gateway arch riverboat dinner cruise

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Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

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Gain a new perspective while cruising the Mighty Mississippi. With a variety of sightseeing, dinner, and specialty outings to choose from, a riverboat cruise makes a unique and relaxing way to experience the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis.

Available March through November. Cruise dates and times vary. Located on the St. Louis Riverfront below the Grand Staircase of the Gateway Arch.

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Additional information.

Rolling on the River: Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises

No visit to the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis is complete without a riverboat tour of the Mississippi! Step back in time as you board the Becky Thatcher or Tom Sawyer and take a tranquil tour of the riverfront.

Before interstate highways crisscrossed the nation, people did their luxury traveling by train and steamboat. St. Louis was a bustling river town in the 1800’s with hundreds of steam powered paddlewheelers docked on riverfront! There’s a cool display of what St. Louis looked like back then at the Arch’s new museum –be sure to check it out on your next visit.

Riverboat Cruise at the Arch

The riverboats can take your family on a hour long tour of the riverfront –there’s a sightseeing cruise running every day from March to November.

But if you want to make it really special–book a dinner or brunch cruise! The Becky Thatcher is set up with a double decker dining room and takes visitors on a two-hour tour of the riverfront while you dine on a delicious buffet.

Brunch on the Riverboat Becky Thatcher

Sunday Brunch Cruises are a great way to celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Of course you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a wonderful weekend at the Arch with your family! There’s one or two brunch cruises scheduled every month the boats operates. Check out their current schedule under “specialty cruises” here.   There’s also dinner cruises, dancing cruises, and a couple cruises up to see the lock and dam where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers meet!

What’s included with my ticket?

Your brunch ticket includes a buffet full of scrambled eggs, blintzes, French toast, sausage, prime rib, stuffed chicken, veggies, pasta, dessert, and coffee, iced tea, orange juice, milk and chocolate milk. Soft drinks, beer and cocktails are available at the bar for an extra charge.

What to Expect on your Riverboat Brunch Cruise

First, you’ll want to reserve your spot early by getting tickets online . Tickets are $45 for adults, $18 for kids 3-12 and free for little ones under 2. 

The boats are docked at the foot of the Gateway Arch. Stop by the ticket office to pick up your tickets by 12:30 — the boat leaves promptly at 1pm!

Then you’ll come aboard and be directed to your seat. Unlike the sightseeing tours, the Brunch Cruise has reserved indoor seating with white linen table clothes. Tables are located by the windows, so you can enjoy the whole cruise from the comfort of the cabin, or pop upstairs to watch from the observation deck. 

The food might be served buffet style, but you’ll also get a friendly waiter to serve your drinks and clear the plates. Don’t worry about standing in line either, the serving staff dismisses diners by table so the buffet isn’t overwhelmed.

And while you wait, enjoy a little Dixieland music!

Where do I park?

Best Photos of the Arch are Here

If you’re looking to get a postcard photo of the Gateway Arch, a riverboat cruise is where to be! You can also get a pretty cool one from the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park over on the East Side, but you don’t need to worry about pesky power lines messing up your shot here. ( Here’s a few more ideas for great photos with the Arch! )

Visiting the Gateway Arch: Enter the monument through the Gateway Arch Visitor Center, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch legs are exits only. Please allow at least 30 minutes to go through security. Tickets sell out early and often, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Pending availability, additional tickets may be available for same-day purchase beginning at 9am each day through our website, call center, and ticket center at the Gateway Arch. Same-day ticket availability is not guaranteed and sells out early and often.

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Skyline Dinner Cruise

New Dates Added: September 8th, 22nd, and 23rd.  

Make any night special. Our flagship evening cruise features live music, a chef-inspired menu and captivating views of the St. Louis skyline. This two-hour cruise is perfect for celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic night out or just relaxing on the water. Take a stroll around the top deck to see the city from brand new angles as it lights up the night sky.

For current COVID-19 health and safety protocols including face covering requirements , please visit our  COVID-19 FAQ  page.

Click here for the 2021 Spring & Summer Dinner Menu (through September 4th)

Click here for the 2021 Fall Dinner Menu (starting September 10th)

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12 things to do this summer: New events meet St. Louis favorites

From the summer fun: your guide to events and arts as st. louis heats up series, daniel neman.

