The blast of a steam whistle and the traditional shout of “All Aboard” signals the return of overnight cruising on the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio.

The Covington-based Grand Majestic Riverboat Co. will offer 1-3 week river cruises on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers on its new riverboat launching on Sept. 23. The ship is being christened that morning at the Covington Landing, then pushing off on her inaugural sailing.

“Our luxury service, tours and top entertainment will sweep you away to when steamboats ruled the rivers with the grace and majesty only seen on the Mississippi/Ohio River by steamboats,” said owner and Captain Joseph Baer.

I asked Baer if there would be any captain’s discretionary stops along the route and he said, “Yes, that it is very possible. And it would add a bit mystery and excitement to our itineraries. Ironton’s a nice little town I’ve been there a few times.”

Currently, Ashland, Kentucky is a scheduled port of call on the Sept. 23rd sailing. It’s time we work with Grand Majestic Cruise Line and local neighboring tourism folks on including a slice of Lawrence County on future the itineraries.

The Grand Majestic is a 70-passenger stern wheel riverboat offering passengers tours of the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois and Missouri rivers, as well as the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway.

This intimate small ship will offer personalized service, dining, and additional amenities. They will bring history alive on board and in port with presentations, lectures and shore excursions.

Their current 2017-2018 port cities include Nashville, Memphis, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Louisville, Maysville, New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Additional ports are being considered and after informing Captain Joe about the new docking facility in Ironton he agreed to take a look at the potential of this river city.

This will be the first overnight riverboat cruise company based in Greater Cincinnati since the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. moved from the Cincinnati riverfront in the early 1980s.

The Delta Queen steamboat, however, is one step closer to carrying passengers on overnight trips once again. The U.S. Senate passed a bill on April 3 that would change laws that limited the steamboat’s usage.

Let’s head back to the Grand Majestic and take a look at some her upcoming sailings.

In September, she sails the Appalachian Adventure & Fall Foliage cruise a 9-day adventure that explores the unique history and culture of Appalachia as the Grand Majestic travels along the river between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

Passengers will be serenaded by the best in Bluegrass and Mountain Music as they cruise up the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers into the Appalachian Mountains.

The colors of fall sailing will be enjoyed, along with breathtaking views of autumn on the river, as this cruise explores the unique history and culture of Appalachia while witnessing beauty of the changing seasons.  Scheduled port calls include Augusta and Ashland, Kentucky, Charleston and Point Pleasant, West Virginia, Marietta, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

An American Heartland journey will explore Midwestern Americana as the boat travels between Cincinnati and St. Louis, Missouri. Passengers can absorb the breathtaking views as they cruise along the Mississippi and Ohio River Valley. Imagine the thrill of the races while sipping a mint julep when you visit Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. You’ll explore the natural wonders with an exclusive tour to Mammoth Cave. Feel the excitement of early river travelers that were lured into a cave at Cave-In-Rock by early river pirates. Travel back in time while walking down Main Street in Paducah, the quilting capital of the world. Tell your friends to “Meet me in St. Louis” when we visit the famed St. Louis Arch.

Another journey that caught my interest is the Country Music, Civil War and the Delta Blues-themed cruise.

It offers an opportunity to take in the sounds before departing Nashville, the Capital of Country Music!

You will be entranced with that country state of mind as you cruise down the river.

Marvel at the historic Victorian architecture of Clarksville. Hear the beating of the drums, the footsteps of troops marching, and the battle cries of those who stood for our freedoms when you visit Fort Donelson in Dover and Shiloh Battlefield in Savannah.

Put on your blue suede shoes, visit the King at Graceland and indulge in some barbeque when you arrive in Memphis, heart of the Delta Blues!

I am an advocate of river cruising as an excellent way to explore a region in depth.
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Got travel? Email Steve Call at the travelprofessor@gmail.com or dial 740-550-9540