With the first day of spring behind us, it’s time to look forward to April and beyond! Specialty cruises at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch will soon set sail, and we’re previewing all of the fun on the St. Louis Riverfront this spring and summer.

In the mood to hang out dockside? Savor incredible views of the Gateway Arch as well as made-to-order burgers, sandwiches, snacks and more at the Paddlewheel Café. The café’s spring and summer hours of operation are:

• April: Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• May: Daily, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• June through Labor Day: Daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursdays beginning in May, kick back and relax at Docktails Happy Hour. From 4 to 7 p.m., enjoy drink specials, appetizers, live music and incredible views of the Arch and the river. No tickets are required – walk-ups are welcome.

In the mood for a cruise on the Mississippi? The riverboats offer something for everyone – from a family day out and date night, to laughs and music. Check out the 2019 spring and summer cruise schedule:

Sunday Brunch Cruise
DATES: First and third Sunday of the month: April 7 & 21 (Easter), May 5 & 12 (Mother’s Day), June 2 & 16 (Father’s Day), July 7 & 21, August 4 & 18.
TIME: 1 to 3 p.m. (Cruise boards at 12:30 p.m.)
DETAILS: Enjoy upbeat, live music and feast upon a delicious brunch buffet including French toast, cheese blintzes, eggs, stuffed chicken breast, chef-carved ham, pasta and drink specials while cruising the Mississippi. (Soulful band performs the first Sunday of the month, Dixieland band performs the third the Sunday of the month.)
TICKETS: $47/adults; $19/kids 3-12; children under age 3 are free.

Blues Cruise
DATES: Thursdays: April 18; May 16 & 30; June 13 & 27; July 11 & 25; August 8 & 22.
TIME: 8:30 to 11 p.m. (Cruise boards at 8 p.m.)
DETAILS: Blues music is a St. Louis tradition, and so is the Blues Cruise! Dance to some of the area’s most popular blues bands and enjoy illuminated views of downtown St. Louis at night. Named the “Best Place to Slow Dance” by the Riverfront Times! Cash bar is available.

• April 18: Funky Butt Brass Band
• May 16: Billy Peek
• May 30: Jeremiah Johnson Band
• June 13: Soulard Blues Band
• June 27: Skeet Rodgers and the Inner City Blues Band
• July 11: Marquise Knox
• July 25: Miss Jubilee
• August 8: Bike Mike and the Blues City Allstars
• August 22: Soul Reunion

TICKETS: $22/adults. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Decked Out Divas Cruise
DATES: Fridays: April 19, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9.
TIME: 9 to 11 p.m. (Cruise boards at 8:30 p.m.)
DETAILS: It’s the only floating drag show in St. Louis! Hosted by Jade Sinclair, this cruise features entertainment by St. Louis’ highfalutin queens. Cash bar is available.
TICKETS: $22/adults. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Fireworks Cruise
DATES: July 4, 5 & 6.
TIME: 7:30 to 9 p.m. (Cruise boards at 7 p.m. and returns to the dock at 9 p.m. Fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.)
DETAILS: Watch the spectacular Fair Saint Louis fireworks from an entirely new vantage point! Celebrate America’s independence with a delicious buffet dinner and festive Dixieland music while cruising the Mississippi River. Then, return to the dock to watch the fireworks show up close. Cash bar is available.
TICKETS: $51/adults and children. Note: This cruise is very popular and will sell out quickly. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.

Showboat Theater Cruise
DATES: Wednesdays and Fridays: May 24, June 12, June 28, July 10, July 26, August 14, August 23.
TIME: 8 to 10 p.m. (Cruise boards at 7:30 p.m.)
DETAILS: What happens when a group of misplaced New Yorkers arrive at the Becky Thatcher riverboat for one of the most hilarious and chaotically planned weddings in Gateway Arch history? Join us as a “wedding guest” at this absurdly comic and immersive show and become part of the action at the funniest comedy wedding of the year! Enjoy a 2-hour cruise on the Mississippi River while helping the bride and groom barely cope with the comedic hijinks that ensue – all while enjoying dinner, drinks and more. (Wedding gifts not required, but a rollicking good time is offered for all!)
TICKETS: $42/adults and children.

Arch View Lunch Cruise
DATES: Wednesdays and Saturdays: June 1 through August 31
TIME: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Cruise boards at 11 a.m.)
DETAILS: Take in spectacular views of St. Louis while enjoying a leisurely lunch cruise featuring a chef-prepared regional buffet, drink specials and local craft beer, lively music from the Dixieland band, and insightful cruise narration.
TICKETS: $39/adults; $15/kids 3-12; children under age 3 are free.

St. Louis Riverfront Cruise
DATES: Daily through December 1
TIME: Call 877-982-1410 for cruise times.
DETAILS: Journey to a time when steamboats ruled the Mississippi River. Narrated by the boat captain or a National Park Service ranger, this one-hour cruise explores the history of downtown St. Louis, from its landmarks and architecture to the river’s role, both past and present.
TICKETS: Starting at $19 for adults and $8 for children. Price varies based on date of visit. (Save up to $3 when you also purchase a Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch.)

Skyline Dinner Cruise
DATES: Fridays & Saturdays in April & May; Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in June, July & August
TIME: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Cruise boards at 7 p.m.)
DETAILS: Enjoy a memorable night on the Mississippi with live music and dinner alongside the best views of St. Louis. This cruise includes a delicious dinner buffet featuring a beef carving station, chicken breast, roasted potatoes, pasta Romano, fruit and vegetables, and dessert. Cash bar is available.
TICKETS: $49/adults; $20/kids 3-12; children under age 3 are free.

Cruise reservations can be made by calling 1-877-982-1410 or online. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are located below the south leg of the Gateway Arch at 50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63102. Parking is available on the Mississippi River levee in front of the boats for a cash fee.