# Queen City Riverboats

> 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.
> Content index last updated: 2026-10-08T15:06:49.613182+00:00

Industry: Event Venue  
Website: https://queencityriverboats.com  
Location: 100 O'Fallon Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074-1046, United States  
Phone: (859) 292-8687  
Office hours: Monday and Wednesday–Thursday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM

## Services

- [Bar Service](https://queencityriverboats.com/bar-packages): Open bar packages and cash bar service from a Kentucky ABC licensed bar staffed by the crew. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
- [Dinner Cruises](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/dinner-cruises): Chef-prepared buffet dinner, full bar, dancing, and Cincinnati skyline views aboard an authentic paddlewheeler.
- [Public Cruises](https://queencityriverboats.com/public-cruises): Ticketed dinner, sightseeing, themed, holiday, and fireworks cruises for guests who do not need to charter the boat.
- [Reunions and Private Parties](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/private-parties): Private celebrations for reunions, anniversaries, birthdays, and milestones for up to 220 guests, with catering and bar service.
- [Riverboat Catering](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus): Chef-crafted buffet menus, appetizers, desserts, and dietary accommodations for private charters.
- [Sightseeing Cruises](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/sightseeing-cruises): Narrated cruises past the Roebling Suspension Bridge, stadiums, Cincinnati landmarks, and the Kentucky shoreline.
- [Tour Group Cruises](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/tour-groups): Motor coach and group cruises for 30 to 220 guests, with meal service, narrated sightseeing, accessible boarding, and free bus parking.

## Site Pages

- [Ohio River Cruises & Private Events](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](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](https://queencityriverboats.com/accessibility): Accessibility and guest information for visitors planning an experience with Queen City Riverboats in Dayton, Kentucky.
- [Riverboat Event Bar Packages](https://queencityriverboats.com/bar-packages): Bar service for events aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati, including open soft drinks, beer, wine, full open bar, or cash bar options. Packages are priced with a full catering menu.
- [Private Riverboat Charter Quote](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](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](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](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences): Compare private dinner, sightseeing, reunion, and tour-group charters, along with public cruises for individual tickets.
- [Cincinnati River Dinner Cruises](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/dinner-cruises): 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](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/private-parties): Private charters aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati for reunions, anniversaries, retirements, birthdays, and group celebrations, with catering, bar service, entertainment, and Ohio River views.
- [Cincinnati Sightseeing Cruises](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](https://queencityriverboats.com/experiences/tour-groups): 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](https://queencityriverboats.com/faq): Answers about charters and cruises near Cincinnati, including pricing, booking, catering, parking, accessibility, weather, and departure details.
- [Spirit of Cincinnati Paddlewheeler](https://queencityriverboats.com/fleet): Information 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](https://queencityriverboats.com/fleet/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](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](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](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus): Compare buffet menus, appetizers, desserts, and bar packages for catered events aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati and Destiny Yacht.
- [All-American Picnic Buffet](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/all-american-picnic): Review the All-American Picnic menu option while planning an event. Contact the venue for pricing, customization, and dietary accommodation details.
- [Captain's Feast Menu](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/captains-feast): An 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](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/fiesta-fajita-bar): Explore the Fiesta Fajita Bar menu option for an upcoming event. Contact the venue for pricing, customization, and dietary accommodation details.
- [Hickory Smoked BBQ Buffet](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/hickory-smoked-bbq): A BBQ buffet with entrée choices, sides, desserts, substitutions, and optional bar service for Queen City Riverboats events.
- [Italian Buffet Menu for Events](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/italian-buffet): An Italian buffet with entrée choices, sides, dessert, customization options, and optional bar service for hosted events.
- [Kentucky Buffet Menu](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/kentucky-buffet): A Kentucky-inspired buffet aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati with two carved entrées—roast beef, rosemary turkey, or Kentucky ham—plus salad, sides, and dessert.
- [Mate's Wrap Buffet Cruise Menu](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/mates-wrap-buffet): Review the Mate's Wrap Buffet menu before planning a riverboat dining experience in Dayton, Kentucky.
- [Pork Loin Dinner Buffet Menu](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/pork-loin-dinner): A buffet menu with pork loin, chicken, sides, dessert, customization options, and optional bar service for Queen City Riverboats events.
- [Southern Buffet Menu](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/southern-buffet): A Southern comfort buffet 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](https://queencityriverboats.com/menus/steamship-feast): A buffet with roasted sirloin, chicken, customizable salads and desserts, and optional bar packages. Pricing and dietary accommodations are available on request.
- [Paddlewheel Post](https://queencityriverboats.com/paddlewheel-post): News and stories from the Spirit of Cincinnati, including river life, event recaps, cruise guides, and Queen City history.
- [Public Cruises on the Ohio River](https://queencityriverboats.com/public-cruises): Scheduled dinner, sightseeing, themed, and holiday sailings aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati from Dayton, Kentucky, with ticketing and boarding information.
- [Guest Reviews of Ohio River Cruises](https://queencityriverboats.com/reviews): Guest feedback about dinner, sightseeing, fireworks, holiday, and private event cruises on the Ohio River.
- [Riverboat Event Tours in Dayton, Kentucky](https://queencityriverboats.com/tour): Schedule a 30-minute tour of the Spirit of Cincinnati to see the dining deck, top deck, paddlewheel, dock, and event logistics.

