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New Years Eve Cruise

Lone Star is having our annual New Years Eve Dinner Cruise! On Friday, December 1st from 8pm to 10:30pm, we will enjoy the lights of downtown plus the City of Austin fireworks show from the best spot in town. We will be serving a deluxe fajita dinner plus unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (bring your own alcohol) on this very special night to start off the celebration. Cruise, dinner, and tips are included in the price of $95.00PP – great for the whole family. Purchase tickets online. Use the button below for more information.

4 th Of July Cruises

Lone Star is hosting our annual 4 th Of July Cruises! Our Dinner cruise has already sold out, but you can still view Austin's bats and annual firework show on one of our pontoon boats. Space is very limited, so get your tickets now!

Austin's Most Popular Tours

Weekend sightseeing cruises, evening bat watching tours, friday night moonlight cruise, optional pretitle -->public tours.

Pick from one of Lone Star Riverboat's public tours down Lady Bird Lake. These tours include commentary by the captain. You are welcome to bring your own beverages on the Little Star, Southern Star, and Lone Star. The Lone Star has a non-alcoholic cash bar available.

Optional pretitle -->Our Boats

Choose from one of three different Lone Star Riverboats to host your next Austin adventure. Lone Star offers a luxurious double-decker paddle-wheel riverboat and three smaller boats ideal for sunsets and bat watching.

Optional pretitle -->Private Charters

Imagine your social occasion on a delightful cruise right through the heart of downtown Austin, Texas aboard a Lone Star Riverboat. Private charters are available year-round for groups of 30 to 100 people.

Lone Star Riverboat About Us

Located on Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) in Austin, Texas. Lone Star Riverboat Cruises and Austin are the two shining stars of Texas!

Join us aboard one of our all environmentally-friendly vessels. Experience the exhilaration of the outdoors, the abundant waterfowl, our ever changing city skyline and the natural beauty that is Austin. We offer public, narrated sightseeing cruises or witness the spectacular emergence of the world famous Mexican free-tailed bats on our sunset/bat watching cruises! Come see the sights and learn about Austin or jazz up your next occasion and have a private party aboard The Lone Star, the largest electric powered paddle wheeler in the nation.

Our staff at Lone Star Riverboat is committed to excellent customer service and making your trips as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. We want to show you Austin in Texas-friendly style.

We are a city concession and a portion of our gross sales goes to support our nationally recognized park system. Fred DuPuy is the new owner of Lone Star Riverboat which has been in business as an Austin icon since 1987.

Reviews Everybody Loves Cruises

"Lone Star Riverboat tours have consistently been one of the most popular tours in Austin. Their sightseeing, moonlight and afternoon cruises are a great way to see the city skyline and Lady Bird Lake. Their bat watching tour lands them consistently at the #1 activity in our Things to do in Austin Guide during bat watching season." ~ Ivan Collins Austin City Guide

"It was so fun, Captain Chris was so interactive and fun. I would recommend coming here if you are in Austin! Make sure to make a reservation so they can secure your spot on the boat!" ~Rachel E. October 2020

"Really enjoyed our boat ride on Lady Bird Lake! The host was funny, the ride was smooth, and the city landscape was BEAUTIFUL! I definitely would recommend and plan on bringing my family next time." ~Sarah M. October 2020

"We rented the boat for our reverse Rehearsal Dinner...The price is very reasonable and then you get to bring your own alcohol and food...The Captain walked me through how the night would go and then walked me through the invoice at the end. He is very kind! Joye was our sales contact and she was very accommodating and helpful through the whole process, answering all of my questions on linens, food, timing, etc." Kristin Davis November 2019

"Great excursion in Austin. Our boat captain was very fun and knowledgeable. Put us in the perfect location for bat viewing." ~Alison August 2020

"Beautiful sunset and Austin skyline. Educational and fun! The captain talked about the buildings in the Austin skyline and another person educated about the biology of the bats." ~Bonnie M. April 2019

