Dining Cruises
A Season-by-Season Look at BB Riverboats Dining Cruises
From summer sunset dinners to Christmas Eve, see how BB Riverboats dinner cruises change with each season on the Ohio River. Find the right date for you.
On the Covington Deck of the Belle of Cincinnati, where most of our public dining cruises are served, a meal comes with a moving view. The skyline slides by, the paddlewheel turns, and conversation flows a little easier when no one is checking the time. As Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s longest-serving riverboat cruise provider, we have watched the Ohio River change with every season, and our dining cruises change right along with it.
Many people think of a riverboat cruise as a summer-only activity, but we cruise through the holidays and into winter. Each time of year brings its own atmosphere, its own celebrations, and its own reasons to come aboard. Below, we walk through what our dining cruises look like from spring to winter so you can pick the experience that fits your plans.
Spring and Summer: Brunch, Lunch, and Sunset Dinner
Spring is when the river starts to wake up. The trees along the banks fill in, the air warms, and our regular cruise season kicks off in May.
This is a wonderful time for our Sunday brunch cruise. A late-morning meal on the water is a relaxed way to start the day, and spring sunshine makes the skyline especially bright. Brunch is a favorite for families, friends catching up, and anyone looking for a weekend outing that feels different from the usual restaurant.
Spring also brings our Mother’s Day holiday cruise. Instead of fighting for a reservation at a crowded restaurant, you can treat Mom to a holiday meal, live entertainment, and two hours of river views. It is an easy way to make the day feel memorable without anyone having to cook or clean up.Summer is the heart of our cruise season, and it is when our schedule is at its fullest. Long days and warm evenings make this the ideal time for a sunset dinner cruise. As the sun drops behind the city, the skyline begins to glow, and the bridges light up across the water.
Our two-hour lunch cruise is another great summer option, especially for visitors exploring the area or locals who want a midday break. Bringing the kids? Children ages 4 to 12 are welcome, and infants 3 and under cruise free with a ticket reservation.
Father’s Day falls in June, and our holiday cruise is a relaxed way to celebrate Dad with a hearty meal, a cold drink from the bar, and a view he will not get anywhere else. Summer weekends tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend booking early if you have a specific date in mind.
Planning an outing with a larger party? Groups of 15 or more receive special discounted rates, which makes summer a great time for family reunions, friend groups, and organized tours to come aboard together.
Fall: Murder Mystery Nights and Thanksgiving
As summer winds down, September offers some of the most comfortable weather of the year for a dining cruise. Evenings are cooler, and the light over the river takes on a softer tone.
Fall is also a fun time for our themed dining experiences. Our Murder Mystery Cruise aboard the Belle of Cincinnati combines a dinner buffet, an interactive mystery presented by Murder and Merriment Theatre Company, and a scenic cruise. Guests question suspects and search for clues to solve the case and win a prize, which makes it a lively choice for couples, friend groups, and anyone who enjoys a little friendly competition with their meal.
Later in the season, Thanksgiving gives families a chance to gather around a meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Our Thanksgiving holiday cruise includes a holiday meal, entertainment, and plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company while the city passes by outside the windows. It is an easy way to start a new holiday tradition.
Winter: Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day
Many people are surprised to learn that we cruise through winter, but this is one of our favorite times on the river. The skyline is decorated for the holidays, the boats feel warm and inviting, and the season brings some of our most meaningful celebrations.
Our holiday cruises are all two hours long, and every one of them includes food. Our Christmas Eve cruise is a festive way to spend the night before the holiday with family. It is a chance to slow down, enjoy a buffet meal together, and take in the lights along the river before the busy morning ahead.
New Year’s Eve is another highlight. Ringing in the new year on the water, with live entertainment and the city skyline as your backdrop, feels far more memorable than a typical night out.
Then comes Valentine’s Day, when our dining cruises take on a romantic feel. Dinner together, live entertainment, and the glow of the city across the water make it a natural fit for couples celebrating together.Depending on the cruise, entertainment may include DJs, banjo players, or Dixieland jazz performances, so each holiday experience carries its own personality.
Choosing the Right Season for Your Dining Cruise
There is no wrong time of year to enjoy a meal on the Ohio River. Here is a quick way to match a season to the dining cruise that fits your plans:
Spring
Our Sunday brunch cruise and Mother’s Day holiday cruise are relaxed daytime options once the regular season opens in May.Summer: Sunset dinner cruises and our two-hour lunch cruise make the most of long days, and weekends tend to fill up quickly.
Fall
September evenings are a good fit for the Murder Mystery Cruise aboard the Belle of Cincinnati, and Thanksgiving brings a holiday meal without the kitchen cleanup.
Winter
Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day cruises all run two hours, and every one includes food.
Whatever season you choose, you can count on the same things: a two-hour cruise, a buffet prepared by our culinary team, live entertainment, and views of Cincinnati you can only get from the river. We have been sharing these experiences with guests for decades, and we would love to welcome you aboard for the season that suits you best. Upcoming dates for every season are listed on our cruise calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions About BB Riverboats Dining Cruises
How far in advance should I book a dining cruise?
We recommend reserving as early as possible, especially for weekends, holidays, and peak summer months. Many of our cruises sell out in advance, so booking early gives you the best chance at the date you want.
Do your dining cruises sail in bad weather?
Yes. Our cruises operate rain or shine. If there is severe weather or the river is unsafe, our captain decides whether we can cruise, and an alternative dockside event may be arranged whenever possible.
Do you offer dining cruises in the winter?
Yes. We cruise through the holidays and winter, with dining cruises for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day. Our regular cruise season runs from May through September, and holiday cruises are scheduled throughout the year.
Is there a dress code for dining cruises?
There is no formal dress code aboard BB Riverboats. Guests are welcome to dress casually or more formally depending on the occasion, whether that is a Sunday brunch or New Year’s Eve.
Is the Belle of Cincinnati wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Boarding ramps and main decks are wheelchair accessible, and the Belle of Cincinnati has an elevator to its first three decks. The fourth deck is reached by stairs only, and the main deck of The River Queen is also accessible.
At BB Riverboats, we have spent decades helping families, couples, groups, and visitors experience Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky from the Ohio River. As the region’s longest-serving riverboat cruise provider, we are proud to offer authentic riverboat experiences that combine sightseeing, relaxation, local history, and memorable views. Book your trip on the river with us and discover Cincinnati from a whole new perspective.