# Queen City Riverboats > Queen City Riverboats runs authentic paddlewheel cruises on the Ohio River aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati, sailing from a dock in Dayton, Kentucky since 2003 > Content index last updated: 2026-10-10T09:45:20.015783+00:00 **Industry:** Event Venue **Website:** https://queencityriverboats.com --- ## About Queen City Riverboats runs authentic paddlewheel cruises on the Ohio River aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati, sailing from a dock in Dayton, Kentucky since 2003. Private charters for dinner cruises, sightseeing, reunions, private parties, and motor coach group tours, plus ticketed public cruises including Fourth of July and WEBN Riverfest fireworks nights. Full catering and bar packages available; the boat holds 220 guests, 132 seated for dinner. Weddings and corporate events are hosted by sister brand Destiny Yacht Charters from the same dock. --- ## Services - **[Bar Service](/bar-packages)**: Open bar packages and cash bar service from a Kentucky ABC licensed bar staffed by our crew. Outside alcohol is never permitted. - **[Dinner Cruises](/experiences/dinner-cruises)**: Chef-prepared buffet dinner, full bar, and dancing aboard an authentic paddlewheeler as the Cincinnati skyline goes by. - **[Public Cruises](/public-cruises)**: Ticketed sailings you can buy a seat on without chartering the boat: dinner, sightseeing, themed, holiday, and fireworks cruises. - **[Reunions and Private Parties](/experiences/private-parties)**: Family reunions, class reunions, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays for up to 220 guests, with catering and bar handled. - **[Riverboat Catering](/menus)**: Ten chef-crafted buffet menus for private charters aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati, with appetizers and dietary accommodations. - **[Sightseeing Cruises](/experiences/sightseeing-cruises)**: Narrated cruises past the Roebling Suspension Bridge, the stadiums, and the Kentucky shoreline aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati. - **[Tour Group Cruises](/experiences/tour-groups)**: Motor coach and group excursions for 30 to 220 with meal service, narrated sightseeing, and free bus parking at the dock. --- ## Contact Information - **Phone:** (859) 292-8687 - **Address:** 100 O Fallon Avenue, Dayton, KY, 41074-1046, US - **Hours:** Mon: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Wed-Thu: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does a riverboat charter cost in Cincinnati? 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. ### Do you run gameday shuttles to Bengals and Reds games? 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. ### How much are concert cruises? 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. ### How much are fireworks cruises? 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. ### How far in advance should I book a charter? 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. ### What is the deposit and cancellation policy? 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. ### What happens if there is bad weather? 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. ### Do you allow outside catering or BYOB? 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. ### Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? 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. ### What catering menus do you offer? 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. ### Where do you depart from? 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. ### Is there parking available? 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. ### Is the Spirit of Cincinnati wheelchair accessible? 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. ### How long are the cruises? Private charters are typically 2 to 3 hours. Concert cruises and fireworks cruises vary, so check the specific event for timing. ### Can you have a wedding on a boat in Cincinnati? 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. ### What is included in a private charter? 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. ### Can I bring a DJ or live band? 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. ### Do you offer corporate team building activities? 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. ### How much does a dinner cruise cost in Cincinnati? 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. ### When is riverboat season in Cincinnati? 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, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30am to 5pm, year round for planning next season. ### What should I wear on a riverboat dinner cruise? 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. ### Are children welcome aboard? 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. ### Can you see the Cincinnati skyline from the boat? 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. ### Can we decorate for a reunion or a birthday? 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. ### What is served on a Cincinnati dinner cruise? A chef-prepared buffet from our catering menus, which range from comfort classics to carved-to-order feasts. We can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, and bar packages or a pay-as-you-go bar round out the evening. ### How long does a dinner cruise last? Most dinner cruises run 2 to 3 hours dock to dock: time enough for cocktails, a full dinner, and a slow pass along the skyline before we head home. ### Is there a bar on the boat? Yes, the Spirit of Cincinnati has a full-service bar. Buy a bar package so drinks are covered for your whole group, or run a cash bar and guests buy their own. Cash bar just means drinks are not included in your package, and the bar takes card or cash. We serve guests 21 and over with a valid ID. ### Can we celebrate a special occasion during dinner? That's what dinner on the river is for. Tell us it's an anniversary, a retirement, or a birthday and we'll help you mark the moment, from reserved seating to a toast at sunset. ### How many people can a private charter hold? The Spirit of Cincinnati seats 132 for a full dinner and hosts up to 220 for a cocktail-style reception, with a climate-controlled main deck and an open-air top deck. ### How far in advance should we book a family reunion? For summer weekends, 6 to 12 months ahead is safest. Smaller gatherings can often be booked with 2 to 3 months notice. The earlier you call, the more dates