What time should I arrive to board?

Boarding begins one (1) hour before cruise time and ends fifteen (15) minutes before departure; arriving early helps you secure preferred seating.

Is this cruise appropriate for children?

Yes—Total Request Thursday is listed as all-ages, but minors must be accompanied by adults and outside alcohol is not permitted.

Can I bring outside food or drinks?

Outside food and drink are not allowed on the vessel with the exception of formula or bottles for babies.

Is the Mary M. Miller wheelchair accessible?

On the Mary M. Miller, wheelchairs can access the First Deck only—contact the operator ahead of time for specific accommodations.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please check the Belle of Louisville website for the cancellation and refund policy: https://www.belleoflouisville.org/cancellation-and-refund-policy/.

Are there drink specials and do I need ID?

Yes—rotating drink specials are part of themed nights; a government-issued ID is required for alcohol service.

Total Request Thursday on the Mary M. Miller — Two-Hour Belle of Louisville Ohio River Cruise

Mary M. Miller - Total Request Thursday turns an ordinary evening into a riverfront party along the Ohio River, departing from 131 W River Road in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. This two-hour cruise aboard the Belle of Louisville centers on audience-picked playlists spanning the 1970s through the early 2000s, themed nights, and rotating drink specials that keep the energy high. It’s an all-ages event built for singing along, dancing on deck, and swapping stories beneath string lights as the city slips by.

The setting is as much a character as the music. The Belle’s broad wooden decks and upper promenades give unobstructed views of Louisville’s waterfront and skyline; the slow arc of the Ohio River provides a shifting foreground where river traffic, water birds, and reflections of neon signs animate the scene. Key features include the steamboat’s open decks, the river’s wide channel, and the human moments—friends requesting throwbacks, families enjoying a breezy night out, and DJs or playlist curators cuing up audience favorites. You may spot great blue herons or kingfishers along the bank, reminders that urban river ecology is part of the show.

Practical details matter on a vessel with stairs and uneven surfaces: boarding opens one hour before cruise time and closes fifteen minutes before departure, so arrive early. On the Mary M. Miller, wheelchair access is available to the First Deck only. The operation suggests flat shoes for safe movement on gangways and deckboards, and jackets for wind off the water. Outside food and drink are prohibited except for baby formula; plan to buy drinks aboard during themed specials.

Why this cruise stands out locally is simple: it’s communal and unpretentious, a seasonal ritual on Louisville’s riverfront that leans into nostalgia without taking itself too seriously. The Belle is a familiar presence along the waterfront; this music-first format transforms a historic vessel into a neighborhood dance floor and social stage. The two-hour duration is deliberately compact—long enough to unwind, dance, and toast the skyline without committing to an all-night affair.

For visitors staying downtown or locals looking for a lively midweek option, bring an ID for bar service, check the Belle of Louisville website for cancellation policies, and layer clothes to handle river breeze and changing temperatures. If you want a good photo, aim for the bow during golden hour or the upper deck when lights come up. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or introducing friends to Louisville’s river culture for the first time, Total Request Thursday delivers a spirited, easygoing night on the water. Plan to arrive early to secure a waterside view, bring a small rechargeable battery for your phone, and consider pairing the cruise with a pre- or post-event visit to Waterfront Park.

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.