• May 22, 2024

The wave pool at Raging Rivers Waterpark in Grafton in 2019

Some St. Louis institutions are eternal.

The Arch. The museums. The parks. And it’s hard to get more eternal than Cahokia Mounds.

In the summer, St. Louisans flock to these places and more for their hot-weather fun. And many of these jewels in the region’s crown have special events throughout the season.

Some are expected. Many are not.

Here we present a dozen of our absolute favorites for all ages and interests, from a garden tour that only happens once every three years to a new and ridiculously scary amusement park ride to a whole bunch of Juneteenth-related activities.

Artist’s rendering of The Joker: Carnival of Chaos

Six Flags: The Joker: Carnival of Chaos

• When: The park opens at 11 a.m. and closes at various times from 6-9 p.m. throughout the summer
• Where: Six Flags St. Louis, 4900 Six Flags Road, Eureka
• How much: Free with admission to park, $35
• More info: sixflags.com/stlouis/attractions/the-joker-carnival-of-chaos

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The Six Flags folks claim their newest ride offers a “maximum” thrill level, and they aren’t kidding. A few dozen brave riders sit on the end of a large disc that swings like a pendulum higher and higher. How high? It tops out at 172 feet — that’s 17 stories — and reaches a speed of 75 mph. Oh, and the disc is spinning at the same time. The ride will open later this summer, but don’t forget to visit Hurricane Harbor water park with its 11 rides.

Gateway Arch: Evening Dinner Cruises

• When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through November
• Where: 50 South Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard (at the Gateway Arch)
• How much: $61, $27 children 3-12
• More info: gatewayarch.com

Nowhere else in the world can you get this view. The Gateway Arch National Park’s weekly two-hour riverboat cruises feature a meal (choice of chicken, beef, seafood or vegetarian) plus music performed live or via a DJ — and, of course, views of the city and the Arch from up and down the Mississippi River.

Enedina Ochoa walks with her grandchildren Yolanda, 4, and Emiliano, 3, back to the car after walking around Monks Mound at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in 2022.

Cahokia Mounds: Nature Day

• When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 1
• Where: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramsey Street, Collinsville
• How much: Free
• More info: cahokiamounds.org/natureday24

This event begins with a four-hour nature/culture hike that will examine the natural environment of the mounds and how it affected their development (arrive at 8:45 a.m. for his hike). At 2 p.m., horticulturalist Rico Rose will talk about the impacts of colonialism, class hierarchy and the Industrial Revolution on American Land Management. Guests will get to make wildflower seed bombs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Best of all, the gift shop, which has been closed during the ongoing renovations, will be open.

Missouri History Museum: Gateway to Pride Exhibit

• When: June 6-July 6 (opening weekend celebration 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 8-9)
• Where: Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Boulevard
• More info: mohistory.org/exhibits/gateway-to-pride

The Missouri History Museum celebrates Pride Month with a 6,000 square-foot exhibit tracing the lives, struggles and accomplishments of some of the area’s LGBTQ residents, told through oral histories, artifacts and images. Of note to local partiers is the opening weekend celebration, which includes music, art, face-painting and dance music provided by DJs (June 8) and bands (June 9).

Jill Benway, from Glen Carbon, keeps cool on a tube floating around the Endless River at Raging Rivers Waterpark in Grafton in 2019.

Raging Rivers: Storm the Beach

• When: 6-9 p.m. June 7
• Where: Raging Rivers Waterpark, 100 Palisades Parkway, Grafton
• How much: $40, $20 children 12 and under
• More info: ragingrivers.com/graftonmemorial

Eighty years and one day after U.S. Army Rangers scaled 100-foot cliffs under heavy fire at Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, Raging Rivers is holding an event to raise money for a local memorial commemorating the incredible feat. The “salute to veterans past and present” will include live music, a patriotic costume contest (adults and children), photos with a mermaid plus all the amenities of the area’s largest waterpark.

Partygoers ride a rooftop Ferris wheel at an ‘80s prom-themed event Aug. 4, 2023, at City Museum.

