You’re standing on the bank of the Ohio River, and there it is—that massive, white-and-red wedding cake of a boat, the Belle of Cincinnati. If you’ve spent any time at all in the Cincy region, you’ve seen it. But honestly, most people just think of it as "that tourist boat." They miss the weird, gritty history and the actual mechanics of what happens at BB Riverboats on Riverboat Row Newport KY. This isn't just a place to grab a buffet dinner; it’s basically the heartbeat of the local riverfront history, and it’s been run by the same family since the late 70s.
Let’s get the logistics out of the way first. You find them at 101 Riverboat Row. If you're coming from the Cincinnati side, you cross the bridge, and you’re basically there. Parking is free right in front of the dock, which is a rare win these days, though it fills up fast on weekends. Just a heads-up for anyone traveling in early 2026: the 4th Street Bridge between Covington and Newport is closed for a massive overhaul until 2028. You’ll want to give yourself an extra fifteen minutes to navigate the detours because Newport traffic is... well, it’s a lot.
The Bernstein Legacy and the B's in the Name
People always ask what the "BB" stands for. It’s not "Big Boats." It's actually a tribute. Captain Alan Bernstein, the patriarch who basically lives and breathes river water, started the company in 1979. He named it after his father, Ben Bernstein, and a woman named Betty Blake. Betty was a legend in the riverboat world—she was a huge part of the campaign to save the Delta Queen steamboat back in the day.
Alan actually skipped his own high school graduation to work as a deckhand. That’s the kind of obsession we’re talking about here.
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The company started with one boat, the M/V Betty Blake, and now they’re the premier fleet in the area. Today, Alan’s kids, Ben and Terri, run the show. They’ve managed to turn a niche hobby into a massive operation that survives floods, recessions, and the ever-changing Newport shoreline.
Which Boat Should You Actually Pick?
There is a big difference between the vessels docked at Riverboat Row.
The Belle of Cincinnati is the flagship. It’s a four-deck monster that can hold 1,000 people. It was actually built in 1991 and used to be a floating casino in Iowa called the Emerald Lady. If you want the Victorian, "lavish" vibe with climate-controlled decks, this is your boat. It’s the one that competes in the Great Steamboat Race in Louisville every year.
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Then you have the River Queen. This one is smaller—about 500 passengers—and feels a bit more intimate. It’s a sternwheeler that has that classic riverboat-era charm. If you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise, honestly, the River Queen feels a bit less like a floating convention center and more like a real boat.
And if you don't actually want to leave land? They opened River’s Edge, a stationary event center right at the Newport Landing. It’s great for people who get seasick but still want to look at the water.
The Cruise Reality Check
- Dining Cruises: The food is surprisingly good for a buffet. You're looking at things like Kentucky bourbon-glazed ham and "Glier's Goetta" (a local staple you have to try if you're from out of town). Dinner cruises usually start around $74 for adults.
- Sightseeing: These are cheaper and shorter. No food, but you get the history. You’ll hear about the "Rat Row" history of Newport and the gambling era.
- Specialty Cruises: They do everything. Murder mysteries, craft beer tastings, and "Princess and Pirate" cruises for kids. In April 2026, they have the Easter Brunch and Dinner cruises ($56+), where the Easter Bunny actually makes an appearance.
Navigating Riverboat Row in 2026
Newport has changed. Riverboat Row used to be a bit isolated, but now it’s nestled right next to the Newport Aquarium and the Levee.
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When you head down there, don't just dash to the boat. Take a second to look at the National Steamboat Monument nearby. It features the actual paddlewheel from the American Queen. It’s a massive piece of engineering that really puts the scale of these vessels into perspective.
One thing people often overlook: the view. Most people focus on the Cincinnati skyline, which is admittedly gorgeous from the water. But if you look back at the Kentucky side, you see the historic mansions of Mansion Hill and the confluence of the Licking and Ohio rivers. It's a different perspective on the "South Side" of the region.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
If you're planning to visit BB Riverboats on Riverboat Row Newport KY, here is the "insider" way to do it:
- Book the Stonebrook Winery Sunset Cruise: If you’re a local or a couple, skip the standard lunch. This specific cruise features local wines and is usually a bit more laid back.
- Arrive 45 minutes early: Boarding starts 30-60 minutes before departure. If you show up 5 minutes before, you'll be at the end of a very long line, and the best window seats in the dining room will be gone.
- Dress for the wind: Even in the summer, the breeze off the Ohio River can be chilly once the boat starts moving. Bring a light jacket even if it's 80 degrees on land.
- Check the bridge status: As mentioned, the 4th Street Bridge closure is a headache. Use a GPS app like Waze that has real-time traffic data for Newport, or you'll end up stuck in a loop near the Levee.
- Hit the Top Deck: No matter which cruise you buy, spend at least 20 minutes on the open-air top deck of the Belle. It’s the only way to truly appreciate the scale of the bridges you're passing under. You can almost reach out and touch the Roebling Suspension Bridge.
Whether you're there for a wedding or just a Tuesday afternoon sightseeing trip, BB Riverboats is a survivor. It represents a piece of the Ohio River's soul that hasn't been polished away by modern development.