Marietta, Ohio stands apart as a boutique river-cruise gateway where the voyage begins the moment the gangway is pulled back. Nestled at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, this compact port blends frontier history with modern, guest-focused hospitality, offering an intimate alternative to larger coastal terminals. Signature experiences emerge from the riverfront itself: guided explorations of Campus Martius Museum and downtown Marietta’s brick-paved streets, sunset strolls along Water Street, and shore excursions that pair local storytelling with hands-on demonstrations—think crafts, river photography walks, and small-group visits to nearby historic mills. The itineraries weave to destinations along the Ohio River corridor, from Pittsburgh’s riverfront neighborhoods and the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania to quiet rural locks and small towns where you can sample farm-to-table cuisine and regional wines. The fleet features shallow-draft, double-deck riverliners designed for graceful navigation of the Ohio’s bends, with expansive observation lounges, glass-walled dining rooms, and sunlit sundecks that invite conversation and port views. Onboard services blend comfort and culture: thoughtfully curated itineraries, locally inspired menus, enrichment talks by regional historians, a spa-like wellness option, and attentive crew focused on seamless transitions between shore and ship. In short, Marietta offers a distinctive, story-rich cradle for a river cruise that feels authentically American, exceptionally personal, and unmistakably Marietta.
