Newport’s BB Riverboats is resuming their cruises beginning this Memorial Day weekend, with a limited-time discount and social distancing measures in place.
The cruise line temporarily closed on March 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and as Ohio and Kentucky businesses begin to open their economies — both states will begin permitting indoor dining at a reduced capacity this weekend — BB Riverboats is ready to once again welcome their guests and offer scenic trips along the Ohio River.
For this weekend and the following, BB Riverboats is offering tickets for $15 per person. The cruises will have a cash bar available, as well as a meal options served in a buffet line (with staff members serving rather than guests serving themselves).
Ben Bernstein, chief financial officer of BB Riverboats explained how the riverboat’s layout is beneficial to their efforts of social distancing in a press release.
“During these cruises, we will strictly follow the state’s mandate that we operate at a reduced capacity of one-third our maximum capacity,” Bernstein said. “In fact, we will be able to operate at well below that capacity level because of our large, unique space.”
“Unlike other entertainment and dining venues with limited space, our boats have ample space — both inside and outside — to accommodate a number of guests while complying with all social-distancing policies,” he continued.
Reserved seating will be available for all guests, even groups of 10, and outdoor seating can be configured by staff as needed.
“We have created an excellent return-to-business plan to ensure our guests are able to enjoy our facilities in a way that is safe and compliant with all state regulations,” Bernstein said. “But everyone else must do their part, too, if this is going to work out properly.”
Cruises for Memorial Day weekend will run from 3-4:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 and from 3-4:40 p.m. on Memorial Day. The following weekend cruises run 3-4:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30 and from 3-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 31.
Regular cruise schedule will resume in June, with BB Riverboat cruises running Thursday though Sunday, with lunch, sightseeing and dinner cruises available.
For more info, visit bbriverboats.com.
This article appears in May 6 – Jun 14, 2020.