City Museum: Pride Art

• When: 7-11 p.m. June 7
• Where: City Museum, 750 North 16th Street
• How much: $30, $20 members (includes general admission to City Museum)
• More info: citymuseum.org/event/city-nights-pride-art-2024

The City Museum rooftop has one of the area’s best views — complete with a giant praying mantis, a fighter jet and a school bus careening off the edge, of course — which makes it a great spot for this combination of live art by the art and media project Cranky Yellow and recorded music spun by DJ Jillian. Adults 21 and older only.

Missouri Botanical Garden: St. Louis Garden Tour

• When: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 9
• Where: Throughout the area
• How much: $65, $50 Missouri Botanical Garden members
• More info: fundraise.givesmart.com/e/0loraQ?vid=15kss9

MoBot’s St. Louis Garden Tour only happens once every three years, and this is the year. One (admittedly kind of pricey) ticket gives you access to 11 particularly notable home gardens throughout St. Louis and St. Louis County. The tours are self-guided, so you can soak in all the cool garden ideas at your own pace. Proceeds benefit the Missouri Botanical Garden’s plant science, conservation and education work.

Dakrya Boyd, 9, performs on stage with fellow members of the Freedom Dance Company at the 2nd annual Juneteenth “Free-Dome” Celebration at Fairground Park in 2023.

Juneteenth Celebrations

At least 11 organizations in the area are holding Juneteenth celebrations from June 13-19. All are free:

• The Missouri History Museum begins with a presentation about the history and meaning of Juneteenth, 5-8 p.m. June 13, 5700 Lindell Boulevard.
• The St. Louis Art Museum presents a panel of artists whose work incorporates aspects of Juneteenth and freedom, 6 p.m. June 14, 1 Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park.
• The Caribbean Heritage Festival puts an island vibe to the celebration, with food, music, dancers, speakers and a wheelchair ride through Forest Park, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. June 15, Cricket Field, Forest Park.
• Neighbors Impacting Communities’ Juneteenth celebration will include music, dance, food and vendors, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 15 at Soulard Market Park, South 8th Street.
• The Delmar Loop notes its location on the Delmar Divide with a Juneteenth celebration beginning with a 5K race for reconciliation (a 1-mile race is also available), a vendors fair and live music and dancing in the evening, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. at and around the former Tivoli Theatre, 6350 Delmar Boulevard.
• River City Outdoors will have a community bike ride, plus live music. The ride is 11 miles, with four leisurely stops, beginning at 9 a.m. June 15 (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) at the Tandy Recreation Center, 4206 Kennerly Avenue.
• At 18 years, Sabayet’s Juneteenth party is perhaps the oldest in town. It will present music, dance, poetry, children’s activities, food, vendors and the like, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 15 at 4000 Maffitt Avenue.
• The city of Ferguson’s Juneteenth extravaganza will include a ribbon cutting at a new business along with live music and entertainment, an art fair, a children’s area, food trucks and small business vendors, 4-9 p.m. June 15, Plaza at 501, 501 South Florissant Road, Ferguson.
• A fireworks display will cap the Dellwood Juneteenth Festival, but before that there will be music (bands will include Dirty Muggs), a community resource fair, a skate show, a parade, an art contest and an oratory contest, noon to 9 p.m. June 19, Dellwood Recreation Center, 10266 West Florissant Road, Dellwood.
• The third annual St. Louis African American Artifacts Festival and Bazaar’s Juneteenth Free-Dome celebration blends shopping for clothes, art and jewelry with African dance and food, 1-7 p.m. June 19 at a new location, the Griot Museum of Black History, 2505 St. Louis Avenue.
• Live music is the focus of the Illinois Black Woodstock Festival, Juneteenth Edition, although there will also be food and an array of vendors, noon to 9 p.m. June 19, 8206 State Street, East St. Louis.

Boats race in an F1 Powerboat Championship race in Wisconsin in 2023. This year, the Midwest regional championships are held in Alton.

