liberty belle riverboat

The Liberty Belle Riverboat runs continuously throughout the day and departs promptly on the hour and half-hour.

Disney Facts

• The original name of the boat that sailed around the Rivers of America was the Richard F Irvine.

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Liberty Square Riverboat

The Liberty Square Riverboat allows guests to set sail to a bygone era aboard the Liberty Belle.

Disney recently shared that the Rivers of America (and the Liberty Square Riverboat) would be closing in the near future to make way for two new Cars themed attractions. Tom Sawyer Island will also be closing. Find out more information here . 

Ride Information   Restrictions     Accessibility   Location   Fun Facts   Top 5 Tips

Ride Information

Opening Day: October 2, 1971

Type of Ride: Boat

Age Recommendation: All ages

Duration of Ride: 16 minutes

Typical Queue Time: Short; about 30 minutes, or the length until the next departure

Single Rider Line: No

Chicken Exit Available: No

Baby Swap Available: No

Type of Vehicle: Boat

Type of Restraint: None; guests can walk around as they please

Attraction Open During Extended Evening Hours: No. See our Extended Evening Hours page for more information.

Ride Photo Available For Purchase: No

Ride Restrictions

Height Requirements: None

Flash Photography or Video Allowed: Yes

Safety, Accessibility, and Guest Policies

Accessibility: May Remain in Wheelchair/ECV

Guest Policies: Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Park Map of Magic Kingdom:

Other Rides/Attractions In the Area:

This attraction is located in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square .

Shopping: In Liberty Square, guests can have a silhouette or portrait drawn at “Liberty Square Portrait Gallery,” purchase Haunted Mansion-inspired merchandise at “Memento Mori,” and shop for Christmas items all year long at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe .

Dining/Refreshment: Three counter service restaurants ( Columbia Harbour House ; Liberty Square Market ; and Sleepy Hollow ) are located in Liberty Square, offering seafood, sandwiches, and various fruits. Table service dining for lunch and dinner is available at Liberty Tree Tavern .

Restroom: The closest restrooms are located in Fantasyland, just past the Liberty Square border. Restrooms were purposely excluded from Liberty Square because plumbing didn’t exist in colonial times.

Smoking Location: Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only. Disney parks are smoke free.

Liberty Square Riverboat Fun Facts

Did you know.

• Liberty Square Riverboat is a steam-powered paddle wheeler, a replica of a vessel that one may have seen sailing the Mississippi River during the 19 th century. Liberty Square Riverboat does not, however, operate solely on steam power; it is aided by a submerged rail.
• The vessel’s official name is Liberty Belle , a moniker it has held since 1996. From 1973 to 1996, the riverboat was entitled Richard F. Irvine , after a Disney executive.
• The Liberty Square Riverboat embarked on its first voyage on October 2, 1971, one day after the Magic Kingdom opened. Titled Admiral Joe Fowler , after a retired navy admiral who was instrumental in the building of both Disneyland Park and the Magic Kingdom, this vessel was inadvertently destroyed during a 1980 refurbishment. Richard F. Irvine / Liberty Belle has served as the Magic Kingdom’s sole paddle wheeler since 1980.
• Liberty Square Riverboat has four decks from which guests can view the lush wilderness of Tom Sawyer Island , as well as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad , and Haunted Mansion .
• A voice actor portraying Mark Twain narrates the voyage.
• Guests are often, though not always, upon request allowed in the Pilothouse , where they can interact with the captain and “steer the ship” with the big wheel—the boat is guided on rail, so there’s no danger here.
• Liberty Square Riverboat is currently the only boat to sail the Rivers of America. Previously, “Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes” operated from opening day, October 1, 1971, until 1994; and “Mike Fink Keel Boats” sailed from opening day through April 29, 2001.
• Liberty Square Riverboat’s counterpart at Disneyland is Mark Twain Riverboat . Disneyland also offers two seasonal vessel experiences: “Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes” and “Sailing Ship Columbia ,” a replica of Columbia Rediviva , an 18 th -century merchant ship.

Top 5 Tips for Liberty Square Riverboat

• Experience Liberty Square Riverboat during the afternoon, when crowds are especially heavy at the park’s headliner attractions.
• Explore the various decks of the vessel.
• Enjoy the scenery around the vessel.
• Inquire about sailing in the Pilothouse for a different perspective of the voyage.
• Snacks and drinks are not allowed aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat, so prepare to eat either before or after your voyage.

Privacy Overview

Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom (A Resorts Gal Guide)

“Welcome aboard the Liberty Belle!” That’s how the narration begins as you embark down the Rivers of America on the Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom. This beloved steamboat attraction has quite a history. Walt Disney originally came up with the idea to build a steamboat for Disneyland. He enlisted the help of Admiral Joe Fowler, who oversaw the construction of the steamboat. That first boat was named the Mark Twain.

A duplicate attraction was built for Magic Kingdom Park. While it wasn’t an original opening day attraction, it was close. The Admiral Joe Fowler opened on October 2, 1971, a day after the park’s grand opening. Walt Disney World’s version was named to honor the man Walt hired to oversee the attractions.

Funny enough, in its first few years, Magic Kingdom didn’t have enough attractions to meet the demands of guests. So, a second boat was added in 1973, the Richard F Irvine. Unfortunately, the original Admiral Joe Fowler was damaged at some point, leaving Richard F. Irvine as the sole steamboat attraction. Then, in the 90s, Richard F. Irvine was renamed the Liberty Belle to make the name more relatable to the surrounding Liberty Square.

So, the current riverboat is the Liberty Belle. Fun Fact: now Magic Kingdom’s two ferries are named Admiral Joe Fowler, in honor of the retired navy admiral, and Robert F. Irvine, the construction overseer of Walt Disney World. Let’s look at a few details about taking your own Liberty Square Riverboat voyage.

Update : It  was announced at the 2024 D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event  that a new expansion was coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. Days later, the Disney Parks Blog announced that Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America would be part of this expansion. Therefore, the Liberty Belle might not be available in the very near future.

Here’s a quote from the Disney Parks Blog:

It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers. 

Here are a few quick reference details:

Accessibility: Guests may remain in a wheelchair or ECV to experience this attraction. A separate waiting area is available on the lower level of the boat.

