Ohio River Cruise

Pittsburgh Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay

Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. The package includes a premium hotel stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Pittsburgh Experience - Complimentary Excursion

Long known for steel manufacturing, Pittsburgh was an essential stop along the Ohio River for national and international commerce making it a wealthy town in the 18th and 19th centuries. Pass by the Heinz Stadium home to the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers and PNC Park, home to the MLB Pittsburgh Pirates.

Please Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Pittsburgh.

Senator John Heinz History Museum - Complimentary Excursion

Named after Republican Politician Senator John Heinz, this interactive museum is full of six floors worth of Western Pennsylvania History, covering the past 250 years. Exhibits include the life of Senator John Heinz, the history of Pittsburgh, professional sports memorabilia, and much more.

Please Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Pittsburgh.

Campus Martius Museum & Ohio River Museum - Complimentary Excursion

Tour two of Marietta’s greatest treasures: the Campus Martius Museum and the Ohio River Museum. The Campus Martius Museum features exhibits focusing on America’s migration out West and Marietta’s earliest native inhabitants. At the Ohio River Museum, discover the golden age of the steamboat and learn about the ecology of the Ohio River system.

The Castle Historic House Museum - Complimentary Excursion

Tour this beautifully preserved, 1855 Gothic-Revival house which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Castle was once home to some of Marietta's most prominent citizens and the site of many prestigious functions. Hear fascinating stories about its history and learn about of one of the oldest regions in the Northwest Territory.

Old Washington Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

Step back in time while you tour the historic town of Old Washington. Starting at the 1790s Visitor Center, your costumed tour guide will lead you through this historic Kentucky village, taking you along flagstone sidewalks graced with authentic frontier log cabins and early 19th-century homes. This two-hour walking tour will include stops at the Simon Kenton Shrine, Albert Sidney Johnston House, and the Harriett Beecher Stowe Slavery to Freedom Museum.

Maysville Highlights - Complimentary Excursion

Enjoy the small town charm of historic Maysville, during this narrated tour. Begin at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, which brings the stories of explorers, artists, and movie stars to life through award-winning dioramas and its collection of historic artifacts. Next, visit the historic Russell Theater, a true piece of the town’s history. The tour will conclude at the Cox Building which was built in 1886 and features Richardson Romanesque architecture. 

Cincinnati City Experience - Complimentary Excursion

Explore both sides of the river on this fantastic, all-encompassing tour. Highlights include the floodwall murals, downtown river district, St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, and Eden Park. Built in 1933, Krohn Conservatory lies in the heart of Eden Park. This art deco building is architecturally significant, but it is the contents inside the aluminum and glass walls that make it truly special. The Conservatory is home to more than 5,000 varieties of exotic, tropical, desert, and orchid plants from around the world.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Complimentary Excursion

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center celebrates the brave men and women who came together to create a secret network through which the enslaved could escape to freedom. Their example of courage, cooperation, and perseverance is relevant to this day, as we continue to deal with contemporary issues of equality and diversity. 

Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park - Complimentary Excursion

Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Churchill Downs, the site of the famed Kentucky Derby. Here, you will have exclusive access to every facet of the race, from the Press Box and Jockey’s to Millionaire’s Row, the most coveted seats on race day. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to see actual Derby footage dating as far back as 1918.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

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

Jim Beam American Outpost

Bourbon enthusiasts will revel in a visit to the famous Jim Beam distillery. Celebrate “America’s First Family of Bourbon,” as you learn about their over 200 years of bourbon-making and view historic artifacts. Your private tour will include a visit to the home where three generations of Beam distillers lived. Step inside the Stillhouse Exhibit, which features an authentic 1800s copper, believed to be one of the oldest in America. Your tour will conclude in the rack house, where the bourbon is aged and the sampling begins. Visit the popular gift shop to purchase a variety of bourbons, bar ware, and other Jim Beam merchandise. 

Audubon Museum

After docking in the tranquil port of Henderson, our morning will begin with a short narrated walk to the famous John James Audubon Museum. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the museum features many original oil and watercolor paintings created by Audubon as well as many of his personal possessions. Your day will continue with the resident naturalist who will provide a narrated tour of the popular Nature Center, which was recently named one of the Top 25 Bird Watching Spots. At the conclusion of the tour, you will have free time for independent exploration.

Paducah City Excursion & National Quilt Museum

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

River Discovery Center

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

Cape Girardeau Experience - Complimentary Excursion

Join a local guide on a narrated exploration of Cape Girardeau, a city that began as a small trading post over 200 years ago. Visit Old St. Vincent’s Church and admire its Renaissance architecture, and then Southeast Missouri State University’s Crisp Museum which features fine art exhibitions, Native American artifacts and interpretive regional history displays.

Missouri History Museum

Enjoy a guided tour through two of the museum’s most popular exhibits; The 1904 World’s Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward, an event that attracted over 200,000 visitors to the opening day, and Seeking St. Louis, delve into the history of the Gateway City from its founding through the new millennium.

Note: This excursion is only offered on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO and on the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland itineraries.

Discover St. Louis - Complimentary Excursion

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

Note: This excursion is only offered on select cruises ending in St. Louis, MO and on the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland itineraries.

