Is the Mary M. Miller wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the first deck is wheelchair accessible, but other decks may not be accessible due to stairs.

Can I bring children on the Friendsgiving Cruise?

There is no specified minimum age restriction, but please check with the operator if concerned.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a camera, dress in layers, and wear flat shoes for safety and comfort.

Are special dietary needs accommodated?

Yes, but you must notify the ticket office at least 72 hours in advance to accommodate requests such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals.

How early should I arrive before the cruise?

Boarding opens one hour before departure and closes 15 minutes prior; arriving early is recommended.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Please visit the Mary M. Miller cancellation policy page on their website for detailed information.

Celebrate Friendsgiving Aboard the Historic Mary M. Miller River Cruise in Louisville | Dinner Boat | Boat Tour

Experience the charm of Louisville, Kentucky, from the water with the Mary M. Miller Friendsgiving Cruise, an inviting 2-hour event on one of the region's most iconic riverboats. The Mary M. Miller, a classic paddlewheel riverboat docked at 131 W River Road, offers a uniquely vibrant setting to celebrate friendship amid the picturesque backdrop of the Ohio River and Louisville's riverfront skyline.

Louisville is well-known for its rich river culture, and the Mary M. Miller embodies that heritage, giving visitors an immersive encounter with the local aquatic environment. This cruise is designed for Thanksgiving weekend, a perfect opportunity to gather with friends—whether those bonds are long-standing or freshly formed. The boat’s decks provide a festive atmosphere peppered with engaging activities to encourage mingling and joyful moments, set against stunning waterside views.

Onboard, guests will enjoy a Kentucky-themed buffet dinner that showcases regional culinary traditions. The menu emphasizes local flavors and comfort classics, making it a superb introduction to Kentucky’s rich food culture. Special dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free can be accommodated with advance notice, ensuring everyone feels included in the festive celebration.

This outing stands out for its blend of social warmth and scenic exploration. Unlike static land-based celebrations, the Mary M. Miller cruise combines a leisurely river journey with a lively party vibe, creating an occasion that's both memorable and scenic. Because Louisville’s rivers have shaped the city’s development and outdoor recreation, this trip offers visitors a fresh perspective on the area's natural and cultural history.

Guests board an hour prior to departure; access includes the first deck, which is wheelchair accessible, reflecting thoughtful accommodations. The cruise’s timing and casual dress code cater to comfort and ease, encouraging participants to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Flat shoes are recommended due to uneven surfaces.

Whether you’re a local looking for a new way to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend or a visitor seeking a festive river adventure, this Friendsgiving cruise on the Mary M. Miller is a remarkable way to connect with friends and the natural beauty of Louisville’s river corridor.

About Belle of Louisville

Belle of Louisville is a riverboat operator based in Louisville, Kentucky, offering a variety of public cruises and themed events aboard two vessels: the Belle and the Mary M. Miller. Departing from the Ohio River waterfront, the business presents family-friendly excursions, 21+ specialty cruises, narrated lock passages, and seasonal holiday events. Cruises range from two-hour sunset and throwback music trips to three-hour engineering-focused passages through the McAlpine Locks.

Onboard experiences include organized activities for children—such as pirate-themed trick-or-treating, S.T.E.A.M. crafts, and silent disco headphones—and adult-focused evenings with live jazz, cocktail classes, and costume contests. Several departures offer optional boxed lunches, meal upgrades, or build-your-own taco bars to complement the river views. The Mary M. Miller and the Belle host themed events like kids pirate cruises, Krampus holiday outings, Sunday FunDay meals, #GirlsNightOut celebrations, and prohibition-era speakeasy parties.

The company emphasizes memorable riverfront experiences and local culture while providing narrated historical context during lock cruises and scenic river passages. Ticketing typically allows families, groups, and adult-only attendees to choose featured sailings that match age and interest. Public schedules include recurring themed nights, holiday specials, and seasonal programs that highlight Louisville’s waterfront and community events. Reservations, ticket types, and boarding details are provided through the operator’s official channels.

Staff and crew follow published safety procedures, provide boarding information and accessibility options, and share scheduling updates; groups can reserve private charters or book public sailings for holidays, educational outings, and casual sightseeing along the Ohio River near downtown Louisville waterfront destinations and neighborhoods.