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Liberty Square Riverboat Review

Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square Riverboat attraction is in Liberty Square past The Haunted Mansion and across the walkway from Columbia Harbour House.

There’s a large covered entrance in front of the boat dock. If you were to see the boat docked and guests waiting to board, you can usually join the line and walk on in a matter of minutes.

Liberty Belle departs every hour on the hour and the half hour. Typically, this attraction is open from 9:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. (or dusk).

Here is a view of the waiting area from the boat. Most guests will board on the second-floor deck. Guests with wheelchairs load on the first floor. All guests will unload on the first-floor deck.

When you board the Liberty Belle, you can go upstairs, downstairs, or stay on the middle deck.

If it’s not too busy, you might like to explore the steamboat.

However, if you want to stay in the shade, you’ll want to secure a spot quickly.

Or you might prefer a spot in direct sunlight.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to stand along the railings when possible. You’ll see several scenes during your trip down the river.

It takes approximately 17 minutes to travel full circle around Tom Sawyer’s Island. One of the first sights you’ll see is Harper’s Mill.

On the opposite side of the boat, you can see Frontierland.

As soon as you set sail, the narration begins. You’ll hear a recording of Captain Horace Bixby announcing that you’re setting sail. He then introduces you to Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. Samuel Clemens tells the story of his time on the Mississippi River.

Another fun fact, the Liberty Belle Riverboat runs on an underwater track. Unfortunately, she doesn’t run off steam. But you wouldn’t notice this unless the attraction was under refurbishment. When that happens, Disney drains the water from the river, and you can see the track.

After passing Harper’s Mills, you’ll see Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in the distance.

The Liberty Belle continues past Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .

If you’re on this side of the steamboat, it’s exciting to see the train cars racing past.

Some of the other sights include:

• An early American settlement
• Native American village
• Fort Langhorn
• Wilson’s Cave Inn
• Woodland animals

There’s a nod toward Native American history.

There are also a few places to see some of the fun activities offered on the island.

As you return to the dock, a familiar sight comes into view.

Not only is the Liberty Belle a relaxing boat ride, but it also offers an exceptionally unique perspective of the Haunted Mansion.

Related: Haunted Mansion Ride Review

At about this time, the Liberty Belle’s boat dock came into view. As always, it was a nice reprieve from the theme park crowds.

Sadly, it’s time to disembark.

Hopefully, this review encourages you to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat on your next vacation. She is a beautiful vessel.

The Resorts Gal Spin on the Liberty Square Riverboat

While we enjoy the Liberty Square Riverboat, it’s not necessarily a must-do attraction, so we’re giving it the red light. Now, if you’re visiting on a busy holiday and need a place to escape with a shorter line than everywhere else, this is an excellent option. We enjoy charting the waters of the Rivers of America, but it does take up what some might consider valuable touring time.

Our Traffic Signal Guidelines

Green Light:

We give an attraction the green light if it’s something we consider a must-do, regardless of the posted wait. We also green light any attractions we deem suitable to experience anytime because of a high-load capacity.

We recommend checking the posted wait times for red light attractions. Then, make a quick judgment call on whether to wait, skip it, or return later.

For more information, we have an entire list of rides at Magic Kingdom . Or you might like these individual rides:

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Ride
• The Hall of Presidents at Disney World
• Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom

Are you planning a visit to the Disney Parks? You might enjoy browsing our list of Disney Hotel reviews . That article gives a brief overview of every resort at Disney. For planning dining reservations, these are our most popular guides:

• Disney World Dining Handbook
• Disney World Character Dining Guide
• Disney Signature Dining Restaurants
• Best Restaurants at Disney Springs
• Best Table Service Restaurants at Disney

If you plan to meet characters in the parks, there’s an updated list of  characters at Disney World . That review links to every meet available in each park.

In the Comments

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liberty square riverboat ride times

Liberty square riverboat.

See the Wild Frontier

Steam into American history aboard the majestic, Colonial-era Liberty Belle riverboat and enjoy a relaxing half-mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island .

Along the way, listen to a recorded narrator—in the voice of iconic American author and humorist Mark Twain—sharing memories of Twain’s time on the Mississippi.

It’s full steam ahead on this historic, nostalgic trip back to the past!

Along the River’s Edge

During this charming, 17-minute trip, you’ll encounter a rarely seen side of Magic Kingdom park . Behold a bevy of sights from the early days of the American frontier, including:

• An early American settlement
• An idyllic Native American village
• Harper’s Mill
• Fort Langhorn
• Wilson’s Cave Inn
• Woodland animals

You’ll also be treated to unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion .

Aboard the Liberty Belle

Featuring meticulously detailed wood craftsmanship, the 47-foot tall Liberty Belle is a working reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi.

An actual steam engine converts water from the river into steam that powers the large paddle that in turn propels the boat.

There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each.

Guests Also Viewed

Safety, accessibility and guest policies, times for liberty square riverboat.

Complete Guide to Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom while learning a little bit about American history? Then welcome aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat!

You’ll ride the majestic  Liberty Belle  riverboat for a half-mile tour around  Tom Sawyer Island .

On this 17-minute trip, you’ll hear the voice of iconic American author and humorist, Mark Twain, sharing some of his memories of life on the Mississippi. You’ll also encounter a rarely-seen side of the Magic Kingdom.

It’s full steam ahead for our complete guide to the Liberty Square Riverboat .

In this article

Liberty Square Riverboat Quick Facts

• Location: Liberty Square , in The Magic Kingdom
• Height req : None
• Suitable for: Anybody
• Attraction length: About 17 minutes
• Do we recommend? Just as a time filler
• When to visit: Anytime
• Scheduled Refurbishments
• Tip(s): Mostly standing room only, find a spot on the top deck to snap some good pics of nearby attractions.
• Description: This 17-minute cruise on a steam-powered boat takes you on a 1/2 mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island.

Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square, across from Liberty Square Market and down the way from The Hall of Presidents .

Download the PDF

How to Ride Liberty Square Riverboat

Liberty Square Riverboat has a Standby Line. There is no Single Rider Line .

Do I need to use Genie+ at Liberty Square Riverboat?

Genie+ is not available at Liberty Square Riverboat.

Rider Switch/Child Swap

As there is no height requirement for Liberty Square Riverboat, this attraction does not offer Rider Switch .

Rider Switch is Disney’s system that allows guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.

