Frequently Asked Questions

Private catered charters include the vessel rental, captain and crew, and a full buffet dinner. Bar packages are available as an add-on. Pricing varies by vessel, guest count, day of the week, and season. Contact us for a custom quote.

Concert cruises to Riverbend Music Center are paused for now. When they run, tickets start at $25 per person and include the round trip on the river. Join the update list on our concert cruises page to hear first.

Fireworks cruise tickets range from $65 to $120 per person depending on the vessel and whether catering is included. Our Independence Day and WEBN Riverfest fireworks cruises are among our most popular events.

It depends on how you cruise. Public dinner cruises are ticketed per person and announced each season. Private dinner charters are quoted by group size, menu, and bar package, and they include the vessel, captain, and crew. Call us at (859) 292-8687 and we'll price your exact date.

Gameday shuttles are paused for now, but they'll make a return soon. Join the waitlist on our gameday shuttles page and you'll be the first to know when rides to the stadiums are back.

We recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance for large events, especially during peak season (May through October). Smaller gatherings can often be accommodated with 2-3 months notice. Popular dates like fireworks cruises sell out quickly.

A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your event. Cancellations made more than 90 days before the event may receive a partial credit toward a future booking. Contact us for full details.

We cruise rain or shine. The Spirit's main deck is fully enclosed and climate controlled, so a drizzle never spoils the evening. In the event of severe weather (thunderstorms, high winds, or a Coast Guard river closure), we'll work with you to reschedule your event at no additional charge.

We cruise April through October. May through October is peak season, and the most popular dates, like fireworks cruises and fall Saturday evenings, sell out early. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, year round for planning next season.

Outside alcohol is never permitted; all drinks come from our Kentucky ABC licensed bar, with bar packages available. Food is flexible: choose a menu from our catering list, or bring your own caterer or spread for an additional outside-food fee. Contact us for pricing.

Yes, we can accommodate most dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common allergies. Please let us know your requirements when booking and our catering team will work with you.

We offer a variety of buffet-style menus including the Ultimate Feast, Captain's Feast, Steamship Feast, Italian Buffet, Pork Loin Dinner, Cincy Stars Buffet, Southern Buffet, Kentucky Buffet, Fiesta Fajita Bar, and casual fare options. Menu availability varies by vessel. Contact us for pricing and custom menu options.

All cruises depart from our dock at 100 O'Fallon Avenue in Dayton, Kentucky (just across the river from downtown Cincinnati). Take KY-8 to O'Fallon Ave.

Yes, we have a large free parking lot with 152 spaces. The lot is handicap accessible and can accommodate buses and motor coaches for tour groups.

Yes, the Spirit of Cincinnati is wheelchair accessible on the main deck level. Please contact us in advance so we can ensure the best possible accommodations.

Private charters are typically 2 to 3 hours. Concert cruises and fireworks cruises vary, so check the specific event for timing.

Yes! Weddings are hosted by our sister brand, Destiny Yacht Charters, aboard the Destiny Yacht from the same Dayton, KY dock. The Spirit of Cincinnati focuses on dinner cruises, sightseeing, and group celebrations.

Every private charter includes the vessel rental, professional captain and crew, 2-3 hour cruise on the Ohio River, use of the sound system, dance floor, and all common areas. Catering and bar packages are available as add-ons.

Yes! The Spirit of Cincinnati has a professional sound system with DJ hookups. You are welcome to bring your own DJ, band, or entertainer. We can also recommend local entertainment providers.

Corporate events and team building cruises are hosted by our sister brand, Destiny Yacht Charters, aboard the Destiny Yacht from the same dock. For large group outings like company picnics and holiday parties of 150 or more, give us a call about the Spirit of Cincinnati.

Yes. Private charters can board early to set up centerpieces, banners, and photo displays, and our crew is happy to help. We just ask that you skip confetti and glitter. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll make it work.

Smart casual works for almost every cruise. The dining deck is climate controlled, so dress for a nice dinner out, and bring a light layer if you plan to spend time on the open-air top deck. Flat shoes are a good idea on the water.

Absolutely. Family reunions, birthday parties, and sightseeing cruises are great multi-generation outings, and kids love watching the paddlewheel turn. The bar serves guests 21 and over with a valid ID.

That is the whole show. Every cruise passes the downtown skyline, the stadiums, and the Roebling Suspension Bridge, and the open-air top deck has the best view in the city, especially at sunset. Bring a camera.