riverboat cruises on the ohio river

Scenic River Tour

Quick details.

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

Children must be at least 7 years old for this ride

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.

Related Jet Boat Tours

• Hour Glass 2 days
• Cruise Ship 155 miles

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.

• Hour Glass 5 hours
• Cruise Ship 75 miles

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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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

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

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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As we move into our new Newport Landing dock facility & event center, our online reservation system will be temporality unavailable. Please call 1(800) 261-8586 to book your reservation today. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to serving you in 2019!

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Signature Cruises

Experience Cincinnati and the Ohio River like never before and unwind on a day or evening cruise aboard one of the magnificent BB Riverboats. We aren’t your typical cruise company. Choose from a wide variety of our signature cruises, Read More all of which include a fully stocked bar and delicious food from our buffet. Plan a date night with your loved one on our Stonebrook Winery Sunset Cruise, relax the day away with friends on our Captains’ Lunch Cruise, or bring the kids and have some family fun and bonding on our Sunday Family Dinner Cruise. Our Signature, or Specialty Cruises are offered daily throughout the season. Read Less

Specialty Cruises

Are you looking for a unique and memorable way to spend an afternoon or evening in Cincinnati? BB Riverboats cruises have plenty of options for you, whether you're looking for family fun during the day, or a way to spend an evening with friends that you'll never forget. Read More Join the excitement and take an adventure on one of our themed dinner cruises. These riverboat cruises are designed for all tastes and interests. Bring your kids to a Princess, Pirate, or Super Hero Cruise; take your husband or wife to sightsee along the Ohio River; or grab your friends and listen to live music. For a fun guy’s night out, we offer a Bernstein’s Batch Bourbon Dinner Cruise; and for the ladies, a Girl’s Night Out with Pure Romance Cruise. Tasty cocktails at our full bar and exciting entertainment compliment all cruises. Read Less

Holiday Cruises

Are you looking for a fun way to spend the summer holidays with family and loved ones? Forget the movie theatre or dinner at a boring restaurant and come aboard one of our lavish Riverboats to sail on the mighty Ohio. Read More Spend Father's Day, July 4th or Labor Day on a boat cruise that is sure to be one of the highlights of your summer! Our dinner cruises travel along the Ohio River and give you the greatest of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky sightseeing. Whether it is dining at our extensive buffet, sipping cocktails at our full bar, or busting out your best moves on our dance floor, you are sure to make memories your family and friends will cherish forever. Read Less

BB is Back! Here's How We’re Cruising Safely

There is nothing more important than the well-being of our customers and crew. Learn more about the steps we’re taking to make sure your BB experience is safe and enjoyable.

Grand Ohio River-American Heritage

Time to cruise east, leaving the familiar Mississippi behind for the Ohio River! Follow the history of the pioneers who kept pushing the boundaries of American identity in music, culture, architecture, and more. From St. Louis to Pittsburgh (or reverse), this Ohio River cruise will introduce you to the heartland of America. From the start of the cruise in St. Louis, you’ll pick up the rhythm of the river. The Queen of the Mississippi will continue that rhythm with the churning paddlewheel and joyful noise of the calliope! Journeying southeast, you’ll visit Paducah, where the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers come together. Where waters meet, so do people, making Paducah rich in history. Walk among the bronze ‘Birds of America’ statues in Henderson, based on the paintings of John James Audubon. Feel the spirit of the South alive in the northern Louisville. Walk through history along the river’s edge. Continue your 11-Day cruise northeast through ports of call in Ohio and Kentucky before disembarking in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh | Marietta | Maysville | Cincinnati | Louisville | Henderson | Paducah | Cape Girardeau | St. Louis

Cruise Details

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Pittsburgh, PA Welcome aboard the American Heritage! This itinerary includes a complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay in Pittsburgh!

2 Pittsburgh, PA Our ship docks near the famous point where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to begin the majestic Ohio River. As you cruise, delight in picturesque and ever-changing scenery, as early explorers did centuries ago.

3 Moundsville, WV 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. Moundsville is a land of sacred pasts and promising futures, accented with quaint neighborhoods, and beautiful landscapes.