F1 Powerboat Midwest Championships

• When: 2-6 p.m. June 21, 9 a.m.-5:20 p.m. June 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 23
• Where: Alton Riverfront Park, Riverfront Drive, Alton
• How much: Free general seating, $20 bleacher seats
• More info: riversandroutes.com/events/f1-powerboat-championship

Formula One powerboats can reach speeds of 120 mph, though that much power tends to make them flip dangerously into the air. The delicate question of how hard to push them is at the heart of F1 powerboat racing, a combination of speed, skill and daring. The Mississippi River Festival follows the June 29 races, featuring roots rock band Larkin Poe among others; music festival tickets are $25.

St. Louis Art Museum: Spanish-American art

• When: 4-8 p.m. June 21 (exhibit runs through Sept. 1)
• Where: St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park
• How much: Public preview, 4-8 p.m. June 21, is free. Otherwise, $12, $10 seniors and students, $6 children, free for museum members and children 5 and under
• More info: slam.org

This exhibit, taken from the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, looks at 300 years of art from colonial Spanish America, from 1500 to 1800. The era blended artistic influences from indigenous people, Europe, Asia and Africa. A free public preview will be held from 4-8 p.m. June 21, with a free public lecture about the exhibit from 6-7 p.m. June 21.

St. Louis Science Center: SciFest

• When: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 13
• Where: St. Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland Avenue
• More info: slsc.org/event/scifest-play-and-creativity-expo

They’re calling it a Play and Creativity Expo, which pretty much explains the whole concept: Educational information, such as science, is easier to understand if you learn it by working with it — or in this case, playing with it.

St. Louis Zoo: Jammin’ at the Zoo

• When: 6-10:30 Aug. 23
• Where: St. Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive Street (Forest Park)
• How much: To be announced
• More info: stlzoo.org/events/jammin-2

This wildly popular event draws as many as 3,000 people (21 and older only, please) to the zoo for a night of music and alcohol in a venue that is often a childhood favorite. The band has not yet been announced, but it is always local, with more than 50 (probably closer to 100) types of beer and wine to taste. Also with DJs and wandering performers scattered throughout the zoo.

Six Flags St. Louis released this footage in honor of the park's 40th anniversary in 2011, but it's still a trip ten years later. 

In this Series

Summer fun: your guide to events and arts as st. louis heats up, from pridefest to county fairs, st. louis has plenty of summer festivals, summer theater heats up in st. louis with the muny, stages, circus flora and more.

• Summer Guide
• Cahokia Mounds
• St. Louis Zoo

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The 5 best nyc dinner cruises for food & views.

These dinner cruises provide some of the best views of Manhattan.

The Best NYC Dinner Cruises

Courtesy of La Barca Cantina

When you're strolling the streets of Manhattan, it can be difficult to grasp the magnitude of the city, with its skyscrapers and densely packed landmarks. The solution? A boat ride. A breezy sail in New York Harbor can feature everything from an elegant dinner to a live jazz band to tacos and tequila. Read on to discover the top-rated New York City dinner cruise options as determined by travel expert opinion and recent reviews.

City Cruises New York Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

Price: From $144 Duration: 3 hours Standout perk: This all-glass boat delivers panoramic skyline views.

Climbing aboard the Bateaux feels like stepping into a greenhouse, with its glass-enclosed structure and water views in every direction. There are no bad seats on this boat, but as an upgrade you can reserve a window table for the best views of the Hudson River, the East River and the New York Harbor. This cruise is a match for anyone seeking elegance: The tables are covered in crisp white cloths, wine and cocktails are served in sparkling glasses, and a three-course a la carte dinner is served at a relaxed pace (no buffet here).

The Bateaux cruise is an experience to get dressed up for, where the dress code is semi-formal and dinner is accompanied by live music. The sunset can provide the perfect backdrop for pictures, and don't forget to snap a shot of the Statue of Liberty . Children younger than 6 are not permitted on this cruise, so expect a polished, for-adults atmosphere complete with creative cocktails and dancing under the stars. The Bateaux has rightfully earned a reputation for its fresh food; this three-course, plated menu includes several tempting a la carte options from a ravioli starter with crispy pancetta to osso bucco with cauliflower polenta.

Check prices & availability on:

City Cruises New York Signature Dinner Cruise

Price: From $109 Duration: 2.5 hours Standout perk: A live DJ gives this dinner cruise an extra dose of atmosphere.

