process of watching our big riverboat pass through the locks along the way.

Pro Tip: Make sure to head up to the top deck for sail aways each day. Crowds gather along the banks of the river to wave you off and wish you well on the journey. And one of the musicians will come out to play some tunes on the boat’s steam calliope. It’s a fun spectacle!

Related Reading:

  • 9 Reasons You’ll Love A Princess Cruise In The Western Caribbean
  • 7 Things People Always Forget To Take On A Cruise Plus 8 Things They Should Leave At Home
  • I Just Sailed On Royal Caribbean With My Grandchildren — Here Are My 10 Key Tips

Image of John Roberts

John loves to explore the world while prioritizing fitness and active adventures. He specializes in cruise travel, with more than 100 sailings of all types under his belt. His passion is deep exploration and connection. He loves talking sports and craft beer with people in every destination he visits. John has been a writer and travel journalist for more than 20 years, regularly contributing to top travel magazines and websites.

3 of the Best Cincinnati Riverboat & Dinner Cruises

Take to the Ohio River and see Cincinnati in a different light on one of these excellent riverboat tours and dinner cruises.

river boat cruise in ohio

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

The great city of Cincinnati sits on the north bank of the Ohio River, which splits it from the state of Kentucky. The best way to appreciate the cityscape on either side of the river is by floating along it. Taking a traditional riverboat along the Ohio, complete with a paddle wheel and open decks, is a fun and traditional way to go. Throw a dinner into the mix while watching the setting sun for an enhanced cruise experience. Here are three top options.

Cincinnati Historic Sightseeing Cruise

The Queen City, as Cincinnati is known (as well as ‘The Athens of the West’), was first settled in 1788 and the city’s skyline is best viewed from the Ohio River. On this 90-minute riverboat cruise, your captain will provide commentary about the buildings you pass and their relevance to the city’s past and present. You will also learn much about the parts of northern Kentucky visible during the trip. This tour is usually available at 3pm on Tue-Thu and Sat-Sun. From $26 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Sunset Cruise on the Ohio River

river boat cruise in ohio

The stunning River Queen is part of the BB Riverboats fleet of old-timey paddleboats. This charming white and red boat plies the Ohio River for two hours at sunset, as the lands of Kentucky and the Ohio city of Cincinnati are daubed in the warm glow of the fading light. There is also live music on board, setting a jolly tone as you explore this lovely stretch of water. There’s a cash bar on board for drinks and snacks. From $29 per person.

Cincinnati: Dinner Cruise on the Ohio River

Aboard the Belle of Cincinnati, you will find ample space on the decks and inside the cabins to sit and enjoy the river views. But the highlight of this two-hour tour is the dinner and dessert included in your cruise price. There are a number of different cruise options to choose from, including the captain’s and admiral’s dinner cruises, with the latter offering more dining options, including carved turkey, ribs and vegetarian pasta dishes. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased from the onboard bar for an additional fee. From $57 per person.

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The French called the serene blue depths of the Ohio River "la belle riviere," the beautiful river. Thomas Jefferson agreed, describing it as "the most beautiful river on earth" and citing "its current gentle, waters clear, and bosom smooth and unbroken by rocks and rapids…" Explore this waterway yourself aboard a river cruise.

The 981-mile-long river passes through or borders six states on its way into Cairo, IL, where it joins the mighty Mississippi. In the late 1700s, the westward-flowing waterway became the main route for pioneers and settlers heading west from Pennsylvania, and numerous cities like Cincinnati and Pittsburgh cropped up along the riverbanks.

Often, cruises spend time on the Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers, taking you past the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Visit historic Louisville, KY, where the river is at its widest and deepest, and float along calm waters past farmlands, waterfront parks, railroad tracks and bluffs on your way to sites like the Floodwall Mural of Portsmouth, OH, or historic Cape Girardeau, MO, once a French trading post.