You can learn more about Rider Switch via our helpful guide.

What to Expect When You Ride

The queue to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat is shaded with some benches. The loading dock is also covered.

The ride leaves twice an hour on the hour and the half-hour so if you don’t make the boat, you’ll be waiting quite a bit for the next one.

Ride Vehicles

The Liberty Square Riverboat is a 47-foot-tall working steamship called The Liberty Belle . It is propelled by the paddle wheel that is itself propelled by the steam engine.

It is a reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the Mississippi River.

While it is fully functioning, it is actually guided on an “I-beam” track that is hidden by the green and brown-dyed water of the Rivers of America.

The Riverboat has a maximum capacity of 450 people.

Guests enter the ship on the middle deck. This area features a sitting room, an outside wheelhouse, and the captain’s quarters.

On the bottom deck of the boat, you can see the ship’s boiler and pistons and you can visit the viewing platform which has great views of all the attraction’s scenes.

On the top deck, guests get the best perspective of the Magic Kingdom from the water.

Accessibility Information

Guests in wheelchairs and ECVs may remain in them to ride The Liberty Square Riverboat.

If you are in a wheelchair or ECV, ask a Cast Member for help and they will assist you in boarding the ride up the exit ramp. There is actually a sign at the main entrance to the attraction that points those that require wheelchair or ECV access to enter to the left.

Those in wheelchairs and ECVs must remain on the middle deck of the riverboat as there is no handicap access for other levels.

On the Ride

If you prefer to keep your ride aboard The Liberty Square Riverboat a surprise, you may want to skip this part to avoid any spoilers.

The Liberty Square Riverboat begins with its captain, Horace Bixby, welcoming guests aboard The Liberty Belle as well as introducing his pilot, Samuel Clemens (known to future generations as the author, Mark Twain). You are currently on Clemens’ 100th journey aboard the Liberty Belle.

Before the Liberty Belle leaves port, Sam sets the scene for the ride ahead by warning guests to stay behind the railings, as river pirates are known to frequent the area.

As you sail down the river, you’ll see the sights of Frontierland, which for the purpose of the ride was once just a boom town but is well on its way to becoming a big city. Over the announcement system, Sam mentions that the large peak in Frontierland is known as Chick-A-Pin Hill (also known to Disney guests as the former Splash Mountain and future Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ).

Continuing on, the boat passes Sam’s “old stomping ground”,  Tom Sawyer Island .

Next, he points out  Big Thunder Mountain where the water gets so hot that geysers erupt. Sam explains that Native Americans used to think that the geysers were spirits and that’s why they named the mountain “Big Thunder Mountain” and the moniker stuck.

As your boat ride continues, you’ll see Beacon Joe and his dog Rufus in front of his bait shop.

You’ll then see Powhatan Native Americans gathering and pass by an unidentified Indian village. Down the river, the Liberty Belle reaches Cutthroat Corner where riders are told they are most likely to find river pirates.

Before returning to port in Liberty Square, the Liberty Belle passes The Haunted Mansion . Sam informs guests that rumor has it that the mansion was built on a Native American burial ground, and now 999 ghosts haunt it.

Finally, the Liberty Belle reaches port and Sam and Captain Bixby say goodbye as the boat docks and guests are directed to disembark.

One thing to note about taking a ride on The Liberty Square Riverboat: on top of the sights you see on the attraction, you will also get a unique view of Magic Kingdom. You might even be able to spot the parade or a cavalcade during your ride!

Is Liberty Square Riverboat Kid-Friendly?

This is a great ride for the whole family to take a break from the crowds of Magic Kingdom.

Strollers are not allowed in most queues at Walt Disney World. Instead, you’ll need to leave your stroller in the designated stroller parking area near the entrance to the queue.

The Liberty Square Riverboat is one of the few attractions that can trace its history back to before Disneyland or Walt Disney World even opened.

Walt Disney initially came up with the idea for a Mississippi steamboat attraction for the Disney Studio in Burbank, California. However, the Burbank Studio did not have the land to build the attraction so Walt decided to transfer the concept to Disneyland.

In order to create the attraction, Disney had to construct the first American-made, working steamboat in 50 years. Admiral Joe Fowler oversaw the construction of what would become The Mark Twain Riverboat in Disneyland.

The Mark Twain was built in two separate pieces. The hull was constructed in San Pedro, California and the deck was built at the Disney Studios in Burbank. The ship was assembled in Disneyland and The Mark Twin Riverboat debuted on July 17, 1955, for Disneyland’s opening day.

When Walt Disney World was in development, the riverboat was one of the attractions Imagineers decided to include in the opening day plans, however, it wasn’t quite ready.

The Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat opened one day after the park, on October 2, 1971. It was named in tribute to the man who had helped to create Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as the Riverboat attractions.

When the riverboat first debuted, live entertainment could often be found on deck because there wasn’t much else for guests to see on the Rivers of America at the time.

Since Walt Disney World did not yet have enough attractions to meet demand, in 1973 a second steamboat was built. The Richard F. Irvine  Riverboat entered into service on May 20, 1973. It was named after the late Disney executive, Richard F. Irvine, who oversaw the planning and construction of Walt Disney World.

The only difference between the two steamboats was that The Admiral Joe Fowler had two smokestacks, while The Richard F. Irvine only had one.

In fall of 1980, The Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat was destroyed in a drydock accident. Disney decided not to repair it, and the bell from the riverboat was added to the #4 engine known as the Roy O. Disney on the  Walt Disney World Railroad .

In 1996, The   Richard F. Irvine  was completely refurbished and returned to service as The   Liberty Belle  Riverboat.

The attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat to make it easier to remember and to tie the boat in with Liberty Square.

With one ship gone and the other one renamed, Disney decided to pay homage to Admiral Fowler and Richard Irvine by naming two ferries that run from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom after them in 1999.

The narration aboard the Liberty Belle has expanded as more rides have been added to Frontierland . References to  Tom Sawyer Island , Splash Mountain (the future Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ), and  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad  have all been added to the script.

In 1992, the Powhatan Native Americans were added to the attraction after the release of the Disney-animated film, Pocahontas .

The  Liberty Belle  underwent extensive rehab from September 2005 to September 2006, and then in 2018 it was completely overhauled with a new boiler.