Pittsburgh Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay

Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. The package includes a premium hotel stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Missouri History Museum

Enjoy a guided tour through two of the museum’s most popular exhibits; The 1904 World’s Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward, an event that attracted over 200,000 visitors to the opening day, and Seeking St. Louis, delve into the history of the Gateway City from its founding through the new millennium.

Note: This excursion is only offered on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO and on the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland itineraries.

Discover St. Louis - Complimentary Excursion

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

Note: This excursion is only offered on select cruises ending in St. Louis, MO and on the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland itineraries.

Cape Girardeau Experience - Complimentary Excursion

Join a local guide on a narrated exploration of Cape Girardeau, a city that began as a small trading post over 200 years ago. Visit Old St. Vincent’s Church and admire its Renaissance architecture, and then Southeast Missouri State University’s Crisp Museum which features fine art exhibitions, Native American artifacts and interpretive regional history displays.

Paducah City Excursion & National Quilt Museum

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

River Discovery Center

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

Audubon Museum

After docking in the tranquil port of Henderson, our morning will begin with a short narrated walk to the famous John James Audubon Museum. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the museum features many original oil and watercolor paintings created by Audubon as well as many of his personal possessions. Your day will continue with the resident naturalist who will provide a narrated tour of the popular Nature Center, which was recently named one of the Top 25 Bird Watching Spots. At the conclusion of the tour, you will have free time for independent exploration.

Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park - Complimentary Excursion

Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Churchill Downs, the site of the famed Kentucky Derby. Here, you will have exclusive access to every facet of the race, from the Press Box and Jockey’s to Millionaire’s Row, the most coveted seats on race day. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to see actual Derby footage dating as far back as 1918.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

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

Jim Beam American Outpost

Bourbon enthusiasts will revel in a visit to the famous Jim Beam distillery. Celebrate “America’s First Family of Bourbon,” as you learn about their over 200 years of bourbon-making and view historic artifacts. Your private tour will include a visit to the home where three generations of Beam distillers lived. Step inside the Stillhouse Exhibit, which features an authentic 1800s copper, believed to be one of the oldest in America. Your tour will conclude in the rack house, where the bourbon is aged and the sampling begins. Visit the popular gift shop to purchase a variety of bourbons, bar ware, and other Jim Beam merchandise. 

Cincinnati City Experience - Complimentary Excursion

Explore both sides of the river on this fantastic, all-encompassing tour. Highlights include the floodwall murals, downtown river district, St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, and Eden Park. Built in 1933, Krohn Conservatory lies in the heart of Eden Park. This art deco building is architecturally significant, but it is the contents inside the aluminum and glass walls that make it truly special. The Conservatory is home to more than 5,000 varieties of exotic, tropical, desert, and orchid plants from around the world.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Complimentary Excursion

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center celebrates the brave men and women who came together to create a secret network through which the enslaved could escape to freedom. Their example of courage, cooperation, and perseverance is relevant to this day, as we continue to deal with contemporary issues of equality and diversity. 

Old Washington Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

Step back in time while you tour the historic town of Old Washington. Starting at the 1790s Visitor Center, your costumed tour guide will lead you through this historic Kentucky village, taking you along flagstone sidewalks graced with authentic frontier log cabins and early 19th-century homes. This two-hour walking tour will include stops at the Simon Kenton Shrine, Albert Sidney Johnston House, and the Harriett Beecher Stowe Slavery to Freedom Museum.

Maysville Highlights - Complimentary Excursion

Enjoy the small town charm of historic Maysville, during this narrated tour. Begin at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, which brings the stories of explorers, artists, and movie stars to life through award-winning dioramas and its collection of historic artifacts. Next, visit the historic Russell Theater, a true piece of the town’s history. The tour will conclude at the Cox Building which was built in 1886 and features Richardson Romanesque architecture. 

Campus Martius Museum & Ohio River Museum - Complimentary Excursion

Tour two of Marietta’s greatest treasures: the Campus Martius Museum and the Ohio River Museum. The Campus Martius Museum features exhibits focusing on America’s migration out West and Marietta’s earliest native inhabitants. At the Ohio River Museum, discover the golden age of the steamboat and learn about the ecology of the Ohio River system.

The Castle Historic House Museum - Complimentary Excursion

Tour this beautifully preserved, 1855 Gothic-Revival house which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Castle was once home to some of Marietta's most prominent citizens and the site of many prestigious functions. Hear fascinating stories about its history and learn about of one of the oldest regions in the Northwest Territory.

Pittsburgh Experience - Complimentary Excursion

Long known for steel manufacturing, Pittsburgh was an essential stop along the Ohio River for national and international commerce making it a wealthy town in the 18th and 19th centuries. Pass by the Heinz Stadium home to the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers and PNC Park, home to the MLB Pittsburgh Pirates.

Please Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Pittsburgh.

Senator John Heinz History Museum - Complimentary Excursion

Named after Republican Politician Senator John Heinz, this interactive museum is full of six floors worth of Western Pennsylvania History, covering the past 250 years. Exhibits include the life of Senator John Heinz, the history of Pittsburgh, professional sports memorabilia, and much more.

Please Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in Pittsburgh.