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Skyline dinner cruise - Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

• United States    
• Missouri (MO)    
• Saint Louis    
• Saint Louis - Things to Do    
• Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

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Skyline dinner cruise

We chose the skyline dinner cruise to celebrate a birthday. The live entertainment consisted of a banjo player and a base player. The banjo player was a good singer but hard to hear when he talked. The bass player was a good singer also but never looked up when singing and didn't talk. We chose one beef and one fish meal. The beef was good but the mashed potatoes were pasty but tasty. The fish was overcooked, dry, and cold. The green beans with both were good. Cheesecake with strawberry drizzle for dessert was very good. We were forced to have our picture taken upon boarding and then someone came around trying to sell them. It was very cold the day of our cruise so we couldn't enjoy standing outside to see much of the skyline. Would recommend going in nice weather and going in the afternoon instead of the dinner cruise.

The captain was our tour guide & gave us a LOT of interesting information about the Mississippi River itself and the City of St. Louis. The view of the Arch from the River is spectacular! The City itself as seen from the River doesn't make a particularly good impression, but the riverboat experience was really nice. The snackbar area also serves beer, & the boat (including the restrooms) was clean & well tended. There is a photographer at the gangway, & we did purchase the VERY high-priced photographs, but there was no pressure to purchase & the staff was very kind. We really enjoyed this, & would do it again if we ever returned to the area.

The worst tourist experience I have ever had. The river itself is a filthy opaque brown. The river bank is a mass of rubble backed by dilapidated, decaying and abandoned industrial buildings. The only relief from this is the tents and rubbish belonging to the rough sleepers. To top this off we shared our cruise with a large group of employees out for a social trip. They made it totally impossible to hear the commentary and upset the other genuine tourists.

While the boat itself was not very interesting we took the tour that had a National park ranger interpreting some of the areas we passed as well as history. This alternated with the captain who also narrated some about things we were passing. The boat only goes a short way down the river and back and it’s not a pretty area on the Mississippi. But a fun afternoon and not very expensive.

The best part of this experience was the Captain of the boat. He was extremely funny, informational, and professional. The speed of the boat was not enough to make me motion sick (which is a miracle) and you are on the water for a good amount of time. You get to go up and down the river so you see everything and don't have to constantly switch sides of the boat. Follow the directions on your tickets/email because they are right, GPS stinks. I would also suggest bringing water as it can get hot if you choose to sit on the open air part of the boat (but they do have an inside part with AC)

Going on the riverboat is a good thing to do and because they give you a narrated tour of what the Mississippi River is like and it's always good to go on the riverboat.

Rolling on the River: Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises

No visit to the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis is complete without a riverboat tour of the Mississippi! Step back in time as you board the Becky Thatcher or Tom Sawyer and take a tranquil tour of the riverfront.

Before interstate highways crisscrossed the nation, people did their luxury traveling by train and steamboat. St. Louis was a bustling river town in the 1800’s with hundreds of steam powered paddlewheelers docked on riverfront! There’s a cool display of what St. Louis looked like back then at the Arch’s new museum –be sure to check it out on your next visit.

Riverboat Cruise at the Arch

The riverboats can take your family on a hour long tour of the riverfront –there’s a sightseeing cruise running every day from March to November.

But if you want to make it really special–book a dinner or brunch cruise! The Becky Thatcher is set up with a double decker dining room and takes visitors on a two-hour tour of the riverfront while you dine on a delicious buffet.

Brunch on the Riverboat Becky Thatcher

Sunday Brunch Cruises are a great way to celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Of course you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a wonderful weekend at the Arch with your family! There’s one or two brunch cruises scheduled every month the boats operates. Check out their current schedule under “specialty cruises” here.   There’s also dinner cruises, dancing cruises, and a couple cruises up to see the lock and dam where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers meet!

What’s included with my ticket?

Your brunch ticket includes a buffet full of scrambled eggs, blintzes, French toast, sausage, prime rib, stuffed chicken, veggies, pasta, dessert, and coffee, iced tea, orange juice, milk and chocolate milk. Soft drinks, beer and cocktails are available at the bar for an extra charge.

What to Expect on your Riverboat Brunch Cruise

First, you’ll want to reserve your spot early by getting tickets online . Tickets are $45 for adults, $18 for kids 3-12 and free for little ones under 2. 

The boats are docked at the foot of the Gateway Arch. Stop by the ticket office to pick up your tickets by 12:30 — the boat leaves promptly at 1pm!

Then you’ll come aboard and be directed to your seat. Unlike the sightseeing tours, the Brunch Cruise has reserved indoor seating with white linen table clothes. Tables are located by the windows, so you can enjoy the whole cruise from the comfort of the cabin, or pop upstairs to watch from the observation deck. 

The food might be served buffet style, but you’ll also get a friendly waiter to serve your drinks and clear the plates. Don’t worry about standing in line either, the serving staff dismisses diners by table so the buffet isn’t overwhelmed.

And while you wait, enjoy a little Dixieland music!

Where do I park?

Best Photos of the Arch are Here

If you’re looking to get a postcard photo of the Gateway Arch, a riverboat cruise is where to be! You can also get a pretty cool one from the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park over on the East Side, but you don’t need to worry about pesky power lines messing up your shot here. ( Here’s a few more ideas for great photos with the Arch! )

Captain’s Dinner and Dance Cruises

Information, buy tickets, cruise enhancements.

Come aboard for a Dinner Cruise you will never forget. The Dinner Cruises offer a special night out on the mighty Mississippi River, while traveling in style on the “Celebration Belle”. While dinner is a big part of this cruise it doesn’t end there. After dinner, relax with our fully stocked bars and dance to the sounds of the Celebration River Cruises band. Our onboard entertainment plays a wide variety of music from yesterday and today featuring genres such as Country and Rock ‘N Roll…and yes we take requests! Also, be sure to go topside and enjoy the evening air gazing at the stars and stroll our decks. We have added lounge areas on the inside decks to provide a casual relaxing visit making your experience that much more comfortable. Last but not least be sure to visit our gift shop located on the 3rd deck.

Dinner Menu:

• Our Famous Carved Prime Rib
• Marinated Chicken
• Alfredo Pasta with Vegetables
• Steamed Baby Red Potatoes
• Hot Vegetable
• Toss spring salad with peach dressing
• Rolls and butter
• Coffee and Iced Tea are complimentary with dinner

*Menu subject to change* We also have fully stocked bars onboard

Adult: $56.95 Child: $46.95

Prices include tax and gratuity

Children’s prices are for ages 3 – 10 years; children under 3 years are free.

View our entire schedule

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• Captain's Dinner and Dance Cruise
• Captain's Dinner & Dance Cruise
• Fireworks Dinner Cruise
• Captain's Dinner and Dance Cruise - Dubuque
• Captain's Dinner and Dance Cruise - Prairie du Chien

Add some pizazz to your cruise and make your outing extra special with our Cruise Enhancement packages!  You can add a package to your cruise when you sign up on line by clicking the “Buy Tickets” tab on any of our  cruise  information pages.

Captain’s Dinner & Dance Cruise Calendar

About celebration belle.

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

[email protected]

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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Skyline Dinner Cruise

Make any night memorable aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch.

Featuring a chef-inspired menu, live music and captivating views, the two-hour Skyline Dinner Cruise is perfect for celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic date or simply relaxing on the water.

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Mississippi River Boat Cruise

Experience the mississippi river like never before.

April 4, 2024

February 2, 2024

November 11, 2023

Teresa Starnes

Steven Garrison

K Theiszmann

Auldine Ferrell

October 10, 2023

Family-Friendly Tours Full Of Adventure, Storytelling, And Fun

History, literature, and travel enthusiasts unite for a unique sightseeing and dining experience aboard riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River from beloved author Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Witness firsthand what inspired the writer to create iconic characters, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. At Mark Twain Riverboat Co., you get to experience the Mighty Mississippi River in a truly memorable way, a Mississippi river boat cruise complete with storytelling, scenic views, and fine dining.

We provide a unique experience perfect for individuals, families, and groups. The cruise takes place on the Mississippi River from Mark Twain's boyhood home town of Hannibal, MO.

Mark Twain shared his unique perspective of life on the Mississippi River throughout his writings and characters. Get a glimpse of the Mississippi River as Mark Twain might have seen it.