you'll have to choose from. ### Can we play our own music or run a slideshow? Yes. The boat has a professional sound system with hookups, and you're welcome to bring a DJ, a playlist, or a microphone for the toasts. Ask us about screens for photo slideshows. ### Can we decorate the boat for our event? Private charters can board early to set up centerpieces, banners, and photo tables, and the crew will lend a hand. We just ask that you skip confetti and glitter. ### What will we see on a sightseeing cruise? The downtown Cincinnati skyline, both stadiums, the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge, and the Kentucky riverbanks, all from the water. Sunset departures add the best light show in the city. ### How long is a sightseeing cruise? Plan on about 2 relaxed hours on the water. Group charters can lengthen or shorten the route to fit an itinerary. ### Are the cruises narrated? Our crew shares the landmarks and river stories as you go, and narrated tours are available for groups that want the full history. ### Is a riverboat cruise good for seniors? It's one of the best outings there is for older guests: easy boarding, a wheelchair accessible main deck, climate-controlled seating, restrooms on board, and the city's best views without a step of walking tour. ### Is there bus parking at the dock? Yes. Our lot at 100 O'Fallon Avenue in Dayton, KY has free parking with room for motor coaches, and boarding is a short, level walk from the bus. ### Do you offer group rates for tour operators? We build per-person group packages around your route, meal, and timing. Call (859) 292-8687 and ask for group sales, and we'll put together operator pricing for your season. ### Can the cruise be timed around our itinerary? Yes. Tell us when the coaches arrive and when you need to be back on the road, and we'll schedule boarding, the meal, and the cruise to fit. ### Is the boat accessible for guests with limited mobility? The main deck is wheelchair accessible and the parking lot is handicap accessible. Let us know about your group ahead of time and the crew will have boarding assistance ready. ### How much do concert cruises cost? When the service ran, tickets started at $25 per person for the round trip on the river. Concert tickets are separate and bought from the venue. ### Which shows get a cruise? Select Riverbend Music Center dates during the April through October season. Join the list and the first email will have the lineup when the service returns. ### Can a group charter the boat for a concert night instead? Yes. A private charter can be timed around a Riverbend show for a company outing or a big group of friends. Request a quote and tell us the date. ### Which games does the shuttle run for? When the service is running, it covers Bengals and Reds home games. Join the list and the first email will have the schedule. ### How much will it cost? Pricing will be announced with the return schedule. Everyone on the list hears first, before tickets go on sale. ### Can our group book the boat on a game day instead? Yes. Private charters still run on game days, and a tailgate cruise for a company or a group of friends is one of the best ways to use the Spirit. Request a quote and tell us the game. --- ## Site Pages - [Ohio River Cruises & Private Events | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/): Queen City Riverboats offers dinner, sightseeing, and private cruises aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati on the Ohio River, with catering and event space for up to 220 guests. - [Our Cincinnati Riverboat Story | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/about): Learn about Queen City Riverboats' history since 2003, its Dayton, Kentucky dock, and the Spirit of Cincinnati's role in Cincinnati-area river events. - [Accessibility & Guest Information | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/accessibility): Accessibility and guest information for visitors planning an experience with Queen City Riverboats in Dayton, Kentucky. - [Riverboat Event Bar Packages | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/bar-packages): Bar service for events aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati: open soft drinks, open beer, wine and soft drinks, a full open bar, or a cash bar. Packages are priced with a full catering menu. - [Private Riverboat Charter Quote | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/book): Request a custom proposal for a private Ohio River event aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati, including vessel, menu, bar, and timing options. - [Concert Cruises at Riverbend | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/concert-cruises): Check the status of Queen City Riverboats' Riverbend concert cruises, join the notification list for future dates, or inquire about a private concert-night charter. - [Contact Queen City Riverboats in Dayton, KY | Queen City](https://queencityriverboats.com/contact): Contact Queen City Riverboats in Dayton, Kentucky to plan an Ohio River event, request a quote, review seasonal office hours, and find directions and parking information. - [Ohio River Cruises & Charters | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences): Compare Queen City Riverboats' private dinner, sightseeing, reunion, and tour-group charters, along with public cruises for individual tickets. - [Cincinnati River Dinner Cruises | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/dinner-cruises): This page explains Queen City Riverboats dinner cruises aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati, including buffet dining, bar options, dancing, skyline views and planning details for celebrations and group outings. - [Private Riverboat Charters | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/private-parties): Private riverboat charters aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati accommodate reunions, anniversaries, retirements, birthdays, and group celebrations with catering, bar service, entertainment, and Ohio River views. - [Cincinnati Sightseeing Cruises | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/sightseeing-cruises): Explore Cincinnati from the Ohio River aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati paddlewheeler, with skyline, stadium, and Roebling Bridge views on relaxed sightseeing cruises. - [Motor Coach Group Cruises | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/tour-groups): Queen City Riverboats offers customizable