4 Marietta, OH Named for Marie Antoinette, Marietta shares a metropolitan area with Parkersburg and Vienna, West Virginia, with their location on the Ohio River making it a continually popular stop for tourists and steamboats.

5 Maysville, KY Maysville is a quaint town, surrounded by picturesque scenery with the sounds of bluegrass music on the wind!

6 Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati is a fascinating city, full of highlights to excite everyone. If you’re interested in history, you could visit the William Howard Taft National Historic Museum, or the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. If you’d rather experience natural wonders, take a tour of the Krohn Conservatory – an art deco building built in 1933 with more than 5000 varieties of plants from around the world. If you’re not sure what you want to see, start your day with the complimentary city tour to get a better understanding of the layout of Cincinnati, and an idea of where to go next.

7 Cincinnati, OH Spend a second day in this mesmerizing city. Explore The Cincinnati Museum Center, which encompasses history, science, and children's museums in the art deco Union Terminal. View picturesque Eden Park, home of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, and Krohn Conservatory.

8 Louisville, KY Louisville – pronounced differently depending on where you’re from, but named for King Louis XVI of France and famously home to the Kentucky Derby! Louisville is home to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, or you could visit nearby Clermont to tour the Jim Beam bourbon distillery.

9 Louisville, KY Take an excursion to the Kentucky Derby Museum and Horse Park, which has footage dating as far back as 1918.

10 Henderson, KY Notable Henderson resident, John James Audubon, has left a legacy of nature in town. His ‘Birds of America’ paintings have been recreated in bronze throughout town. The Audubon Museum Tour is complimentary on this cruise.

11 Evansville, IN Discover this 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. Explore the area’s many museums and take time for shopping and strolling along the charming streets of this picturesque waterfront town

12 Paducah, KY Where rivers come together, so do people. At the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, you’ll find the building of history quite tangible. Walk through Paducah and remember the Chicasaw village which preceded the town. View the history through the Wall-to-Wall mural collection of more than 50 murals.

13 Day of Cruising Cruise from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River on your way to Cape Girardeau. Enjoy onboard activities such as trivia in the lounge or shuffleboard on the top deck. Or simply, relax on your private balcony and delight in the bucolic countryside and rolling river views.

14 Cape Girardeau, MO Perched on the western bank of the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is a town reminiscent of the days of pioneers, steamboats, and trading posts. You will feel as if you have stepped back in time, in this enchanting place which has been visited by the likes of Mark Twain, Lewis and Clark, and Ulysses S. Grant. Explore the impressive murals that decorate the historic downtown and chronicle its past and unique relationship with Ole Man River. Discover important Civil War sites and view a moving commemoration of the Cherokee’s forced migration along the Trail of Tears. Roam the quaint downtown and peruse the antique and specialty shops to find the perfect treasure to remember your visit

15 St. Louis, MO St. Louis is sure to win you over. Admire the scenic riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class attractions, including the National Great Rivers Museum, which tells stories of the Mississippi River’s rich history, the people that rely on the river, and its many ecosystems.

16 St. Louis, MO End your journey in this unique city with frontier-town roots and Midwest modesty. On your travels home, reflect upon your many wonderful adventures, or choose to explore more in the Gateway to the West.

Map & Gallery

Cabin Categories

*Prices may vary due to seasonality

Onboard Experience

The American Cruise Line fleet of ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly small ships in the US. The cruise line prides itself on their hospitable staff, and that you’ll be graciously received no matter which ship you cruise on. The large staterooms with interior entrances ensure you have a relaxed, private area to watch the river from, or visit any of the many onboard lounges. Daily entertainment will be brought onboard, including musicians, historians and naturalists.

Regionally-Inspired Menus

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.

Eagle Society

Once you’ve cruised aboard any American Cruise Line ship, you are an Eagle Society member. It’s free to be a member, but your loyalty to American Cruise Lines is greatly rewarded. You’ll receive Eagle Society luggage tags, and member-only gifts when you board each cruise. After 3 cruises, you’ll receive complimentary premium shore excursions. After 10 cruises, you’ll get a complimentary 11th cruise. There are special Eagle Society cruise dates every year. Plus all Eagle Society member benefits can be used when booking with USA River Cruises, plus you’ll still be eligible for our loyal customer benefits as well.