The Mark Twain has been a unique feature on the Hannibal riverfront for more than 30 years. As a family-owned business since 1997, we strive to offer you a unique riverboat experience on the Mighty Mississippi, whether you’re a Hannibal resident or visitor. Choose between our two daily cruise offerings: our Sightseeing Cruise and our evening Dinner Cruise which includes live entertainment and a two entree buffet-style dinner.

Whether you are looking for a sightseeing adventure on the Mississippi River, taking in the sights, or dining on the river at sunset, Mark Twain Riverboat has something for everyone.

Set Sail on Our Riverboat Cruises

Sightseeing Tour

This one-hour sightseeing cruise travels along the mighty Mississippi River, allowing you to soak up the scenery at a relaxing, rhythmic pace. Listen as the captain guides your cruise with historical commentary on the history, legends, and sights of the Mississippi River.

A cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat is great for family events. Whether you are a visitor or resident of Hannibal, you can make wonderful memories aboard our unique riverboat experience! Looking forward to having you onboard!

Departure time: Varies - check calendar Yearly availability: April 1 - Nov. 4 Weekly availability: Daily

Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a night of dinner and dancing on this cruise on the Mighty Mississippi. Indulge in a delicious buffet and share a wonderful dinner with your family or friends, then enjoy live music from the dance floor or the deck.

Once on board, you are escorted to your table, then you are free to roam the boat until the captain announces that dinner is ready. After dinner, you are free to dance or sit back and enjoy the music. Live entertainment is included on our Dinner Cruises. It may be The Rivermen playing modern jazz (Saturday night from Memorial Day thru September), or you might get to enjoy the music of Tim Hart (Mondays & Tuesdays), or Adam Ledbetter and David Damm (Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Listen or dance to their favorite tunes — and they have been known to take a request or two. And you never know when a crew member or two may step up on the stage and join in.

Departure time: 6:30 p.m. Yearly availability: May 3 - Oct 28 Weekly availability: Varies - check calendar

Why choose us?

A Glimpse At Missouri Through The Lens Of A Famous Author On The Mississippi River

A Mississippi River cruise aboard Mark Twain Riverboat Co. allows you to enjoy a short excursion from Hannibal during the more pleasant weather months of the year. Just 100 miles away from St. Louis, our Mississippi River boat cruise is the only cruise that departs from Mark Twain's boyhood home.

River cruising gives you the time and space to fully immerse yourself in Mark Twain's story and the Mississippi River, getting to know the inspiration behind his books. We handle every detail for you from departure to dinner on our Mississippi river cruises, making it possible for you to fully relax and enjoy our modern riverboat.

Cruising down the river is a great way to unwind and enjoy nature after a busy week. Hannibal, Missouri is home to some of the most scenic riverfront views in the Midwest!

Informative

Our cruise guides are experts in their field and love to share their knowledge about this beautiful city. They'll educate you all about the history of the area and its inhabitants, so you can really get an insider's look at this fascinating area.

Family-friendly

Our cruises are great for families with children of all ages, so bring your whole crew along with you! We have plenty of activities that will keep you occupied during the day and night.

Hannibal, Missouri

Despite its small size, Hannibal, MO is full of history and immersive learning experiences. It is there that you can visit Mark Twain's boyhood home and museum, take a Mississippi River cruise, or even attend a festival in his honor. That's not all there is to do in the area, though. You can explore caves and even take a ghost tour. Although, we are sure our cruise will be one of your favorite experiences yet.

Upper Mississippi River cruises are a great way for people of all ages to take a break from the normal day-to-day. Instead you'll enjoy an afternoon taking in the beautiful scenery or an evening of entertainment and dining. Our cruises are perfect for anyone who wants adventure but doesn't want the length of trip that most American cruise lines offer. A short trip aboard our Mississippi River cruises is just the evening out you need to feel refreshed, educated, and creative.

Frequently asked questions

Can we modify existing itineraries.

To some extent – yes. Sometimes we will have to because the weather isn’t always ideal and we want to stay in shallow, calm waters to keep the trip enjoyable.

What is the duration of the cruises?

Our cruises last approximately one to two hours

Are food and drinks available on board?

Yes, we offer a variety of food and drinks, including a snack bar and a full-service bar.

Is smoking allowed on board?

No, smoking is not allowed onboard.

Is the Mark Twain Riverboat wheelchair accessible?

We are wheelchair accessible on the lower deck. However, there is no lift to the upper deck and wheelchairs do not fit in the bathrooms.

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