Other Fun Details

• Captain Horace Bixby, the name given to the Liberty Belle’s captain, was a real steamboat captain on the Mississippi. Horace Bixby and Sam Clemens met aboard a steamboat called The Paul Jones . Bixby agreed to take Sam on as his apprentice. About 21 years later, the now-famous Mark Twain reunited with Captain Bixby in St. Louis. The captain even makes an appearance in Twain’s book, Life on the Mississippi .
• Inside The Liberty Belle’s Salon, there is a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.
• Watch the Audio-Animatronic dog outside of Beaker Joe’s. Every once and a while he will turn his head as a fish jumps by.

• To pay homage to the Samuel Clemens connection, in Disneyland the attraction is known as the Mark Twain Riverboat.
• Crates located on the banks of Frontierland are imprinted with “Tell City Tool Co.” Tell City is a real town located in Indiana on the banks of the Mississippi River. It was one of the United States’ first “planned cities.” Another crate has “71” on it to honor the year the Magic Kingdom opened and another says “Russel’s Falls” after Davy Crockett’s sidekick, George E. Russel.
• The attraction’s landing building is one of the few in the Magic Kingdom that does not employ forced perspective. This may be to hide the riverboat from guests in Liberty Square where a steam-powered riverboat would not fit the land’s theming.

Other Attractions in Liberty Square

• The Hall of Presidents
• Haunted Mansion
• Liberty Square River Boat

Liberty Square Riverboat Ride Review

The Liberty Square Riverboat is a classic attraction located in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park. This charming riverboat takes guests on a peaceful 12-minute journey around the Rivers of America, offering beautiful views of Frontierland and unique perspectives of classic Magic Kingdom attractions. With  a ride aboard an authentic 19th century-style steamboat and narration by the iconic Mark Twain, the Liberty Square Riverboat celebrates the nostalgia of riverboat travel’s golden era. It’s a perfect way to take a break from the high-thrill rides and enjoy a relaxing voyage back in time.

Table of Contents

• Average Wait Times
• Height Requirements
• Single Rider
• Ride Duration
• Genie+ and Lightning Lane
• Rider Switch
• Early Entry Ride

Best Times to Ride

• Original Boats
• Current Boat
• Disembarking

Special Events

Tips for riders.

• Tokyo Disneyland
• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Shanghai Disneyland
• Disneyland Paris

General Ride Information

Average Wait Time: The Liberty Square Riverboat typically has short wait times, averaging 10–20 minutes on moderate and busy days.

Height Requirement: There is no height requirement for this slow-moving boat ride.

Single Rider: The Liberty Square Riverboat does not offer single rider lines.

Ride Duration: The total ride duration is approximately 12 minutes as the boat navigates the Rivers of America.

Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Genie + and Lightning Lane access are not available for the Liberty Square Riverboat.

Rider Switch: Rider switch is also not offered as there is no height requirement.

Disability Access Service: Guests with disabilities can take advantage of the Disability Access Service (DAS) to receive a return time.

Ride Location: The Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square, just across from The Hall of Presidents.

Early Entry: The  Liberty Square Riverboat is not included as one of the attractions available for Early Theme Park Entry.

The best times to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat are during the middle of the day when wait times for more popular attractions peak, first thing in the morning after riding a few headliners, and at night during the fireworks shows. Riding  when crowds are lower, especially during mealtimes and the Electrical Water Pageant, can also mean shorter wait times. Avoid exiting immediately after a performance of The Hall of Presidents, when crowds flood the area.

History and Design

The Liberty Square Riverboat has a long history, dating back to Walt Disney’s original vision for Disneyland . Walt incorporated a riverboat attraction into his plans for Disneyland, using the iconic Mark Twain Riverboat on the Rivers of America as inspiration. When  designing Magic Kingdom, Imagineers brought a similar riverboat to life on the park’s Rivers of America. The original Liberty Square riverboat was named the Admiral Joe Fowler. It operated for over 7 years before being damaged beyond repair.

The Admiral Joe Fowler was replaced in 1973 by the boat currently in operation – the Richard F. Irvine. After an extensive refurbishment in 1996, the Richard F. Irvine was renamed the Liberty Belle. The Liberty Belle is an exact replica of a 19th century paddle wheel riverboat. It stands 47 feet tall and weighs 100 tons. The boat has a maximum capacity of 450 guests over three levels. The  Liberty Belle is powered by a working steam engine that rotates the rear paddle wheel to propel the boat during its journey. While the steam engine is fully functioning, the boat does follow an underwater track for guidance and safety.

Ride Experience

The Liberty Square Riverboat ride experience begins at the loading dock in Liberty Square. Guests board the boat from the middle, second deck, while ramp access for wheelchairs and ECVs is offered on the first deck. As the boat departs, guests are welcomed aboard by a pre-recorded spiel from Captain Horace Bixby. He introduces the pilot guiding this journey – none other than Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain.

Twain shares memories of his many adventures traveling along the Mississippi River as the Liberty Belle passes by Frontierland and approaches Tom Sawyer Island. Along the way, riders can spot wildlife, mining structures, and old settlements along the shores. The narration highlights various sights along the river, including abandoned mines at Cutthroat Canyon and Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island.

As the boat completes its loop around the island, the majestic facade of The Haunted Mansion comes into view. Twain remarks on legends of the Haunted Mansion being built on sacred native burial grounds as the Liberty Belle returns to dock in Liberty Square, concluding the 12-minute journey. Guests  exit the boat on the first deck and can browse photos taken during the ride that are available for purchase.

In addition to its regular operation, the Liberty Square Riverboat offers special cruises for certain hard ticket events and holidays throughout the year. During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Liberty Belle is decorated with Halloween theming. The boat hosts Happy HalloWishes Dessert Parties that coincide with the special Halloween fireworks show. Guests are served desserts while enjoying premium views of the fireworks bursting over Cinderella Castle. For the holidays, the Liberty Belle gets a festive Christmas overlay and operates during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It offers Holiday Wishes Dessert Parties to pair with the Christmas fireworks spectacular.

The Liberty Square Riverboat also occasionally has evening cruises during Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks with unique viewing opportunities for Star Wars fans. Outside the special events, guests might catch the Liberty Belle testing its steam whistle after refurbishments and at other random times. When the steam whistle blows, it makes for an unforgettable part of the Liberty Square atmosphere. So  beyond its regular operation, the Liberty Belle delivers even more magic through special holiday cruises and one-of-a-kind experiences like the steam whistle that delight guests.

