Submitted photo

Pictured is the long line of passengers waiting to board the Belle of Cincinnati at a previous docking.

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POINT PLEASANT — Over the past month, Point Pleasant has been visited by the American Queen four times, but tonight the Riverfront Park will greet another different, yet familiar, guest.

The Belle of Cincinnati will be docking tonight, July 31, at the Riverfront Park, and will gather up her passengers for a two and a half hour dinner cruise on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers. Those holding tickets will board beginning at 6 p.m., depart at 7 p.m., and return at 9:30 p.m.

It was reported that dinner served on board will consist of Roast Texas Brisket au jus, Chef Alain’s homemade lasagna, sautéed riverboat rice, green beans with butter and seasonings, tossed garden salad with dressing and accouterments, rolls, dessert, coffee and tea.

Also while on board, there will be entertainment provided, as well as a silent auction and a 50/50 split the pot. It was reported that tickets had to have been purchased ahead of time at the Point Pleasant River Museum and will not be available at the boat.

An annual visitor to the area for several years now, the Belle of Cincinnati is an excursion riverboat and flagship of the BB Riverboat fleet. Formerly known as the Emerald Lady, was purchased in 1998 by BB Riverboats, restored in 1999, and renamed her the Belle of Cincinnati, since she calls the Port of Cincinnati her home.

The Belle of Cincinnati has a total of four decks, four dining rooms, dance floors, and an open-air deck. There are also a few unique aspects of this boat that sets her apart from the rest, including handrails created from Louisiana Swamp Cyprus trees, which reportedly are only found in New Orleans. There are also several artifacts from the history of river cruises, including two original water-color portraits of Betty Blake and Ben Bernstein, the two “B’s” from BB Riverboats.

For more on the Belle of Cincinnati and her upcoming cruises, visit www.bbriverboats.com.