Grand Ohio River-American Melody

Time to cruise east, leaving the familiar Mississippi behind for the Ohio River! Follow the history of the pioneers who kept pushing the boundaries of American identity in music, culture, architecture, and more. From St. Louis to Pittsburgh (or reverse), this Ohio River cruise will introduce you to the heartland of America. From the start of the cruise in St. Louis, you’ll pick up the rhythm of the river. The Queen of the Mississippi will continue that rhythm with the churning paddlewheel and joyful noise of the calliope! Journeying southeast, you’ll visit Paducah, where the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers come together. Where waters meet, so do people, making Paducah rich in history. Walk among the bronze ‘Birds of America’ statues in Henderson, based on the paintings of John James Audubon. Feel the spirit of the South alive in the northern Louisville. Walk through history along the river’s edge. Continue your 11-Day cruise northeast through ports of call in Ohio and Kentucky before disembarking in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

 

Pittsburgh | Marietta | Maysville | Cincinnati | Louisville | Henderson | Paducah | Cape Girardeau | St. Louis

Cruise Details

Clock16 Days & 15 Nights

Double Occupancy from $9,015 pp/do*

Single Occupancyfrom $11,460 pp

CalendarJune 20, 2025 | August 15, 2025 | June 19, 2026 | August 1, 2026

Book Now Request More Info

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees.
Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

    1 Pittsburgh, PA
    Welcome aboard the Queen of the Mississippi! This itinerary includes a complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay in Pittsburgh!

    2Pittsburgh, PA
    Our ship docks near the famous point where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to begin the majestic Ohio River. As you cruise, delight in picturesque and ever-changing scenery, as early explorers did centuries ago.

    3Moundsville, WV
    Located along the banks of the Ohio River Moundsville, West Virginia offers a rich history. Deriving its name from the many Adena Indian burial mounds constructed here more than 2,000 years ago, the town is home to the largest conical burial mound in North America. Moundsville is a land of sacred pasts and promising futures, accented with quaint neighborhoods, and beautiful landscapes.

    4Marietta, OH
    Named for Marie Antoinette, Marietta shares a metropolitan area with Parkersburg and Vienna, West Virginia, with their location on the Ohio River making it a continually popular stop for tourists and steamboats.

    5Maysville, KY
    Maysville is a quaint town, surrounded by picturesque scenery with the sounds of bluegrass music on the wind!

    6Cincinnati, OH
    Cincinnati is a fascinating city, full of highlights to excite everyone. If you’re interested in history, you could visit the William Howard Taft National Historic Museum, or the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. If you’d rather experience natural wonders, take a tour of the Krohn Conservatory – an art deco building built in 1933 with more than 5000 varieties of plants from around the world. If you’re not sure what you want to see, start your day with the complimentary city tour to get a better understanding of the layout of Cincinnati, and an idea of where to go next.

    7Cincinnati, OH
    Spend a second day in this mesmerizing city. Explore The Cincinnati Museum Center, which encompasses history, science, and children's museums in the art deco Union Terminal. View picturesque Eden Park, home of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, and Krohn Conservatory.

    8Louisville, KY
    Louisville – pronounced differently depending on where you’re from, but named for King Louis XVI of France and famously home to the Kentucky Derby! Louisville is home to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, or you could visit nearby Clermont to tour the Jim Beam bourbon distillery.

    9Louisville, KY
    Take an excursion to the Kentucky Derby Museum and Horse Park, which has footage dating as far back as 1918.

    10Henderson, KY
    Notable Henderson resident, John James Audubon, has left a legacy of nature in town. His ‘Birds of America’ paintings have been recreated in bronze throughout town. The Audubon Museum Tour is complimentary on this cruise.

    11Evansville, IN
    Discover this delightful riverside city which is the perfect blend of modern and historic architecture. Evansville is home to Bally's Evansville, the state's first casino, as well as Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, one of the state’s oldest and largest zoos. Explore the area’s many museums and take time for shopping and strolling along the charming streets of this picturesque waterfront town

    12Paducah, KY
    Where rivers come together, so do people. At the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, you’ll find the building of history quite tangible. Walk through Paducah and remember the Chicasaw village which preceded the town. View the history through the Wall-to-Wall mural collection of more than 50 murals.

    13Day of Cruising
    Cruise from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River on your way to Cape Girardeau. Enjoy onboard activities such as trivia in the lounge or shuffleboard on the top deck. Or simply, relax on your private balcony and delight in the bucolic countryside and rolling river views.

    14Cape Girardeau, MO
    Perched on the western bank of the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is a town reminiscent of the days of pioneers, steamboats, and trading posts. You will feel as if you have stepped back in time, in this enchanting place which has been visited by the likes of Mark Twain, Lewis and Clark, and Ulysses S. Grant. Explore the impressive murals that decorate the historic downtown and chronicle its past and unique relationship with Ole Man River. Discover important Civil War sites and view a moving commemoration of the Cherokee’s forced migration along the Trail of Tears. Roam the quaint downtown and peruse the antique and specialty shops to find the perfect treasure to remember your visit

    15St. Louis, MO
    St. Louis is sure to win you over. Admire the scenic riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class attractions, including the National Great Rivers Museum, which tells stories of the Mississippi River’s rich history, the people that rely on the river, and its many ecosystems.

    16St. Louis, MO
    End your journey in this unique city with frontier-town roots and Midwest modesty. On your travels home, reflect upon your many wonderful adventures, or choose to explore more in the Gateway to the West.

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Cabin Categories

Cabin Single Price Double Price
Grand Suite (GS)$15,835 pp
Veranda Suite (VS)$12,365 pp
Premium Balcony (PB)$10,520 pp
Deluxe Balcony (DB)$9,930 pp
Standard Balcony (SB1)$9,015 pp
Single Balcony (SGB)$11,460

Ship Read more about the American Melody

*Prices may vary due to seasonality

Onboard Experience

The American Cruise Line fleet of ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly small ships in the US. The cruise line prides itself on their hospitable staff, and that you’ll be graciously received no matter which ship you cruise on. The large staterooms with interior entrances ensure you have a relaxed, private area to watch the river from, or visit any of the many onboard lounges. Daily entertainment will be brought onboard, including musicians, historians and naturalists.

Regionally-Inspired Menus

American Cruise Lines uses fresh, local ingredients to show off the culinary glory of the region you’re cruising in. On the Mississippi River, that could mean Andouille Gumbo, a po’boy with red beans and rice, and bourbon pecan pie. In New England, you could find Littleneck clam ceviche on the menu followed by a spiced apple pudding with maple whipped cream. In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fresh fish on the menu, including shrimp bisque or Dungeness Crab cake, and a marionberry cheesecake that’ll make your mouth water! Your ship will provide you with a list of all the locally-sourced ingredients when you unpack.

Eagle Society

Once you’ve cruised aboard any American Cruise Line ship, you are an Eagle Society member. It’s free to be a member, but your loyalty to American Cruise Lines is greatly rewarded. You’ll receive Eagle Society luggage tags, and member-only gifts when you board each cruise. After 3 cruises, you’ll receive complimentary premium shore excursions. After 10 cruises, you’ll get a complimentary 11th cruise. There are special Eagle Society cruise dates every year. Plus all Eagle Society member benefits can be used when booking with USA River Cruises, plus you’ll still be eligible for our loyal customer benefits as well.

Book Today

Grand Ohio River-American Melody

Book Now Request More Info

or call 800.578.1479

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