"In addition to watching the bats, the boats will take a quick tour down Lady Bird Lake. The captain gave us information on the different landmarks (Stevie Ray's statue, etc.) while downtown Austin moves all around us. It was wonderful!" Kathy Roy November 2019

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Vanishing Texas River City Cruise

443 Waterway Lane Burnet, TX 78611

512-756-6986

http://www.vtrc.com/

Solar Eclipse 2024 Packages

Vanishing Texas River Cruise is the premier ecological cruise of Texas. Departing from Lake Buchanan in the Central Texas Hill Country, our cruises provide you spectacular views of Lake Buchanan, the Colorado River, native Texas wildlife, waterfalls, world-class bird watching and wintering Bald Eagles.

We offer a variety of cruises for many occasions: weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate events and more. These cruises are simply incredible, educational, unique and must be experienced!

Springtime Hiking

Springtime brings with it wildflowers, sunny days, and the perfect excuse to get outdoors.

"15 Best Things to do in Marble Falls, Texas" from Southern Living

Here are the best things to do on your next trip to Marble Falls, including what to do and where to eat.

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Vanishing River Cruise

Vanishing River Cruise 443 Waterway Lane Burnet, TX 78611

Vanishing Texas River Cruise is the premier ecological cruise of Texas. Departing from Lake Buchanan in the Central Texas Hill Country, our cruises provide you spectacular views of Lake Buchanan, the Colorado River, native Texas wildlife, waterfalls, world-class bird watching and wintering Bald Eagles.

Contact for reservations and pricing.

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Fixer Upper + City Tour

River cruise tour, guided charter bus tours, private transportation, private tours, christmas experience.

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River Cruise Tours

A unique experience on the brazos & bosque rivers., ranked #1 best boat tour in north america by usa today 10best readers’ choice in 2020 & 2023.

Duration: 2.25 Hours

Price: $79 per guest, group size: this experience requires a 4 guest minimum to run. parties of less than 4 guests are more than welcome to book however, please note that the total number of guests across all parties must be 4 or greater in order to run., a unique perspective on the river, we invite you to sit back, be refreshed, and relax on our 2 hour and 15 minutes, peaceful and informative cruise experience on the brazos river. it’s sure to be one of the most memorable times of your waco visit. enjoy this luxurious outing as your captain and guide welcome you, entertain you, and share intriguing stories of this life-giving river, featuring waco’s history and its people – past and present. you will see beautiful landscape and wildlife, as well as some of waco’s iconic sights. our crew looks forward to serving you with waco tours’ trademark warmth, hospitality and fun – even providing you a uniquely wacoan treat – making this cruise the unforgettable highlight of your time in waco., seasonal experience, our river cruise is a seasonal experience – it does not run in the winter., meeting place, this tour takes off at mclane stadium. after booking, we will email directions with your confirmation. alcohol is not permitted on the boat unless previously discussed for a private tour., health safety, masks are not required on our river cruise..

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Waco Tours is a Waco based tour company offering a wide range of tours around local area.

Private tour, charter bus tour, quick links, overview video, (254) 300-8725 407 s 8th street waco, tx 76707, © 2023 waco tours, llc. all rights reserved.     |     waco, tx     |     waco-tours.com.

Southern Empress Cruises

Experience the beauty of Lake Conroe on an unforgettable cruise.

Join the Southern Empress for an Unforgettable Cruise on Lake Conroe

The Southern Empress offers unforgettable evenings for its guests, filled with dining, drinks and dancing. Guests can enjoy a delightful dining experience on the main deck with a beautifully curated three course meal. Alongside exceptional cuisine, guests can indulge in a wide selection of drinks, including signature cocktails, fine wines and refreshing beverages. After enjoying a sumptuous meal, guests can hit the dance floor and groove to the rhythm of live music or a DJ. If you are looking for an evening that goes beyond the ordinary, consider joining us for one of our specialty cruises. Our murder mystery themed cruise is a thrilling experience that combines dining with immersive entertainment. As you enjoy your meal you will become part of a suspenseful whodunit, working together to solve the mystery. It’s an interactive and engaging event that will leave you on the edge of your seat. But, our specialty cruises don’t stop there. We offer a range of other unique experiences to suit different interests. So if you are looking for a dinner cruise that offers more than just a meal, join us aboard the Southern Empress!

