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Harbor History

Looking for something fun to do between your lunch and dinner plans? Our Saturday Harbor History Cruises cater to visitors eager to learn more about our river history.

This one-hour narrated cruise on the Spirit of Jefferson is a unique way to learn more about river and steamboat history, and connections to local history, as well. It’s all open seating, with both inside and outside decks; and a concession stand and a cash bar are open for our passengers’ convenience.

Contact us for information or to make a reservation, or purchase tickets on line. Advance reservations are recommended. The outside decks are not handicap accessible.

For individual and group pricing, visit the planning section of our site!

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  • Jul. 1

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Jul. 8

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Jul. 15

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Jul. 22

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Jul. 29

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Aug. 5

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Aug. 12

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Aug. 19

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Aug. 26

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Sep. 9

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Sep. 16

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Sep. 23

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Sep. 30

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Oct. 7

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Oct. 14

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Oct. 21

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
  • Oct. 28

    HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE

    Spirit of Jefferson
    3:00 pm–4:00 pm
    Book now
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FAQs

  • Where do I pick up my tickets?

    Tickets should be picked up prior to your cruise in the ticket office, which is the green-and-white vessel beside the Belle.

  • What is the dress code?

    The vessel is casual; sightseers should dress according to the weather. On Sightseeing Tours, shorts and t-shirts are welcome. For Lunch Cruises, shorts or slacks and t-shirts are fine. On Dinner Cruises, casual attire is suggested. No sleeveless shirts for men, please. The Spirit of Jefferson is air-conditioned, and the Belle of Louisville has air-conditioning on the ballroom deck.

  • What is the difference between the Belle and the Spirit of Jefferson?

    The Belle is our nearly 100 year old National Historic Landmark and a much larger vessel. She is original to the steamboat era and a living operating museum. The Spirit of Jefferson is a smaller, newer riverboat.

  • Where do I park?

    The Wharf parking lot is a pay lot at 129 River Road (entrance by Joe’s Crab Shack). This lot stretches along the wharf to the Belle area. If this lot is full, the Riverview Parking Garage off of 6th Street is just a walk across the street from the Belle.

  • What are your ADA arrangements for the disabled?

    The Belle has an elevator lift to help with wheel chairs and provide access to the Ballroom Deck, however the Texas & Hurricane decks are not accessible. Wheelchairs on the Spirit can go to the first deck only.

  • What is a Sightseeing Ticket?

    A Sightseeing ticket provides a two-hour sightseeing ride on the Texas Deck (top) of the Belle or Spirit. Sightseeing passengers can also enjoy a self-guided tour of the boat, a full concession café, and full bar service. After lunch is over for those who purchased meal tickets, Sightseers are welcome to enter the ballroom for dancing and a break from outside.

  • How do I get reservations for the lunch or dinner options?

    When calling, state the type of ticket you are interested in and if they are available they will be sold to you; sometimes we sell out for meals because of limited capacity. All meal ticket reservations require a 48-hour advance notice because our caterer requires a final count the day before the cruise. Those with sightseeing passes can upgrade for a flat price posted on the certificate; this needs to be done when you make your reservation.

  • Can I bring my own food and beverages aboard the boat?

    No food or beverages can be brought onto the vessel.

  • What do I need to bring?

    You will need your confirmation number from your reservation and proper identification to pick up pre-paid tickets. Other than hopefully your sunglasses, nothing else is needed.

  • What happens if I lose my confirmation number?

    Tickets are filed by last name. Be prepared to show a photo ID in order to pick up the ticket.

  • What if it rains?

    The vessels go out in the rain unless there is a threatening storm. Should weather dictate that we cannot cruise, dockside lunch/dinner is still served and passes for another sightseeing cruise are given out based on management’s discretion.

  • When do I get on the cruise?

    Boarding is usually ½ hour before the cruise departure. Cruises depart on time.

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