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Ohio River Cruises

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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.

(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

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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10 types of cruises you need to try at least once in your life

If you're an avid cruiser, chances are you've found your niche — the types of cruises that you most enjoy, whether they're on large or small ships, U.S.-based voyages or those farther afield. Conversely, if you're new to the cruise world, it can be difficult to wrap your head around the options.

Regardless of your experience level, there are some options that are essential for anyone looking to get serious about setting sail.

These are the 10 types of cruises we think any well-rounded passenger should try at least once in their lives. How many have you done, and which are still on your bucket list?

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Ocean crossings

Ocean crossings were common in the early days of ocean liners, which transported both people and goods between countries. As passenger cruising began to evolve, crossings became as much about entertainment and vacationing as they were about getting from point A to point B.

Today, the only classic ocean liner that still runs a regular route is Cunard Line 's Queen Mary 2, which sails weeklong voyages between London and New York. Modern travelers can get a feel for what the grand ole liner days were like by booking a transatlantic cruise on the vessel, which makes no port calls as it crosses the Atlantic Ocean.

Other ships might do crossings a couple of times a year, too, as they reposition to different regions at the start of each season. Some do offer a handful of port stops, but a large number of sea days is generally expected.

Big-ship cruises

The largest cruise ships carry more than 9,000 people, including passengers and crew members. That can sound extremely intimidating to some people, particularly those who prefer small-ship sailings.

I get it. You might not want more than a dozen decks to climb, loud music around every turn or tons of families with small children. However, you can't call yourself a true cruiser if you don't try a megaship at least once. These ships offer some pretty out-there diversions like laser tag, bungee trampolines and even roller coasters on their top decks. You need to try one out to truly know if the experience is or isn't for you; you might be surprised at your ability to avoid crowds.

Plus, with so much to do, there's something for just about everyone in terms of food and entertainment if you find yourself traveling with a group of friends or family. My recommendation? Try a ship in Royal Caribbean 's Oasis Class or Icon Class . They offer the most options, and after you board, you simply won't believe you're on a ship.

Related: Icon of the Seas review: What's it like on the world's largest cruise ship?

Cruises to nowhere

Cruises to nowhere used to give travelers who weren't sure they'd like water-based vacations a chance to try one out with little commitment of time or money. The sailings — which would leave port, head out to sea for a day or two and then return to land — featured no port calls.

Now, due to stricter enforcement of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (which requires passenger ships larger than a certain size leaving from and returning to ports in the U.S. to call on at least one foreign port), most cruises to nowhere from the U.S. are no longer allowed .

For close-to-home sailings, look for one-way Pacific Coast voyages that sail between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco with no port stops. Or, head to another country, such as the United Kingdom, to try a cruise to nowhere.

Europe riverboat voyages

Sure, ocean cruises are fantastic, but so are river cruises . Their slower pace means you can take in the scenery as you sail from destination to destination. Because you can always see land, river sailings are a solid option for those who worry they'd be upset to be in the middle of the ocean with only water in every direction.

Additionally, the ports are generally close enough to one another that you might stop in more than one per day, allowing for more in-depth exploration of the region you're visiting. (One of the most popular river cruise regions is the Rhine Gorge, with its stunning castles.)

Food and local culture tend to be far more immersive than what you'd find during a port call on an oceangoing vessel. There are also fewer passengers on riverboats, which means a more favorable crew-to-guest ratio and, therefore, better service.

Expedition sailings

If you're starting to feel like you've been to all the destinations mainstream cruise ships have to offer, or if you're an active traveler who's worried a cruise might be too sedentary, an expedition sailing could be for you.

Gone are the days when traveling to far-flung, isolated locales required passengers to sacrifice amenities. The newest ships on the market offer top-end luxury, and they transport cruisers with enough dough to places like the Arctic, Antarctica and Alaska.