Mother’s Day Cruise

Specialty cruises on lake conroe, lake conroe dinner cruise.

Celebrate Mom in Style: A Luxurious Mother’s Day Lunch Cruise Experience

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Step Back in Time: Cruising Lake Conroe on the Southern Empress

Built in 1983, the 131 Ft 1800s relic of a sternwheeler river boat is a remarkable feat of engineering and historical recreation. Cut into 27 sections, it was then transported to Lake Conroe where it was meticulously reassembled. Today, it stands as one of the lake’s most recognizable icons, showcasing the rich history and charm of an era. The boat’s restoration and preservation efforts have created a unique experience that captivates locals and visitors alike. The Southern Empress has gained significant recognition throughout its years, being featured in many blogs and magazines. Its fondness stems from its ability to cater to both public and private cruises throughout the entire year. This flexibility allows individuals and groups to enjoy an unforgettable experience regardless of the season. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a corporate event, the Southern Empress offers an unforgettable experience for all passengers.

Popular Boat Cruises Near Houston, TX ★★★★★

My wife and I had a great time. The ship was older but that was what was classic about it. Food was excellent. Met and talked with the owner. Very informative. Staff was very helpful and pleasant. We have already recommended this to our friends and plan on cruising again.

My husband and I went for a date night on the dinner cruise. We had a lot of fun. It was also nice to do something different than the standard dinner and movie. The staff was very friendly. I feel like some of the reviews that you find on google are really unfair and unjustified. We will most likely book with Southern Empress Cruises again sometime in the future.

My husband and I decided to end our anniversary stay at La Torretta Resort and Spa by taking a trip on the Southern Empress. We are thrilled with our experience. The food was delicious.

The owner came by and introduced himself and asked if he could do anything to make our cruise better which was very nice of him. The price was very reasonable for a three hour cruise with dinner included.

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Lone Star Riverboat Sightseeing Tours

4.7 928 votes

208 Barton Springs Road

(512) 327-1388

About Lone Star Riverboat

• 1 hour tour
• Reservations recommended
• Departure time is approximately 30 minutes prior to sunset.
• Departure times may vary, please call for the departure schedule.
• 32' and 35' Electric cruisers
• ADA compliant
• Prices: Adults - $13, Seniors (60 and over) - $13, Children (12 and under) - $8, Children (2 and under) - Free
• Saturday and Sunday - 12:30PM & 3:00PM
• 1 hour narrated tour
• ADA compliant 
• Boarding begins 45 minutes before tour time. 
• Prices: Adults - $13, Seniors (60 and over) - $11, Children (12 and under) - $8, Children (2 and under) - Free
• Friday - 10:30PM
• 1 hour scenic tour
• Boarding begins at 9:45PM
• All Tickets: $13 per ticket
• Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 5:30PM
• Non-alcoholic CASH only beverage service (on the Lone Star) or bring your own beverage of choices
• Boarding begins at 4:45PM until 5:15PM
• Minimum number of people: 30
• Maximum number of people: 130
• $18.00 per person (30 - 80 people)
• $16.00 per person (81 - 130 people)
• Children 2 and under are no charge
• Two hour charter time (plus 30 minutes prior to departure for boarding)
• $200 for each additional hour (may be broken into 1/2 hour increments)
• Catering and beverage service may be arranged at an additional cost (see below)
• Charges are for the number of people guaranteed or on a per person basis, whichever is greater

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WILD WEST ADVENTURE

Cruises out of texas.

Sparkling skylines, dreamy deserts, balmy beaches — everything's bigger in Texas.