These trips are especially good values, because your stateroom, onboard meals and some sightseeing are included in a single upfront rate.

river boat cruise in ohio

  • ACL: Save up to $2,000 per couple off select cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires March 9. Click here .
  • ACL: Receive a free $150 per couple onboard credit on all sailings. Click here .
  • ACL: Receive free shore excursions on select cruises. Click here .

river boat cruise in ohio

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Marietta OH (Ohio)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Marietta OH cruise port

Region Canada and USA Rivers

Local Time 2024-03-04 13:58

Port Marietta OH cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Marietta OH, Ohio. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Marietta OH is an Ohio River cruise port and town in Ohio USA (Washington County), with a population of around 15,000. The town is located at the mouth of Muskingum River's confluence with Ohio River.

The town was founded in 1788 by Yankees (colonists from New England). The first church was opened in 1796, the first college - in 1835. Town's early economy was based mainly on cargo and passenger shipping (by steamboats). Since the mid-19th-century the economy was boosted with the opening of the Baltimore-Ohio Railroad (1828), Belpre-Cincinnati Railroad (1860), Ohio Valley Railroad (1873). Steamboats regularly transported passengers between Marietta and Parkersburg WV (West Virginia). Two oil booms (1875 and 1910) attracted large investments. The Pure Oil Company (now Unocal) was founded in 1914 by the Dawes brothers.

The current-day town's economy is largely based on ferromanganese with the French company Eramet operating a large refinery here. The town is served by several major highways (including I-77 linking to Cleveland OH and Charleston WV) and by Williamstown WV's Mid-Ohio Valley Airport (3 daily flights connecting to Charlotte NC). Among the best-known tourist attractions are the annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival (held in September, with live music performances and fireworks), Riverfront Roar (powerboat races held in July), Civil War Reenactment (September), Goodfest (music festival at Goodfellows Park), rowing regattas (throughout Spring).

As a cruise port, Marietta OH is included in the schedule of USA's largest river cruise company - ACL-American Cruise Lines . The riverport is also regularly visited by ships of AQSC-American Queen Voyages/Steamboat Company . The next tables show some of the Marietta-inclusive itineraries as port sequences and prices per person (double occupancy rates).

(ACL ship Queen of the Mississippi/American Heritage ) 11-day itinerary between homeports St Louis and Pittsburgh, from ~USD 3500 pp

(ship American Duchess / AQSC) 8-day itinerary between homeports Pittsburgh and Louisville, from ~USD 2000 pp

(ship American Queen / AQSC) 8-day itinerary between homeports Louisville and Pittsburgh, from ~USD 1500 pp

Marietta OH - user reviews and comments

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A sinking feeling: mid-ohio valley riverboat cruise operator ceasing operations.

river boat cruise in ohio

The American Queen riverboat during a recent visit to Marietta, Ohio. Its company American Queen Voyages has ceased operations. Other companies have plans to bring riverboats to Marietta this summer. (File Photo)

MARIETTA — A company that has brought large riverboat cruises through the Mid-Ohio Valley is ceasing operations.

American Queen Voyages (AQV) brought the American Queen, American Duchess and American Countess riverboats to the area in the past with passengers disembarking and seeing the local sites in Marietta while many people locally went down to the riverfront to see the boats.

In a post on their Facebook page made early Wednesday morning, the company said they were halting their cruises.

“We are saddened to share that American Queen Voyages (AQV) has made the difficult decision to shut down,” the post said. “The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related changes in travel preferences.

“Despite great efforts by our team, crew and partners, demand has not recovered, and AQV has become financially unsustainable.”

river boat cruise in ohio

The American Countess during a previous stop in Belpre, Ohio. The riverboat was originally scheduled to be in Marietta this year on four different dates. However, its company American Queen Voyages has ceased operations and the boat will not be coming this summer. Local tourism officials said other companies will be bringing riverboat cruises to the Marietta area. (File Photo)

The post said effective immediately, all future AQV cruises have been canceled.

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this decision causes, and guests should expect to have their cruise deposits refunded in full,” the Facebook post said. “We are deeply proud of our crew and the outstanding travel experiences and service we have provided to our guests.