Looking for a casual night of dining and dancing with the addition of a skyline backdrop? This dinner cruise offers just that. Set sail from Chelsea Piers in a climate-controlled boat along the Hudson and East rivers, admiring New York City landmarks like the Empire State Building . For dinner, indulge in a chef-prepared buffet with a wide range of options from Greek salad to oven-roasted salmon with miso to Caribbean jerk braised pork. If you're bringing a sweet tooth on board, be sure to check out the ample dessert station.

After snapping some pictures on the open-air deck, return to the cabin for cocktails from the cash bar, interactive games and upbeat music from the onboard DJ.

Those traveling with young kids will be pleased to know that infants younger than 3 cruise free – so feel free to bring your little ones along to enjoy the experience with you.

La Barca Cantina

Price: Varies Duration: 2 hours Standout perk: You'll find an extensive tequila and mezcal list on board to accompany the Mexican fare.

One criticism of New York dinner cruises is that they don't offer good value for money, but the "taco boat" challenges that critique with ceviche, tacos, churros, cocktails and skyline views for an affordable price. Climb aboard a yacht at Pier 81 to experience a youthful, modern interpretation of a dinner cruise – think: low lighting, couches for lounging and three bars, complete with Latin pop, salsa and dance music playing in the background. Raise a glass while the yacht sails south on the Hudson River to check out world-famous Manhattan skyline views.

La Barca Cantina also offers a bottomless brunch cruise with a DJ, as well as special events.

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Classic Harbor Line NYC Evening Jazz Cruise

Courtesy of Classic Harbor Line

Price: From $108 Duration: 1.5 hours Standout perk: A jazz trio typically featuring a sax, keyboard and drums plays live on board.

Listen to jazz standards aboard a 1920s-style yacht with this fun sightseeing cruise departing from Pier 62 in Chelsea Piers. Choose between kicking back in the climate-controlled cabin or on the open-air deck throughout this evening cruise, which includes views of Manhattan landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Live music is played outside on the deck or inside the salon, depending on the season (and the boat, Manhattan or Manhattan II).

While this cruise doesn't offer dinner, one complimentary alcoholic beverage is included, and a cash bar offers additional drinks and snacks. Listen to music by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and more as you sail past the twinkling Manhattan skyline. Those traveling in a group should keep in mind: Tickets are slightly discounted for groups of 4 to 16.

Circle Line New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

Courtesy of Circle Line

Price: From $54 Duration: 2 hours Standout perk: This no-fuss, excellent-value cruise option has drinks and snacks available for purchase on board.

When you're craving panoramic views rather than a three-course meal, choose the Circle Line's Harbor Lights cruise departing from Pier 83. This sightseeing sailing delivers an up-close experience of the Manhattan skyline lights coming to life, while cruising past landmarks including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building . A live guide provides narration and historical context for what you're seeing. As the sun sets behind New Jersey, watch the glow of the sinking sun reflect in the windows of skyscrapers.

Food from the onboard cafe – like salads, sandwiches and snacks – as well as beer, wine and cocktails at the bar are available for purchase. This is an ideal situation for groups with varying levels of hunger and thirst. Sit alfresco in the breeze or indoors in the climate-controlled cabin – it's up to you.

Non-English-speaking guests can download the Circle Line app for narration available in several languages; just be sure to bring your own headset.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Jessica Colley Clarke is a New York-based freelance writer. She loves to take visiting family and friends out on the water in the New York Harbor for a fresh perspective on the Manhattan skyline and beyond.

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• The Top New York City Tours
• The Best Hotels in New York City
• The Top Observation Decks in New York City

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Rolling on the river

Viking Mississippi Holiday Season cruise, USA

It’s never too early to start planning a Christmas markets cruise, and as much as we love the ones in Germany and Austria, nothing beats a festive float down the Mississippi. Highlights on  this cruise , which snakes from Memphis to New Orleans, include stop-offs at Natchez, whose many historic buildings are festooned with Christmas lights, and Vicksburg, whose independent boutiques are great places to pick up presents. This is also a great cruise for twitchers – a huge number of bird species flock to this stretch of the Mississippi for winter. 