On your Texas cruise vacation, you can have it all. Start your day trip before or after your cruise gazing up at sparkling skyscrapers, and end it with sunset cocktails on the beach. Have an urban adventure exploring food trucks and art museums, then head out to a cattle ranch and trade your baseball cap for a cowboy hat. Whatever you do, make sure to come with an empty stomach. From meaty Texas BBQ and steaks to sumptuous Tex-Mex favorites, the only thing bigger than the Lone Star State itself is the appetite you'll need to savor all its flavors. Cruises out of Texas set sail from Galveston to discover the western Caribbean, from Mexico's famed Riviera Maya to Central American treasure troves like Belize and Honduras.

THE BEST AND BOLDEST SHIPS FROM TEXAS

The only thing better than the exciting destinations you can reach from Galveston is the world-class cruise ship that takes you there.

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Things to do in the Lone Star State

In a state as big as Texas, planning an adventure is guaranteed — and so is assortment on things to do. Cruise travelers visiting will love the energy of Austin and the art museums of Dallas-Fort Worth, while the true western enthusiasts can look forward to riding toward the setting sun. After all west Texas has more desert than most other states have total land!

The Best of Both Worlds

The volume of things to do in Texas is certainly one of the best reasons to take a cruise vacation getaway from Texas. Begin your travels in the heart of Space City learning the history of NASA at Space Center Houston, then explore the Museum District for exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts or Children's Museum.

Double Take on Texas Culture

Enjoy the best Texas has to offer to cruise travelers. Immerse yourself in the history of The Alamo or experience the culture of downtown San Antonio River Walk before exploring a whole different side of history with a walking tour of the most haunted places in Austin.

An Entire Other (Hill) Country

Drive into the Hill Country, and take a dip in the otherworldly Hamilton Pool Preserve. Have more time? Continue all the way southwestward and camp in Big Bend National Park, the finest exemplar of desert majesty Texas has to offer.

Game changing OASIS CLASS MEETS TEXAS PRIDE

Texas is the perfect jumping-off point to the top-rated shores of the Western Caribbean . Wander to places like Mexico , the Bahamas , and even Honduras . All on 7-night adventures  onboard Harmony of the Seas®.

Caribbean Dreams

It's hard to say goodbye to Texas — and harder to choose just where you'll sail to when you leave. Book cruises from Texas to Mexico, and dock at captivating ports like Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, as well as stop in postcard-worthy Roatán, Honduras.

Explore CRUISES TO WESTERN CARIBBEAN

BEST CRUISES FOR TEXAS GETAWAYS

It’s time to reset adventure to a whole new level on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas® . Twist, shout and let it all out down the tallest slide at sea. And when the sun goes down, the night heats up with AquaTheater spectaculars and the Broadway hit Grease. All while unlocking luxurious Western Caribbean destinations onboard this unmatched Oasis Class ship .

Explore Cruises from Galveston

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO An insider's Guide to Texas Day Trips

The Texas tourism board wasn't kidding when they said the Lone Star State was "like a whole other country." Enjoy award-winning art museums and mouth-watering meals in dynamic cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Before your cruise take a walk on Texas' wild side, whether you camp on the beach in Galveston Island State Park, create a cowboy experience at a cattle ranch, or sunbathe along its hundreds-of-miles-long coastline.

If you do happen to plan your Texas vacation during the "winter" (a term that's relative around these parts) months of January and February, just pack a jacket — and an umbrella. While temperatures in Texas rarely fall below freezing — especially not in coastal Galveston — you never know when a scattered shower will pass. Likewise, make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water during Texas' long summer, which can begin setting in as early as April and can linger until October or November.

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Family activities in Galveston range from exploring pirates and ghosts to heading to the beach and local water parks. Here's a list of our favorites.

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Rainforest Pyramid | Moody Gardens

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Best Cruises From Texas

Royal Caribbean offers plenty of great itineraries to choose from if you’re looking for an unforgettable cruise from Texas. Keep reading to discover the best spots.

