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princess cruise - BB Riverboats

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It was a nice excursion. Buffet supper was good, and wait staff were excellent. Our excursion was... read more

The staff is very nice. The travel is very good, where we were able to learn more about Kentucky... read more

princess cruise

Room for improvement. The main activities were held on the first floor, so you were unable to view the ship taking off enless you walked out to the deck, which meant you missed the princess entrance. The princess were alot to be desired. They weren't at all what you would expect of a fairy pretty princess. Bra straps an alot of boobs hanging out. Thankfully my daughter didnt know better. Overall though it was great weather, meeting the captain was cool, and they didnt offer a bunch of stuff to buy up in your face.

If you are looking for something fun to do, I highly recommend BB Riverboats. We celebrated by husband's 50th Birthday yesterday aboard the Belle of Cincinnati and had a blast. In fact, my husband said, "This was the best birthday ever!" The staff/food are excellent. The cruise up/down the river is beautiful and the lights at night are gorgeous too. There was a dance floor and a live DJ who made several announcements about people celebrating various things. It is well worth every penny. Our friends who were with us also commented on how fun it was and we are planning to do it again. Thank you BB Riverboats for your hospitality!

My parents and I went on the Belle of Cincinnati for a lunch cruise recently. It was a very enjoyable experience. The riverboat is clean and the service was good. The food was good, but the dessert could have been better. The atmosphere is old-fashioned, with a banjo player playing Stephen Foster's music. It was relaxing to sit outside and take in the sights on the Ohio.

This was the 2nd year that we have gone on a bb riverboat cruise for the end of summer celebration. Last year we were on the Belle of Cincinnati, which is a much bigger paddlewheeler. This year we were on the River Queen, which is smaller. We did have a great time and I get that buffet food isn't always the best but the food could have been better. The food isn't the big attraction here, it's the front row seats without the crazy crowd to the most spectacular fireworks display I have ever seen and I have attended many Riverfests. The captain navigates down the Ohio River a few miles and then escorts the fireworks barge back up the river and then gets in position for everyone to enjoy the show. If you are in the Cincinnati area for Labor Day weekend and trying to think of something to do, this should top your list.

BB Riverboats offers dining at its finest, with scenery that can not be matched! Imagine rolling slowly down the beautiful Ohio River, music playing, and the aroma of delectable cuisine wafting in the breeze. Don't just imagine it, but experience it! Several dining cruises are offered, including the Dixieland Jazz Brunch and Dinner, the Captain's Lunch and Dinner, the Stonebrook Winery Sunset Cruise, the Admiral's Dinner, the Tropical Dinner, Fiesta Friday, and the Christian Moerlein Beer & BBQ Cruise. The Dixieland Jazz Dinner is amazing! I felt instantly transported from the Ohio to the Mississippi, and I honestly thought that I would step off the boat and onto Basin Street. The Jazz band was spectacular, offering a constant flow of familiar tunes to add to the dining experience. A buffet is offered on this cruise, featuring everything from carved roast beef to chicken and sausage jambalaya. Want to hop on board for sightseeing? A variety of cruises are available, including a few voyages to neighboring cities. And the little ones have not been forgotten, as specially themed pirate, princess, and ice cream socials are a part of the schedule. I have honestly never seen such a wonderful variety of cruise options available with ANY riverboat organization. They somehow even manage to host private charters, special events, and holiday cruises. I can not wait to sail with this company again! And you shouldn't either! Visit online and make your reservations, or they may be reached by phone at 1-800-261-8586.

If you have the chance to take this in while in the Cincinnati area...do it ! The sightseeing cruise on the river was wonderful. Did the buffet dinner cruise on Thursday evening. The selection of food they put out was very good and tasty. As for the mix drink in a souvenir glass and our server, I have to give it two thumbs down. I told our server how terrible the drink was and that just fell on deft ears. Sorry !! I then switch to coffee and every time I wanted a refill I would have to ask her for it. The only time she would come to the table is when she was clearing our table, when she was ask to bring us something. Oh yes, bring us our drink bill. Large tip...don't think so. Take this cruise because it's well worth it and fun and price right. Just don't get our server !!

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Treat your little one ahead of holidays to a royally-themed princess cruise with bb riverboats.

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Take a little princess or prince in your life on a princess cruise with BB Riverboats ahead of the holidays.

BB Riverboats, which is Cincinnati's official riverboat cruise line since 1979, is hosting a princess-themed cruise.

