Business Details
47 Years
experience
Scenic Ohio River Cruises & Dining Experiences
Since 1979, BB Riverboats has been dedicated to redefining the way people experience the Ohio River through authentic riverboat cruises. Founded by Ben Bernstein and Betty Blake, our company was built on a vision to blend the romance of the riverboat era with modern comfort, creating unforgettable journeys steeped in history and charm. Over four decades later, we remain a family-owned icon in the Cincinnati region, operating iconic vessels like The Belle of Cincinnati and The River Queen. Our team combines deep industry expertise with a passion for storytelling, offering narrated tours that highlight the river's pivotal role in shaping local culture and commerce.With a state-of-the-art event center at River's Edge and a commitment to excellence recognized through leadership roles in national maritime associations, we continue to provide exceptional experiences for dining, sightseeing, and special events. Our legacy of innovation includes pioneering roles in major festivals like Tall Stacks and River Roots, solidifying our position as trusted stewards of the Ohio River's heritage.
Services
Sightseeing Cruises
Dining Cruises
Holiday Cruises
Group Events
Private Charters
Wedding Services
Corporate Events
School Outings
Motorcoach Tours
Specialty Cruises
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have operated riverboat cruises since 1979 with deep local expertise.
- Our fleet includes iconic vessels like The Belle of Cincinnati and The River Queen.
- We offer narrated historical tours and award-winning event hosting capabilities.
- Our team holds industry-leading maritime licenses and association leadership roles.
- We provide family-friendly experiences with climate-controlled decks and seasonal themes.
Services
Sightseeing Cruises
Explore the Ohio River's scenic beauty and historical landmarks through narrated sightseeing cruises. Our expert guides share stories about the river's impact on Cincinnati's development while you enjoy panoramic views from climate-controlled decks. Ideal for tourists and locals seeking educational experiences.
Dining Cruises
Savor gourmet meals aboard historic riverboats with Victorian-era decor and modern amenities. Our dining cruises feature seasonal menus, live entertainment, and breathtaking skyline views. Perfect for romantic evenings, family celebrations, and special occasions throughout the year.
Private Charters
Host weddings, corporate events, or private parties on our iconic vessels or at the River's Edge event center. With capacity for up to 225 guests, we offer customizable packages including catering, decor, and themed entertainment options on the Ohio River.
Group Tours
Organize educational group outings for schools, clubs, or organizations with our specialized riverboat tours. We provide discounted rates for large parties and tailored programming about regional history, ecology, and maritime heritage for students of all ages.
Holiday Cruises
Celebrate holidays with themed riverboat experiences featuring festive decorations, special menus, and seasonal entertainment. From summer fireworks to Christmas light tours, our holiday cruises create lasting memories with family-friendly activities and unique riverfront perspectives.
People
Alan Bernstein
President
With over 50 years in the river industry, Alan holds multiple maritime licenses and received the National Rivers Hall of Fame Achievement Award. He leads BB Riverboats' strategic direction while maintaining active industry involvement.
Ben Bernstein
Co-Owner
Third-generation operator with advanced maritime licenses, Ben manages daily operations and safety compliance. He serves on the Passenger Vessel Association board and brings extensive experience from working in the family business since 1993.
Terri Bernstein
Co-Owner
With hospitality and legal education backgrounds, Terri oversees event planning and regulatory compliance. She holds maritime licenses and serves on multiple industry boards while managing special projects for BB Riverboats.
Questions
Are your cruises suitable for families with children?
Yes, we offer family-friendly options including themed kids cruises and special holiday events with entertainment and scenic views.
What types of cruises do you offer?
We provide sightseeing, dining, holiday-themed, special events, group outings, and educational river tours on the Ohio River.
Can I book private events on your riverboats?
Yes, we host weddings, corporate events, and private parties aboard our vessels and at our River's Edge event center.
What historical information is shared during cruises?
Our narrated tours cover the Ohio River's role in Cincinnati's history, local landmarks, and river lore from industry experts.
How do I make reservations for a cruise?
Reservations can be made through our website or by calling our Newport, KY office at 1 (800) 261-8586.