• Arrive to board the Liberty Belle 5–10 minutes before the scheduled departure time printed on the sign at the entrance. This will ensure you get a spot and don’t have to wait for the next boat.
• The top deck offers the best views but can get very hot in the sun. Seek shade underneath the overhangs on the lower decks if needed.
• Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of unique magic kingdom views along the river.
• Keep an eye out for live entertainment along the shores of Frontierland and special decorations during holidays.
• Stop by the Liberty Square Riverboat sign near the exit after disembarking to browse onboard photos available for purchase.
• There are no restrooms on the boat, so make sure and use the bathroom before riding

Comparison to Other Disney Riverboat Rides

The Liberty Square Riverboat ride bears many similarities to riverboat attractions across Disney theme parks worldwide. Each boat offers a scenic tour of an artificial river with references to Mark Twain and American history. However , there are some variations in narration, sights along the river, and overall ride experience between the different versions. Here’s how Walt Disney World’s Liberty Belle compares to riverboats at other Disney Parks:

Disneyland  – The Mark Twain Riverboat is a nearly identical ride experience to the Liberty Belle, complete with Twain narration and a relaxing voyage around Tom Sawyer Island and Frontierland. One key difference is Disneyland’s Columbia Sailing Ship that also navigates the river.

Tokyo Disneyland  – The Western River Railroad at Tokyo Disneyland features similar sights along the Rivers of America but follows a different path around the entire Critter Country area.

Hong Kong Disneyland  – Mystic Manor is visible from Hong Kong Disneyland’s Jungle River Cruise, offering a view of one of the park’s most popular attractions during the ride.

Shanghai Disneyland  – The Voyage to the Crystal Grotto winds through rocky caves with dazzling effects as part of its tour around Fantasyland, a very different sight from Liberty Square and Frontierland.

Disneyland Paris  – No riverboat ride exists at Disneyland Paris. Guests can walk through a full-scale replica of a frontier steamboat outside the Disneyland Railroad station.

The Liberty Square Riverboat continues to be a beloved classic, inviting guests of all ages to embark on a peaceful cruise back in time. For over 50 years, across Disney theme parks worldwide, these iconic boats offer an opportunity to recharge and appreciate the magic of Disney from a new perspective. A  ride aboard the Liberty Belle showcases Disney’s knack for blending nostalgia, nature, and storytelling into an attraction experience that stands the test of time. So be sure to hop aboard for a relaxing voyage across the Rivers of America on your next visit to the Magic Kingdom!

Nearby Attractions

• The Hall of Presidents – Located directly across from the Liberty Square Riverboat in Liberty Square.
• The Haunted Mansion – A short walk from the Liberty Square Riverboat, next to the Hall of Presidents.
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – Located in Frontierland, opening this summer 2024!
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Also located in Frontierland, offering a unique view of the coaster from the riverboat.

park • speed

Ride guide to liberty square riverboat.

Board a vintage steamer ship for a gentle ride circling Liberty Square and Frontierland, while hearing charming tales of American life in the days of Mark Twain.

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What you will - and won't - find in this attraction

Ride Vehicle

Attraction Overview

As you step onto the spacious decks of the riverboat, you'll be transported to a bygone era of elegance and leisure. The ship's grand exterior, complete with ornate details and towering smokestacks, evokes a sense of adventure and discovery. Take a moment to admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into recreating this iconic vessel.

Once on board, find a comfortable spot on one of the open-air decks or venture into the elegant cabin, where you can relax and take in the picturesque views. As the Liberty Belle sets sail, you'll be treated to breathtaking sights along the riverbanks, including lush landscapes, charming scenes of Americana, and iconic landmarks like Tom Sawyer Island and the Haunted Mansion.

Listen to the soothing sounds of the steam engine chugging along, as the paddlewheel propels the boat forward. Feel the gentle breeze against your face as you meander along the river, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings. The journey is accompanied by a recorded narration that shares interesting tidbits about the history and significance of the areas you pass by.

The Liberty Square Riverboat offers a serene and leisurely experience, allowing you to unwind and soak in the ambiance of an era long past. It's a wonderful opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park, while still enjoying the enchantment and storytelling that Disney is known for.

Let the rhythmic motion of the paddlewheel and the timeless charm of the river transport you to a simpler time, where the spirit of adventure and the beauty of America's heartland await.

This gentle journey is generally suitable for all ages. There is seating and there are shaded areas to escape the sun.

Be aware that on the bottom deck, there is a lot of noise from the ship's engine, and occasionally, the captain blows the whistle, which is loud from pretty much everywhere on the boat.

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Take a leisurely ride down the Rivers of America on this authentic, steam-driven sternwheeler!

Quick Links:

The Liberty Belle takes you on a relaxing tour around Liberty Square and Frontierland. Along the way you’ll see some great views of the Haunted Mansion, Thunder Mountain, and Splash Mountain. You’ll get an especially good look at Tom Sawyer Island—it’s a great way to check it out if you haven’t been there yet.

You’ll also catch a glimpse of what life was like for the frontier settlers (including some of the dangers that they faced!).

Magical Moments

• The views from the Riverboat are fantastic, and are unlike those you’ll see wandering around the park (particularly for the Haunted Mansion and Tom Sawyer Island).
• Visit the Liberty Square Riverboat at night when its lit by hundreds of brilliant white lights.
• Listen closely to the ship’s captain as you tour the Rivers of America. You’ll hear some funny tales about life along the river (you’ll even hear how Mark Twain got his name!)

Hidden Mickeys & Other Secrets

• Some folks point to the padlocks on the stocks outside of the Liberty Square Riverboat as examples of Hidden Mickeys. Is it a case of wishful thinking? Take a look and judge for yourself!

Did You Know...?

• The Liberty Square Riverboat holds up to 450 passengers.
• Walt Disney strongly believed that the Riverboat was a vital part of Disneyland, so much so that he funded part of the construction himself when funds threatened to fall short.

