Frequently Asked Questions
What is your cancellation policy?
Reservations may be transferred to a new cruise date or experience with at least 48 hours’ notice prior to departure. Any difference in cruise value will be issued as a gift certificate. Monetary refunds are only available when Ticket Assurance is purchased at the time of booking.
What is Ticket Assurance?
Ticket Assurance allows guests to receive a full refund of the ticket price up until cruise departure for any reason. Ticket Assurance costs 10% of the pre-tax ticket price and must be purchased at the time of reservation. It cannot be added after the reservation has been finalized.
How far in advance should I make reservations?
We recommend reserving your cruise as early as possible, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak summer months. Many BB Riverboats cruises sell out in advance throughout the season.
Do you accept cash aboard BB Riverboats?
No. BB Riverboats is a cashless operation. Credit and debit cards are the only forms of payment accepted aboard our cruises and at our facilities.
Do cruises operate during bad weather?
BB Riverboats cruises operate rain or shine. In the event of severe weather or unsafe river conditions, the captain will determine whether cruising is possible. If river conditions prevent departure, an alternative dockside event may be arranged whenever possible.
What ages qualify as children or infants?
Infants are ages 3 and under and cruise free with a ticket reservation. Children are ages 4–12. Every passenger, including infants, must have a ticket reservation so all guests aboard can be properly accounted for.
What qualifies as a group reservation?
Groups are considered reservations of 15 or more adults. Group reservations require one point of contact and a single payment for the entire group. Eligible groups receive a 10% discount per guest.
What does your price include?
Ticket prices include all applicable taxes and fees except for optional Ticket Assurance. Pricing includes an 18% food service fee and 6% sales tax. Gratuity is not included for additional onboard purchases.
Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code aboard BB Riverboats. Guests are welcome to dress casually or formally depending on the occasion and cruise experience they are attending.
Are you handicapped accessible?
Yes. Boarding ramps and main decks are wheelchair accessible. The Belle of Cincinnati features an elevator providing access to the first three decks, while the fourth deck is stair-access only. The main deck of The River Queen is also handicapped accessible.
Where does the cruise travel?
Cruise routes vary depending on the experience selected. Sightseeing cruises typically remain near the downtown Cincinnati riverfront, while lunch and dinner cruises generally travel approximately 5–7 miles upriver while showcasing skyline views, local landmarks, and riverfront scenery.
Is smoking allowed aboard the boats?
Smoking is permitted on designated outdoor decks only. Smoking is not allowed inside any interior cabin areas aboard the boats.
Are drinks included with dining cruises?
Coffee, tea, iced tea, and water are included with all dining cruises. A bar is available to purchase soft drinks and alcoholic beverages on board.
Do you offer parking?
Complimentary parking is available in front of the dock on Riverboat Row on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional nearby parking lots and garages are available for a fee if the main lot is full.
Are there nearby hotels?
Yes. There are several hotel options located near Newport, Kentucky and the Cincinnati riverfront for guests visiting the area.
What are your office hours?
BB Riverboats offices are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. year-round. During the regular cruise season from May through September, office hours extend to 7:00 p.m. and operate seven days a week. Whenever a public cruise is sailing, our office will be open to assist guests.
Do you offer discounts or coupons?
The best way to receive exclusive offers, promotions, and cruise announcements is by joining Club BB and following BB Riverboats on Facebook.
Can the boat wait if I’m running late?
Unfortunately, cruises are unable to wait for late arrivals. Every cruise has a scheduled boarding window and departure time listed on your confirmation. Most cruises offer a full hour for boarding, while select cruise experiences may have shorter 30-minute boarding windows.
Our goal is for every cruise to depart on time, although rare delays of up to 10 minutes may occur in situations affecting a large number of guests. We strongly encourage arriving early and allowing extra time for traffic and parking, especially during busy summer weekends in Newport.
Per our reservation policy, reservations without Ticket Assurance that are not transferred at least 48 hours prior to departure are non-refundable.
Does BB Riverboats donate to nonprofit organizations or community events?
BB Riverboats proudly supports organizations throughout the Greater Cincinnati area each year through charitable donations. Due to the high volume of requests we receive, we are unfortunately unable to fulfill every request.
To request a donation, please mail a letter along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Attn: Donations
BB Riverboats
101 Riverboat Row
Newport, KY 41071
All requests are reviewed individually, and approved donations are mailed directly to the organization. If you do not receive a response within four weeks, we regret that we are unable to provide a donation at that time. Please note that phone call donation requests will not be accepted.
Do you offer alcoholic beverages and cocktails aboard your cruises?
Yes. BB Riverboats offers a full onboard bar menu featuring cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, and other beverages available for purchase during many cruises. Click here to view our full drink menu.