15 Day American Cruise Lines River Cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis 2024

Day 1 Pittsburgh, PA

Long known for steel manufacturing, Pittsburgh was an essential stop along the Ohio River for national and international commerce, making it a wealthy town in the 18th and 19th centuries. Settle into your hotel and explore the city at your leisure. Learn about famous Americans such as Heinz, Carnegie, and others who called this vibrant city home.

Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with a Hotel Stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobbyand we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Day 2 Pittsburgh, PA

Our ship docks near the famous point where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to begin the majestic Ohio River. As you cruise, delight in picturesque and ever-changing scenery, as early explorers did centuries ago.

As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

Day 3 Moundsville, WV

Located along the banks of the Ohio River Moundsville, West Virginia offers a rich history. Deriving its name from the many Adena Indian burial mounds constructed here more than 2,000 years ago, the town is home to the largest conical burial mound in North America. Moundsville is a land of sacred pasts and promising futures, accented with quaint neighborhoods, and beautiful landscapes.

Explore the town on your own aboard this convenient shuttle which makes stops at:

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Learn about the history of The West Virginia Penitentiary on this guided walking exploration. A perfect balance of history and mystery, this former prison once housed some of the most violent inmates in all of the country. This ominous Gothic structure, built in 1866, stopped being an active prison in 1995 and has since been a historic landmark and tourist attraction. Often called one of the most haunted places in America, those interested in the paranormal take advantage of the special events held here. Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Srila Prabhupada was a spiritual leader of the 20th century who translated over sixty volumes of classic Hindu scriptures into the English language. In 1973, devotees decided to build a home for him, where he could write his books and enjoy the clean country air. The plan was a rough sketch drawn on a scrap of paper. No expert architect or experienced artisans were involved, yet somehow at each step the trial-and-error construction produced something grander than the devotees had imagined. Bit by bit, cemented, chiseled, and forged, with loving labor Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold emerged. Enjoy a guided exploration of the Hindu palace with additional time to explore on your own.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 4 Marietta, OH

This picturesque, charming town rests at the confluence of the Muskingum River and the Ohio River and has five National Register Historic Districts with buildings that date back to the town’s founding in 1788. Explore the first settlement in the Northwest Territory on the north side of the Ohio River. Hear stories of the compelling events that unfolded here which were spotlighted in the recent book entitled, The Pioneersby Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough.

Explore this beautifully preserved, 1855 Gothic-Revival house which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Castle was once home to some of Marietta's most prominent citizens and the site of many prestigious functions. Hear fascinating stories about its history and learn about of one of the oldest regions in the Northwest Territory.

Activity Level: Medium| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Explore the captivating museums of Marietta at your leisure with our convenient shuttle, making stops at:

Activity Level: Low |ADA Accessible: Yes

When the first American settlers arrived at the juncture of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, they observed an extensive and intriguing complex of earthen walls and mounds, leading to much speculation about how old they were, who built them, and to what purpose they were created. Over 230 years later, we have a general idea of when these earthworks were created and how they were used, even as many questions remain to be answered. Join Castle archaeologist Wes Clarke as we take a detailed look at these prehistoric remains, including significant new information that has been generated in recent years with modern research techniques. Visit the four principal surviving elements of the Marietta works, beginning at Mound Cemetery and driving to Capitolium, Quadranaou, and Sacra Via.

Activity Level: Moderate |ADA Accessible: Yes

Be treated to a guided exploration of two significant Marietta sites, the former site of Fort Harmar and the Henry Fearing House.

Built in 1785, Fort Harmar was an early United States frontier military fort, built in pentagonal shape at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. Before the settlement of the early Marietta pioneers, the fort served to evict squatters. Less than 3 years later, it became a place where treaties were negotiated and signed with native tribes and also served as a home for soldiers who took part in other important events influencing the settlement of the Northwest Territory.

Built in 1847, the Henry Fearing home exemplifies the lifestyle of middle-class Marietta during the Victorian Era. Henry Fearing was the first lawyer of the Northwest territory. Come visit his original home, maintained by the Washington County Historical Society, to see how early settlers once lived.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

Established in 1801 by Marietta city founders, the Mound Cemetery preserves the Great Mound (also known as Conus), a prehistoric Adena burial mound, with more American Revolutionary War officers buried in it than any other cemetery in the country. Led by a guide, explore this ancient ground and hear stories of Adena and Hopewell Mound Builders, Marietta founders, Revolutionary War veterans, and other historically significant Marietta residents.

Activity Level: Moderate |ADA Accessible: Yes

Day 5 Day of Cruising

Today is a day to truly relax without a care in the world. Enjoy fascinating enrichment presentations and festive onboard activities. Savor fine meals and cocktails. Relax in one of the many spacious lounges or enjoy a gentle breeze on the sun deck as you read a book or chat with new friends.

