LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 29, 2025) – The Belle of Louisville will end her 2025 cruise season by participating in a historic celebration upriver in Cincinnati, OH. The iconic steamboat along with her sister vessel, the Mary M. Miller, will journey 133 river miles north in early October to participate in one of the first official events of the American semi-quincentennial, the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. They’ll be joining riverboats from around the country, representing the City of Louisville, to celebrate the vibrant culture of America’s river cities.

To commemorate the occasion and make sure Louisvillians don’t miss out on the Belle’s 2025 season, Belle of Louisville Riverboats invites the public to come aboard during the month of September with some special “hometown pride” cruise offerings and pricing, now through October 3.

“We couldn’t miss out on showcasing Louisville’s floating National Historic Landmark as part of this milestone birthday of our country,” said Krista Snider, Executive Director of Belle of Louisville Riverboats. “While it means shortening our cruise season a bit, we want to give our local guests the opportunity now to enjoy their favorite cruises at some special prices before the boats are anchors away to Cincinnati.”

In addition to the longtime favorites, Belle of Louisville Riverboats has added new and affordable ways for locals to step aboard and make the most of this special stretch of cruising:

• NEW! $12 Harbor History Cruises on Sundays: A breezy, one-hour narrated sightseeing cruise, where you’ll take in Louisville’s skyline and learn about the city’s river heritage and history, a fun, easy-breezy outing for all ages.
• Anchors Away Fridays – Now $14.99: Leave your stress on the shore and enjoy our best-value two-hour evening cruise, complete with cocktails, great views of the Ohio River at sunset and a chill 1980’s vibe.

“Whether it’s a first-time trip or a long-standing tradition, each cruise offers the chance to celebrate Louisville’s heritage, connect with the river and be part of a memorable sendoff before the Belle and the Mary represent our city at the America250 celebration,” Snider said.

Both the Belle and the Mary will be highlights of America’s River Roots, a signature festival launching America’s 250th anniversary celebration in Cincinnati, Covington and Newport, highlighting the soul of river roots through music, cuisine, culture and cruises from October 8 through 12. Cruise opportunities also are available for this festival at AmericasRiverRoots.com/Cruise.

The final Louisville cruises before departing for Cincinnati will be the Mary’s Picnic Lunch cruise on Thursday, October 2, followed by the Belle’s Anchors Away cruise on Friday, October 3. After the America’s River Roots festival, the Mary will return to Louisville to continue its cruise season from October 18 through the end of December.