The cruise will feature a DJ, dancing and appearances from fairytale princesses. BB Riverboats said the cruise will be a "royal" experience.

Since Christmas is quickly approaching, there will be a special meet-and-greet with Santa Claus on board the cruise.

The next cruise will take place this Saturday. Boarding begins at 11 a.m. and sailing will take place between noon and 2 p.m.

There will be another cruise on Dec. 12. Boarding also begins at 11 a.m. this day and sailing will take place between noon and 2 p.m.

Tickets cost $28 for adults and $23 for children.

Click here to learn more .

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Kid Cruises on BB Riverboats

There are   several kid-friendly cruises on BB Riverboats that make great staycation options or a special outing as a family. Take your magical royalty aboard the Princess cruise, help save Cincinnati on the Superhero cruise or protect the waters of the Ohio River when kid pirates climb aboard the Pirate cruise.

Princess Cruise

We respectfully request that all Royal Princesses join us for an enchanting afternoon aboard our Princess Cruise. Enjoy a unique cruise featuring a DJ, dancing, and appearances by some of your favorite fairy tale princesses that we all love. Bring your “Little Princess” onboard and enjoy an afternoon that will truly be a “Royal” experience. All seating is reserved. Bar available to purchase drinks and snacks.

Pirate Cruise

Ahoy Mateys! Board the Captain’s boat for an afternoon cruise full of fun and games for the entire family. The kids will pick up their free pirate hat and eye patch before boarding this popular cruise on the Ohio River. Get your pirate tattoo or participate in one of our pirate games to see if anyone will have to “Walk the Plank”. See if you can use your treasure map to collect your bounty before the cruise pulls back into dock. Ever wonder why BB Riverboats flies the “Jolly Roger”? Listen to the Captain’s commentary as you cruise by all of the sights!

Superhero Cruise

ATTENTION ALL POTENTIAL SUPER HEROES! BB Riverboats requests your presence for this 2 hour cruise complete with official Super Hero Training. Bring the whole family to learn the ins and outs of being a Super Hero and test out your skills as you learn them. After you have mastered your special powers, show them off on the dance floor as we throw a DJ Dance Party with all the Super Heroes! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

About BB Riverboats Kid Cruises

Kid-friendly cruises typically last 2 hours with boarding time an hour before departure. When purchasing your ticket, special add-ons like photos and snacks are optional and usually come with a discount. Kids are encouraged to dress in their favorite princess, superhero or pirate attire!

These excursions are a wonderful opportunity to show your family our city and a playful time aboard one of Cincinnati’s iconic riverboats. For more information on these cruises, including future dates and pricing, check out their website here .

BB Riverboats depart from Newport, Kentucky.

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Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

I was rushing to make my dinner reservation on Princess Cruises’ new ship. But when I arrived at the restaurant, the view made me stop.

From the windows at the sushi eatery Makoto Ocean – part of a sphere-shaped structure near the middle of the vessel – I saw the sun sinking below the horizon, a reddish-orange dot on the Mediterranean Sea. The Sun Princess facilitates scenes like that by design.

“We wanted to make sure that within how we designed the (venues) and placed the furniture, we gave maximum opportunity for our guests to be able to celebrate those outward views,” Denise Saviss, Princess’ vice president of entertainment experience, told USA TODAY. “It is really, really unique to have so much glass on the ship.”

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That was one of several striking features during a recent sailing (the ship is now cruising the Mediterranean before it moves to the Caribbean in October). Here are three takeaways from the first in the line’s aptly named Sphere Class.

1. The design showcases views at sea and in port

Makoto isn’t the only venue that offers that kind of view.

Other spaces inside the Sphere – which also houses lobby-slash-entertainment venue The Piazza – feature similarly sweeping vistas across decks 7, 8 and 9. I watched the light sparkle on the water while I sipped coffee one morning at International Café, and patrons dining at Alfredo’s Pizzeria can take in the scenery during their meal from many seats.

That’s also true elsewhere on the ship. At Horizons Dining Room, floor-to-ceiling windows face the ship’s wake. At the other end of the vessel, the Dome, a geodesic structure that Princess has said was inspired by the hills of Santorini, is like a massive solarium.

The space – which will also host shows including acrobatics – has multiple tiers of loungers, an indoor-outdoor pool and the Cascade Bar (which comes in handy for cooling off, as it felt a bit muggy in the Dome at one point on a sunny sea day).

The overall effect helped to bring the outside in.

2. The ship is bigger but still intimate

Sun Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the 21-deck vessel can accommodate 4,300 guests. But that doesn’t mean everything is huge.