Touring Tips

• The Riverboat is a great way to get photos of the Haunted Mansion, Tom Sawyer Island, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain.
• Don’t neglect the Riverboat itself, you can wander around and do some exploring! There are lots of authentic details to discover.
• When leaving the Liberty Square Riverboat, keep in mind that many folks will wander over to the Haunted Mansion. If you follow you may find yourself in a long line. If that’s the case just try back later after the crowd dies down.

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• Slow moving 20 minute boatride aboard a real steam-powered riverboat
• Take a lap around the Rivers of America, with great views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Haunted Mansion
• Perfect for a relaxing break during the middle of a busy Magic Kingdom day

Introduction | Attraction | RIde Logisitics |  Interesting Facts

INTRODUCTION 

Enjoy a slow cruise down the Rivers of America aboard an authentic steam-powered sternwheeler. The Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square across from the Hall of Presidents and to the left of the Haunted Mansion .

 The Rivers of America wind their way around Tom Sawyer Island . The half-mile journey takes just under 20 minutes to travel. The Liberty Belle departs several times a day from the Liberty Boat Landing . Although there are some seats, most areas are standing room only.

From on board the Liberty Belle, you’ll spot great views of Tom Sawyer Island, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, along with some sights of Frontierland natives — which can only be seen from the boat.

RIDE LOGISTICS

 This is a good place to go for a break from the hectic walkways of the Magic Kingdom . Kids can walk around on board and burn off a bit of energy — though this is usually more loved by adults.

Accessibility: Guests may remain in wheelchair/ECV.

INTERESTING FACTS

The original boat, an authentic sternwheeler steamboat called the Admiral Joe Fowler , was built in dry dock at Walt Disney World and set afloat when the attraction opened on May 20, 1973. The Richard F. Irvine was later added as a second boat. After its extensive rehab in the ’90s, the boat was renamed the Liberty Belle in 1996.

In 1980, the Admiral Joe Fowler was sent to dry dock maintenance and never returned.

Admiral Joe Fowler was in charge of construction at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World .

Dick Irvine worked as an art director at Disney in the 1940s and was an early executive of WED Enterprises . His projects included planning and design for the theme parks and the World’s Fair projects.

How long is Liberty Square Riverboat?

The ride takes 16 Minutes Find all the attractions by their length

Will Liberty Square Riverboat make me motion sick?

The motion level is Low. Gentle boat ride Details on handling motion sensitivity on your visit

Is Lightning Lane Single Pass available for Liberty Square Riverboat?

No Liberty Square Riverboat is not eligible for Lightning Lane Single Pass Find Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions

Is Liberty Square Riverboat included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass?

No Liberty Square Riverboat is not included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass Find Lightning Lane Multi Pass attractions using our search

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The Liberty Square Riverboat allows guests to set sail to a bygone era aboard the Liberty Belle.

Disney recently shared that the Rivers of America (and the Liberty Square Riverboat) would be closing in the near future to make way for two new Cars themed attractions. Tom Sawyer Island will also be closing. Find out more information here . 

Ride Information   Restrictions     Accessibility   Location   Fun Facts   Top 5 Tips

Ride Information

Opening Day: October 2, 1971

Type of Ride: Boat

Age Recommendation: All ages

Duration of Ride: 16 minutes

Typical Queue Time: Short; about 30 minutes, or the length until the next departure

Single Rider Line: No

Chicken Exit Available: No

Baby Swap Available: No

Type of Vehicle: Boat

Type of Restraint: None; guests can walk around as they please

Attraction Open During Extended Evening Hours: No. See our Extended Evening Hours page for more information.

Ride Photo Available For Purchase: No

Ride Restrictions

Height Requirements: None

Flash Photography or Video Allowed: Yes

Safety, Accessibility, and Guest Policies

Accessibility: May Remain in Wheelchair/ECV

Guest Policies: Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Park Map of Magic Kingdom:

Other Rides/Attractions In the Area:

This attraction is located in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square .

Shopping: In Liberty Square, guests can have a silhouette or portrait drawn at “Liberty Square Portrait Gallery,” purchase Haunted Mansion-inspired merchandise at “Memento Mori,” and shop for Christmas items all year long at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe .

Dining/Refreshment: Three counter service restaurants ( Columbia Harbour House ; Liberty Square Market ; and Sleepy Hollow ) are located in Liberty Square, offering seafood, sandwiches, and various fruits. Table service dining for lunch and dinner is available at Liberty Tree Tavern .

Restroom: The closest restrooms are located in Fantasyland, just past the Liberty Square border. Restrooms were purposely excluded from Liberty Square because plumbing didn’t exist in colonial times.

Smoking Location: Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only. Disney parks are smoke free.

Liberty Square Riverboat Fun Facts

Did you know.

• Liberty Square Riverboat is a steam-powered paddle wheeler, a replica of a vessel that one may have seen sailing the Mississippi River during the 19 th century. Liberty Square Riverboat does not, however, operate solely on steam power; it is aided by a submerged rail.
• The vessel’s official name is Liberty Belle , a moniker it has held since 1996. From 1973 to 1996, the riverboat was entitled Richard F. Irvine , after a Disney executive.
• The Liberty Square Riverboat embarked on its first voyage on October 2, 1971, one day after the Magic Kingdom opened. Titled Admiral Joe Fowler , after a retired navy admiral who was instrumental in the building of both Disneyland Park and the Magic Kingdom, this vessel was inadvertently destroyed during a 1980 refurbishment. Richard F. Irvine / Liberty Belle has served as the Magic Kingdom’s sole paddle wheeler since 1980.
• Liberty Square Riverboat has four decks from which guests can view the lush wilderness of Tom Sawyer Island , as well as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad , and Haunted Mansion .
• A voice actor portraying Mark Twain narrates the voyage.
• Guests are often, though not always, upon request allowed in the Pilothouse , where they can interact with the captain and “steer the ship” with the big wheel—the boat is guided on rail, so there’s no danger here.
• Liberty Square Riverboat is currently the only boat to sail the Rivers of America. Previously, “Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes” operated from opening day, October 1, 1971, until 1994; and “Mike Fink Keel Boats” sailed from opening day through April 29, 2001.
• Liberty Square Riverboat’s counterpart at Disneyland is Mark Twain Riverboat . Disneyland also offers two seasonal vessel experiences: “Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes” and “Sailing Ship Columbia ,” a replica of Columbia Rediviva , an 18 th -century merchant ship.