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 6 Maysville, KY

From the ship’s landing, gaze upon the quaint town of Maysville, nestled into the hillside. After floating down the Mississippi River to sell their commodities in New Orleans, early flatboat travelers returned along the Natchez Trace Pathway to rejoin the Ohio River in this idyllic town, steeped in American history.

Learn the importance of this location to the Underground Railroad efforts to smuggle runaway slaves across the river, as well as the influence that Harriet Beecher Stowe’s visit to Maysville had on her novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.Hear stories of area explorers, such as Simon Kenton, and hometown singer and movie star Rosemary Clooney.

Step back in time while you tour the historic town of Old Washington. Starting at the 1790s Visitor Center, your costumed guide will lead you through this historic Kentucky village, taking you along flagstone sidewalks graced with authentic frontier log cabins and early 19th-century homes.

Activity Level: High| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Discover small town charm during a narrated exploration of historic Maysville. Begin at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, which brings the stories of explorers, artists, and movie stars to life through award-winning dioramas and a collection of artifacts.

Visit The Russell Theater, opened in 1930 by Colonel J. Barbour Russell, a flamboyant, well-known Maysville businessman who made his early fortune in the grocery business. The structure is constructed entirely of steel, concrete, brick, and terra cotta in Spanish Colonial style with a Moorish influence. This Theatre is atmospheric, and one of only two in Kentucky. “What the Roxy is to New York,” Russell boasted, “The Russell will be to Maysville.”

In 1953, Rosemary Clooney, a Maysville native, premiered her movie, The Stars Are Singing. Today, the lobby is dedicated to memorabilia of that night and other items of interest to Clooney fans. After nearly being torn down, The Russell Theater was saved by volunteers who donated countless hours restoring and preserving this heart of Maysville, which is listed in individually on the National Register of Historic Places.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 7 Cincinnati, OH

The dramatic bridges that span the Ohio River provide an impressive scenic welcome to your visit to Cincinnati. As an early shipbuilding and shipping metropolis, the town became known as the “Queen City.” Your adventures ashore reveal the highlights of this vibrant cultural center which include major sports franchises, a delightful zoo, and a botanical garden, as well as numerous theaters and museums, including the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum.

Admire the eclectic architecture as you stroll along its charming streets and enjoy the diverse attractions, ranging from the abundant gardens of the Krohn Conservatory to the architectural wonders of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica. Get a taste for local cuisine by trying Cincinnati Skyline Chili or stopping for a scoop at Graeter’s ice cream shop, founded in 1868.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center celebrates the brave men and women who came together to create a secret network through which the enslaved could escape to freedom. Their examples of courage, cooperation, and perseverance, is relevant to this day, as we continue to deal with contemporary issues of equality and diversity.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Explore both sides of the river on this fantastic, all-encompassing excursion. Begin in the heart of the city at Fountain Square. Along your journey, view the Contemporary Arts Center, Procter and Gamble’s International Headquarters, and the Taft Museum in beautiful Lytle Park. Learn aboutCincinnati’s most well-known landmarks including: Union Terminal, Music Hall, Washington Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Bicentennial Commons, the new TQL Stadium, and the Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ball Park – home of the Bengals and Reds.

Enjoy the old-world charm of Mount Adams with its “shot-gun” row homes and charming district of shops and restaurants. View picturesque Eden Park, home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, and Krohn Conservatory.

Cross the Ohio River to Kentucky’s historic Riverside Drive with its antebellum homes. Explore the entertainment district at Newport on the Levee and the World Peace Bell – the largest free-swinging bell in the world. While in Kentucky, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Cincinnati skyline.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Explore the Cincinnati Art Museum, located in scenic Eden Park. Featured is a diverse, comprehensive art collection of more than 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying its own encyclopedic collection, the museum also hosts a variety national and international traveling exhibitions each year.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Experience baseball history on this guided experience of the home of the Cincinnati Reds! Join our private Great American Ball Park Tour offering you a behind-the-scenes look at the clubs, seating bowl, dugouts, and more. You will also enjoy same day access to visit the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. A must see for baseball fans!

Activity Level: Moderate ADA Accessible: Yes

Day 8 Day of Cruising

Curl up with a good book in one of our spacious lounges aboard the riverboat. Or relax on the sun deck or private balcony and enjoy the passing landscapes as we make our way along the Ohio River from Cincinnati to Louisville.

