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The Best Riverboat Casinos in the World

Suppose you want a gambling experience that perfectly blends the pleasure of traditional gaming with the fun of a riverboat tour. In that case, you should be playing in a riverboat casino and   online casinos .

Riverboat casinos are floating establishments in the river that offer all the perks of land-based casino in Singapore . They are primarily found in the United States, along the Mississippi River and its side streams, and along the Gulf Coast.

Best Riverboat Casinos

Originally, several states authorized these casinos to limit the areas where casinos could be established while also enabling gambling across different areas. Though riverboats were hardly taken away from the dock when these casinos were originally built, there are now several states where riverboat casinos sail along the river. Therefore, if you are prone to seasickness, an anchored riverboat casino might be a perfect fit for you. 

Today, there are a slew of riverboat casinos worldwide, with the Mississippi river housing the most impressive ones. Though it may seem like floating casinos do not have all the features of a land-based casino, they do provide some luxuries that make up for all the Vegas style amenities that they lack. 

As far as variety in games is concerned, riverboat casinos offer the same variety in gaming as a land-based casino while also allowing customers to relish their gambling experience more with exquisite scenery gliding beside them. Here’s a list of some of the best riverboat casinos in the world: 

The Star of Fortune, Buenos Aires

This Buenos Aires riverboat casino is one the most striking gambling spots in the world. It’s more commonly known by its nickname, The Star of Fortune. This casino has some very luxurious bars and restaurants with a wide range of cuisines. With over 150 tables and more than seven hundred games including various slot machines, roulette, and blackjack, you can have the most remarkable gambling experience on this riverboat. The Star of Fortune should be your first pick if you’re looking for an amazing riverboat cruise accompanied by one of the best gaming experiences of your life. 

Mississippi Belle II, USA

This river-dwelling casino based in Iowa is much more than just a gambling spot. It offers so many recreations for children which makes it a perfect place to visit with family. From poker and blackjack to roulette and craps, you’ll find all kinds of gaming opportunities in this riverboat casino. It offers many amazing amenities like delicatessens, restaurants, and a large activity center for children.

Hollywood Casino, USA

Hollywood Casino is particularly famous for its slot games. It offers a wide range of games including 3-Card poker, 21 + 3 blackjack, Royal Match 21, Cajun Stud and many others. Besides its miscellaneous games collection, it has many special amenities like a wide range of buffets to choose from, amazing restaurants, and live music. 

Treasure Chest Casino, USA

If you want to have an extraordinary gambling experience accompanied by other entertainments, Treasure Chest casino, Louisiana is an ideal spot for you. It has an all-you-can-eat buffet which is one of the most attractive amenities of the place. The most unique feature of this Louisiana-based casino is its big prize giveaways. Besides its various amenities, it has around 36 table games including Mississippi Stud, Pai Gow, mini-baccarat, craps, roulette, and blackjack. For free spins and up to €250 in bonuses, visit platincasino.com/ie/book-of-the-princess.html

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How Riverboat Gambling Became Riverboat Gaming

Kevin has been involved in the gambling industry since the ‘80s. From winning tournaments to casino management, he’s ultimately done it all. Throughout the years, he’s written for various iGaming publications on topics such as the legal landscape of online casinos and strategies behind winning. His favorite game is blackjack.

Cash-strapped states across the South and Midwest in the late eighties and early nineties were desperate for a new source of cash revenue that didn’t raise taxes. Gambling seemed like an easy way out, but it was going to be a hard sell to dubious voters.

But what if they used the allure of the old riverboat gambling myths and the promise of using the riverboat casinos to keep the gambling scourge at arm’s length from impacted communities? Could they sell this new, sanitized riverboat gaming to their constituents?

The Evolution of Gaming on America’s Rivers

We will explore the history of riverboat gaming in America from the early 19th century right into the 21st. We will discuss how it morphed and was delicately managed to become a product that a broad number of people could support a few decades ago, before starting another slow decline, and we take a closer look at some of its few bright remaining stars.

• ⛴ The History of Riverboat Gambling
• ⛴ The Beginnings of Riverboat Gaming
• ⛴ A Few of the Best Riverboat Casinos Remaining
• ⛴ Conclusion

The History of Riverboat Gambling

The first steamboat to make the trip down the Ohio and then the Mississippi was aptly named New Orleans, and she made her inaugural trip in 1811. For the next 100 years, these boats would define commerce along the nation’s mighty rivers. And with commerce comes con men.

The huge sums of money that came from moving much of the fledgling nation’s goods up and down the rivers would prove to be a powerful temptation. While much of the gambling that soon developed on these long, slow trips along the river was legal, many of the men who came to play were on the wrong side of the law .

Not even two decades into the new steamboat trade and there were articles in the Eastern papers about the con men, card sharps, and confidence scams being run on every bumpkin that set foot on a boat. In 1835, the townsfolk in Vicksburg had had enough; they lynched 5 of the “professional gamblers” and burned every Faro table in town, which was stated to be in the dozens.

Much like the frontiersman who preceded them and the Wild West lawmen who would come later, these sharply dressed, supremely confident riverboat gamblers who plied their way on the steamboats of the Mississippi using only their luck and some “skills” they’d picked up along the way were the subject of many salacious headlines and stories in their day. Despite their many obvious flaws, an almost reverence was bestowed on them as archetypical American heroes.

The Beginnings Of Riverboat Gaming

The hay day of the Riverboat gambler started to fade in the 1860s during the Civil War, and then with the advent of railroads, they were soon all but forgotten. But in the early 1990s, states desperate for tax revenue and looking at the success of Las Vegas and Atlantic City decided to retest the waters of riverboat gambling.

This time, it was a way of introducing limited casino operations only along the waterways of the State’s rivers, selling it to their constituents as a diversion and pastime. Thus, the term riverboat gaming was needed . This was to be entertainment and frivolity, none of those card sharps and hustlers from the good ole days. So, a new term was coined.

Iowa led the riverboat race with the Diamond Lady in Bettendorf in April 1991. But riverboat gaming would soon come to Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana , and other states along the Mississippi and other large rivers like the Missouri and Ohio and even the Fox and Red Rivers.

Used mainly as a stalking horse for the eventual opening of land-based casinos in most of these states, many gamblers found the cramped quarters, the limited selection of slots and tables, and most egregious of all, the ability to only embark or disembark while the boat was at the pier, to be a let down from the Las Vegas style experience that they had been promised.

In Iowa, the first land-based casinos made an appearance in just three years. In every State, some accommodations were made , from no longer having to cruise the dangerous rivers to being allowed to move on to barges over the river to being able to move to land as long as you were adjacent to the river. This was a push generally called dock-side gaming, which meant that the actual return of elegant paddle wheelers with blackjack, roulette, and slot machines prowling the Mississippi again lasted less than a decade.

Dock-side gaming was far safer and allowed gamblers to come and go as they pleased , which drove casino revenues much higher. Also, the ability in some states to move either onto barges or land-based casinos adjacent to piers saw some spectacular casinos get built that could finally meet the promise of a Las Vegas experience.

A Few Of The Best Riverboat Casinos Remaining

If you are going to visit one of the grand old ladies of the river, we think that you should start with the actual riverboats that once traveled the Mississippi, and of these, the Amelia Belle is one of the most iconic .

Situated about an hour and a half outside New Orleans, deep in Cajun Country, this beautiful riverboat gambling hall has over 30,000 square feet of gaming space , 800 slots, and a dozen table games. Before she was damaged during Hurricane Katrina, she sailed up the river from the port of New Orleans several times a day in the mid-90s, but she now sits permanently in Bayou Bouef, her expedition days behind her.

Since Louisiana has kept its premise of at least gambling on a boat, even if its moored in a giant pool or cemented to the dock, longer than most other of the original riverboat casino states, it’s no wonder we can find most of the truly breathtaking and best riverboat casinos there.

Another of the must-see gambling boats sits on the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana. Chosen for its 20-minute proximity to the Texas border and only two and a half hours drive from Dallas, Shreveport was once a thriving riverboat gambling town and one of the country’s premier riverboat casino locations. But the Indian tribes in Oklahoma, which sit only an hour outside of Dallas to the North, have taken some of their business.

Still, there are several other riverboats operating in Shreveport, but what we think makes the Sam’s Town Property, one of the best riverboat casinos in Louisiana , is that they’ve turned a 30,000-square-foot gaming boat into a destination resort. They have a 500+ room hotel directly adjacent and tied into the property with four restaurants including a really nice steak house and lots of other amenities. The boat itself has over 1000 slots and more than 27 table games.

One of the best riverboat casinos outside of Louisiana is the Grand Victoria in Elgin, Illinois. Built back in 1995, she was spared the dangers of cruising the Fox River in 1999, when Illinois was one of the last states to end their riverboat gaming rules that required the boats to leave their docks. Today, this 30,000-foot boat has room for 1100 slots and almost 30 tables and even sports an onboard buffet and three other restaurants. She is one of the prettier examples of the early 1990s boats that you will see as well, and it is well worth your time to get a good vantage point and take in her lines.

While both the age of riverboat gamblers and its more recent short-lived renaissance of riverboat gaming are now a thing of the past, the allure of cruising the mighty Mississippi while making your living playing cards and shooting dice will probably live on into the distant future. There is something about the water flowing past and the land slipping by out the window that just seems to call for a quick hand of poker or a spin on the roulette wheel.

It’s a call back to a time when the men and women who traveled these waterways were used to risking everything in order to follow their dreams. Get out there and check out some of those boats, wander the decks, play a hand or two of blackjack, and contemplate that river streaming by while you still have a chance to see a dying American breed , the last of the riverboat casinos.

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Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Now open for the 2024 season!

Approaching by boat, enter the Sturgeon Lake Channel .3 miles north of the Sturgeon Lake Navigational Light marked 797.9, be cautious of the wing dams. You will see Treasure Island Marina upstream, the channel marked with red and green buoys and “NO Wake” Buoys. No wake is not just good boater etiquette, it’s the law.

CRUISE TO THE HOTTEST SPOT ON THE MISSISSIPPI

This year, Treasure Island Marina is celebrating 30 seasons on the river with slip savings! You can enjoy slip rental for just $30 per night Sundays-Thursdays this summer.

Overnight dockage only. While supplies last. Available June, July & August, excluding June 30 and July 1-4. Other exclusions may apply.

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25' and under - $37.50/night

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26' and up $2.00 per ft/night

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$45/night holiday or event

Amenities include; 30 amp, 50 amp power, water hook-up, restrooms & showers, discount at the Lagoon Waterpark, WIFI, Beach, Complementary Shuttle to and from the Casino, and Boat Launch (permit required)

Seasonal Slip Rates

• 32' X 14' - $3,150
• 40' X 16' - $3,800
• 48' X 18' - $4,400

Amenities include; 30 amp or 50 amp power, water hook-up, cable, WIFI, restrooms & showers, complimentary pump out, 10 cents/gallon fuel discount, * 25 cents/gallon fuel discount proposed and needs to be approved by GM, dock carts, discount at the Lagoon Waterpark, Boat Launch Pass, Access to Fitness Center, Exclusive Passport Club Kiosk Promotions, Exclusive Offers, Swimming Beach, Fire Pit, Complimentary shuttle on property.

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Daily - $15

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2023 MARINAS.COM ELITE FLEET BOATERS' CHOICE AWARDS

Because of your reviews and ratings, Treasure Island Marina is a winner of the 2023 Marinas.com Elite Fleet Boaters' Choice Awards! We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional experiences and guest service this season. Book your reservation for summer 2024 now to experience the best of the best!

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The Georgia Queen and Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Savannah riverboat cruises’: the georgia queen..

It is a 1,000-passenger riverboat that traveled 2,800 miles down the Mississippi River, down and around the shorelines of Florida to call Savannah her home.

The Georgia Queen is a great way to see the city and is one of the most unique social gathering destinations in Savannah, but its impact on local tourism and economic development will be substantial with the added ability to attract large conferences and conventions.”

Built in 1995 as a luxury floating casino for 14 million dollars, the majestic 1800s paddlewheel-style riverboat spent several years traveling the Mississippi River. When gambling legislation changed, allowing land-based casinos to open, the riverboat underwent a four-million-dollar makeover. Today, this spectacular paddlewheel-style riverboat acts as Savannah Riverboat Cruises’ Savannah River Queen’s grand sister ship.

The Georgia Queen measures an impressive 230 feet long, 64 feet wide and towering at 68 feet tall.

She is among the top elite in the country with a capacity of 1,000 passengers, plus a 200-person crew, making her the size of a small cruise ship at 38,000 square feet. The ship’s entertainment spaces include three grand ballrooms with over 15,000 square feet of dining space. It offers more than 5,000 square feet of open-air top deck space with patio seating. This affords more than enough room to accommodate a romantic riverboat wedding on the Savannah River.

The Georgia Queen also boasts a multi-deck, fully equipped gourmet kitchen. It is also equipped with a large service elevator, making traveling between galleys discrete and easy. This onboard kitchen will change the entire dining experience for guests. This will allow for more plated dinner opportunities and flexibility in menu items.

“Experiencing Savannah from our beautiful riverfront is such a unique experience,” Visit Savannah President Joseph Marinelli said.

“Savannah Riverboat’s guests are treated to refreshing breezes, fun entertainment, and some of the best southern cuisine Savannah offers. They can view Georgia’s oldest city as her founders did many years ago when they arrived by river in 1733. Jonathan and his team have been providing unforgettable narrated tours of Savannah’s harbor for 25 years. The Georgia Queen is a game-changer for their business. It will be another valuable asset to the thriving tourism and hospitality offerings of Savannah.”

For more information about Savannah Riverboat Cruises, or to make a reservation on one of their cruises, go to savannahriverboat.com or call (912) 232-6404.

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Evening jazz cruise, new orleans tours, plantation tours, swamp tours, special events & packages, sippin’ on the ’ssippi, summer sips, 4th of july jazz cruises, vip on the river, new orleans steamboat company.

The New Orleans Steamboat Company is no newcomer to the Mississippi River or American's steamboat heritage.  Our parent company has been operating steamboats longer than any company in the world.  In fact, we've been part of the history of steam transport since 1817, just five years after the first steamboat docked in New Orleans. We're now in our fourth decade of life on the Mississippi.  We've given literally millions of people the experience of one of our country's oldest and richest traditions.

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The 7 best mississippi river cruises for 2024.

Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi.

The Best Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

The more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines | www.AmericanCruiseLines.com

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

You may have seen riverboat gambling ships or are at least familiar with riverboat gambling along U.S. waterways. However, while high rolling on the river sounds like an exciting way to spend a night (or two, or more) while on your riverboat cruise, you'll have to jump ship to play the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheel or play a hand of Texas Hold 'em. Gambling on cruise ships sailing on internal waters is prohibited by U.S. law.

Gambling on boats in the U.S. is a complicated matter. While you will find some ships sailing along American waterways that are only set up for gambling, they are not carrying passengers from port to port. Most vessels that feature riverboat gambling are now moored, offering sports betting, table games, entertainment, live music and dancing while tethered to shore.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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WELCOME TO CELEBRATION RIVER CRUISES

Cruising season begins april 1, 2024.

Join us while we celebrate our 40th cruising season in 2024! Our 750 passenger paddlewheel boat, the “Celebration Belle” is specifically designed for cruising the waterways of the great Mississippi River, offering casual sightseeing, luncheon and dinner cruises. We offer various cruises to meet any sailor’s enjoyment needs!

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(800) 297-0034 / (309) 764-1952, find us on facebook.

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About Celebration Belle

(800) 297-0034 (309) 764-1952

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2501 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265

Group Sales and Marketing: Susan Yarolem (800) 297-0034 x 204 (309) 764-1952 x 204

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Phone 800 331-1467

It’s Twilight Time

2-Day Cruise

Our signature cruise.

1-Day Cruise

North into the valleys.

Sightseeing Cruise

1 1/2 hour • leclaire.

2024 Cruise Schedule

The riverboat twilight.

Since 1985, the Riverboat Twilight has delivered one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest. And it’s not just a cruise; it’s a conduit to reconnection, relaxation, and renewal.

Marvel at the majestic Mississippi river while relaxing in style aboard a stunningly replicated Victorian Riverboat. Allow yourself to be pampered by the Twilight’s attentive, informative, and welcoming crew. Delicious meals are prepared on board in the lower galley, while a full bar complete with top shelf liquors provides custom drinks to enhance your experience.

The Riverboat Twilight is family-owned and operated business, with a focus providing entertaining and quality cruises. The 140-passenger vessel has ample indoor, and outdoor seating on all three decks, and wrap-around windows give way to amazing views.

Our 2024 season offers 1-day, 2-day, and sightseeing cruises departing from LeClaire & Dubuque, Iowa.

Where the river runs deep, so do the discoveries.

Absolutely perfect in all ways!

My Friend and I went on the Riverboat Twilight and it was the most perfect/awesome adventure! From reserving our trip to our final walk to our car after the two day cruise, all was perfect! Staff are amazing, from the Captain to the servers, to the musical entertainers. The food is suburb and generous! Everything is very well organized, from our luggage/hotel in Dubuque/seating for meals, free shuttles in Dubuque, etc! The scenery and info along the way from the captain was wonderful! This was an absolutely perfect two day cruise, and we are going again in Mid October as we loved it so much!!.

The service by all involved was first class all the way!

We were very impressed by the personal service we received by the staff and everyone involved. The trip was very nice from a sightseeing perspective, interesting from a historical perspective and very relaxing overall. Plus the food was plentiful and excellent. We highly recommend this cruise to everyone!

Wonderful relaxing two days....

Extremely enjoyable trip. The cruise itself was delightful as you slowly moved up and down the river enjoying the wildlife and listening to the Captain explain the view and history. Unless you are a very big eater you have to be selective as they feed you FIVE times a day. Not only is the food plentiful but it is also very good. The Grand Resort in Dubuque was a nice stay as we had a view of the river. There was adequate time to explore some of the sights In Dubuque. I think we will do this trip again in the future…….

3 F's; Food, Food, and Fun

Excellent team from the captain to the crew provide a relaxing time..The chefs do an excellent job and there is more great food than you can imagine. This is the most organized and professional staff that we have ever experienced. No detail is overlooked.

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Pilot house.

Deck 3 Stern

Downtown LeClaire Near Dock

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If you are not vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to do so, however, at this time the Riverboat Twilight does not ask for proof of vaccination. Mask wearing is the choice of the individual. The Twilight offers ample indoor and outdoor seating on all three decks and plenty of fresh air.

We will continue to maintain our increased sanitization efforts of the TWILIGHT and our boarding facilities, and we continue to provide hand sanitizer aboard the boat and employ a strong air purifier that uses UVC lighting that has been proven to destroy viruses and other bacteria.

For the safety of our passengers and crew and to maintain proper cleanliness, we have implemented the following guidelines for parents of children under the age of 14. While onboard the vessel and when making use of our food and beverages services, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. With your cooperation and understanding, we will be able to continue to offer a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

As an owner, of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Le Claire, IA and the President of Great Lakes Management Group which manages the hotel’s day to day operations, I wanted to say thank you. The business relationship with the Riverboat Twilight and her passengers is valued and much appreciated. We all know businesses from every industry has been operating in a different environment the last 8 weeks and will encounter new changes in the future.

We continue to monitor the franchise, local, state and federal safety guidelines to insure our guest and staff safety. For example, we anticipate a few changes in the near future which will include the following: a plastic shield / barrier at the front desk check,  revised breakfast offerings without a buffet setting, hand sanitizer located in the lobby and all floors at the elevator landings, continued use of hospital grade products to clean and sanitize the guest rooms, individual sanitizer wipes as an in-room amenity, removal of all products in the rooms that are reusable for example, pens, pads, laundry bags, and throw pillows, these items will be available upon request. We hope to see you soon. Stay safe and healthy!

  Respectfully, Neil Densmore | President glmg | hotels

Advanced public reservations are taken online. Bookings open four weeks in advance of cruise date.

La Crosse Queen Cruises

Paddlewheel cruises on the mississippi river.

Now taking reservations for private charters or groups of 30 or more on any public cruise for our 2024 season! Please call for more information. All other public cruise reservations open for booking 29 days prior to each cruise date. New to 2024 season: Captain’s Sunday Brunch Cruise departing at 10:30 a.m. and lasting until 1:00 p.m. Two-and-a-half hours will allow us to “lock thru” Lock & Dam No. 7, conditions permitting!

Individual public reservations will become available in Spring of 2021—Group reservations are now available for 2021.

• Most Popular

Saturday Dinner Cruise

Feast on a delicious chicken and prime rib dinner while relaxing on this Mississippi River tour!

• Clock 6:00 p.m.
• Users All ages
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi!

• Clock Wednesday's and Friday's at 5:30 p.m. & Saturday's and Sunday's at 3:30 p.m.
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Pizza Cruise

Enjoy an afternoon on the Mighty Mississippi River while eating free pizza on this fun boat tour!

• Clock 10:30 a.m.

Captain’s Sunday Brunch

Enjoy a delicious brunch while learning about the Mississippi River on this narrated river tour!

• Clock 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Sightseeing Cruise

Learn all about the historical and present day Mississippi River on this sightseeing cruise!

See the historical sites and local wildlife of the beautiful Upper Mississippi River!

Step back in time when you come aboard our replica paddlewheel river boat!

Choose from our tasty brunch, lunch, pizza, and dinner buffet-style cruises!

Beer, wine, and liquor offered on every cruise.

About La Crosse Queen Cruises

Cruise back in time and explore the Upper Mississippi with us! The La Crosse Queen is a modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the Mississippi River in the early 1900s. Cruising out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, she is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel river boats still in operation in the United States today. In keeping with early traditions, she was built with sternwheels that are her only means of propulsion. 

The La Crosse Queen has a split sternwheel, and each half is run by a twin diesel engine that powers hydraulic motors, which turn the paddles. The split paddlewheel gives the Queen greater maneuverability and dependability. This is in contrast to most Mississippi River paddlewheelers in operation today that have a “free wheeling” paddlewheel at the stern of the boat for visual effect, but have traditional screw-type engines hidden for their real means of propulsion. 

The La Crosse Queen is U.S. Coast Guard inspected for safety and is licensed to carry up to 149 passengers.

The #1 Outdoor Activity in La Crosse on TripAdvisor

We took this boat cruise on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The boat was full, but there was plenty of room. Drinks are very reasonable and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly. One big plus was the bathrooms were clean and spacious, something I didn't think I would find on a paddle boat! I would recommend the La Crosse Queen.

We took this cruise with a group and it was a lot of fun! We saw eagles, blue herons, foxes, osprey, along the banks of the Mississippi. We were able to go through the locks, which was lucky since if there is a barge in the area they do not allow this. We are talking about going again in the fall when the leaves are changing and birds are migrating.

We took the Friday night Pizza cruise and enjoyed fantastic views of the Mississippi River. Several people from our group had never been on a river cruise and were amazed. Free Pizza and beer along with cruise for $18.95 is hard to beat! Some questioned the cheap price, but soon found out it was good.

This was an excellent tour. The guide who did the narrative was friendly, fun and knowledgeable about the town and river. We saw bald eagles, a swing bridge, fancy homes, etc. We sat on the top deck which is covered and has open air sides so you get out of the sun and a nice breeze.

Always wanted to take a cruise on the Mississippi and we booked the early afternoon cruise on a weekday. Boarding went smoothly - they take your picture for sale later as a souvenir. Boat was clean and comfy and captain and staff friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. They do have a snack bar and bathrooms on board. Relaxing and enjoyable!

We went on the La Crosse Queen on a beautiful day. Cruising on the river was so cool. The breeze, scenery was awesome. Best place to view everything is on the top deck. The crew were so polite and fun to talk with. If you have questions they answered them. Hats off to the La Crosse Queen.

Wonderful time on a 2-hour Sunday Brunch cruise. The buffet was small but the price was still good. Met wonderful folks inside and outside during the trip. Got to go through a Lock and Dam. The wait staff were very accommodating. Definitely worth every penny for this adventure.

We celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary on the La Crosse Queen. The dinner exceeded our expectations. The turkey and roast beef were both tender and moist. For being a buffet the food was delicious. The staff was attentive and live music was a surprise. We were fortunate to have wonderful weather and really enjoyed ourselves!

Victory Casino Cruises

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CRUISE INTO REWARDS

Rush Rewards cardholders are eligible for travel with MSC Cruises!

Black card members*.

Reserve your Balcony Stateroom for a Caribbean cruise up to ten nights.  Call 1-844-MSC-PLAY (1-844-672-7529) to book today! Provide your name and Rush Rewards number to redeem your offer.

PLATINUM CARD MEMBERS*

Reserve your Ocean View Stateroom for a Caribbean cruise up to ten nights.  Call 1-844-MSC-PLAY (1-844-672-7529) to book today! Provide your name and Rush Rewards number to redeem your offer.

GOLD CARD MEMBERS**

Gold Card members receive a 30% discount on cruises!  Call 1-844-MSC-PLAY (1-844-672-7529) to book today! Provide your name and Rush Rewards number to redeem your offer. Discount does not apply to Yacht Club level staterooms.

*Cruise benefit is applicable to the cardholder only and is valid for one complimentary cruise fare and/or one cruise fare discount, as indicated, and may only be redeemed by the qualifying cardholder, (“Tier reward benefits member”) and one guest (together, the “Passengers”). The casino club member (“Casino Club Member”) must be present onboard for the sailing. If the Casino Club Member is not onboard for the sailing, MSC Cruises will charge the full cruise fare at the current rates for the individual guest(s) who boarded. Does not include China. As per company policy in all global regions, additional fees are required for peak travel periods. The stateroom can be upgraded for an extra fee. A deposit is required at the time of booking, which will be returned on selected sailing in the form of shipboard credit. Port charges, taxes, and fees are included. A variety of entertainment and main restaurants are included. 

** Cruise benefit applies to cardholders only and is valid for a 30% cruise stateroom fare discount and may only be redeemed by the qualifying cardholder. Book your cruise through your preferred travel advisor, online at www.msccruises.com  or by calling MSC at 1-844-MSC-PLAY (1-844-672-7529). Deposit required. Once booked contact MSC and provide the booking confirmation number so that a 30% stateroom discount can be applied. Passengers agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of MSC Cruises terms and conditions. MSC Cruises reserves the right to refuse to honor any prices/sailings that are erroneously printed or quoted. Other restrictions may apply. A 30% Casino Rate discount does not apply to Yacht Club level staterooms.

For more information on MSC Cruises, visit  https://www.msccruisesusa.com/ .

Passengers agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of MSC Cruises terms and conditions. MSC Cruises reserves the right to refuse to honor any prices/sailings that are erroneously printed or quoted. Other restrictions may apply. Not valid for any participant of the Virginia Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. 

CRUISE SCHEDULE

Hop aboard the Emerald Princess Casino, Georgia's premier casino experience for daily cruises within  the Golden Isles! Join us on an upcoming cruise for your chance to take in the views and get your game on!

Individual pricing: $25 per passenger on regularly scheduled cruises listed below:

Monday: No Sail

Tuesday: No Sail

Wednesday: No Sail

Thursday: 7 PM to Midnight

Friday: 11AM to 4PM & 7PM to Midnight

Saturday: 11AM to 4PM & 7PM to 1AM

Sunday: 1 PM to 6 PM

* The Emerald Princess departs promptly at our scheduled cruise departure times in order to ensure a predictable and enjoyable cruise for each of our customers. We highly recommend arriving a minimum of 20 minutes prior to our scheduled departure times.

*Individual prices include tax, but exclude port fee and gratuity. Rates may vary with monthly specials.  Sailing and rate schedules are subject to change without notice.

*Guests must be 21 years old or older and present government issued photo ID to cruise on the Emerald Princess II Casino. 

Crystal Announces Exclusive Collaboration with Casino de Monte Carlo

• June 28, 2024

Crystal announced a collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) to host the first Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea.

Guests can look forward to an array of gaming experiences debuting on the Crystal Symphony during the Chairmen’s Cruise from Venice on November 14, and on the Crystal Serenity in December. 

The casino will also be featured on two future ocean-going newbuild ships and all new Crystal vessels, excluding expedition ships.

Onboard gaming activities will include slot machines, blackjack, roulette and more.

“We are delighted to welcome Casino de Monte-Carlo into the Crystal family as our newest collaborator,” said Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group Manfredi Lefebvre.  “This affiliation symbolizes our commitment to offering our guests the finest entertainment and gaming experiences available at sea. Together, we aim to create unforgettable moments and continue to set new standards of excellence in the cruise industry.”

Stephane Valeri, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Monte-Carlo SBM, added: “We are excited to join forces with Crystal to deliver the unique Casino de Monte-Carlo experience at sea. With our combined expertise, we are confident that we will provide a gaming moment unlike any other in the cruise industry.”

The Casino de Monte-Carlo will be located where the current Bridge Lounges are onboard both the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. The Bridge Lounge will then move to the Library on the Serenity and The Lounge (location of the previous casino) on the Symphony.

“We have listened attentively to the feedback from our loyal guests regarding their desire to have casinos back onboard, and we are proud to announce that we will deliver on our promise,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group.

“At Crystal, like at Monte-Carlo SBM, guest satisfaction and enjoyment are paramount, and this alliance with Casino de Monte-Carlo underscores our dedication to fulfilling their wishes and exceeding their expectations. We are confident the reintroduction of casinos will further enhance the overall cruise experience, providing our guests with the entertainment options they crave while sailing with us.”

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AmaWaterways Opens Reservations on 2026 River Cruises

R iver cruise line AmaWaterways has opened its 2026 season early today due to popular demand for its 2024 and 2025 cruise seasons, offering its full slate of river cruises and pre- and post-cruise land packages for travelers and their travel advisors to book now. 

A dedicated brochure for travel advisors and their clients featuring the 2026 river cruise season will be available later this summer. 

In 2026, the river cruise line will add two new ships to its fleet . The AmaSofia will sail the Danube River beginning May 24, 2026, while the AmaMaya will sail the Mekong River in August.The river cruise line is also offering two new land packages for those booking a seven-night Taste of Bordeaux sailing in 2026. Guests can choose a new four-night pre-cruise land package featuring two nights in Madrid and two nights in San Sebastián, or enjoy three nights in Paris. 

Those cruising along the Rhine and Moselle rivers in Europe will also enjoy new excursions in 2026, including a visit to Utretcht, a walking tour of Baden-Baden and a visit to France’s oldest Christmas market in Strasbourg on Rhine itineraries. Those sailing the Moselle will enjoy a visit to Wiesbaden, home to Roman-era thermal hot springs. 

AmaWaterways will become the first major river cruise line to sail Colombia’s Magdalena River in 2025. With many already sold out for 2025, the 2026 sailings offer more opportunity for interested travelers. Pre- and post-cruise optional land packages visit Panama City and Medellín, Colombia. The new itineraries were previously expected to debut in 2024, but have been pushed back to debut in January, 2025 . 

Additionally, the line offers one 11-night itinerary in Egypt onboard the AmaDahlia and  the newly launched AmaLilia  ships. It combines a seven-night voyage along the Nile with three nights pre-cruise and one night post-cruise in Cairo. The itinerary offers optional land packages to Dubai and Jordan. 

The cruise line’s five Chobe River itineraries offer incredible ways to visit Victoria Falls, Table Mountain and the incredible wildlife of South Africa, Tanzania and other countries in southern Africa. Guests can now reserve their spots on the 28-guest Zambezi Queen river ship for 2026. 

This luxury cruise line is adding casinos to its ships ... again

Pack your four-leaf clover, a rabbit's foot and a pair of lucky dice. Luxury cruise line Crystal is bringing casinos back to its ships less than a year after removing them.

The line has partnered with Monte-Carlo Societe des Bains de Mer to bring Casino de Monte-Carlo locations to sea, featuring 1,000 square feet of gaming that includes slots, blackjack, roulette and more.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

"We are delighted to welcome Casino de Monte-Carlo into the Crystal family as our newest collaborator," Manfredi Lefebvre, executive chairman of the A&K Travel Group, which owns Crystal, said. "This affiliation symbolizes our commitment to offering our guests the finest entertainment and gaming experiences available at sea."

A&K Travel Group purchased Crystal Cruises ' intellectual property and two of its ships — Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity — after its parent company, Genting, went out of business in early 2022 due to fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Crystal Cruises was then rebranded as, simply, Crystal. Its ships underwent extensive refurbishment, including the removal of their casinos to make way for card lounges, before returning to service in 2023 .

"We have listened attentively to the feedback from our loyal guests regarding their desire to have casinos back onboard, and we are proud to announce that we will deliver on our promise," Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, said. "We are confident the reintroduction of casinos will further enhance the overall cruise experience, providing our guests with the entertainment options they crave while sailing with us."

The first revamped casino will debut on Crystal Symphony during the Chairmen's Cruise, scheduled to depart Nov. 14 from Venice, Italy. Crystal Serenity's casino will debut the following month.

Each casino will take the place of its respective ship's Bridge Lounge. On 606-passenger Crystal Symphony, the Bridge Lounge will relocate to The Lounge, where the previous casino was positioned. The Bridge Lounge on 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will move to the onboard library, which will become both a space to read and play cards.

Excluding expedition vessels, Casino de Monte-Carlo locations will also be on any new ships added to the fleet, including the two new builds it has ordered. The line will also add two expedition ships by the end of the decade.

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