Depending on the destination, you might see polar or grizzly bears, moose, Arctic foxes, seals, walruses, musk oxen, bald eagles, whales, local birds and a slew of other wildlife. Mix in some flora, calving glaciers, icebergs and ruins from early explorers, and you're in for a real treat.

Related: I found Goldilocks in Antarctica with this big little ship that's just right

US paddlewheeler sailings

Looking for a healthy dose of Americana with your next cruise? You'll find the slow pace and cultural immersion of a European river cruise right here in the U.S. with a sailing on a paddlewheeler like American Cruise Lines' American Heritage, American Splendor, American Pride and American West.

As you glide along U.S. waterways like the Ohio, Mississippi, Snake and Columbia rivers, you'll experience small-town hospitality, local landmarks that you might not otherwise hear about and a history lesson you're not likely to forget any time soon.

The boats themselves are also fascinating, using paddlewheels for at least part of their propulsion. The practice evokes the early days of riverboating, and resident historians (called riverlorians) give lectures to teach about the areas the boats visit.

Back-to-back voyages

What's better than a vacation? Two vacations, of course. It's not uncommon for cruisers to take more than one sailing in a row on the same vessel. Most often, they book two consecutive voyages, known as a back-to-back trip.

The obvious draw here, besides bragging rights, is that a back-to-back extends your travels beyond just one cruise. Sail to the Eastern Caribbean one week and the Western the next, or turn a weeklong one-way sailing from Barcelona to Rome into a two-week round trip visiting even more Mediterranean ports. Plus, you'll find yourself on board with a largely new group of fellow passengers after the first sailing ends, so it's a great way to meet twice the number of people.

If you go this route, be sure to ask to stay in the same cabin to avoid having to relocate all your belongings between voyages. Know you might also be required to complete the muster drill again for the second leg of your trip.

World cruises

Accessible to only the wealthiest cruisers, world voyages (as you might have guessed) sail to destinations all over the globe in one long cruise. These itineraries usually stretch for 100 days or more, hitting key ports across most of the seven continents.

It's also common for cruise lines to offer segments to passengers wishing to do only part of the longer voyage. This opens the option up to travelers with smaller budgets.

Most cruisers — even seasoned ones — have never taken a world cruise, and it's truly a feather in the cap of anyone who checks it off their list.

Masted-ship sailings

Want to feel like a true swashbuckler? Consider a cruise on a masted sailing ship . There are several distinct experiences you can choose from, depending on your cruise style and how involved you'd like to be in helping out on a working ship.

Star Clippers allows passengers to help raise and lower the sails and climb the mast up to the crow's nest. The accommodations are a little more spartan, more like true sailboat quarters, and entertainment is homespun with guest-participation shows and knot-tying lessons. The vessels in this line try to rely largely on wind for propulsion and spend up to 80% of the voyage under sail.

Want to experience a masted sailing ship but prefer to leave the work to the crew? Consider a cruise on the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , the stunning new sailing ship from Sea Cloud Cruises. This tall ship offers an authentic sailing experience with modern creature comforts like TVs and Wi-Fi.

Related: Why this new sailing ship may be the ultimate way to explore Costa Rica and Panama

Meanwhile, Windstar Cruises has a handful of sailing vessels in its fleet, but the sails are more for show than for actual function. Although there's still a working crew to operate them, you'll feel less like a deckhand and more like a luxury cruise traveler.

Bahamas weekenders

Sometimes, you need a quick getaway and don't want to bust your budget in the process. Look for short weekend sailings to the Bahamas to squeeze in a vacation without burning through your PTO.

The shortest options are on Margaritaville at Seas' Paradise . Have all the cheeseburgers and margaritas you want during quick two-night round-trip sailings from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida, to Freeport, Bahamas. For a slightly longer weekend, travelers can also choose to disembark and stay at a land-based resort for a few days before cruising home.

If big-ship cruising with lots of onboard diversions is more your thing, several of the big-ship cruise lines offer three-night weekend cruises. For example, Royal Caribbean offers three-night itineraries to Nassau and the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , both in the Bahamas.