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 9 Louisville, KY

An impressive waterfront town arching up the hillside, Louisville has a long history of commerce and revelry. The town grew at a portage around the treacherous Falls of the Ohio, now inundated behind the Ohio River’s Markland Dam. The historic importance of river commerce to the town is represented by the “Belle of Louisville” day excursion boat just down the banks, still operating after more than a century. Explore the impressive Churchill Downs to learn about the city’s renowned Kentucky Derby, the oldest continuously held horse race in the country.

Or stop by the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to see how the famous baseball bats are made. A visit to the a local distillerywill lift your spirits as you savor samples and learn about the history of Kentucky bourbons.

Learn about the past, present and future of bourbon in this in-depth tasting at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery, founded on Derby Day in 1935 and reopened to the public in 2014. Your journey includes a tasting of Blade and Bow, the new I.W. Harper Profile, as well as a few Bulleit Profiles. After the tasting, you will have time to visit the gift shop, the small museum area, and the Garden and Gun Club.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Louisville Slugger is the maker of the world’s most popular bat. The company’s storied traditions and high standards for quality have produced some of the finest bats for amateurs and professionals alike. Take a guided tour of the facility and museum, learning first-hand their processes from forest-to-factory and the scientific principles used to fabricate the most important tool in “America’s Game.” Enjoy special seasonal exhibits and receive a free souvenir bat to commemorate your visit.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the world-famous Churchill Downs Racetrack. Walk through a portion of the grandstands where thousands of people roar with excitement on Derby Day. Your guide will lead you to the rail of the legendary dirt track where every Derby winner has raced, from Aristides to Secretariat and many more. Have your camera ready to take pictures of the historic track. Hear stories of the early days of the Kentucky Derby through its transformation into the iconic event it is today. Enjoy a viewing of the epic film, The Greatest Race, a 360 degree, 18 minute media experience that will make your heart race and your emotions soar.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Discover Kentucky’s fascinating past, present, and future with exhibits like “The Spirit of Kentucky,” which demonstrates the history, craft, and culture of Kentucky Bourbon.

Explore the “Lewis and Clark Experience,” a one-of-a-kind exhibit that recreates Lewis and Clark’s 1804 mission. Find out “What’s Cool About Kentucky,” in an exhibit that illustrates the quirky, often surprising, and always authentic culture of Kentucky.

Activity Level: Low

Day 10 Day of Cruising

Bask in the beauty of the heartland as you cruise along the Ohio River. Mingle with guests in one of our comfortable lounges, read a good book on your private balcony, or take part in one of our many onboard activities.

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 11 Henderson, KY / Evansville, IN

Henderson is a laid-back river town steeped in fascinating lore. Delight in a snapshot of small-town life here as children often gleefully splash in the waterfront fountains. While living here for almost two decades in the early 1800s, naturalist and artist John James Audubon created many of his extraordinary, Birds of America,masterpieces.

Discover the delightful riverside city of Evansville, the perfect blend of modern and historic architecture. Evansville is home to Bally's Evansville, the state's first casino, as well as Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, one of the state’s oldest and largest zoos. Explore the area’s many museums and take time for shopping and strolling along the charming streets of this picturesque waterfront town.

The Audubon Museum and Nature Center interprets the life of John James Audubon through his art and personal memorabilia framed within a timeline of world events. Join a park naturalist on a guided tour before enjoying some free time to explore the Museum’s three galleries and the Center’s wildlife observation room, theater, and Discovery & Learning Center on your own.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Enjoy a self-guided exploration of Indiana’s first zoo, set on 45 scenic acres, with hundreds of animals representing species from around the globe. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you, while navigating the Zoo’s geographically grouped and themed regions, including South America, North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Along the way, view thousands of exotic and regional botanic species which adorn the hillsides and animal exhibits.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

This unique museum celebrates the service of the Evansville region's armed forces, focusing on the manufacturing contributions made during World War II by the region's hometown heroes. Be treated to an exclusive exploration of the Main Hall and four galleries. The Home Front Gallery displays exhibits on the wartime munitions and personal military memorabilia, including uniforms, weapons, and honors. Also featured is the Evansville Canteen - having served the troops passing through on their way to war, an exhibit honoring the sacrifices made by nurses in the war, as well as period automobiles, and military equipment, such as a landing craft from the LST 325, an Evansville-built P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane, and a 1943 M4A4 Sherman Tank, to name a few.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Explore downtown Evansville on your own. Take time for shopping and strolling along the charming streets of this picturesque waterfront town. Stops include:

• Evansville Museum - Explore a permanent collection of over 30,000 objects from fine art to natural history artifacts as well as the "From the Hand of the President" collection of documents signed by Presidents of the United States.

• USS LST-325 - Come aboard the last fully operational WWII Landing Ship Tank (LST) afloat in US Waters.