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M.S. Dixie II Lake Tahoe cruise, California, USA

Say hello to one of America’s most spectacular lake cruises. Your mode of transport for this sail across Lake Tahoe will be the M.S Dixie II – the lake’s biggest boat. The sunset dinner cruises are popular with couples, although we recommend the scenic daytime tours, which are a great way to explore North America’s largest alpine lake. This high-altitude body of water spreads into two states (California and Nevada), contains enough water to cover California with 14 inches of water and is deeper than the Empire State Building is tall.  

Le Petit Navire Lachine Canal tour, Québec, Canada

If crowded cruise liners and transatlantic crossings don’t appeal, consider this leisurely sail along Canada’s 14-kilometer Lachine Canal, which slices through the southern section of Montréal, a city famous for its historic architecture. Don’t know your dingle from your dewater? You’ll gain a wonderful insight into the construction of this historic waterway as you pass through its locks, and you’ll also enjoy fantastic views of Montréal’s skyline. Your mode of transport is rather special too – a carbon-neutral, zero-pollution electric propulsion boat. 

American Cruise Lines Alaska Inside Passage cruise, Alaska, USA

Alaska’s Inside Passage is an inland route weaving between islands on the Pacific Northwest coast and along glacier-lined fjords. Inside Passage cruises offer a different perspective on Alaska to coastal cruises, relying on smaller ships to reach more remote ports of call. Highlights of this cruise include the Strait of Georgia, where you’ll sail between Vancouver Island and British Columbia, and the glacier-fed waters of Frederick Sound – a brilliant whale watching spot.

Now check out the fabulous cruising facts you won't believe

Northwest Pioneers Cruise, Oregon and Washington, USA

As much as we love the mighty Mississippi, this brilliant river cruise , which wiggles through Oregon and Washington, is a fantastic reminder that there are plenty of other breathtakingly beautiful waterways to explore. On this adventure, you’ll sail along the Columbia River – the largest in America’s Pacific Northwest – and Snake River, which is the Columbia River’s largest tributary. It’s a great way to see some of America’s most underrated destinations, including the town of Astoria, which is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies.

American Cruise Lines Puget Sound and San Juan Islands Cruise, Washington, USA

This seven-day cruise provides a brilliant insight into one of America’s most wildlife-rich regions: Washington state’s Puget Sound, America’s second largest estuary; and the San Juan Islands, a cluster of 172 islands and reefs where you’re likely to spot wildlife including whales and eagles. Don’t miss the chance to explore Port Townsend, sandwiched between Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and famous for its Victorian-era architecture. 

Viking America’s Heartland cruise, Upper Mississippi, USA

This is one of the best Mississippi cruises for anyone keen to learn about the people who shaped this part of the US, whether it’s the Norwegians who migrated here during the 1800s or the farmers who made this region one of America’s top culinary destinations. Stops include the Missouri city of St Louis, once known as the Gateway to the West; Hannibal, which was the setting for Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn;  and the Iowan city of Dubuque, home to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

Viking Heart of the Delta cruise, USA

An eight-day cruise between Memphis and New Orleans, Viking’s Heart of the Delta cruise takes in the Mississippi’s best bits, including many listed monuments and buildings. For history buffs, highlights will include St Francisville, where there’s a whopping 140 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Natchez, which has more listed buildings than any other American city. If you’re short on time, put Stanton Hall, which was built in the 1850s, at the top of your list – this Greek revival-style property is famous for its ornate mirrored parlors.  

James River Batteau Company Batteau River tour, Virginia, USA

Short on time? Opt for this scenic river tour . Your mode of transport for this float along Virginia’s James River will be one of the beautiful wooden boats which have sailed this waterway for years. The two-hour tour along the river, which is Virginia’s longest, is a great way to see its wildlife – bald eagles, river otters and ospreys are regularly spotted. It’s a rather relaxed affair, and passengers are encouraged to cool off with a swim in the river. 