Given the scale of the offerings, a number of spaces on board feel notably intimate. One night, I walked to Good Spirits at Sea, a cocktail bar crafted in partnership with mixologist Rob Floyd that also hosts classes, and thought I was lost before stumbling upon it tucked around a corner on Deck 7. Inside, the 40-person venue offered a laid-back alternative to other more boisterous nightlife options.

On Deck 9, the ship’s buffet-like venue, The Eatery, gives way to narrower hallways toward the aft with backlit wood paneling and benches. At the end, they open back up to reveal specialty restaurants The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (from Princess’ head of culinary arts, Rudi Sodamin, and in partnership with famed butcher Dario Cecchini, respectively).

Even the multi-configuration Princess Arena felt cozier than its near-1,000-guest capacity would suggest. I sat in the second-to-last row of my section for a performance by the vocal group ODY·C and was still close enough to see clearly.

3. The line leans into family-friendly activities

Part of Sun Princess’ expanded footprint has been used to broaden the line’s family offerings.

Park19, a new space on the ship’s top decks, features a variety of activities in an open-air setting. Saviss said the line worked to balance the interests of core customers and a growing family market “and make sure we're prioritizing spaces that everybody can enjoy.”

“There are some attractions that I think naturally, at first blush, people would say, ‘Oh, it's just for kids,’ but actually, the space is really comprehensive,” she said. “Our attractions are available for many different levels of ability and mobility.”

Those include Coastal Climb, an obstacle course that culminates in 360-degree views from The Lookout observation deck (the highest point accessible to guests on the ship, also reachable via elevator) and The Net ropes course.

On Sea Breeze, billed as the first Rollglider on a cruise ship, passengers will glide along the outer edges of the ship on an electric track (the ride will also be ADA-accessible, though Saviss said some mobility is required for maneuvering into the seat).

It’s as close as the ship gets to an amusement park (Princess’ version). “We're not running the rat race, if you will, of like, who can do it bigger, better,” Saviss said. “If you want to just have a really incredible bird's-eye view of Sun Princess, and in and around where the ship is sailing, you can do that. But there is an option to push a little lever while you're riding it and dial up the speed a bit faster, and then it does become a bit more thrilling.”

The ride was not yet available when I was on board, as the line moved through a testing, certification and training process, but is expected to open on April 27. Sun Princess’ original launch was delayed with the cruise line citing “additional technical work” needed at the shipyard, which pushed back the opening of some onboard amenities.

When is the best time to take a cruise?: We broke it down by region.

There is also a hammock area to chill when guests need a break, a recreational court that can host activities from pingpong to morning meditation, a jogging track and more. Elsewhere on board, guests will find the Firefly Park kids club and hangout spaces Neon Grove and The Underground for tweens and teens, respectively.

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

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CALL FOR RESERVATIONS

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!

Lock and Dam Cruise

About this Cruise

Learn first-hand about river lore, locks, and dams from the captain's commentary as you cruise upriver through the Meldahl Lock and Dam. Historic river towns provide a lovely backdrop for your journey through the Ohio River's rich past. Round trip ticket includes a deluxe breakfast and dinner buffet plus a variety of games and entertainment. Lunch is on your own, or if you choose, a cash snack bar will be available.

Cruise Schedule

Wednesday December 31, 1969

Adults General Admission

Children Ages 4-12

25% OFF Souvenir Photos

Pre-order a souvenir boarding photo when making your online reservation and save on your purchase.

Customize Your Cruise

Make your cruise unique by adding table decorations, appetizers, and desserts, guaranteed window seating, souvenirs and other enhancements!

Display of Fresh Fruit

Assortment of Sweet Breads

Fresh Baked Biscuits and Country sausage Gravy

Scrambled Eggs

Home-Style Potatoes

Assorted juice and coffee

Lunch Snack Bar

Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce and Cole Slaw

Saratoga Chips

Dinner Buffet:

Tossed salad topped with Cucumbers

And Red Onions served with homemade ranch and Gluten Free Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressings

Seasonal Chicken

Roasted Seasoned-Crusted Striploin au jus served with Creamy horseradish Sauce

Whipped Potatoes

Fresh Seasonal Vegetable

Bakery Fresh Rolls and butter

Chef’s Choice of dessert

Dietary Restrictions?

If a member of your party requires a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meal, please note this selection when making your reservation and other options will be made available on your cruise.

More Cruises Like This

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.