“As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving our guests, partners and agents and for being part of our incredible local communities. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.”

A call to the company’s reservation line had a message saying the company was shutting down and future cruises have been canceled and that customers can expect to be fully refunded.

The American Countess was originally scheduled to be in Marietta this year on four different dates, said Marietta/Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Deana Clark.

river boat cruise in ohio

“We found out, like everyone else did, last night, that the (company) was no longer going to be in business,” she said. “We are disappointed.”

Although AQV is ceasing operations, the area will have six other visits from river cruise boats from other companies.

“Although we will miss (AQV), there will be another company bringing boats here,” Clark said.

There will be four dates for the American Heritage and two dates with the American Melody of American Cruise Lines. The American Heritage will be in Marietta on July 24, July 29, Aug. 21 and Aug. 26. The American Melody will be in Marietta July 10 and July 15.

“They will still be here this year,” Clark said.

river boat cruise in ohio

Still, she is disappointed AQV will not be coming.

“Folks really loved that company,” Clark said. “It is too bad they weren’t able to make it after the pandemic and recover.

“We feel really bad for them.”

Clark is hopeful the company might be purchased and their boats can resume doing river cruises.

“I hope they can find a buyer and keep those beautiful boats going, like they were designed to be,” Clark said. “They really are beautiful boats.”

river boat cruise in ohio

Erin Augenstein, executive director of the Campus Martius and Ohio River Museums in Marietta, said the museum sees 12,000 visitors a year and around 500 of them come from the river cruise ships.

“It is not like it is a significant portion of our visitors,” Augenstein said. “Last year, during the first six months of 2023 we had visitors from all 50 states and 12 foreign countries.

“This not being in operation is something that will not make or break us.”

They worked with AQV and had visitors from their ships, however the company still owes the museum money for visits in 2023.

“We don’t know what is going to happen there,” she said. “No one has contacted us about that situation.”

Augenstein said the AQV boat visits are not crucial to the business they do. They had six visits last year from that cruise company, but not everyone on the ship disembarks so they ended up with a limited number of visitors to the museum.

Although the riverboats do bring people in, many people chose to come to Marietta as a destination.

“It is important for people to know that people from all over the world are choosing Marietta as a place to go when they are on a road trip or from Europe or Australia here on a trip,” Augenstein said. “There are people from all around this country who are coming specifically to Marietta because they have heard of us.

“I think our community should have a lot of pride because people chose to come to Marietta.”

Brett Dunlap can be reached at [email protected]

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What’s the point of Ohio’s presidential primary? The Wake Up for Monday, March 4, 2024

  • Updated: Mar. 04, 2024, 6:14 a.m. |
  • Published: Mar. 04, 2024, 6:03 a.m.

voters come and go at the polls to vote on issue one

Ohioans still will cast primary ballots for president on March 19, but they won’t mean much. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

  • Cliff Pinckard, cleveland.com

Subscribe to the Wake Up , cleveland.com ’s free morning newsletter, delivered to your inbox weekdays at 5:30 a.m.

By March 19, when Ohio votes on presidential candidates, there’s little question of who each party’s nominee will be. That’s because the longer you wait, the less impact your votes have, as candidates are winnowed out in earlier contests like Iowa and New Hampshire.

Super Tuesday began as a plan by southern Democrats to cluster their primaries. Front loading took off in the 1990s, with state after state moving up their primaries to have more impact.

Ohio already pushed up its election to March, potentially confusing to voters because in nonpresidential state election years, the primary is held in May.

Does the timing really matter if Ohio already has lost its status as a swing state?

One primary race Ohioans will get to decide this year: the Republican U.S. Senate candidate.

Overnight Scores and Weather

Cavs vs. New York Knicks : Donovan Mitchell-less Cavs fall to Knicks under the bright lights once again, 107-98

Northeast Ohio weather forecast : Temperatures in the 70s, sunshine

Top stories

Primary politics : Every four years, presidential wannabes spend months chatting up voters in New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina, Nevada and Michigan in hopes that winning the nation’s earliest primaries and caucuses will vault them into the White House come November. Each presidential nominee is often decided before states with later primaries like Ohio – which casts ballots on March 19 – have weighed in. Sabrina Eaton explores the system .

