BB Riverboats
Cruise the Ohio River on historic sternwheelers, offering sightseeing, dinner, and themed excursions with stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm weather, beautiful sunsets
BB Riverboats
Best Time
Warm weather, beautiful sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cruise the Ohio River on historic sternwheelers, offering sightseeing, dinner, and themed excursions with stunning city views.
"The sunset dinner cruise offers incredible views and a memorable experience, making it a must-do!"
🎯 Book Sightseeing Without Meals
Opt for sightseeing cruises without meals to save money. Grab snacks from the concession counter instead!
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Parking is generally easy and not too far from the boarding location in Newport, KY.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Ohio River
Enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the water with delicious food and live music. A perfect romantic evening or special celebration.
Sightseeing Cruise
Ohio River
Take in panoramic views of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky skylines from the water. Informative commentary often included.
Themed Cruises (Princess, Barbie, Kids)
Various
Magical experiences for younger guests, featuring characters, games, and themed activities. A hit for family fun.
Fireworks Cruises
Ohio River
Experience spectacular fireworks displays from the best seats on the river. A truly unforgettable event.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Popular Cruises
Consider Cruise Type for Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Sightseeing Without Meals
Opt for sightseeing cruises without meals to save money. Grab snacks from the concession counter instead!
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Parking is generally easy and not too far from the boarding location in Newport, KY.
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The live music, especially jazz, is a highlight for many. It's often described as fun and not too loud.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
The river offers fantastic views for photos, especially during sunset cruises. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Sightseeing Without Meals
Opt for sightseeing cruises without meals to save money. Grab snacks from the concession counter instead!
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Parking is generally easy and not too far from the boarding location in Newport, KY.
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The live music, especially jazz, is a highlight for many. It's often described as fun and not too loud.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
The river offers fantastic views for photos, especially during sunset cruises. +1
✨ Themed Cruises Shine
Kids' themed cruises, like the Princess or Barbie Ball, are highly praised for being impressive and magical. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
BB Riverboats offers a scenic and enjoyable experience on the Ohio River, with many praising the friendly staff, fun live music, and stunning views, especially during sunset and fireworks cruises. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the food quality and the condition of the boats, suggesting that opting for sightseeing cruises or managing dining expectations can enhance the visit.
"We did the Jazz Brunch, and had a good time! The music was fun and not too loud. The food was good, but honestly it was a lot like hotel breakfast..the pastries were really good. The other food was good but not great. The staff were all very friendly and helpful- they seemed to enjoy their work. Parking was easy and not too far away. You can enjoy the music and the ride without getting the meal for a cheaper price, and that is what I would recommend. They have a decent concession counter, so consider that instead of the meal unless you are all planning to be super hungry. Also, if you get the meal, don’t bother paying for the window seat for the extra fee. It is easy to see well from anywhere. Over all, it’s worth going, great for any age."
Nicole Bishop
"Well i was very disappointed with the condition of the boat. It was very low scale literally in poor condition. I have 26 guess to celebrate my birthday. I was totally embarrassed of the boat condition. The food was horrible. The best thing was they had great staff. Bring your own food. The band was good but, they could come up to date."
Cynthia O
"We did a lunch cruise on a Saturday. I'd recommend getting there a little earlier than is recommended. The food was hot and fresh, one buffet table was open almost the whole cruise. Water and unsweet tea is included, but soft drinks are $5 and include a plastic cup you can take with you. You can order alcohol as well. There's a small gift shop that you can buy snacks from (good to know for if you do a cruise without a meal). We enjoyed it and would go again. The man who played his banjo talked about the history of bridges and what all we passed by. He was very entertaining and funny. Pictures they take at the beginning were $25, ours was brightened up a lot. It still looked decent though."
Jeanna Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
BB Riverboats depart from Newport, Kentucky, located across the river from downtown Cincinnati. The address is typically 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071. +2
Yes, parking is generally available and convenient near the boarding location.
You can drive across the river via the Taylor Southgate Bridge or the Newport Southbank Bridge. Ride-sharing services are also a convenient option. +1
Look for signs directing you to BB Riverboats in Newport. It's usually well-marked, especially near Newport on the Levee.
While specific routes may vary, checking local transit options for Northern Kentucky or Cincinnati public transport can provide bus routes that get you close to the Newport area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased directly through the BB Riverboats website. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for popular dinner or themed cruises.
Keep an eye out for BB Riverboats coupons, Groupon offers, or special promotions that may be available online.
Cruise durations vary. Sightseeing cruises are typically shorter, while dinner cruises can last 2-3 hours. Check the specific cruise details when booking.
While same-day tickets might be available for some sightseeing cruises, it's best to book in advance for dinner or special event cruises to guarantee your spot.
Policies can vary by cruise type and booking platform. It's advisable to review the specific terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact BB Riverboats directly for details.
🎫 🚢 Onboard Experience
Reviews are mixed. Some find the food good, comparable to a hotel breakfast, while others describe it as disappointing. Pastries and desserts often receive positive mentions.
Themed cruises like the Princess Cruise or Barbie Ball are highly recommended for families with children, offering magical and engaging experiences.
Yes, many cruises feature live music, including jazz bands, which are often described as fun and a great addition to the experience. +1
The views of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky skylines, especially during sunset, are consistently praised as incredible and a major highlight.
Yes, soft drinks, alcohol, and other beverages are available for purchase on most cruises. Water and unsweetened tea are often included with lunch cruises.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunset cruises offer stunning golden hour light and beautiful cityscapes. Fireworks cruises provide dramatic nighttime shots. +1
Yes, you can generally take photos from most areas of the boat. The upper decks often provide unobstructed views.
Yes, professional photos are often taken at the beginning of cruises, which you can purchase.
Capture panoramic city skyline views, river activity, sunset/sunrise colors, and onboard entertainment. +1
For daytime, use standard settings. For sunset, consider a wider aperture and adjust ISO for low light. For fireworks, use a tripod and a long exposure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 These events are designed to be highly engaging and memorable for younger guests. Even on regular sightseeing or lunch cruises, the novelty of being on a riverboat and seeing the city from the water is usually exciting for children. Consider bringing snacks or opting for a cruise without a meal if your children are picky eaters, as food reviews can be mixed.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Even if you opt for a sightseeing cruise, the gentle rocking of the boat and the city lights reflecting on the water can be incredibly romantic. Consider booking a window seat if available, though reviews suggest good views are possible from most locations.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Perfect Cruise
Special events like fireworks cruises offer a unique vantage point for local displays, making them a highly recommended option for a spectacular evening. The Jazz Brunch cruise is another popular choice, combining live Dixieland jazz with a buffet breakfast, though some find the food similar to a standard hotel breakfast.
Dining and Refreshments Onboard
Beverages are available for purchase, with soft drinks costing around $5 and including a souvenir cup. Alcohol is also served.
Capturing the Magic: Photography on BB Riverboats
Beyond the scenery, the boats themselves, with their classic sternwheeler design, offer interesting photographic subjects. During special events like fireworks cruises, you'll have an unparalleled vantage point for capturing spectacular aerial displays.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit