riverboat cruise from cincinnati to louisville

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7 Reasons A Stay On The World’s Largest Steamboat Is My Favorite U.S. Cruise

• Cruises and Sailing
• River Cruises
• Types of Travel

I have been on several cruises and travel adventures around the world, but recently, I’ve felt the need to focus on discovering great destinations closer to home. The U.S. is filled with countless experiences that travelers can unlock, and a river cruise offers the chance to see so many things in an efficient, hassle-free, and fun way.

Our summer cruise on the Ohio River took us from Pittsburgh to Louisville, and the itinerary included stops in Marietta, Ohio; Huntington, West Virginia; Augusta, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Madison, Indiana, before reaching Louisville.

I had been on voyages on the Mighty Mississippi River and even a couple in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake rivers that traverse through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These itineraries are fairly well known, but I was fascinated to see what an Ohio River cruise was all about. I was happy to accept an invite from American Queen Voyages to review this special itinerary.

As it turns out, it’s filled with memorable experiences and a range of fun ways to spend your days. The best part about our trip, though, was how we got there. American Queen owns a special charm and an incredible river cruise program that makes it a favorite way to cruise within the U.S. Here’s why.

1. An Itinerary With Small Towns And Big Cities

Pittsburg, pennsylvania.

American Queen Voyages offers a pre-cruise hotel stay in Pittsburgh, and it was nice to explore the City of Bridges for a day. We had lunch at the famous Primanti Brothers, diving into our hearty sandwiches — complete with fries stuffed onto the pastrami between slices of Italian bread. And we washed it down with a couple of Iron City beers.

The embarkation pier for the riverboat sits at the doorstep of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ football stadium, making for a scenic sail away from the confluence of the three rivers (Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela).

Cincinnati, Ohio

The cruise also features a stop in Cincinnati and wraps up in Louisville, so travelers have opportunities to explore these interesting big cities and all they have to offer. We went for a bike ride on the riverfront, explored the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, and had lunch and craft beers at Moerlein Lager House.

Louisville, Kentucky

In Louisville, cruisers can explore city highlights like the famed Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby track) or the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory before catching flights back home.

These big cities are nice, but it’s the small towns that really make this trip shine. Residents gather along the banks of the river to cheer our arrival or give us a friendly sendoff each day. Each riverside destination, no matter how small, loves to show off its slice of American history and regional attractions, such as quirky museums, pretty churches, and, of course, its local shops and eateries.

Marietta, Ohio

In Marietta, Ohio, attractions included Mound Cemetery, one of the oldest in the original Northwest Territory, the Ohio River Museum, and the Childen’s Toy & Doll Museum.

Huntington, West Virginia

When I went ashore in Huntington, West Virginia, the hop-on, hop-off bus loop took us to the Touma Medical Museum, a delightful little open-air railroad museum (a yard filled with colorful old rail cars), Ritter Park Rose Garden, and the Marshall University Campus, which features a wonderful grounds filled with statues, sculptures, trees, and flowers.

Augusta, Kentucky

In Augusta, Kentucky, AQV passengers were able to walk just a few hundred steps from our spot on the river to explore the Rosemary Clooney Museum. This is the former home of actress, singer, and aunt to superstar George Clooney. Highlights of this charming town also include Bates Garden, the 1811 Jail, and Baker-Bird Winery.

Madison, Indiana

There was another railroad museum to see in Madison, Indiana, and the town also lists the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, the Broadway Fountain, and Lanier Mansion as top attractions for visitors to check out.

2. Enriching Entertainment

While each port stop features a variety of things for cruisers to explore, this fancy riverboat offers a daily program with a mix of musical performances, trivia competitions, movies, bingo, and variety shows. 

Music, trivia, and enrichment talks are held in American Queen’s majestic Grand Saloon theater space. During our cruise, we saw Phil Westbrook several times, as the singer and piano man performed a tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as entertained passengers at the intimate Captain’s Bar just outside the main J.M. White Dining Room.

We also dropped by the theater for shows by guitarist Logan Reeves and a song and dance variety production on TV theme songs from the American Queen Ensemble and the Steamboat Syncopators house band. The shows draw on plenty of nostalgia but definitely favor an era more familiar to cruisers 70 and older. However, the overall mood is quite fun.

A hip vibe can be found nightly at the Engine Room Bar, where the ship’s musicians get the crowd dancing with a great mix of blues and rock tunes.

3. Regionally Inspired Cuisine

The American Queen chefs kept us well-fed. Meals are served in the main dining room and in the casual eatery called the Front Porch, which offers wonderful views as you cruise on the river. When the weather is nice, it’s worth having at least one dinner outside there to enjoy the sunset and sailing.

The menu includes items like chicken fried steak, frog legs, and a variety of steak and fish preparations. The cuisine is more hearty than healthy, but you can find some fresh fruits and salads in the mix at the lunch buffets. We were always tempted by the mouth-watering selection of homemade pies and slices of chocolate cake set out each day at lunch. There always is a delicious soup, gumbo, or chili available, too.

If you need a snack, you can swing by the Front Porch for a bag of fresh popcorn, a couple of cookies, or a soft-serve ice cream cone or dish.

4. Set Your Own Pace

As a person who loves his daily workouts, I’m happy that a river cruise on American Queen makes it easy. Not only is there a well-equipped gym, but the ship carries a fleet of bikes. Colleen and I started several days with a run along the riverside trails through small towns or by grabbing a couple of bikes to go exploring independently.

In general, river cruising allows travelers the chance to explore on their own in a hassle-free way. It’s so easy to stroll onto and off of the ship at your leisure, and the towns and cities are mere steps away. You can go set your own schedule for the day if you’re not interested in rigorously following the ship excursion program.

Pro Tip: Ask crew members for their insight on nice places to eat or go shopping — or for their favorite places to get a coffee or craft brew. We received great insight from lead butler Adam, who is a coffee connoisseur and loves to find and frequent local cafes along all the river towns he visits.

5. Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours

American Queen Voyages provides a wonderful service in its hop-on, hop-off bus routes in each city and on each river itinerary that it operates. Passengers walk off the ship and straight onto waiting buses with clear signage at each stop along the route at the attractions in town.

Cruisers love being able to have peace of mind that they will see a nice mix of highlights in each port without worrying about transportation. You can get off at each spot or pick and choose what you are interested in on the loop.

6. Plenty Of Space Onboard

American Queen itself is an attraction. Built in 2012 and carrying up to 417 passengers, this is the largest steamship ever built. The décor takes you back in time to a golden era of steamship travel. The Grand Saloon resembles a 19th-century opera house with private boxes wrapped around the theater and hanging over the main level and the stage adorned with a large red curtain.

Chandeliers fill the main restaurant, rocking chairs line the railings on the front porch, and gingerbread ornamentation accents the staircases and stateroom patios of the bright white ship. The signature big red paddlewheel churns at the stern of the ship helping to power the voyage along the river.

American Queen features a large Mark Twain Gallery that serves as a reading room (with a small computer area). It’s outfitted with vintage lamps and antique chairs and all kinds of mementos of a bygone time, including river ship models, paintings, books, vases, and other collectibles.

There are two parlors at the very front of the ship ahead of the Main Twain Gallery, and these spots also are carefully decorated and ideal for working on puzzles, reading, or enjoying the river views while relaxing with friends.

7. Scenic Sailing

I found the periods of sailing from town to town one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of this river cruise. It was fabulous to watch the world floating by, with the pretty evening sunsets, flowing waters, and subtle bends in the river. We would pass under a variety of bridge styles and see trains on adjacent tracks and tugboats pushing coal barges.

Cruisers also enjoyed the process of watching our big riverboat pass through the locks along the way.

Pro Tip: Make sure to head up to the top deck for sail aways each day. Crowds gather along the banks of the river to wave you off and wish you well on the journey. And one of the musicians will come out to play some tunes on the boat’s steam calliope. It’s a fun spectacle!

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John loves to explore the world while prioritizing fitness and active adventures. He specializes in cruise travel, with more than 100 sailings of all types under his belt. His passion is deep exploration and connection. He loves talking sports and craft beer with people in every destination he visits. John has been a writer and travel journalist for more than 20 years, regularly contributing to top travel magazines and websites.

Scenic River Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• Cruise Ship Trip Distance: 40 miles

Relax & enjoy a scenic river cruise

Come enjoy a 40-mile scenic river tour and experience one of America’s great rivers.

Cruise the Ohio River where it can not be seen from a road.

Your Captain and crew will point out historic locations, share river stories and help spot wildlife like Bald Eagles, Blue Heron, Deer and maybe even a Bobcat.

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• Cruise Ship 155 miles
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2 Day Kentucky River Adventure

The 155 mile round trip two-day Kentucky River Adventure is the ultimate river experience and so much fun. Not another river tour like it anywhere.

• Cruise Ship 75 miles
• Hour Glass 5 hours

Midweek Lunch Excursion

Enjoy a 75 mile round trip 5 hour cruise on the Ohio River with a stop for  lunch at a river side restaurant near Louisville KY. Along the way hear amazing river stories and spot  Bald Eagles.  (Meal cost not included)

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Ohio River Cruises - Cincinnati & Pittsburgh

Most cruises on the Ohio River will include other waterways, such as the Mississippi , Cumberland or Tennessee River . The American Queen Steamboat Company offers a couple of cruises on just the Ohio River during June and July. The itineraries  travel round trip from Cincinnati or between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh .

Ohio River in Cincinnati

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cincinnati-skyline-from-kentucky-shore-night.jpg

You’ll find companies that offer day and evening cruises along the Ohio River in a few different cities, such as Cincinnati, Louisville and Pittsburgh. Although, you won’t experience it onboard a ship for multilple days, you can still enjoy this amazing river as you travel along it for several hours. Event, sightseeing and themed day cruises are available throughout the year.

Ohio River Facts

The Ohio River begins at Point State Park in Pittsburgh where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers join together. Before reaching Pittsburgh, the Allegheny flows through New York and Pennsylvania for about 325 miles. And the Monongahela flows for about 130 miles through West Virginia and Pennsylvania until it reaches Point State Park.

Where the Allegheny and Monongahela Meet to Form the Ohio River in Pittsburgh

By David Schwab, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Flowing in a westerly direction from its source, the Ohio River stretches for 981 miles passing through or bordering Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. The mouth of the river is in Cairo, Illinois where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi River. 

A rather shallow river, the Ohio has an average depth of only 15-20 feet. And the river’s widest point is located west of Louisville where it stretches for one mile from bank to bank.

The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River stretching for 652 miles across four states. The two rivers are joined together in Paducah, Kentucky.

Ohio River Cruises Destinations

An overnight cruise on the Ohio River will travel through a few states and could include any of the following: Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The most well-known cities along the Ohio River are Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

A five-day round trip cruise from Cincinnati will travel to Louisville, Kentucky and Madison, Indiana. And a six-day cruise will travel from Cincinnati to Maysville and Augusta, Kentucky and Huntington, West Virginia.

A seven-day cruise on the Ohio River will depart from Pittsburgh will travel to Marietta, Ohio, Point Pleasant, West Virgina, Maysville, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. And an eight-day cruise will begin in Cincinnati and travel to Pittsburgh stopping in the same cities and make an additional stop in Wheeling, West Virginia.

For cruises combined with the Mississippi River, you’ll travel between Cincinnati and St. Louis.

An Ohio and Cumberland River cruise will travel between Louisville, Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee.

Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky

By Stevietheman at en.wikipedia [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

The American Queen Steamboat Company is the only company that offers overnight river cruises on just the Ohio River. Pricing starts at $949 per person, and itineraries are available for about three weeks in July. They range in length from 5 to 8 days, and all depart from Cincinnati.

A few companies feature day and evening cruises on the Ohio River. In Cincinnati you'll find BB Riverboats and Queen City Riverboats . And in Louisville you can cruise the Ohio River onboard The Belle of Louisville .

Whether you choose to take an overnight cruise on the Ohio River or only a day or evening cruise, you'll have a chance to experience this great U.S. river with either option.

If you enjoyed reading this page, please share it with other people you think would also enjoy reading it. Thank you! :)

Lauri Wakefield  is a travel writer who specializes in  river cruises in Europe and the U.S. Connect with her on Twitter and Google+ .

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Take This 3-Night Cruise Down The Ohio River For The Ultimate Fall Getaway

Andrea Limke

A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.

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Cruises and excursions offered by BB Riverboats are some of the most popular attractions in our city. Most have heard of and seen this picturesque collection of riverboats that dock in Newport and often found floating on the Ohio River. While the shorter cruises are well known, you may not realize that BB Riverboats also offers overnight getaways. Coming up in just a few weeks, The River Hop Tour will take you on a four-day, three-night cruise on the Ohio with stops at many exciting destinations and unmatched views of the vibrant fall foliage.

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The River Hop Tour on the Belle of Cincinnati is a unique excursion on a one-of-a-kind riverboat that’s sure to be a memorable fall getaway. Did you know BB Riverboats offered these tours? Would you like to go? Let us know in the comments!

For more information on this trip, as well as other cruises offered, visit the BB Riverboats website here .

And for more information on the popular sunset dinner cruise aboard a riverboat, check out our previous article here .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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(828) 692-1399

Kentucky Derby 

Kentucky derby & river cruise, april 26 - may 4, 2020.

KENTUCKY DERBY & RIVER CRUISE: 9-day Cruise from Cincinnati, OH to Louisville, KY on the American Duchess. The first weekend of May is an exciting time to celebrate the honored tradition of the Kentucky Derby. This thoroughbred race has taken place under the iconic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs every year since 1875. Dress to the nines, sip a mint julep and sport an extravagant hat while betting on your favorite horse or jockey. From general admission to Millionaire’s Row, this event brings out the best in all.

Some of the highlights of this package include: 

A ticket to the 2020 Kentucky Derby

Undercover seats in sections 226, 227 and 228

VIP Fast Access Pass to expedite entry into Churchill Downs

Premium in-track hospitality dining and open bar

at the Affirmed Lounge

Cruise with the American Queen Steamboat Company on the American Duchess Voyage

PORTS OF CALL:

Cincinnati, OH​

Madison, IN

Louisville, KY

Brandenburg, KY

Owensboro, KY

Louisville, KY 

Prices and bus itinerary subject to change.

Cost based on cabin selection. Call for pricing. 828-692-1399

Other Bus Tours:

In addition to Northeast and West Bus Tours , please also see our  Day Trips Bus Tours ,  Southeast and Mystery Bus Tours ,  International Bus Tours , and  Private Bus Charters .

Cruising the Ohio River~on the American Queen ~Cincinnati

ON THE OHIO RIVER_On day three of our eight-day cruise from Louisville to Pittsburgh, aboard the American Queen steamboat, we have gone from small and charming (Madison, IN.) to big and sprawling — Cincinnati, Ohio.

We have also left the mild weather behind as well. Today the forecast is bright, sunny and hot, about what you might expect on a summer day in August.

The tours start a little later than usual, which gives us a chance to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the main dining room. Overall, with one or two exceptions, the food has been excellent, and our breakfast was no different. I had the French toast while Pam went with her favorite, Eggs Benedict. The service is topnotch as well.

For our hop on, hop off excursion, there are five stops, including two that require an admission charge — The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum (we learned the Reds, or as they were called at the time, the Red Stockings, were baseball’s first professional team) and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

We opt to hop off at the Krohn Conservatory, a nationally-recognized botanical garden built in 1933. Like many of the stops, American Queen has negotiated free entry, which is a nice perk the tours provide.

The gardens are stunning, and include special areas for bonsai trees, orchids and a rain forest complete with a waterfall. The oldest bonsai tree in their collection is a 350-year-old Ponderosa pine, which one of their experts told me took three years to relocate to the conservatory.

The tour also included stops at the Eden park overlook and the Newport waterfront district, which features a world-class aquarium. As one-time residents of Ohio, we were well-acquainted with this area and chose to return to the boat for lunch.

Afterwards, I took my PC to the Front Porch outdoor deck to send my latest dispatch to readers at All Things Cruise . Why? I failed to mention when they switched our rooms, we are now in a part of the boat that has little or no WiFi service. So when we need WiFi, we have to go to the Mark Twain Gallery or another public space, which is an annoyance. Having the strongest possible WiFi connection should be at the top of every cruise line’s to-do list.

In the afternoon, the boat’s “riverlorian” delivers another informative lecture about the history of river travel, from dug-out canoes to steamships. We heard from the crew that the river is at a high stage, no doubt related to the flooding in eastern Kentucky.

We get an afternoon cocktail at our favorite bar — the River Grill and Bar. We aren’t sure why “Grill” is in the name since they only serve drinks, and service there is limited to only a few hours daily. That’s a shame because it has a great location at the aft area of the boat, and adding food to the options seems to make sense.

I should note our room, like the majority of staterooms, doesn’t have a private balcony. Instead, there are chairs placed outside where we can sit and watch the river or converse with fellow guests. And regardless of where, passengers on this cruise love to chat and interact. It’s a friendly bunch.

In the Grand saloon there’s a disembarkation talk, which seems early since the cruise is only half-over. But we can see they need to plan on airport transportation, hotels, etc. Afterwards, it’s time for the early show, “Burnin’ Strings,” with guitarist and vocalist Logan Reeves. Reeves can make a guitar do amazing things, and he takes us through a little musical history, accompanied by the Steamboat Syncopators. His concluding rock anthems, “Voodoo Child” by Jimi Hendrix and the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” really had the audience rocking out.

Dinner featured a Southern favorite, fried chicken, and for dessert, one of my favorites, Bananas Foster. The chicken was the best I’ve had on a cruise ship. Most cruise ship chefs just can’t seem to get it right.

After dinner, we took a stroll on the top deck and saw bright spotlights scanning the shoreline on either side of the boat. Curious, we headed forward for a closer look. A small crowd had gathered at the front of the boat and we could see the reason for both: We were approaching another lock on the river.

We pulled up a chair and watched as we slowly entered the lock. As the waters slowly rise, lifting the boat up, you can’t help but be awed by the engineering prowess behind it all.

Leaving the lock behind, American Queen sailed onward toward our next stop, Mayesville, Kentucky. And that’s where we end this.

PHOTOS by Gerry Barker

• The Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati (cover photo)
• Guitarist extraordinaire Logan Reeves performs “Burnin’ Strings”
• The J.M. White main dining room
• American Queen prepares to leave a lock

See sailings here  American Queen Voyages Cruises (cruisecompete.com)

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• Scrapped Cruise Ships

American Countess

Former name: kanesville queen (casino boat).

Cruise line Scrapped Cruise Ships

Specifications of American Countess

•   Review
•   Wiki

American Countess Review

Review of american countess.

The 2020-built (2021-inaugurated/2024- scrapped ) cruise ship American Countess was a newbuild paddlewheel steamboat reconstructed with the hull of MS Kanesville Queen (1995-built paddle-wheeler, casino ship of "Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino and Hotel").

The vessel (MMSI 368048990) was originally scheduled to enter service on April 5, 2020 (inaugural cruise), following drydock lengthening by Gulf Island Fabrication Inc (at Gulf Island Shipyard in Houma Louisiana ).

The 246-passenger riverboat was the 4th/last in the USA- flagged fleet of American Queen Voyages (fka AQSC) , having as fleetmates American Duchess (2017), American Empress (2003), American Queen (1995).

The vessel's lengthening included cutting the existing hull in two and adding a 60 ft (18 m) long prefabricated midship section. Nearly 150 workers are currently involved in this project.

The previous shipowner was Hornblower Group Inc (via Hornblower Cruises and Events).

Following the bankruptcy of Hornblower Group in 2024 (February), American Queen Voyages was placed for sale. Hornblower was sold to Strategic Value Partners and announced reorganization plans, focusing on its other subsidiaries.

In a Texas-held auction in March 2024, ACL/American Cruise Lines became the highest bidder and purchased four riverboats - American Countess (US$1,6M), American Duchess (US$0,2M), American Empress (US$1,6M), American Queen (US$2,15M) plus other AQV assets.

Following the acquisition, in May 2024, ACL announced that American Countess, American Duchess and American Queen would be scrapped. American Countess ship's AIS last transmitted on May 2nd (at 13:49 UTC) showing the 4-year-old riverboat at the MARS (Modern American Recycling Service Inc's yard) in Houma Louisiana.

Decks and Cabins

American Countess staterooms (123 total) are mainly cabins with step-out balconies (excluding only the 43 Interior cabins). Each cabin veranda is equipped with 2 wicker chairs and 1 cocktail table.

All cabins offer as standard amenities individually controlled air-conditioning, smart HDTV (satellite reception), dark wood wardrobe, dressers (ample drawer space), mini-bar (fridge), electronic safe box (in the closet), direct-dial phone, alarm clock, Keurig brewer (tea/coffee machine), binocular (in-cabin use only), luxury bath amenities (toiletries by Clarins, terry robes, hairdryer), plenty of outlets and lighting.

Just like the cruise ship’s public rooms, staterooms are decorated and equipped with Victorian-style antiques and reproductions. All cabins as decorations feature polished wood, Victorian-era wallpaper patterns, framed paintings. Beds are comfortable, with ample under-bed storage space, luxury bedding sets.

Handicap / wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are also available. The ship has no connecting or family cabins.

The boat has 8 decks , of which 2 are with cabins. Three Elevators (1x Aft and 2x Forward passenger Lifts) interconnect decks 1-2-3.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The paddle-wheeler American Countess is a return to a more classical decor found on American Queen and American Empress . Complimentary shore excursions are offered in all ports of call. All excursions are served by cruise company's own fleet of modern motorcoaches operating hop-on-hop-off tours in the visited destinations.

Complimentary beverages (local wines and beers) are served with all dinners in the Restaurant (main dining room). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are open-seating. Just like the fleet mates, American Countess has a separate specialty dining venue.

• The Fitness Center provides brand new equipment along with a dramatic river backdrop. The modern cardiovascular equipment includes treadmills and static bicycles. There is also a workout bench, dumbbells, and free weights.
• The Theater features nightly Broadway-caliber entertainment. As history plays a large part of the cruise experience, there is often a diverse lineup of guest historians onboard who take to the stage and transport guests to another era. These noted speakers offer astounding insights on the heritage and culture of the heartland of America and the deep South. 
• Grand Lobby
• The Grand Dining Room features an award-winning culinary team that takes advantage of each region’s fresh, ingredients to create authentic dishes. The MDR is furnished with a refined decor of rich walnut accents and custom Italian fabrics, so guests can enjoy their meals morning, noon and night in the exquisite venue which comfortably accommodates all passengers. Sweeping windows reveal an exciting backdrop of river views to further enhance the dining experience.
• The Library
• The Card Room is the perfect spot for passengers to meet friends and mingle with fellow travellers
• The River Grill features a more casual atmosphere than the Grand Dining Room and is served with beverages by its own Bar. With seating for half the capacity of the MDR, guests are offered a cozy ambiance. The venue's outdoor terrace provides covered, resort-style seating for both relaxed dining and leisurely lounging.

The top-deck is a Sun Deck with Walking Track, shaded seating, Pilot House (Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse).

Inaugural itineraries 2020

American Countess riverboat cruises on Ohio River and Lower Mississippi River (including tributaries), operating various itineraries from homeports Memphis Tennessee and New Orleans Louisiana (downstream and upstream one-ways). Usually 7 days in length, these voyages are themed on the history of Southern USA's Antebellum era (late-18th century until 1861) and the American Civil War (1861-1865).

Next are listed the planned for 2020 inaugural cruise itineraries, all of which were eventually canceled due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis. Homeport departures are at 5 PM. Homeport arrivals are at 8 AM.

• 7-Night from New Orleans to Memphis, visits New Orleans, Nottoway Plantation, Francisville LA, Natchez MS, Vicksburg MS, Greenville (Mississippi Delta, Lake Fergusson), Memphis TN. Departure dates (2020) April 5-19, May 3-17, July 19, August 2-16, October 4-18, November 15.
• 7-Night from Memphis to Alton, visits Memphis TN, New Madrid MO, Paducah KY, Cape Girardeau MO, Chester IL, St Louis MO, Alton IL (St Louis MO). Departure dates (2020) May 24, August 23.
• 7-Night from Alton to Louisville, visits Alton IL (St Louis MO), Paducah KY, Henderson KY, Brandenburg KY, Madison IN, Louisville KY. Departure date (2020) May 31.
• 7-Night from Louisville to Pittsburgh, visits Louisville KY, Madison IN, Cincinnati OH, Maysville KY, Point Pleasant WV, Marietta OH, Wheeling WV, Pittsburgh PA. Departure dates (2020) June 7 and 21.
• 7-Night from Pittsburgh to Louisville, visits Pittsburgh PA, Wheeling WV, Marietta OH, Huntington WV, Augusta KY, Cincinnati OH, Madison IN, Louisville KY. Departure dates (2020) June 14 and 28.
• 7-Night from Louisville to Memphis, visits Louisville KY, Madison IN, Brandenburg KY, Owensboro KY, Henderson KY, Paducah KY, New Madrid MO, Memphis TN. Departure date (2020) July 5.
• 7-Night from Alton to Red Wing, visits Alton IL (St Louis MO), Hannibal MO, Clinton IA, Dubuque IA, La Crosse WI, Red Wing MN. Departure dates (2020) August 30, September 13.
• 7-Night from Red Wing to Alton, visits Red Wing MN, Winona MN, La Crosse WI, Dubuque IA, Bettendorf IA, Burlington IA, Hannibal MO, Alton IL (St Louis MO). Departure date (2020) September 6.
• 14-Night from Red Wing to New Orleans, visits Red Wing MN, Winona MN, La Crosse WI, Dubuque IA, Bettendorf IA, Burlington IA, Hannibal MO, Memphis YN, Vicksburg MS, Natchez MS, Nottoway Plantation, NOLA New Orleans. Departure date (2020) September 20.
• 7-Night from Memphis to Chattanooga, visits Memphis TN, New Madrid MO, Paducah KY, Savannah TN, Decatur AL, Chattanooga TN. Departure date (2020) October 25.
• 7-Night from Chattanooga to Memphis, visits Chattanooga TN, Decatur AL, Florence AL, Savannah TN, Paducah KY, New Madrid MO, Memphis TN. Departure date (2020) November 1.
• 7-Night roundtrip from New Orleans visits St Francisville LA, Natchez MS, Vicksburg MS, Baton Rouge LA, Nottoway Plantation. Departure date (2020) November 29.
• 5-Night roundtrip from New Orleans visits St Francisville LA, Nottoway Plantation, Baton Rouge LA. Departure date (2020) December 29.

American Countess ship's Maiden Voyage (March 21-28, 2021) was a 7-day roundtrip from New Orleans (northbound Mississippi itinerary) visiting Nottoway Plantation and Natchez .

American Queen Steamboat Company cruise deals

Operated with all-inclusive cruise packages, American Countess cruise tour deals are inclusive of:

• all shore excursions (“Steamcoach Tours” by luxury motorcoaches)
• 1-night pre-cruise hotel package
• soft drinks and bottled water (offered throughout the voyage)
• wines and beers (offered at dinner only)
• 24-hour room service (menu has the standard for breakfasts fare, plus sandwiches, burgers, macaroni & cheese, fresh salmon, desserts)
• Wi-Fi Internet
• Pilot House tour (of the ship's Navigation Bridge).
• Smoking inside the cabin and on the balcony is forbidden. The only smoking-allowed area on the ship is the sun deck.

"Commodore Services" is the company's set of exclusive services reserved for American Countess cruise passengers booking categories LFS-Loft and OS-Owner suites. The list of bonus perks (price-inclusive / complimentary privileges) includes:

• gifts (upon arrival) - fruit basket and a bottle of wine
• suite tour (upon arrival)
• priority boarding and dining arrangements
• reserved balcony seating in "The Auditorium" (boat's theatre/show lounge), with a personal escort to the reserved seats
• private reception party with the ship's Captain and Senior Officers
• personal River Butler
• unpacking, hanging the clothes in the closet, packing, laundry, pressing service, shoeshine (conditioning)
• in-cabin dining - Afternoon Tea service, Breakfast and Dinner service (on the suite's balcony, upon request), pre-dinner canapes, post-dinner sweets).

American Countess - user reviews and comments

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American Countess ship related cruise news

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American Countess Wiki

The casino ship MS Kanesville Queen was bought by AQSC in 2016. The vessel had IMO 8642921, LOA length 83 m (272 ft), hull length 80 m (264 ft), width 24 m (78 ft), GT tonnage 6837 tons. Main Deck Casino was sized 1177 m2 (12670 ft2). Upper Deck Casino was sized 1269 m2 (13660 ft2).

After the acquisition, the boat was moved from Council Bluffs to Jeffersonville (Indiana USA) and docked at Marine Builders Inc shipyard. From there, in October 2018, under its own power, the ship left Jeffersonville IN and arrived in Houma LA, where its reconstruction started.

The ship lengthening project involved adding a 60-ft / 18,3-m long midship prefabricated section (hull and superstructure).

The American Countess riverboat successfully completed river trials on February 19, 2020. The river trials were carried out on Louisiana's waterway section between Houma and Morgan City. The ship's christening ceremony was originally scheduled for April 4, 2020 (in New Orleans ) and to be followed by the Maiden Voyage (on April 5).

On March 21, 2021, in New Orleans was held the boat's christening ceremony led by godmother Angie Hack (daughter of John Waggoner / AQSC's CEO and founder). The naming ceremony was attended by John Waggoner, Billy Nungesser (Louisiana state's Lieutenant Governor), Brandy Christian (Port NOLA's President and CEO), and Kevin Rabbitt (Hornblower Group's CEO).

American Countess ship's Inaugural Cruise was a 7-day "VIP Cruise" (northward Mississippi River itinerary/March 21-28) roundtrip from New Orleans to Nottoway Plantation and Natchez .

In August 2022 AQV announced that in summer 2023, on American Countess will be introduced the new 23-day itinerary "Grand Ohio and Upper Mississippi Rivers" (from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh) departing on July 24th. The reverse 23-day sailing (from Pittsburgh to Minneapolis) was scheduled to depart on August 14th. The new route features 1772 mi/2850 km of river cruising and visiting 19x port cities in 10x states - MN (Red Wing), WI (La Crosse), IA (Dubuque, Bettendorf, Burlington), MO (Hannibal, St Louis, Kimmswick, Cape Girardeau), KY (Paducah, Henderson, Owensboro, Brandenburg, Louisville), IN (Madison), OH (Cincinnati), KY (Maysville), WV (Point Pleasant), GA (Marietta).

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.

Cincinnati to Nashville

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Explore Cincinnati and get a taste of its signature foods
• Visit Madison and its collection of classic architecture
• Immerse yourself in Louisville's vibrant art scene
• Get a taste of bourbon and bluegrass in Kentucky
• River Cruises
• Urban Exploration
• North America
• United States
• Brandenburg

Full Itinerary

Day 1: hotel stay in cincinnati, oh, day 2: cincinnati, oh | embark.

• Accommodation
• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Madison, IN

Day 4: louisville, ky, day 5: brandenburg, ky, day 6: henderson, kentucky, day 7: paducah, kentucky, day 8: dover, tennessee, day 9: nashville | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

American Duchess

American countess, dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $1000 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 131 days prior to departure by MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, and check

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• American Queen Steamboat Company - Terms and Conditions 2022 - American Queen Voyages

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• 8 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Unlimited Wifi
• Gratuities to Onboard Crew
• Port Taxes & Fees
• Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar every morning
• In-Room Dining
• Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
• Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment
• Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea
• Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees
• Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches
• 1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Optional Premium Shore Excursions - highly recommend booking these in advance. If interested, ask us for a detailed list of premium excursions for your cruise as these vary depending on your departure date.
• Transfers to and from the airport

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United states travel guide.

• All United States Trips
• Atlantic Coast
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• Best Time to Cruise East Coast of US
• Top Cruise Ports in the US East Coast

Favorite United States All Trips

• Rivers of Adventure and Wine
• Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands
• Boston to St. John

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America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises

Columbia and snake rivers.

T hese nine-day American river cruises on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Empress sail from Vancouver, Washinton to Portland, Oregon and show you a glimpse at some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Pacific Northwest. From the paddle wheeler, you'll get to see the dramatic waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, the pioneer town The Dalles, and sea lions and filming sites from the hit 1980s film, The Goonies in Astoria.

Rivers of Wine Theme Cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

These seven-night American river cruises on the UnCruise Adventure's S.S. Legacy sail round trip out of Portland, Oregon cruising a similar route to American Empress but focusing on wine. A sommelier and guest wine expert sail with passengers for the week, serving as an onboard resource and hosting tastings. There are also wine tastings, vineyard tours, and wine cave tours in Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, and the Willamette Valley and guests get to taste old-vine varietals and wines from eco-cultivated vineyards. River cruises are also popular across the pond.

Adventure Theme Cruise on the Olympic Peninsula

Sailing round-trip out of Seattle through Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on an elegant little yacht, this seven-night cruise on UnCruise Adventure's Safari Quest includes kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty of hikes. There are also opportunities to spot bald eagles, sea lions, and whales and to enjoy local seafood, including oysters and clams.

Upper Mississippi American Heartland Theme Cruise

This river cruise from Chicago to St. Louis is on American Queen Steamboat Company's newest ship, the American Duchess , a paddle wheeler as majestic as her older sisters, with the same iconic red paddlewheel. You'll see the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and get the perfect photo op of St. Louis's famed arch. The focus of this cruise is American history, and you can see towns that were settled as trading posts by French explorers, visit the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottowa, Illinois, and check out places from Mark Twain's writings in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Want to learn even more of America's backstory? Start with these 16 best cities for American history buffs .

Ohio River Cruise

These 11-day cruise tours on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi travel from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania visiting Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati (among other towns) along the way. You'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and tour the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. In Cape Girardeau, you'll see everything from Trail of Tears sites to Civil War battlefields. Best of all, expect plenty of bluegrass music and mint juleps along the way.

Music Cruise on the Cumberland River

These seven-night American river cruises from Nashville to St. Louis also on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi will take you to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Johnny Cash Museum and then heads on to St. Louis for a celebration of blues music.

Mississippi River Bourbon Theme Cruise

Cruise up the Mississippi River from Memphis to Louisville on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Queen, with private tastings and cooking demos along the way, as well as lectures by historians. This special sailing, offered annually in July, also includes the opportunity to sample rare and vintage bourbons as well.

Lake Michigan

On this eight-day cruise roundtrip out of Chicago on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grande Mariner , you'll visit Mackinac Island, Michigan, home to historic homes and plenty of rocking chairs as well as Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin's Door County, where you'll see lighthouses and plenty of yachts.

Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to New Orleans

See—and eat—the highlights of New Orleans—from beignets to po' boys—before setting sail on American Cruise Line's America Song . You'll head to Natchez and Vicksburg in Missouri for Civil War sites and St. Francisville and Houmas House, Louisiana for historic plantations with a stop in the middle in Baton Rouge to see the Louisiana State Museum and the capital buildings. Occasionally, the line also offers a food-themed cruise out of New Orleans, too.

Maine Coastal Cruises

Maine Windjammer Association's Lewis R. French is a dramatic 21-passenger schooner that offers two- to six-night cruises in the summer and through the month of September out of the town of Camden, Maine. The schooner, which dates back to 1871 and is a National Historic Landmark, has no engine, and powers through Penobscot Bay just with the wind in its sails. You can help out with the sails, and watch for porpoises and eagles.

Newport, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard Cruise

This sailing yacht, the Arabella , may winter in the Caribbean, but it summers in the northeast, home of lobster rolls, lighthouses, and clambakes. The five-night sailings in July, August, and September let you travel to the area's loveliest beaches under billowing white sails.

Chesapeake Bay Cruise

This seven-night cruise on American Cruise Line's Independence sails round-trip out of Baltimore to Oxford, St. Michael's, and Annapolis, Maryland as well as Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia. You'll visit coastal fishing villages and eat plenty of hard-shell blue crabs, and get to visit Baltimore's famed aquarium.

Hudson River Valley Fall Foliage Theme Cruise

This eight-day American river cruise on American Cruise Line's American Constitution sails round-trip out of New York City before taking you to Hyde Park, the Catskills, and West Point as well as Sleepy Hollow, all in upstate New York. But in addition to the history in the region, the highlight of the cruise is easily the changing colors of the autumnal leaves.

Savannah to Baltimore

Cruise one of our favorite 12-day American river cruises in the Southeast on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grand Mariner and you'll spend your days exploring Beaufort by horse-drawn carriage and wander the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina as the port town of Annapolis. Read on to discover the best cruise to take every month of the year .

The post America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises appeared first on Reader's Digest .

Jersey Shore boat cruise is the hidden gem you've been looking for

New Jersey is known for its beaches and boardwalks, but the Garden State also has lakes and rivers that offer activities for the whole family.

Writers from onlyinyourstate.com , a travel and culture website, say River Lady Cruises is the Best Nighttime Cruise attraction in New Jersey.

The River Lady is a 150 passenger, old-school riverboat that operates with a paddlewheel and is based out of Toms River.

River Lady Cruises has six different types of cruises and offers guest two and half hours of scenic, tranquil views of Toms River and Barnegat Bay while dining. The sunset dinner cruise is offered three days a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Jersey Shore day cruises: Your guide to scenic adventures and delicious meals

Here is why River Lady Cruises is the best nighttime cruise in New Jersey, according to onlyinyourstate.com:

"Soon after setting off, you'll sit down for a delicious dinner. You can have it in the stately dining room or, in good weather, on the beautiful deck with a view of the sunset. The meal includes bread, salad, dessert, and your choice of one of six entrees. Once dinner is over, the sun will be going down and the colors over the Toms River are amazing. You'll get a look at the peaceful night sky before heading back to dock, full of delicious food and amazing memories of NJ's best river cruise."

US Coast Guard offers water safety tips as recreational boating deaths trend downward

U.S. Coast Guard data shows recreational boating fatalities fell 11.3% in 2023. It’s a trend the Coast Guard wants to continue.

“Something as simple as your (navigation) lights not working can put yourself and others at a large risk,” said Lt. John White, supervisor of marine safety detachment in Cincinnati.

White said it’s important boaters check all of their equipment, especially if they haven’t used their vessels in awhile.

Life jackets are important, too. White said children under the age of 13 are required to wear them, and vessels are required to have life jackets on board for everyone on board.

“Life jackets don't save any lives if they're not being worn,” said Jerry Schulte, who spent 29 years with the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) and now works with various river nonprofits.

Alcohol remained the leading known contributing factor in deadly boating crashes, according to the data. Drownings accounted for 75% of deaths.

Schulte said boaters should check weather and water conditions before launching.

Nonprofit Ohio River Way has numerous safety resources online. You’ll also find links to search river stage conditions and velocity conditions (speed of the water).

You can check ORSANCO’s weekly recreation water quality report here .

Boaters should be especially aware of other traffic while on the Ohio River. As a federal waterway, the river has its fair share of large commercial vessels, like barges, that can’t easily adjust course or speed.

“The barges actually have the right of way,” Schulte said. “They don't have brakes either. You don't play chicken with with a barge that’s equal to 1000 semi-truck loads of material.”

The local Coast Guard is also focused on safety during large events on the water.

In years past, the local guard would bring in boats from Louisville. Now, recent staffing shortages are forcing them to use boats from farther away, at least temporarily.

The Coast Guard is also working with other local and state agencies to ensure that events are covered.

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Two EF-1 tornadoes hit Kentucky during deadly weather outbreak. Here's what we know

This article will update.

At least five people are dead following severe weather, including tornados and thunderstorms, that tore across Kentucky on Sunday.

One of the deceased is a 34-year-old Louisville man who died after being struck by a tree when damaging winds moved through the city Sunday afternoon. Another round of strong storms hit the area overnight, with the "all clear" coming in around 3:30 a.m. Monday.

Fifth storm-related death

In a statement sent on X just before 5 p.m. Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear shared that a fifth person had died related to the severe weather.

"I’m sad to share we have another reported death as a result of yesterday’s storms," read the post. "A 54-year-old man died from a heart attack while cutting fallen trees in Caldwell County. His loved ones are in our prayers during this difficult time."

Tornadoes confirmed

The National Weather Service in Louisville sent out survey crews to assess the storms and weather events from Sunday early Monday morning. By Monday afternoon, preliminary results were coming in from the NWS, confirming a tornado in eastern Meade and northern Hardin counties that was at least an EF-1 moving at 90 mph.

A second tornado, also at least an EF-1, was captured in the preliminary survey results in Butler and northern Warren counties.

In Grayson County, straight line winds of 85 mph were recorded in the NWS survey.

Road closures

Louisville Metro Police Department closed Interstate 265 in both directions between Dixie Highway and Stonestreet Road at 2 p.m. Monday, as LG&E crews work to repair down lines in the area. There is not a scheduled time for the lanes to reopen, according to LMPD’s post on X. 

“This will disrupt the flow of traffic in that area. You will need to use alternative routes if you live or must go to work in that area. Once the needed repairs have been completed, we will reopen the roadway,” read the post. “Obviously, this is an unscheduled repair work that will cause delays in that area. We ask for patience from drivers as LG&E & their contractors work to restore power to those hampered by the storms.” 

LG&E leads power restoration efforts

About 78,000 people were without power across the state as of 7:30 a.m. Monday, according to the LG&E and KU power outage map. In all, roughly 120,000 customers were impacted by the storms and high winds, LG&E and KU, a major gas and utility provider in the state, reported. There are an estimated 1,000 downed wires across the coverage territory as well. In Jefferson County, nearly 39,000 people are without power.

An additional 700 line workers and support personnel are coming to Kentucky from surrounding states to assist with the "massive, multi-day restoration event" to bring back power to customers.

To keep up to date with LG&E and KU restoration efforts and remaining outages, please visit: lge-ku.com/storm

Gov. Andy Beshear declares state of emergency

At 12:12 a.m. Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency "to ensure the communities impacted have the resources they need to respond."

The governor is expected to host a press conference Monday morning to provide more information about the damage from the storms.

What happened Sunday?

Much of the Louisville metro area was put under a tornado watch until 4 p.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service reported a few tornadoes were likely and wind gusts could reach up to 75 mph. Scattered hail could be up to 2 inches in size.

A tornado was observed near Mayfield around 8:18 a.m. local time, according to a tweet from the National Weather Service in Paducah. Mayfield was hit with a tornado in 2021 that killed at least nine people, The Courier Journal previously reported .

In a LENSAlert sent out around 10 a.m. Sunday, Louisville Metro Emergency Services advised residents to monitor the weather forecast throughout the day.

"Strong to severe storms likely this afternoon," Metro EMS said in a statement. "Damaging winds, tornadoes, and flooding are possible."

NWS Louisville: More severe storms could arrive starting at 8 p.m.

Though the risk for floods and tornadoes is forecast to be greater in southwestern Kentucky, Louisville could be in for a rainy and dangerously windy night that may extend into early Monday morning.

"We're going to have a line of storms with a lot of wind in them," National Weather Service meteorologist John Gordon said during a briefing Sunday afternoon. "There's a probability of strong to severe storms tonight."

An outlook from the Storm Prediction Center showed a 30% of winds 70 mph or greater to move through Louisville overnight Sunday. Parts of Oldham and Shelby counties were included in an area that could experience "hurricane-force" winds 75 mph or greater.

Louisville could receive one to three inches of rain Sunday night, with locally higher amounts possible, Gordon said.

Tornadoes remain a possibility overnight because of strong wind shear, instability in the atmosphere and high moisture, Gordon said.

"These are the three worst things you can get," he said.

An increase in clouds Sunday afternoon would be a good thing, Gordon said, because it would help stabilize the atmosphere, therefore lowering the risk for tornadoes.

Gazebo Festival, Louisville Bats game canceled due to weather

Gazebo Festival officials announced Sunday, the second day of the event expected to be headlined by Jack Harlow, would be canceled due to ongoing weather activity impacting the area.

"The safety of our patrons, artists and staff is paramount. Due to continuing hazardous conditions throughout the early afternoon and a second wave of weather expected this evening, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the remainder of Gazebo Festival," a festival spokesperson told The Courier Journal.

Sunday ticket holders will receive a full refund. Weekend pass ticket holders will be refunded 50%. All refunds will be issued within 30 days.

There also won't be any baseball played in downtown Louisville on Sunday. The Louisville Bats announced their series finale against the Toledo Mud Hens was canceled due to severe weather in the forecast.

"The Bats and Toledo will not make up this game due to us not playing each other in the first half of the season," the team said in a statement.

Tickets to Sunday's game can be exchanged for admission to a future game, as long as the ticket is of "equal or lesser value," according to the Bats website . Attendees with suites, season tickets and group tickets can contact their account representative for more information.

1 dead following afternoon storms in Louisville

A man was killed Sunday after he was struck by a tree in east Louisville, between Anchorage and Lyndon, Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Matthew Sanders said in a statement. LMPD's homicide unit is conducting a death investigation in the 10700 block of Hobbs Station Road east of downtown. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The death was reported at 12:32 p.m.

No other details were given.

Gazebo Festival 'on pause' due to weather

Gazebo Festival is "ON PAUSE" with further updates expected to come "soon," according to the official Gazebo Festival account on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

1 round of severe storms pass Louisville. Another is on the way tonight

Don't let your guard down just yet.

Louisville and surrounding cities in Kentucky and Indiana remain under a tornado watch until 4 p.m., but there could be more severe weather to monitor Sunday.

The National Weather Service in Louisville said the greatest chance for flooding in Kentucky will come Sunday night, with counties in the southern part of the state possibly getting the most rainfall. A flood watch remains in effect in the Louisville metro area until 8 a.m. Monday.

Over 45,000 people in Louisville were without power as of 1:45 p.m. Sunday, according to LG&E's outage tracker.

'Destructive' winds cause power outages in Louisville

A severe thunderstorm warning for Louisville included "destructive" winds up to 80 mph, according to an alert from the National Weather Service. The warning expired 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Thunderstorms headed east and north out of Jefferson County.

As of 12:35 p.m., 55,950 customers were without power, according to LG&E's tracker. Outages were reported throughout the city.

Is your power out? Here's how to check the status of LG&E, KU, ODP in Louisville

Winds of up to 63 mph were reported at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, according to storm reports from the weather service.

When will severe weather reach Louisville today?

The National Weather Service in Louisville said there would be two waves of storms Sunday, with the first arrived in the metro area around 11 a.m. and could last as late as 6 p.m.

"These storms may be sub-severe when they arrive, but afternoon strengthening is possible," the weather service said in a statement early Sunday. "A few storms could become severe."

A second wave of storms, forecast to arrive as early as 10 p.m. and potentially linger into Monday morning, represents the "greatest risk for severe weather" Sunday, the weather service said. Widespread damaging winds and flash flooding were the main overnight threats.

The tornado risk for the overnight hours appears to be greater than the first wave of storms, according to a graphic from the weather service. Large hail could also be a threat overnight.

Abbey Road on the River delays Sunday start

Due to storms in the weather forecast, Beatles fans will have to wait until 4 p.m. for Abbey Road on the River, according to an updated schedule posted on the concert's series website . Gates at the Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville will now open at 3:30 p.m.

The festival will run until 8 p.m. Sunday.

Gazebo Festival delayed

Gazebo Festival will not open the gates at its anticipated 1 p.m. start time due to severe weather conditions impacting the region.

"With the utmost concern for the safety of our fans, artists and staff, with unsafe weather conditions expected, the festival will be operating on an adjusted schedule. Gates will not open at 1 p.m. as planned. Stay tuned to the official Gazebo Festival app and socials for updated information," Holly Weyler with Gazebo Festival PR said in a statement.

Gazebo Festival, a new music festival put on by booming rap star and Louisville native Jack Harlow is a two-day event at Waterfront Park featuring popular and upcoming hip-hop and R&B acts. The first day of the festival was Saturday featuring SZA as headliner.

Sunday, Harlow is expected to be the headliner. Due to a tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning issued for the Louisville area, the festival has been delayed.

At the writing of this article, it is not yet clear when Gazebo Festival will open and how the delay will impact the acts expected to perform today, including artists such as Omar Apollo, PinkPantheress, or even Harlow.

What we know: Gazebo Festival delayed due to predicted severe weather.