Top 5 Tips for Liberty Square Riverboat

• Experience Liberty Square Riverboat during the afternoon, when crowds are especially heavy at the park’s headliner attractions.
• Explore the various decks of the vessel.
• Enjoy the scenery around the vessel.
• Inquire about sailing in the Pilothouse for a different perspective of the voyage.
• Snacks and drinks are not allowed aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat, so prepare to eat either before or after your voyage.

Privacy Overview

Five Things to Know About the Liberty Square Riverboat

The Liberty Square Riverboat attraction docks at – you guessed it – Liberty Square. The boat itself is named the Liberty Belle. It’s an old-timey (read: historic) steam-powered paddle-wheel riverboat that travels around the Rivers of America. As you ride, you’ll hear a recorded narrator share memories of Mark Twain’s time on the Mississippi. If you want to paddle along with us, keep reading. Oar (dad pun) to skip to the whys, wheres, and hows, here’s your shortcut .

1. You’ll take a step back in time.

The Liberty Belle Riverboat is a large (47-foot tall) working reproduction of the boats that ran up and down the Mississippi River in the 19th century. It’s loaded with amazing details, as you might expect. The wood craftsmanship throughout is absolutely meticulous! The large paddle is powered by an actual steam engine that functions by converting water from the Rivers of America into steam, turning the paddle to propel the boat.

2. It’s full steam ahead!

The ride begins as its captain, Horace Bixby,  welcomes guests aboard. He introduces his pilot, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and lets you know you’re in good hands, since this is Clemens’ 100th trip piloting the Liberty Belle. You depart from the dock and navigate the winding “river”.  Along the way, you’ll get views of the Magic Kingdom you just can’t get anywhere else. You’ll see Tom Sawyer Island, Harper’s Mill, and Fort Langhorn from a new vantage point. Other sights from the American frontier include settler’s cabins, old mining paraphernalia, a Native American village, animatronic wildlife, and even Wilson’s Cave Inn from Davy Crockett and the River Pirates. The riverboat also offers unique perspectives of the Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. From the top deck especially, you’ll see Frontierland and Liberty Square in a whole new way.

As you ride, Sam Clemens offers his recollections of riding up and down the Mighty Mississippi. He points out various landmarks and shares a little about what he learned during his time on the river. Periodically, the horn and bell system are used, so you have to be prepared for the occasional and unpredictable ear-blasting loud outbursts. (I found that being toward the stern, rather than the bow, made the horn a bit more bearable.)

3. This Belle has quite a back story.

The first boat to sail the Rivers of America in the Magic Kingdom was the Admiral Joe Fowler. Named after Disneyland’s construction supervisor, it debuted on October 2, 1971, the day after the park’s official opening. In 1973, a second boat, the Richard F. Irvine, debuted. It was named after the Disney executive who oversaw the planning of Walt Disney World. Both boats ran on the river until 1980. The Richard F. Irvine was overhauled and received an all-new superstructure of aluminum and vinyl. The boat was renamed the Liberty Belle, and the attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat to make it easier to remember and to tie the boat in with Liberty Square. (Side note: two of the three ferry boats running from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom are now named the Admiral Joe Fowler and Richard F. Irvine, so their memory lives on!)

The scenery along the Rivers of America has been updated over the years. Tom Sawyer Island was added in 1973 and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in 1980. Similar versions of this attraction have also been added to other Disney Parks. At Disneyland Paris, it’s called the Rivers of the Far West. At Hong Kong Disneyland, there is no Frontierland, so the Imagineers merged the Rivers of America with the classic Adventureland Jungle Cruise attraction.

4. The Liberty Belle has her secrets, too.

Captain Horace Bixby, the Liberty Belle’s captain, was  a real steamboat captain  on the Mississippi. Horace Bixby and Sam Clemens met aboard a steamboat called The Paul Jones. Bixby agreed to take Sam on as his apprentice. About 21 years later, the now-famous Mark Twain reunited with Captain Bixby in St. Louis. The captain even makes an appearance in Twain’s book, Life on the Mississippi.

Inside The Liberty Belle’s Salon, there is a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.

The riverboat actually travels along an I-beam guide rail, so the pilot  doesn’t really steer the ship. But that doesn’t mean he’s doing nothing. Rather, the pilot watches for other river traffic, like the Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island, and communicates to the boiler engineer who is on the bottom deck towards the stern. This is where the throttle and reverser are located, so the boiler engineer controls the speed and direction of the riverboat.

5. The Nuts and Bolts.

You can catch a ride on the Liberty Belle at the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. There are no health or safety advisories and no height restrictions. Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV to ride the Liberty Belle.  Sign language interpreters may be available, depending on when you visit. It’s truly a ride that everyone can enjoy.

The Liberty Belle has a maximum capacity of 450 people. You board the boat at mid-level; disembarking guests exit from the lower deck. There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each (some inside, some outside) but with plenty of space to stand and move around.

The Liberty Belle provides a stable, gentle ride. I’m vulnerable to motion sickness/sea sickness but have no trouble whatsoever riding the Liberty Belle. It’s a great idea to move around on the deck during this 17-minute trip to be sure to see all the different views.

Bad weather can affect the operation of the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Genie+ is not available, but there’s no need for it. There’s no bad time of day to ride the Liberty Belle. It departs roughly every half-hour and usually the only waiting is waiting for the boat to leave or return. A good time of day to enjoy your ride is when you want a break from the crowds! But it’s worth noting that it closes earlier than the park and other park attractions; there is also no Early Theme Park Entry and no Extended Evening Theme Park hours.

The Bottom Line.

We ride the Liberty Belle nearly every time we visit Walt Disney World. But it’s not for thrill-seekers, to be sure. It’s perfectly peaceful – unless of course you’re right underneath the horn which is jarringly loud. It’s a great way to get out of the crowds, rest a bit, and enjoy a fun ride for every member of the family.

Have you ridden the Liberty Belle Riverboat? What was your favorite view? Let us know in the comments below!

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Bob Jacobs lives in Wisconsin where he retired as Editorial Director for a well-known catalog company. He and his wife Cristie have four children, seven grandchildren and a cocker spaniel named Penny the Dog. They’ve visited Walt Disney World regularly since 1992.

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Liberty square, magic kingdom.