School vouchers : The number of Cuyahoga County students receiving state-funded scholarships to attend private schools has skyrocketed this year after state lawmakers expanded a voucher program, but state data suggests that doesn’t necessarily mean more kids have opted out of public schools. Laura Hancock reports that across the county’s 31 districts, the number of students receiving tuition payments in the EdChoice-Expansion scholarship has increased nearly four-fold this year, from about 2,500 students last year to nearly 9,200 this year.

Notre Dame closing : Notre Dame College, a South Euclid institution for more than 100 years, announced Thursday that it will close at the end of the spring semester because of rising costs and shrinking enrollments. The closing hit the campus of 1,400 students just days before the school’s spring break begins this weekend. On Friday, many were still struggling to decide what will happen next in their academic careers, Olivia Mitchell reports .

Today in Ohio : The Ohio Attorney General’s office is warning the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that its investigations into FirstEnergy’s alleged bribery schemes could imperil the criminal investigations. We’re talking about Dave Yost’s great save on Today in Ohio , cleveland.com ’s daily half-hour news podcast.

Statehouse and Politics

PUCO investigation : In a letter to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Ohio attorney general’s office warned that the commission’s regulatory investigations into House Bill 6 could demolish the criminal cases. Jake Zuckerman reports that Carol Hamilton O’Brien, the deputy attorney general for law enforcement warned, subpoenas filed to ex-FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones, top company lobbyist Mike Dowling and former PUCO chairman and alleged bribee Sam Randazzo could have the perverse effect of shielding the men implicated in the biggest public corruption scheme in state history from criminal prosecution.

State fair : Ohio lawmakers have already appropriated $190 million and are currently considering adding another $196 million toward a sweeping plan to dramatically change the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus. The “Expo 2050″ plan calls for demolishing a majority of existing fairground buildings and erecting 15 new facilities, among many other things. Jeremy Pelzer reports the price tag could easily end up in the billions. The ad hoc way in which Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been asking the legislature for hundreds of million of dollars to support the project doesn’t sit well with at least one prominent state lawmaker.

Senate ads : Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose entered the U.S. Senate race last year with the profile of a seasoned frontrunner. But Andrew Tobias reports that no pro-LaRose TV ads have aired since Feb. 13.

Northeast Ohio News

Leapling Legacy

Tiffany and Billy Turner, both born on a Feb. 29 - four years apart - welcomed their daughter Mya Marie Turner to the world at Summa Health in Akron Feb. 29, 2024. Summa Health

Leap Day family : Tiffany and Billy Turner, who share a Leap Day 1984 birthday, got the best present they could have asked for on Leap Day 2024: a healthy baby girl. The Akron couple, who married on Leap Day, welcomed Mya Marie Turner to the world at 6:36 p.m. on Feb. 29, Gretchen Cuda Kroen reports .

CMSD money : Cleveland Metropolitan School Superintendent Warren Morgan has promised to relaunch the Get More Opportunities program, but key details on that remain elusive, Lucas Daprile reports . The program – which has funded music therapy, college visits, a calm space for students struggling with mental health – was founded in 2022 in response to the district receiving $20 million from Mackenzie Scott and was in jeopardy when Morgan previously stated he planned to use the unrestricted gift to help balance the district’s budget.

Cleveland Institute of Music : Faculty of the Cleveland Institute of Music issued a vote of “no confidence” on Thursday for both CIM President Paul Hogle and Provost Scott Harrison. Peter Chakerian reports they say recent turmoil is chasing talent, audiences, students and reaccreditation away.