## 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 Queen City Riverboats for a custom quote.
- **Do you run gameday shuttles to Bengals and Reds games?** Gameday shuttles are paused for now, but they are expected to return. Join the waitlist on the gameday shuttles page to receive updates about rides to the stadiums.
- **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 round-trip river transportation. Join the update list on the concert cruises page.
- **How much are fireworks cruises?** Fireworks cruise tickets range from $65 to $120 per person depending on the vessel and whether catering is included. Independence Day and WEBN Riverfest fireworks cruises are among the most popular events.
- **How far in advance should I book a charter?** Book 6 to 12 months in advance for large events, especially during peak season from May through October. Smaller gatherings can often be accommodated with 2–3 months' notice. Popular fireworks dates sell out quickly.
- **What is the deposit and cancellation policy?** A non-refundable deposit is required to secure a date. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the event. Cancellations made more than 90 days before the event may receive partial credit toward a future booking. Contact Queen City Riverboats for full details.
- **What happens if there is bad weather?** Cruises operate rain or shine. The Spirit of Cincinnati's main deck is fully enclosed and climate controlled. In severe weather, including thunderstorms, high winds, or a Coast Guard river closure, Queen City Riverboats will work with customers to reschedule at no additional charge.
- **Do you allow outside catering or BYOB?** Outside alcohol is never permitted; drinks come from the Kentucky ABC licensed bar. Food options are flexible: choose from the catering menus or bring an outside caterer or food spread for an additional fee.
- **Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?** Yes. Queen City Riverboats can accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common allergies. Share requirements when booking.
- **What catering menus do you offer?** Menus include 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. Availability varies by vessel.
- **Where do you depart from?** Cruises depart from 100 O'Fallon Avenue in Dayton, Kentucky, just across the river from downtown Cincinnati. Take KY-8 to O'Fallon Avenue.
- **Is there parking available?** Yes. Queen City Riverboats has a large free parking lot with 152 spaces. The lot is handicap accessible and accommodates buses and motor coaches.
- **Is the Spirit of Cincinnati wheelchair accessible?** Yes. The Spirit of Cincinnati is wheelchair accessible on the main deck level. Contact Queen City Riverboats in advance to arrange the best possible accommodations.
- **How long are the cruises?** Private charters typically last 2 to 3 hours. Concert 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 sister brand Destiny Yacht Charters aboard the Destiny Yacht from the same Dayton, Kentucky dock. Queen City Riverboats focuses on dinner cruises, sightseeing, and group celebrations aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati.
- **What is included in a private charter?** Every private charter includes the vessel rental, professional captain and crew, a 2–3 hour Ohio River cruise, use of the sound system, dance floor, and 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. Customers may bring a DJ, band, or entertainer, and Queen City Riverboats can recommend local entertainment providers.
- **Do you offer corporate team building activities?** Corporate events and team-building cruises are hosted by sister brand Destiny Yacht Charters aboard the Destiny Yacht. For large company outings, picnics, and holiday parties of 150 or more, contact Queen City Riverboats about the Spirit of Cincinnati.
- **How much does a dinner cruise cost in Cincinnati?** Public dinner cruises are ticketed per person and announced each season. Private dinner charters are quoted based on group size, menu, and bar package, including the vessel, captain, and crew. Call (859) 292-8687 for pricing for a specific date.
- **When is riverboat season in Cincinnati?** Queen City Riverboats cruises from April through October. May through October is peak season, and popular dates such as fireworks cruises and fall Saturday evenings sell out early. The office is open Monday and Wednesday–Thursday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM, year-round for planning.

## Optional

- [Privacy Policy & Data Choices](https://queencityriverboats.com/privacy-policy): How Queen City Riverboats handles quote requests, analytics, cookies, SMS messages, information sharing, and requests to update or delete data.
- [Website Terms & Conditions](https://queencityriverboats.com/terms): Rules for using the Queen City Riverboats website, receiving SMS messages, requesting quotes, and understanding charter booking responsibilities.