Weekend cruises appeal to many types of cruisers, but keep in mind that they tend to have a party atmosphere on board.

Bottom line

Don't knock what you haven't tried. With so many different types of cruises out there, you can't say cruising is not for you or that a certain type of sailing is your favorite if you haven't experienced the various options for yourself. Try a vacation that might push you out of your comfort zone or be an entirely new type of sailing. You just might find yourself with a new favorite cruise type along the way.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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• St. Petersburg - Moscow Cruise

This 8-day Russian river cruise by luxury ship will take you to the jewels of Russia - St. Petersburg and Moscow as well as the most significant towns between these 2 magnificent cities: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island with its amazing wooden architecture and Uglich and Goritsy with their tranquil, country atmosphere.

• Route St. Petersburg - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Goritsy - Uglich - Moscow
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Cruise Ship 5-star cruise ship MS Rostropovich
• Group Tour This is a group tour. There will be other people in your group.

This is a great Russian river cruise on a comfortable 4-star ship that will take you to St. Petersburg and Moscow and the most significant places between these 2 cities: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island with its amazing wooden architecture and Uglich and Goritsy with their tranquil atmosphere.

• Route St. Petersburg - Mandrogui- Kizhi - Goritsy - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 4-star cruise ship: MS Crucelake

This is our shortest St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise and it is a perfect choice for those who have already been to Moscow and St. Petersburg and would like to explore the small, charming towns lying between the Two Capitals.

• Route St. Petersburg - Shlisselburg - Valaam - Svirstroy/Lodeynoe Pole - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Kuzino - Myshkin - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 3-star cruise ships: MS Swan Lake, MS Moonlight Sonata

This is our most popular St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise. Besides in depth visits to St. Petersburg and Moscow, the cruise covers all the most important areas between the two capitals: Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island with its beautiful nature and wooden architecture, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

• Route St. Petersburg - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Goritsy - Yaroslavl - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 3-star cruise ships: MS Zosima Shashkov

This is a classic St. Petersburg - Moscow cruises that takes you to the Two Capitals as well a number of charming ancient towns on the way: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island, Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

• Cruise Ship 4-star cruise ships:, MS Nikolay Chernyshevsky, MS Nizhny Novgorod, MS Konstantin Fedin, MS Sankt-Peterburg, MS Kronshtadt

This St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise is a great way to discover Russia. The cruise includes in-depth visits to Russia’s two capitals and also makes stops at all of the important sites along the route including Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island with its beautiful nature and wooden architecture, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

This 11-day St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise covers all the important places: Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

• Cruise Ship 3-star cruise ship: MS Moonlight Sonata

This 8-day Russian river cruise on a luxury ship takes you to Russia’s two capitals – Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as to the ancient towns of Uglich and Goritsy, Kizhi island with its outstanding wooden architecture, and Mandrogui village, famous for traditional handicrafts, and Valaam archipielago with its amazing monastary.

• Route St. Petersburg - Valaam - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Goritsy - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 5-star cruise ship MS Mustai Karim

We would like to thank you very much for making the arrangements for our river cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow in Sept-Oct. We were very pleased with every aspect of the cruise. The accommodation and the meals were excellent, the staff very knowledgeable & courteous, the quality of the tours was excellent. We found the lectures on the boat very interesting & everything possible was done to make sure the tourists had a wonderful experience. Thank you, too, for arranging the hotel for us the night before the cruise. It was in a great location & very comfortable. All aspects of the trip were wonderful & it was great value for money spent. Our sincere thanks.

We just wanted to thank you again for your help in setting up our Russian cruise. We've appreciated your support all the way through - from taking us through the complex paperwork of the visa application to talking to our taxi driver in St Petersburg to make sure that we were in the right place. Great service! We absolutely loved the cruise! We learned a lot, relaxed a lot and were dazzled by beautiful cities and landscapes. We couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Russia. Thanks again!