Brecksville Bees : The Brecksville Bees credit their enduring success to a force much deeper: the mental and emotional nurturing they receive at Gym World, where the Bees have trained for decades, reports Hannah Drown . The Ganim family has long believed in building confidence and teaching habits to ensure their gymnasts get as much training and support through self-esteem exercises, meditation, journaling, open discussion among teammates, and through a mental health curriculum, carefully curated through the years and affectionately known as “Psychobabble.”

Maple sugaring : Cleveland Metroparks are kicking off March with something sweet as maple-sugar season returns to Northeast Ohio. Dozens gathered at the Rocky River Reservation on Sunday to experience maple sugaring, something that can be done only in certain regions, including Ohio, Megan Sims reports .

Classic CLE : Peter Chakerian loves Blue Cosmo, Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream’s flavor and classic Cleveland Eats iconoclast. It’s one of those things you eat when you want to feel like a kid again.

Healthcare and Business

Lordstown Motors : Lordstown Motors’ fate is pending in bankruptcy court. Sean McDonnell outlines the story of tangled web of overpromises for what was billed as a bright automotive future with the potential for lots of jobs on the site of a giant former General Motors plant along the Ohio Turnpike not far from Youngstown.

Best hospitals : For the sixth year in a row, the Cleveland Clinic main campus was named as the second-best hospital in the world in Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Hospitals. Julie Washington reports the 2024 rankings highlighted two more Clinic locations as among the top 250 hospitals in the world. The health system’s Abu Dhabi location ranked No. 186 and its Fairview hospital ranked No. 232.

Casino revenue : Ohio’s casinos and racinos had a slow January, starting off 2024 with a decline in revenue right after breaking a revenue record in 2023. The state’s 11 casinos and racinos brought in a combined $176.1 million of revenue in January, down from $196.8 million in January 2023, reports Sean McDonnell .

Cruise industry : The nascent cruise industry in Cleveland will take a hit this summer as one of the major players in Great Lakes cruising is going out of business, reports Susan Glaser . American Queen Voyages announced last week that it was shutting down.

Restaurant closing : Pearl Street Wine Market & Café in Ohio City is closing by April 4 when its lease runs out. That’s because the building’s landlord is raising the rent 175 percent, from $4,000 per month to $11,000 per month, reports Paris Wolfe .

Crime and Courts

Mail carrier shot : A Warren mail carrier was shot and killed Saturday afternoon and the suspects are still at-large, Megan Sims reports . Warren police say U.S. Postal Service employee Jonte Davis, 33, was found in his USPS vehicle with a gunshot wound. Authorities said he was shot in his work vehicle by a suspect in a separate vehicle.

Hall of Fame shooting : One person was wounded in a shooting at Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Megan Sims reports . Officials said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident stemming from a domestic dispute. No details were offered as to exactly where on the 100-acre campus the shooting occurred.

Car thefts : Car thefts continued to climb across Northeast Ohio through much of last year, but investigators are seeing a hopeful sign: The numbers began dropping in September. In Cleveland, stolen cars rose from 4,718 in 2022 to 5,576 last year, an increase of 18%. Molly Walsh has a list of car thefts in every Cuyahoga County suburb.

RTA charges : Federal prosecutors have dropped money laundering charges against a Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority employee once accused of laundering his brother’s drug money by gambling at a West Virginia casino. Adam Ferrise reports that Micah Atkinson, 27, was initially charged in the case in federal court in Wheeling, West Virginia, along with his brother, Robert Atkinson, 42.

School bus crash : A Geauga County school bus was involved in a three-vehicle crash Friday, reports Olivia Mitchell . The accident happened about 7:40 a.m. on Ohio 87, east of Ohio 528, in Middlefield Township. A Cardinal Local Schools bus was picking up students in the eastbound lane.

Arts and Entertainment

cedar point's snake river adventure ride

Snake River Expedition, a family-friendly boat ride, debuted in June 2021 and ran for three seasons. The ride will not open in 2024. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

Cedar Point : Cedar Point is closing down Snake River Expedition, an interactive boat ride that debuted just three years ago in celebration of the park’s 150th anniversary celebration. Susan Glaser reports the ride cruised the Cedar Point lagoon, near the back of the park, and featured live actors and special effects, along with an interactive story involving the delivery of gold, outlaws and a large snake.