Discover the beloved cruise ships that will never sail again

American Queen Voyages Clarkston to Portland cruise, USA

A brilliant cruise for history fans, this 10-day Snake River and Columbia River cruise starts in Clarkston and finishes in Vancouver, Washington – the route undertaken by explorers Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark in the early 1800s. It’s also a route lined with natural wonders, including Columbia Gorge, which slices through the Cascade Mountains, and Idaho’s Hell’s Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon and can be explored on a high-speed boat ride. The Columbia River stretch is where you’re most likely to see bison, elk and deer too. 

American Queen Voyages Memphis to Nashville cruise, USA

This nine-day Memphis to Nashville   cruise is a fantastic way to check out some of the southern state’s prettiest towns, whether it’s Paducah in Kentucky, famed for its arts and craft museum or Clarksville, Tennessee. The latter is famous for its breweries, distilleries and wineries, while historic sites include the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, where you can learn about the town’s famous former residents, including Wilma Rudolph – the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games. 

American Queen Voyages Mighty Mississippi Red Wing to New Orleans, USA

Can’t get enough of the Mighty Mississippi? Take a deep dive on  this 16-day cruise between Red Wing and New Orleans. It’s a fantastic way to discover the landscapes which surround America’s second longest river. The Minnesotan city of Winona, for example, is built on a sandbar and dates back to 9,500BC. The excursions on this cruise are fantastic too. Our favorite? In the town of Hannibal, Missouri, you’ll get the chance to make your very own clay pot out of Mississippi mud. 

Adventure Life Rivers of Adventure and Wine cruise, Oregon, USA

Your transport for this food and wine-themed cruise along the Columbia River is the Wilderness Legacy, a beautiful vessel designed to resemble a Victorian steamer. During the cruise, which starts and finishes in Portland, you’ll visit some of Oregon’s most important historical sites, but it’s the food and wine-themed stops that really set it apart. In the Hood River Valley, you can sign up for cycle rides between local vineyards, and in the Washington city of Walla Walla, you’ll visit a local chocolatier, olive oil producer, and brewery.  

American Queen Voyages St Louis to Cincinnati cruise, USA

Get more bang for your buck from your river cruise by signing up for American Queen Voyages’ exploration of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Stop-offs on this spectacular paddle steamer cruise include the Illinois city of Alton, which has a rich history and became a base for abolitionists in the 1800s, and Henderson in Kentucky. It’s another cruise with fantastic excursions, our favorite of which is a jet boat ride along a stunning section of the Ohio River near Carrollton, Kentucky. 

American Queen Voyages Montréal to Detroit cruise, Canada and US

An 11-day cruise between two very different cities, this Montréal to Detroit sailing provides plenty of opportunities for urban explorations – you’ll visit Montréal, Québec City , Toronto and Cleveland, as well as quaint riverside towns such as Gananoque, in the heart of the Thousand Islands archipelago in Eastern Ontario. This particular cruise offers fantastic value for money – the cost of your sailing covers a wide range of excursions, including visits to Toronto’s CN Tower and catamaran tours of Niagara Falls.

St Lawrence Cruise Lines, Canada’s Capital North cruise, Canada

This Ottawa River cruise is a great way to explore two very different regions of Canada – more specifically Ontario and Québec. The six-day sailing is packed with fascinating stop-offs, including the wildlife-filled Thousand Islands, which straddle the border between America and Canada, and Fort Wellington, built in 1812. Love a lock? For many passengers, the highlight of this river cruise is the famous Carillion Lock, an enormous 182-tonne structure which has a flow rate of 2,000 cubic meters of water per second. 

Pearl Seas Cruises Great Lakes and Georgian Bay cruise, US and Canada

Sign up for this 11-night cruise from Toronto to Milwaukee and you’ll get the chance to see four of the most beautiful Great Lakes, with time to visit attractions lining the route. For many, the highlight is Georgian Bay, where 30,000 islands form the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, and where you’ll be able to check out destinations such as traffic-free Mackinac Island by horse-drawn buggy. There are plenty of big hitters too – you’ll take a guided tour of Niagara Falls and visit the legendary Henry Ford Museum in Windsor, Ontario. 