St. Petersburg Cruise

This St. Petersburg cruise to Moscow Cruise is a great combination of ancient Russian cities, famous for their history, architecture and art. Travel along the magnificent Volga River that links these 2 beautiful and historic cities. Port calls include the Russian capital Moscow , Saint Petersburg , Kizhi , Goritsy and Uglich . The river cruise ship will take you along the Neva River , Lake Ladoga ,the Svir River , Lake Onega , the Baltic canal , White Lake and the Volga River . The beauty of the countryside will make your trip unforgettable. Come to Russia in the summer of 2021 with Express to Russia.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

A russian land tour or a river cruise - which is better.

This decision completely depends on your preferred way of travelling. During the Russian river cruise you will not only visit the two largest cities of Russia, but also small towns and villages along the route and you will have a chance to participate in master classes, learn a little Russian language and dive into local Russian culture and hospitality. For those who prefer custom-made programs and more free time in the cities of their choice we recommend a land tour, both are excellent options. To find out more about the differences click here .

Do I need a visa for a Russian River Cruise?

If your citizenship is not on the list of countries with visa-free access to Russia, you will need a valid Russian visa. Please make sure to start the process in a timely manner, so as to avoid any last-minute pressure. More details on Russian Visas can be found here .

What is the best Russian river cruise line?

There are several Russian river cruise lines. Each cruise line offers a number of ships and programs at different price ranges. You call feel confident in choosing any of them. All of these cruise lines are well trusted and have been in business for a long time. We also recommend checking guests' reviews and asking our reservation specialist for more details regarding any concerns.

How far in advance should I book a Russian river cruise?

Usually the cruise operating companies set their schedules and prices well in advance - at least one year before the actual cruise starts. So, we may recommend that you book your cruise and place a deposit as early as possible so that you have enough time to arrange all other components of your journey. Please also note that cruise cabins sell out quickly, so it is always a good idea to book your cabin of choice in advance.

What should I pack for a Russian River Cruise?

The weather here can be unpredictable. So first of all it is important to have comfortable clothes and some wind/waterproof items. We highly recommend that you check our new article that contains full information on packing for a Russian river cruise .

What is the voltage in Russia?

Russia uses 220V voltage as does most of Europe. So before packing your devices, do not forget to take a proper adapter, so you may recharge all of your devices with no stress. For more information please see our useful tips .

Our travel brands include

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Cruise Routes (Interactive Map)

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
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Moscow to Saint Petersburg

13 days – 12 nights

Collapse Full Itinerary

Gold, Platinum  Airport transfer / Check-in at centrally located Marriott Aurora***** or Ararat Park Hyatt*****

Imperial : Private airport transfer / Check-in at the luxurious Four Seasons Moscow***** only a minute from the Kremlin and Red Square

Volga dream experience:

Gold: City Tour / Novodevichy Cemetery Imperial, Platinum:  City tour / Lunch in a Moscow City Skyscraper / Novodevichy Cemetery / Sparrow Hills

Meals: Breakfast

Platinum / Imperial

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Gold:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / GUM Department Store

Platinum:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / St. Basil’s Cathedral / GUM Department Store / Park Zaryadye

Gold:  Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Platinum:  Leo Tolstoy House-Museum in Hamovniki / Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gold, Platinum:  Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood

Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Gold, Platinum:  Yaroslavl City Tour / Governor’s house 

Volga dream experience: Sun Deck Barbeque

Gold:  Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery  

Platinum:  Ferapontov Monastery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

Gold, Platinum: Kizhi Island / Lake Onega

Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – Compositions by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Gold, Platinum:  Svirstroy village / Local resident’s home / Local primary school

Volga dream experience: Farewell Dinner, Captain’s cocktail

Gold:  City Tour / Peter and Paul Fortress

Platinum:  City Tour / St. Isaac’s Cathedral / Canal boat / Yusupov Palace

Gold:  The State Hermitage Museum / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Platinum:  The State Hermitage Museum (Early Entrance!) / Gold Room / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Gold:  Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Platinum:  Faberge Museum / Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Meals: Breakfast / Imperial

Gold, Platinum, Imperial: Check-out / Airport transfer

Volga dream experience: -

The rates are set for a cruising season. The price is not dependent on the month within a selected year

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All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Actual size of cabins can slightly differ within one category.

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Journey: Volga Dream

Price per person: not specified