Caitlin Clark : The hottest name in sports might be coming to Cleveland. University of Iowa senior Caitlin Clark has captivated the sports landscape in a way no women’s college basketball player ever has before. And if Iowa makes its second straight Final Four when the event comes to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 5 and 7, it will be because its superstar player has continued to do superstar things, Tim Bielik reports .

Rock Off : Saturday night, the Tri-C High School Rock Off held its final “Final Exam,” featuring 12 bands vying for the vaunted title of The Best (teen) Band In The Land. After five hours of live, energetically played and thoroughly performed music, the final winner of the final Final Exam was Inertia, the eclectic and tight quintet of west-side suburbanites who all skipped their winter formal to rock out for friends, family and perhaps some new fans, Malcolm X Abram reports .

Five faves : Cleveland native Phyllis “Seven” Harris has nearly two decades of leadership experience in local nonprofits. For many years, she’s also played a strong role as advocate in Cleveland’s LGBT community — currently serving as the executive director of the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Harris shared her five fab food favorites with Peter Chakerian .

CLE Ballet : Cleveland Ballet performs “Sleeping Beauty” on April 25-27 as the final piece in its 2023-24 season at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. Paris Wolfe reports that artistic director Timour Bourtasenkov promises a freshly interpreted, lavish production.

Kacey Musgraves : Seven-time Grammy-award-winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves will kick off her “Deeper Well World Tour” at the end of April. Peter Chakerian reports that while no Cleveland date has been announced, Musgraves is scheduled to perform at the Schottenstein Center on the campus of the Ohio State University in Columbus on Nov. 13.

Lean Cuisines : With so many options to choose from, your “Best of Cleveland” team decided to take a deep dive into one particular brand of frozen foods. Peter Chakerian and Yadi Rodriguez tried 29 different varieties of Lean Cuisine Protein Kicks that they found at Meijer’s for $2.50 a box.

Distilling : Seven Brothers Distilling stands out not just for its production of high-quality spirits, but also for its lively tasting room with modern farmhouse charm in Geneva, reports Alex Darus . Kevin Suttman founded Seven Brothers officially in 2010, after leaving corporate America amidst the 2008 economic crash.

Schnitz Ale : In a way, former President Ronald Reagan is responsible for Schnitz Ale Brewery opening in Strongsville, reports Marc Bona . The brewery, which opened less than three years ago in Parma, is expanding with a taproom, bar, dining room and merchandise area in an industrial park in Strongsville.

House of the Week : Situated on a cul-de-sac in the peaceful gated community of Sterling Lakes, a colonial built in 2022 seemingly is straight out of a magazine or an HGTV show. Joey Morona reports the home at 4375 Renoir Way in Pepper Pike offers over 4,300 square feet of living space and is full of immaculate finishes and designer details.

You’re all caught up

Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com . If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber .

— Curated by Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard

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US News & World Report - Travel

The 7 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2024

T he more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days

Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days

Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days

Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days

Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

Raw HTML : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Viking River Cruises

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days

Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

FAQ Module : Travel - Top Mississippi River Cruises FAQs

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top River Cruise Lines
  • The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
  • Cruise Packing List Essentials
  • The Top Cruise Insurance Plans

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

American Cruise Lines' Serenade ship in Chattanooga.

COMMENTS

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    2. Enriching Entertainment. 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. Music, trivia, and enrichment talks are held in American Queen's majestic Grand Saloon theater space.

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    Sunset Cruise on the Ohio River. The stunning River Queen is part of the BB Riverboats fleet of old-timey paddleboats. This charming white and red boat plies the Ohio River for two hours at sunset, as the lands of Kentucky and the Ohio city of Cincinnati are daubed in the warm glow of the fading light. There is also live music on board, setting ...

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  22. A Sinking Feeling: Mid-Ohio Valley riverboat cruise operator ceasing

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