Cincinnati: Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise

A flavorful and musical way to spend a Sunday in Cincinnati, the Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise offers a delightful combination of good food, lively music, and scenic waterside views. Priced at $59 per person and lasting around 2 hours, this cruise is perfect for anyone seeking a relaxed yet vibrant experience on the Ohio River. With reserved interior seating, a hearty buffet brunch, and the charm of live Dixieland jazz, it’s a memorable outing that balances entertainment and cuisine.

While the cruise is relatively short, its emphasis on quality food, friendly service, and spectacular vistas makes it a well-rounded choice. The tour departs from Newport Landing Dock, with free parking in front and additional garages nearby. It’s accessible for wheelchairs and offers a comfortable environment, making it suitable for all ages looking for a leisurely Sunday activity.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The $59 per person ticket secures a 2-hour cruise, with brunch served at boarding until 30 minutes after departure.
• Includes Food and Live Music: Enjoy a buffet brunch featuring farm-fresh items, banana foster waffles, and fried green tomatoes, accompanied by live Dixieland jazz.
• Scenic Waterway Views: The cruise offers panoramic vistas of Cincinnati, showcasing the city’s waterside charm and natural beauty.
• Comfortable Seating and Atmosphere: All seating is reserved, ensuring comfort, and the vibrant jazz performances create a lively yet relaxing environment.
• Convenient Meeting Point: The departure occurs at 101 Riverboat Row in Newport, with free parking on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Flexible Cancellation Policy: Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding flexibility to plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Embarking from Newport Landing at 101 Riverboat Row

The tour begins at Newport Landing Dock, located conveniently adjacent to the Newport Aquarium. The boarding process is straightforward, and free parking is available directly in front of the dock, making it easy to access without the hassle of long commutes. The short walk from parking to the boat ensures a smooth start to the experience.

This departure point is ideal for those in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, and the dock’s location offers quick access to the Ohio River’s scenic route. The overflow parking in nearby garages provides additional convenience for visitors arriving during busier times.

Enjoy a Sumptuous Brunch Buffet with Unique Entrees

The buffet brunch is a standout feature of this cruise, with a variety of mouthwatering options. The menu includes fresh fruit salad and breakfast pastries, along with hearty entrees such as bananas foster waffles, farmed scrambled eggs (gluten-free), and applewood-smoked bacon.

Specialty items like fried green tomatoes, pan-seared chicken (gluten-free), and slow-braised beef or carved roast beef (both gluten-free) add to the diversity. For those looking for vegetarian options, farm-fresh vegetables and hash brown casserole are available, both gluten-free and vegetarian.

The brunch hours last until 30 minutes after departure, giving ample time to enjoy the colorful fruit salad or delicious pastries while soaking in the views. The bread basket adds that final touch of comfort to the meal, making it a satisfying start or mid-ride treat.

Live Dixieland Jazz and a Lively Atmosphere

A key highlight of this cruise is the live Dixieland jazz performance. The music fills the boat with energy and authenticity, creating a vibrant atmosphere that complements the scenic surroundings. Reviewers consistently praise the musicians’ talent and friendly nature, which enhances the overall experience.

The music is conversational and engaging, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the nostalgic yet lively tunes. The sound system and performance quality receive high marks, making it easy to appreciate the musicians’ skill while enjoying the scenic backdrop.

Scenic Views of Cincinnati from the Ohio River

The cruise route offers panoramic views of Cincinnati’s skyline and natural scenery. As the boat gently moves along the water, passengers are treated to picturesque vistas of the city’s riverfront, bridges, and lush landscapes.

This perspective provides a unique vantage point for photos and a peaceful break from city life. The scenery is especially charming during sunny days, and the waterway’s calm allows for a relaxing, unhurried experience.

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Comfortable Reserved Seating for a Relaxed Experience

All seating on the buffet brunch boat is reserved, ensuring that guests can settle into a comfortable spot without rushing or jostling. The interior is designed to be cozy and accessible, with wheelchair-friendly arrangements.

Guests can choose to sit near the live music or enjoy the views from a quieter corner. Table service is available, and the crew is attentive, ensuring a smooth experience from boarding to disembarkation.

Practical Details: Parking, Accessibility, and Timing

The meeting point is at 101 Riverboat Row, with free parking in front of the dock. Overflow parking is available nearby for a fee, ensuring guests have options regardless of the time of day. The cruise departs in the afternoon, making it an ideal activity for a relaxing Sunday.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the crew is accommodating to special needs. Guests are encouraged to reserve together if they want to sit at the same table. Since brunch is served until 30 minutes after departure, arriving slightly earlier ensures full enjoyment of the meal.

Value and Customer Satisfaction

With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 68 reviews, this cruise consistently meets or exceeds expectations. Reviewers highlight the delicious food, friendly staff, and spectacular scenery as standout qualities. The price of $59 is considered good value, especially given the live jazz, all-you-can-eat brunch, and scenic experience.

Many reviews mention how attentive the staff is, often making last-minute adjustments or accommodating special requests, which adds to the overall satisfaction.

Final Thoughts on the Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise

The Cincinnati Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise provides a relaxing yet lively Sunday outing. Patrons enjoy delicious food, live music, and beautiful river views, all in a comfortable setting. The reservation system and flexible cancellation policy make planning straightforward, while the affordable price offers excellent value.

This tour suits families, couples, or groups of friends who appreciate good food, live jazz, and scenic waterside scenery. It’s especially appealing for those looking for a leisurely activity that combines culinary delights with musical entertainment.

Anyone seeking a charming, stress-free way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati should consider this cruise for a memorable experience on the Ohio River.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours.

What is included in the ticket price?
The brunch buffet, live Dixieland jazz music, reserved interior seating, and drinks like coffee, tea, iced tea, and water are included.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Newport Landing Dock, located at 101 Riverboat Row.

Is parking available at the meeting point?
Yes, free parking is available in front of the dock on a first-come, first-serve basis, with overflow garages nearby for a fee.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, farm-fresh vegetables and hash brown casserole are available as vegetarian options, and some entrees like scrambled eggs and roast beef are gluten-free.

How do I reserve tickets?
Reservations can be made in advance, with the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours before the cruise.

Is the cruise accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for a boat environment is recommended.

Is food served during the cruise?
Yes, the brunch buffet is available at boarding and until 30 minutes after departure.

Are drinks available at the bar?
Additional purchases can be made at the bar, but included drinks are limited to coffee, tea, iced tea, and water.

Would this cruise be good for celebrations?
Absolutely, the relaxed atmosphere and delicious food make it a good option for special occasions or gatherings.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby