Live Dixieland jazz and full brunch buffet, two hours afloat between Kentucky and Ohio
Hand-picked by our editors — the top Sunday river experience from 12 verified Ohio River operators.
Verified partners for Jazz Brunch Cruise tours, free cancellation where available, and instant confirmation on every booking.
2 hr
Two-hour river cruise with live jazz, buffet brunch, and panoramic Cincinnati views
Reserve
2 hr
Sail the Ohio River aboard a vintage paddlewheeler with a three-course buffet and live entertainment
Reserve
2 hr
Two-hour evening voyage along the Ohio River with all-you-can-eat buffet and Cincinnati skyline views
ReservePrices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
Every Jazz Brunch Cruise tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Rating | Lunch | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard Entry Most popular
Cincinnati Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise
|
— | 2 hr | ★ 4.4 | — | ✓ | €52 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
Ohio River Lunch Cruise on Historic Riverboat
|
— | 2 hr | ★ 4.5 | ✓ | ✓ | €50 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
Ohio River Dinner Cruise from Newport
|
Newport | 2 hr | ★ 4.4 | ✓ | ✓ | €62 | Book → |
All prices from verified partners. Availability and exact terms confirmed at checkout.
The jazz brunch cruise provides a refined social outing, whereas the general sightseeing tour serves travelers seeking a flexible perspective of Cincinnati landmarks. Most visitors who prioritize dining and music find the jazz brunch cruise tour to be the more immersive choice.
| Feature | Top pick Jazz Brunch Cruise | General Sightseeing Cruise |
|---|---|---|
Experience Focus |
Dining and live performance | Scenic river navigation |
Meal Inclusion |
Full brunch buffet included | Available for purchase only |
Live Entertainment |
Live jazz music | Recorded narration |
Atmosphere |
Upbeat and social | Relaxed and informative |
Ideal For |
Special occasions and celebrations | Casual photography and sightseeing |
Price Point |
60 USD (approximate) | 25–35 USD (approximate) |
| See tickets → |
Verdict: Select your jazz brunch cruise tickets if you prefer a hosted event with curated entertainment, or choose the sightseeing cruise for a lower-cost excursion centered on the Ohio River landscape.
Choose your ticket, select your date, and reserve in under two minutes. Secure checkout handled by our verified partner.
Instant confirmation by email, with a mobile voucher you can save offline. No printing, no queuing at a collection desk.
Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for Jazz Brunch Cruise tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
Adjacent to Newport Aquarium
Open in Google MapsFree parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis on Riverboat Row. Overflow parking is available in nearby garages for a fee.
Casual attire is appropriate for the jazz brunch cruise. Guests often opt for smart-casual wear, though no strict dress code is enforced.
BB Riverboats is a cashless attraction. All bags may be subject to inspection upon boarding.
Photography is encouraged throughout the boat, especially from the outer decks. Please be respectful of other guests and live performers.
The vessel is ADA compliant and designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs. Please notify staff of any specific requirements when booking.
Mobile phones are permitted for photos and personal use. Please maintain a courteous volume during the live jazz performance.
The jazz brunch cruise is family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. Infants and children must be included in the total reservation count.
The cruise features an indulgent buffet including fresh pastries, meats, and seasonal vegetables. Coffee, tea, iced tea, and water are included, with a bar available for additional purchases.
Only service animals defined by the ADA are permitted on board. Please provide advance notice if you plan to board with a service animal.
All seating is reserved; ensure your entire party is under the same reservation to guarantee seating together. The cruise lasts two hours on the Ohio River.
101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
Adjacent to Newport Aquarium
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Mild temperatures and blooming riverfront scenery make this a popular time for cruises.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Weekend brunch cruises frequently sell out, so reserve your jazz brunch cruise tickets well in advance.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
Explore thousands of aquatic animals in this renowned facility located right next to the docks.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Reservations may be transferred to a new date with at least 48 hours' notice. Monetary refunds are only available if Ticket Assurance is purchased at the time of booking.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Convenient hotel located in the Newport riverfront district.
BB Riverboats launched its Sunday jazz brunch cruise in 1979, making it one of the longest-running continuous riverboat dining programs on the inland waterways.
The operator's fleet includes three vessels — the Mark Twain, Belle of Cincinnati, and River Queen — each a modern sternwheeler built to evoke the steam-packet era while meeting contemporary Coast Guard standards. Sunday sailings depart from the Newport levee at noon, threading the channel between Cincinnati's skyline and the Kentucky shore for two hours of Dixieland ensemble performance and buffet service.
The jazz brunch format pairs a live quartet — typically cornet, clarinet, trombone, and upright bass — with a rotating menu of carved meats, scrambled eggs, breakfast pastries, salads, and desserts. The repertoire leans on early 20th-century New Orleans standards, the same idiom that fueled jazz brunch cruise tours in the French Quarter and later spread to jazz brunch cruise NYC vessels on the Hudson. The Ohio River's broad reach and steady current allow the crew to maintain a smooth drift past Covington, the Suspension Bridge, and the downtown riverfront without the harbor chop common to coastal jazz brunch cruise San Diego or jazz brunch cruise Vancouver operations.
BB Riverboats operates from a fixed dock at 101 Riverboat Row, a purpose-built terminal with gangway access and adjacent parking. The company also runs evening dinner cruises, private charters, and seasonal holiday sailings, but the Sunday brunch cruise remains the flagship offering. Reservations open 90 days in advance and fill quickly during spring and fall, when mild weather and foliage draw regional visitors. The two-hour window allows guests to board, settle into window seating, and complete the buffet circuit before the vessel returns to dock.
The Ohio River carried more than 230 million tons of cargo in 2025, yet recreational traffic persists in designated channels. BB Riverboats shares the waterway with commercial tows, casino boats, and occasional kayakers, all governed by federal navigation rules. The jazz brunch cruise tickets include admission to the climate-controlled main cabin and open-air upper deck, both equipped with sound systems that carry the live ensemble without overwhelming conversation. No dress code applies, though most passengers favor business casual attire for the Sunday afternoon sailing.
"BB Riverboats launched its Sunday jazz brunch cruise in 1979, making it one of the longest-running continuous riverboat dining programs on the inland waterways."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Jazz Brunch Cruise tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You board at the Newport terminal 15 minutes before departure, handing your mobile voucher to the crew at the gangway. The main cabin holds rows of four-top tables along both walls, each with a window seat and a clear view of the water.
You claim a spot on the starboard side, and the engines engage with a low vibration as the vessel backs into the current.
The buffet opens as the boat clears the dock. You walk the line once to survey the spread — carved ham, sausage links, scrambled eggs, fruit salad, biscuits, a dessert station with mini tarts — then return to fill your plate. The jazz quartet begins the first set near the bow, opening with "When the Saints Go Marching In." You finish your first round and step onto the upper deck, where the breeze carries the cornet melody and the city skyline recedes behind the stern.
The vessel drifts upriver past the Suspension Bridge and Covington's waterfront parks, then pivots for the return leg. You make a second pass through the buffet, this time for pastries and coffee, while the band transitions to "Tin Roof Blues." At 1:50 p.m., the crew announces the final approach. You gather your belongings as the terminal comes back into view, the gangway already swinging into position.
The jazz brunch cruise operates on Sundays from 12:00–14:00.
The approximate starting price is 60 USD per person for the jazz brunch cruise.
The attraction is located at 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071.
No, outside food and beverages are prohibited on all jazz brunch cruise tours.
Yes, the jazz brunch cruise is a family-friendly experience welcoming guests of all ages.
There is no formal dress code, but smart-casual is common for the jazz brunch cruise.
Yes, the vessel is ADA compliant to ensure all guests can enjoy the jazz brunch cruise.
You can drive to 101 Riverboat Row, where free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations for your jazz brunch cruise tickets can be transferred with 48 hours' notice, but monetary refunds require Ticket Assurance.