Le Boat Rideau Canal Cruise, Ontario, Canada

For something completely different, consider hiring your own river boat for a bespoke exploration of Canada’s Rideau Canal. The waterway, which is the oldest continuously-operated canal system in North America, is regarded as one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, and the UNESCO-listed canal is lined with historic sites. Your mode of transport? A luxury river boat kitted out with a kitchen, spacious bathrooms and sun deck. They’re surprisingly easy to drive too, thanks to powerful thrusters which make navigating locks a breeze. 

American Cruise Lines Hudson River cruise, New York, USA

This New York round trip  takes in the Hudson River’s best bits, busting the myth that its most spectacular section weaves through the Big Apple. You’ll explore it on the American Star, which has room for just 100 passengers and offers several stop-offs in the beautiful Catskill Mountains area. The cruise is especially popular with fans of architecture, who come to admire historic buildings such as the Vanderbilt Mansion (the former home of Franklin D. Roosevelt). 

Viking Great River cruise, Mississippi, USA

This is another fantastic option for history buffs – a Mississippi River cruise filled with visits to some of America’s most important historic sites. In Red Wing, Minnesota, you’ll learn how New Englanders joined forces with German and Irish migrants to farm the fertile landscape, and in Burlington, Iowa, you’ll discover how the arrival of both steamboats and the railroad transformed this once sleepy town, filled with listed buildings. Don’t miss the chance to stand under the famous Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri – a crossroads for nineteenth-century explorers. 

US Mailboat Cruises of Lake Winnipesaukee on the M/V Sophie C, New Hampshire, USA

Another fantastic option for anyone short on time, this cruise takes place on America’s oldest floating post office – a beautiful vessel which launched on Lake Winnipesaukee in 1945. During the two-hour cruise, you’ll visit several of Lake Winnipesaukee’s 253 islands, many of which were once home to indigenous people such as the Pennacooks. Don’t forget to send a postcard home – you’ll be able to post it on the boat, complete with an M/V Sophie C stamp.  

Craving a cruise? Check out our guide to the world’s most beautiful cruise ships

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Visiting the Gateway Arch: Enter the monument through the Gateway Arch Visitor Center, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch legs are exits only. Please allow at least 30 minutes to go through security. Tickets sell out early and often, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Pending availability, additional tickets may be available for same-day purchase beginning at 9am each day through our website, call center, and ticket center at the Gateway Arch. Same-day ticket availability is not guaranteed and sells out early and often.

• Sample Itinerary
• Hours & Pricing
• Directions & Parking
• Tram Ride to the Top
• Riverboat Cruises
• Virtual Reality Theater
• Old Courthouse
• Activities & Attractions
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Skyline Dinner Cruise

Make any night special. Our flagship evening cruise features live music, a chef-inspired menu and captivating views of the St. Louis skyline. This two-hour cruise is perfect for celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic night out or just relaxing on the water. Take a stroll around the top deck to see the city from brand new angles as it lights up the night sky.

For current COVID-19 health and safety protocols including face covering requirements, please visit our  COVID-19 FAQ page.

Adults $54*

Children (3-12) $20

* Group pricing available

Dinner cruises will resume in April 2022

Reservations required.

Cruise dates and prices are subject to change.

50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard., St. Louis, MO 63102

Cash parking is available on the levee.

For more information, click here .

Please note: Levee parking is not operated by the Gateway Arch or Riverboats at the Gateway Arch.

Spring Dinner Cruise Menu 2023

Salad House salad with tomatoes, red onions and cheese served with ranch or balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Entrée  (choice of one) Chicken | Grilled chicken breast topped with an herb sauce served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables Seafood | Grilled shrimp served on a bed of fettucine pasta tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce served with a side of seasonal vegetables Beef | Bistro filet steak* topped with a red wine demi glaze served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables (*All steaks will be cooked to medium – no special orders) Vegetarian | Grilled portabella mushroom served on a bed of rice and sautéed spinach topped with roasted red bell pepper sauce  (vegan/gluten & dairy free)

Kids meals (ages 3-12 only) Chicken tenders, mac ‘n cheese and a fruit cup

Dessert Chef’s Seasonal Selection

Meal includes coffee, tea and water. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on-board.  Cash and credit cards accepted.

*Menus are subject to change at the chef’s discretion.