Texas Vacation | Cathedral Architecture

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Enjoy this handy guide on the best local restaurants in Galveston when seeking the top places to eat on your visit to this Texas beach town.

If you're in Texas in March, don't miss the beautiful bluebonnet flowers that line just about every road in the state.

Thrill the kids at theme parks like Six Flags Over Texas in Dallas and Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.

Stop for a Kolache , a Czech-inspired fruit pie that's Texas' ultimate roadside pick-me-up.

Bold Flavors Tastes of Texas

Texas is a foodie paradise, no matter what you're craving or how big your appetite is. Tear into tender barbecue, test your taste buds with dangerously spicy Tex-Mex or eat a steak the size of your plate.

The Beauty of Brisket

Barbecue can tie together your Texas travel, if you let it. Make sure to enjoy at least one plate of brisket, slow-smoked beef breast meat as famous for its melt-in-your-mouth texture as it is for the crispy layer of skin. Trim your meal with authentic Texas Fixin's like fried okra and baked beans, then wash it all down with a towering glass of sweet tea, and finish it off with a slice of pecan pie à la mode.

Queso Cravings

Order chile con queso cheese on your trip, but try not to think of it as a mere appetizer. With spicy pico de gallo and crumbly chorizo mixed into its creamy cheese, queso is a meal in itself and maybe even its own food group. Other Tex-Mex classics include burritos, chimichangas and breakfast tacos (in case you can't wait until lunch or dinner to get your fix).

Two Takes on Steak

You simply can't eat too much meat on your Texas getaway. Stick your fork into a juicy T-bone, a tender and flavorful loin steak that's rightly the claim to fame of the Texas steak world. Not a purist, or just seeking something more decadent? Order chicken-fried steak, which is exactly as over-the-top as it sounds.

RELATED PORTS

As hard as it'll be to say farewell to Texas, your next adventure is waiting onboard your vacation cruise. Board cruises from Texas to the Caribbean, for example, to head toward the glimmering ports of Belize City, Belize and Falmouth, Jamaica. Or consider Panama Canal cruises from Texas, stopping at the paradise beaches of Yucatan, Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, or at Honduras' hidden gem of Roatán.

Roatan, Honduras

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Belize City, Belize

George Town, Grand Cayman

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Falmouth, Jamaica

Cozumel, Mexico

Key West, Florida

Banana Coast (Trujillo), Honduras

Mazatlan, Mexico

Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico

Ensenada, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Huatulco, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Manzanillo, Mexico

RELATED DESTINATIONS

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Lone Star Riverboat

• 10:00am - 5:00pm
• 10:00am - 2:00pm

Authentic double-decked, paddlewheel riverboat provides sightseeing and sunset bat-watching cruises on Town Lake. Private charters available. Tickets at Austin Visitor Center.

Facility Information

• Event maximum capacity (# ppl): 80

Facility Info

• Largest Room 1500
• Number of Rooms 2

Float Into The Soul of San Antonio

GO RIO River Cruises offer you the best way to discover what makes the river the soul of our city. Embark, explore, and escape on one of our colorful barges while getting intimately connected with San Antonio’s rich history, its colorful culture and exciting future.

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Riverside Dreamer River Tour

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Riverside Dreamer River Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Riverside Dreamer Cruise on the Rio Grande in Mission, Texas

I first heard about the Riverside Dreamer a couple of weeks ago when I attended the Winter Texan Expo in McAllen. Another, yet quite different , opportunity to be on the water! I was very excited by the idea of a cruise on the Rio Grande on the Riverside Dreamer. And it is relatively close to me – less than an hour away. I haven’t done a river cruise since I was in Germany, too many years ago to admit to, so I was really looking forward to it.

The Riverside Dreamer

The Riverside Dreamer is a custom built 55-foot pontoon boat. It has cushioned seats and a maximum capacity of 49 passengers. There’s a snack bar and restroom. No alcoholic beverages from the Riverside Club are allowed on board.