Ohio River cruises for motor coach tours and groups of 30 to 250, with free bus parking, meals, narrated sightseeing, and accessible boarding. - [Cincinnati Riverboat Charter FAQs | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/faq): This FAQ page answers practical questions about Queen City Riverboats charters and cruises near Cincinnati, including pricing, booking, catering, parking, accessibility, weather, and departure details. - [Spirit of Cincinnati Paddlewheeler | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/fleet): Learn about the Spirit of Cincinnati paddlewheeler, its 220-guest capacity and event features, and Queen City Riverboats' sister yacht, The Destiny. - [Spirit of Cincinnati Riverboat | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/fleet/spirit-of-cincinnati): Explore the Spirit of Cincinnati, a three-deck sternwheel paddlewheeler with dinner seating for 132, capacity for 220, accessible facilities, and Cincinnati skyline views. - [Cincinnati Gameday River Shuttles | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/gameday-shuttles): Public Bengals and Reds river shuttles are currently paused; visitors can join the return alert list or request a private game-day charter. - [Cincinnati Riverboat History | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/history): Learn how the Ohio River, steamboats, the Roebling Bridge, and Tall Stacks shaped Cincinnati’s identity, then connect that heritage to cruises aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati. - [Riverboat Catering Menus | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus): Compare Queen City Riverboats buffet menus, appetizers, desserts, and bar packages for catered events aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati and Destiny Yacht. - [All-American Picnic Buffet | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/all-american-picnic): Review the All-American Picnic menu option from Queen City Riverboats while planning an event. Contact the venue for pricing, customization, and dietary accommodation details. - [Captain's Feast Menu | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/captains-feast): The Captain's Feast is a Queen City Riverboats event menu with carved prime rib, panko crusted chicken, sides and chocolate fudge cake, offered on the Spirit of Cincinnati and Destiny Yacht. - [Fiesta Fajita Bar for Events | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/fiesta-fajita-bar): Explore the Fiesta Fajita Bar menu option from Queen City Riverboats for an upcoming event. Contact the venue for pricing, customization, and dietary accommodation details. - [Hickory Smoked BBQ Buffet | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/hickory-smoked-bbq): Review the Hickory Smoked BBQ Buffet for a Queen City Riverboats event, including entrée choices, sides, desserts, substitutions, and optional bar service. - [Italian Buffet Menu for Events | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/italian-buffet): View Queen City Riverboats’ Italian buffet menu, including entrée choices, sides, dessert, customization options, and optional bar service for hosted events. - [Kentucky Buffet Menu | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/kentucky-buffet): A Kentucky-inspired buffet aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati. Guests choose two carved entrees (roast beef, rosemary turkey or Kentucky ham), plus salad, sides and dessert. - [Mate's Wrap Buffet Cruise Menu | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/mates-wrap-buffet): Review the Mate's Wrap Buffet menu from Queen City Riverboats before planning a riverboat dining experience in Dayton, Kentucky. - [Pork Loin Dinner Buffet Menu | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/pork-loin-dinner): View the Pork Loin Dinner buffet menu, including pork loin, chicken, sides, dessert, customization options, and optional bar service for Queen City Riverboats events. - [Southern Buffet Menu | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/southern-buffet): A Southern comfort buffet served aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati, with fried chicken, beef tips in burgundy stock, roasted potatoes, green beans and cheesecake. Substitutions and bar service are available. - [Steamship Feast Buffet Menu | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/steamship-feast): Explore Queen City Riverboats’ Steamship Feast buffet, including roasted sirloin, chicken, customizable salads and desserts, plus optional bar packages. Request pricing and dietary accommodations. - [/paddlewheel-post](https://queencityriverboats.com/paddlewheel-post): News from the RiverThe Paddlewheel PostStories from the deck of the Spirit of Cincinnati: river life, event recaps, cruise guides, and a little Queen City history along the way.The First Edition Is on Its WayWe're getting the presses warmed up. Soon you'll find stories from the river right here, written by the folks who work it every season.River storiesLife aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati, from the pilothouse to the galley.Event recapsFireworks nights, themed cruises, and the sailings people… - [Privacy Policy & Data Choices | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/privacy-policy): Review how Queen City Riverboats handles quote requests, analytics, cookies, SMS messages, information sharing, and requests to update or delete data. - [Public Cruises on the Ohio River | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/public-cruises): Find scheduled public cruises aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati, including dinner, sightseeing, themed, and holiday sailings from Dayton, Kentucky, with ticketing and boarding information. - [Guest Reviews of Ohio River Cruises | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/reviews): Read guest feedback about Queen City Riverboats dinner, sightseeing, fireworks, holiday, and private event cruises on the Ohio River. - [Website Terms & Conditions | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/terms): Review the rules for using the Queen City Riverboats website, receiving SMS messages, requesting quotes, and understanding charter booking responsibilities. - [Riverboat Event Tours in Dayton, KY | Queen City Riverboats](https://queencityriverboats.com/tour): Schedule a 30-minute tour of the Spirit of Cincinnati in Dayton, Kentucky to see the dining deck, top deck, paddlewheel, dock and event logistics.