St. Louis River Boat Tours: Open For Business?

Riverboat tours in St. Louis, Missouri, offer a unique and relaxing way to experience the Gateway Arch and the city's working riverfront. The riverboats, docked below the Gateway Arch, provide a range of experiences, from sightseeing and dinner cruises to specialty outings. With daily cruises available, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, learn about the history of St. Louis, and even dance the night away on a floating party cruise. The riverboat tours also provide an opportunity to explore the Mighty Mississippi River, with cruises departing from Hannibal, MO, offering a glimpse into the world of Mark Twain's iconic characters, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.

Riverboat cruise ticket prices

The standard St. Louis Riverfront Cruise is a one-hour tour that operates daily with varying times. Ticket prices for this cruise are as follows: adults ($24), children (ages 3-15) ($14), seniors (60+) ($22), and infants (0-2) go free.

For those seeking a more romantic or special experience, the Skyline Dinner Cruise is a two-hour evening cruise featuring live music or a DJ, a chef-inspired menu, and captivating views of the St. Louis skyline. Ticket prices for this cruise are: adults ($59) and children (ages 3-12) ($25).

In addition to these standard cruises, the Gateway Arch riverboats also offer specialty cruises throughout the year, such as the Fireworks Cruise on July 4, the Halloween Cruise on October 26 and 31, and the PJs & Pancakes Cruise in December. These specialty cruises have varying ticket prices, and reservations are required.

It is recommended to book tickets in advance for all cruises, as they tend to sell out early. The riverboat cruises operate from March through November and are accessible from the riverfront below the Gateway Arch.

Riverboat cruise duration

The Gateway Arch riverboat cruise in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a range of cruise durations to suit different interests and preferences. The standard St. Louis Riverfront Cruise lasts one hour and provides a fascinating tour of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis. This cruise is priced at $24 for adults, $14 for children aged 3-15, $22 for seniors, and infants under 2 ride for free.

For those seeking a more extended experience, the Skyline Dinner Cruise is a two-hour evening cruise featuring live music or a DJ, a chef-inspired menu, and captivating views of the St. Louis skyline. This cruise is priced at $59 for adults and $25 for children aged 3-12.

In addition to these standard cruise options, the Gateway Arch riverboat cruise also offers specialty cruises for various holidays and events, such as the Fireworks Cruise on July 4, the Halloween Cruise on October 26 and 31, and the PJs & Pancakes Cruise in December. These specialty cruises provide a unique and festive experience for guests of all ages.

The riverboat cruise also offers private charters and events for special occasions like birthday celebrations, anniversaries, business outings, and company parties. These private cruises can be customised with different meal and entertainment options to meet specific needs and interests.

Overall, the Gateway Arch riverboat cruise in St. Louis, Missouri, provides a range of cruise durations, from one-hour standard tours to two-hour dinner cruises and specialty cruises, ensuring that visitors can find an option that fits their desired duration and interests.

Riverboat cruise food and drink

Riverboat cruises in St. Louis offer a range of food and drink options to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. While the specific menu options may vary, here is an overview of what you can typically expect on a riverboat cruise in St. Louis in terms of food and beverage offerings:

Dining Options:

The riverboat cruises usually feature a mix of table-service restaurants and buffet-style dining. The main dining area, aptly named "The Restaurant," offers an inviting and comfortable space with warm wood tones. It is typically open during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving a variety of freshly prepared dishes and local specialties. During breakfast, you can expect items like eggs benedict, pancakes, breads, pastries, fresh fruit, and even made-to-order omelets. Lunch often includes a mix of sandwiches, salads, and burgers, with some guests opting for a three-course meal. Dinner is a more elaborate affair, with three to four courses, wine and drink pairings, and themes that reflect the region the ship is visiting. For example, an Austrian-themed night might include an Austrian Bierhaus with authentic cuisine, beer, and entertainment.

In addition to the main restaurant, riverboat cruises may also have alternative dining venues, such as the "Aquavit Terrace," which offers a more casual dining experience with comfortable seating and tables for two. The Aquavit Terrace typically serves a similar menu to the main restaurant during breakfast and lunch, with the addition of a BBQ on some days. For dinner, the Aquavit Terrace mirrors the menu of the main restaurant but tends to be less busy, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.

Beverage Options:

Riverboat cruises typically include a variety of beverage options, such as specialty cocktails, draft beer, wine, soft drinks, and tea. Some cruises may also offer drinks packages, such as the Silver Spirits drinks package, which covers all drinks except champagne for a fixed daily rate. Additionally, passengers are generally allowed to bring their own alcohol on board during embarkation or at any point during the cruise, without a corkage fee.

Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a relaxing tour, or a festive outing, the riverboat cruises in St. Louis aim to provide a memorable culinary and beverage experience as you take in the stunning views of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River.

Riverboat cruise accessibility

One review from a customer who visited in 2021 mentions that the riverboat cruise was "easily accessible right outside of the arch museum area." This customer also noted that they found the signs to be visible and easy to follow. However, another review from a customer who visited in 2023 tells a different story. This customer reported that the Gateway Riverboats were not accessible for disabled individuals, and that the parking and ramp situations presented significant challenges for those with mobility issues.

In addition, the riverboat cruises in St. Louis appear to be accessible by foot, with one review mentioning that visitors can walk down the Arch steps to reach the boats. However, this same review also cautions that finding the parking area can be confusing, especially at night, and that break-ins are common in the area, so it is important to not leave any valuables visible in your car.

Overall, while there is limited information specifically about accessibility, the riverboat cruises in St. Louis do seem to be accessible to some extent, although there are also reports of challenges for individuals with disabilities, particularly when it comes to parking and unloading/loading. Visitors considering a riverboat cruise are encouraged to contact the Gateway Arch or Riverboats at the Gateway Arch directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding accessibility.

Riverboat cruise parking

Firstly, it is important to note that the riverboat cruises depart from the riverfront below the Gateway Arch, and the official website recommends accessing the St. Louis riverfront via Chouteau Ave. This area has undergone construction in the past, which may have impacted parking options and accessibility.

When it comes to parking, cash parking is available on the levee. However, it is important to note that this parking is not operated by the Gateway Arch or Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. As of December 2023, some reviewers noted that finding the parking area was confusing, and they were advised not to rely on GPS. Instead, they had to look for an unmarked, dark entrance and ask for directions from a police officer.

If you are visiting the Gateway Arch and taking the riverboat cruise on the same day, parking near the Arch may be an option. However, one review from November 2023 mentioned that the Arch parking garage by the Old Courthouse was no longer available. Additionally, construction in the area may impact parking options, as one reviewer mentioned issues with parking at The Landing due to construction blocking access to the Arch grounds.

When parking in the area, it is essential to take necessary precautions. Some reviewers mentioned that vehicles regularly get broken into, so it is advised not to leave any valuables visible inside your car.

In summary, finding parking for the riverboat cruise in St. Louis, MO, can be challenging due to construction and a lack of clear signage. Cash parking is available on the levee, but it is not affiliated with the Gateway Arch or Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. It is recommended to arrive early to allow sufficient time to find parking and reach the riverboat departure point. Always take necessary safety precautions when parking in the area.

Frequently asked questions