Reservations are not required but highly recommended. You can only make a reservation one week in advance and I was told the tours often fill by the Friday before. They only take cash so you don’t pay until you arrive. As a consequence, there are sometimes no shows and you might be able to fill in those spots if you arrive without a reservation. Ticket sales start about 50 minutes prior to departure time. Rates are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $9 for children for the one-hour cruise. The two-hour cruise is $24 for adults, $20 for seniors and $16 for children.

The Riverside Dreamer Cruise on the Rio Grande

The one-hour tour, which goes down river to the dam, departs Monday through Saturday at noon. The two-hour cruise goes upriver Tuesday and Thursday at 1 pm. Of course, since I wanted to spend as much time as possible on the water, I chose the two-hour cruise.

Border security was ever-present with both Border Patrol and Highway Patrol boats. There are also towers with cameras that are monitored in McAllen.

It was surprising to me that the US side of the river, after a few houses near the Riverside Club and RV park, marked by the distinct chimney , had very little development. There were sugar cane fields and undeveloped scrub.

By contrast, the Mexican side had more development in the way of parks, restaurants, bars and beautiful homes. Sadly, many of these things were badly damaged during Hurricane Alex in 2010 . The hurricane caused the Rio Grande to rise by 12 feet, which destroyed a great deal of property along the river. Some of it is being restored but much of it looks abandoned. The Mexican Army had a couple of encampments along the river.

The Border Wall

This was an aspect of the cruise I was not expecting. I have always been in favor of the border wall but never gave much thought to its impact. I’m not in favor of the wall because I think we need to be separated from Mexico. The fact that we need it makes me sad, but it seems the best way to help stem the flow of criminals and drug trafficking into the US from Mexico. You can see evidence of this every day occurrence all along the river.

On the two-hour cruise up the Rio Grande, the Riverside Dreamer goes past a long stretch of wall that is being built on private land by a private company . The company’s goal is to show that the wall can be built cheaper and quicker than the government’s contract (which has already been awarded to another company). Apparently, they are succeeding in spades. The many miles of wall they have built so far has taken about two months and is coming in at less than half the contract amount.

The Riverside Club

I arrived a couple of hours before my cruise time because I wanted to eat lunch on the river. The family-owned Riverside Club Bar & Grill is open year round from 11 am to 8 pm. They have nachos as well as a plethora of deep-fried appetizers. Salads and sandwiches make up the meal offerings. The pork tenderloin sandwich (see photo below) seems to be one of the most popular items on the menu. It is huge and tasty. Enjoy a cocktail from the full bar before or after your meal, or while you just relax by the river.

Final Thoughts on the Riverside Dreamer Cruise on the Rio Grande

The boat is quiet and the river is smooth so the ride is very steady. Even if you get seasick on the ocean, you could easily do this cruise. Don’t expect spectacular scenery. Instead, go prepared to learn some interesting facts and have a relaxing afternoon outdoors on the river. Combine this with a meal in the open-air, tranquil ambience at the Riverside Club and you’ll have a great time. I will definitely be returning!

For current information, follow their Facebook page .

Until next time…

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This sounds like a lot of fun. I think when I get to Texas again this is something I would like to do.

Hope you get a chance to check it out!

This looks like so much fun! I love boat cruises on the river. I have really only done river boat cruises in other countries. I forget how awesome they are in the states! Thanks for the inspiration.

I haven’t done a lot of river cruises but I love any opportunity to be on the water. A bucket list cruise is the Mississippi River on a paddle wheel boat.

Would like to buy tickets for this Saturday

Hi Peggy. Thanks for visiting. I am not affiliated with Riverside Dreamer or the Riverside Club. This post is about my experience when I visited. If you read the post, you’ll see you can’t buy tickets in advance. You can call (956) 581-1033 to make a reservation but you pay (in cash) for your ticket when you arrive there. Click on the link to their Facebook page for current information as well as contact info. Enjoy!

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