• Reitz Home Museum - Visit the historic Victorian house built by Evansville "Lumber Baron" and philanthropist, John August Reitz and his wife Gertrude, who emigrated from Prussia to Evansville as young adults. Noted as one of the country's finest examples of Second Empire architecture, the Reitz Home features authentic period furniture, spindled archways, and French gilt chandeliers to name a few of the home's well-preserved features.

• Main St. - Experience some of the sights, shops and restaurants of downtown that are uniquely Evansville.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Day 12 Day of Cruising

Delight in a day of cruising along the scenic rolling countryside of the Ohio River. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty that stretches out before you. Be on the lookout for a variety of wildlife that calls this region home, including white-tailed deer, red fox, and cotton tail rabbits.

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 13 Paducah, KY

Just upriver of your ship’s dock, the beautiful Tennessee River empties into the Ohio River. Also nearby are confluences with the Cumberland River and the Mississippi. The convergence of these four major rivers crossroads makes Paducah an important port centralized at the axis.

Wander along the landing to admire more than 50 murals which highlight the region’s rich history. Learn the importance of the town as headquarters for Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant as he embarked to secure Union control of the rivers. Only a block away, the excellent River Discovery Center illuminates for you the importance of the rivers to this historic port. View a treasure trove of incredible works of art created with fabric, needle, and thread at the National Quilt Museum.

Discover downtown Paducah at your own pace. Visit the areas many museums, including the Paducah Railroad Museum, featuring equipment and memorabilia from the romantic past of America’s railroads. Stop at the River Discovery Center, which celebrates Paducah’s maritime legacy. Explore the Lowertown Arts District & Neighborhood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the Civil War Museum & Tilghman House, an 1852 Greek-revival home, which tells the story of Paducah’s influence during the Civil War. Take time for shopping and walking along the riverfront to view the many wall murals which chronicle Paducah’s past.

Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessibility: Yes

Paducah’s location at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers makes it unique. The city is home to some of the nation’s largest barge and towing companies. At theInland Waterways Museum,learn all about the inland waterways and the impact they have on the daily lives of local residents. You can be a captain and choose your vessel type in the state-of-the-art boat simulator, as well as explore and learn about the history, environments, culture, and economy of these rivers through interactive exhibits.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Let our local guide take you through the quaint city of Paducah. This excursion has been carefully divided into three distinct sections to make sure you experience all that Paducah has to offer. First, explore the downtown as our local expert guide points out the areas’ many historical sites. Then, ride along the riverfront where you will witness more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting elements of Paducah’s past. Endat the National Quilt Museum, the world's largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 14 Day of Cruising

Cruise from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River on your way to St. Louis. Enjoy onboard activities such as trivia in the lounge or shuffleboard on the top deck. Or simply, relax on your private balcony and delight in the bucolic countryside and rolling river views.

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 15 St. Louis, MO

St. Louis is sure to win you over. Admire the scenic riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class attractions,including the National Great Rivers Museum, which tells stories of the Mississippi River’s rich history, the people that rely on the river, and its many ecosystems.

Discover the area’s extensive history at the excellent Missouri History Museum in the city’s lovely Forest Park, the site of the legendary 1904 World’s Fair. Or stand in awe at the Cathedral Basilica with its mosaic tile interior which rivals the cathedrals of Europe. Celebrate the United States western expansion and those who made it possible at the recently renovated Gateway Arch monument and the innovative and interactive underground museum.

Relive the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. Featuring over 200 years of history within six themed exhibit areas, this innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit and explains the westward expansion of the U.S., with an emphasis on St. Louis’ role in that era.

Shaped by the inspired design of Finnish-America architect Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Arch monument celebrates the expansion West and the pioneers who made it possible. Since its completion in 1965, millions of visitors have taken a trip to the top to enjoy stunning views. Begin your adventure with our new, interactive pre-boarding exhibits featuring 60s-era animation and Gateway Arch trivia. Then, be transported 630 feet to the top of America’s tallest man-made monument. Or, if you prefer, enjoy the movie Monument to a Dream.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis/Alton, as well as on the Complete Mississippi River and Grand Heartland cruises.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Explore the most popular exhibits at the Missouri History Museum including “The 1904 World’s Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward” and “Many Memories: 100 Years on the Stage.” Time will also be allowed for the Seeking St. Louis galleries on display. Self-guided exploration will allow you to view the exhibits at your leisure and give you time to shop.

Note: This excursion is only available on cruises ending in St. Louis/Alton as well as the Complete Mississippi and Grand Heartland.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 16 St. Louis, MO

End your journey in this unique city with frontier-town roots and Midwest modesty. On your travels home, reflect upon your many wonderful adventures, or choose to explore more in the Gateway to the West.