The Liberty Square Riverboat is a large paddle-wheel driven boat that navigates the 'Rivers of America' waters that surround Tom Sawyer Island and Fort Langhorn. It passes settler cabins, an old mining paraphernalia, an Indian village and a range of audio-animatronic wildlife.

The boat, the 'Liberty Belle' is an authentic replica of an old style paddle-wheel driven boat and holds approximately 450 guests across its 3 decks.

From the boat you can get a great view of both Frontierland and Liberty Square and is a great place to unwind and get out of the crowds.

The boat operates several times throughout the day.

Liberty Square Riverboat News

• Refurb Roundup: Prince Charming Regal Carousel, MuppetVision 3D, Big Thunder Mountain and more - May 24th 2013
• Liberty Square Riverboat to close for 1 week in February 2013 - Nov 6th 2012
• Liberty Square Riverboat closing in August (Refurbishment) - May 30th 2012

Liberty Square Riverboat Location

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Why Liberty Square Riverboat is a MUST-RIDE MK Attraction

by Maria Salerno · January 12, 2022

Today, we’re highlighting one of Walt Disney World’s most overlooked attractions that deserves its moment in the spotlight. The Liberty Square Riverboat (aka the Liberty Belle) is the massive boat located in Liberty Square that you’ve most likely walked right past on every single visit to Magic Kingdom. 

We’re highlighting what makes this attraction so unique, and why everyone- regardless of their age- should always take a ride on the Liberty Belle when they visit Magic Kingdom. Let’s explore the boat!

Liberty Belle

Like many things in the Parks, the Liberty Square Riverboat is a look back in time. The Liberty Belle is a historically accurate, working representation of the steam ferry boats that served as passenger vessels on the Mississippi…’working’ being the key word here!

The Liberty Belle is a fully steam-powered vessel! The waterways in which you’re sailing on are actually the fuel that propels the Liberty Belle! The water from the Rivers of America are converted into mighty steam power that turns the giant paddle and actually propels you on your journey!

Craftsmanship for the Ages

We can’t overlook the intricacies of the Liberty Belle’s craftsmanship. On each of the 4 decks, you’ll find beautiful deeply stained, hand-carved wood that makes up the structure of the boat. The beautiful woodwork extends to the hand-laid floor board underfoot as well. 

The ornate carvings in the woodwork beneath the banisters give the Liberty Belle a historically accurate feel that blends perfectly with the Rivers of America’s surrounding themeing. 

Historical Nods

Most steam-powered boats featured an enclosed cabin for passengers to relax in.

 Be it during a storm or particularly warm day, passengers of the Liberty Belle have that very same luxury as passengers of days past- as the boat features a cabin perfect for escaping the sun- and for brushing up on your history!

Photos of a developing New Orleans and the surrounding Mississippi River route are pictured in black-and-white framed photos on the walls of the cabin.

Don’t stay in one spot and miss your chance to explore the Liberty Belle on your journey…it’s the ONE attraction at Magic Kingdom that encourages you to get up and move around while the ride is in motion!

Why You Should ALWAYS Ride

For starters, the Liberty Belle is the perfect generation-spanning attraction, meaning EVERYONE from infants to Great-Grandparents can hop aboard. Not only will you be journeying on a real steam-powered boat, but you can travel from deck to deck during the voyage to explore the different levels and views that each offer. 

The Liberty Belle is also one of the best attractions for fantastic photos. If you’re a pro photographer or are shooting for Instagram, the views afforded by a trip around the Rivers of America are unparalleled.

 Be ready to snap shots of Splash Mountain, Big Thunder, and the Haunted Mansion from angles you won’t get from the walkways. 

Finally, the Liberty Belle was one of those attractions originally conceived by Walt himself- and we believe any attraction Walt himself had a hand in creating is ALWAYS must-rides! Have you been aboard the Liberty Belle, or is on your list for your next visit? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Tags: Big Thunder Mountain Haunted Mansion Liberty Belle liberty belle riverboat Liberty Square Liberty Square Riverboat Magic Kingdom Magic Kingdom Attractions Rivers of America Splash Mountain Walt Disney

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Hi I have been on the Mississippi river boat many times it is great my Mum who 81at the time really enjoyed the ride.

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7 totally cool things about liberty square riverboat at walt disney world.

Posted by: Jason Dick April 17, 2018

Walt Disney World knows how to create nostalgia.  And a great example of this is the Liberty Square Riverboat in Disney’s Magic Kingdom.  It’s a beautiful, colonial, steam-powered riverboat, and it’ll instantly transport you to a simpler time, as you cruise along the Rivers of America.  Here are our favorite things about the Liberty Square Riverboat.

7. Come One, Come All

We love the exclusivity of the Liberty Square Riverboat!  Because it’s a slow-moving boat ride, there are no height or age restrictions, and it’s a family-friendly attraction.  It might not keep thrill-seekers entertained, but we think it’s a brilliant way to take a break from the chaos of a busy day in the parks.  Wheelchairs and ECVs can board the boat, and there is even sign language interpretation offered at certain times of the week.

6. Fun Facts

Spoilers ahead!  While the attraction is named the Liberty Square Riverboat, the vessel itself is called the Liberty Belle.  Your voyage will last around 20 minutes, and it will take you through the Rivers of America.  For those who are curious, the river is only about 6 feet deep, and the riverboat is actually on a track in the water, much like the boats on Jungle Cruise!  The water itself is dyed green, so that guests won’t be able to see the track, and have the magic ruined.

5. Unparalleled Views

Adventurers who want to explore Tom Sawyer Island can take the log raft over to the island and wander around to their hearts’ content.  But if you’re looking for the best views of Tom Sawyer Island, then you’ll want to ride the Liberty Belle!  The riverboat takes you around the entirety of Tom Sawyer Island, and along the way, you’ll also see unique views of several key Magic Kingdom attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion.

4. Delightful Decks

While you enjoy your journey on the Liberty Belle, you can choose from 4 decks to sit or stroll or explore.  The top deck, or pilothouse, contains the wheelhouse and Captain’s quarters.  Wander along the Promenade Deck to view photos and maps from a by-gone era, or enjoy the warm Floridian sun on the Sun Deck.  Of course, the real action is on the Main Deck, where you’ll find the workings of the boat itself, including the pistons that run the paddlewheel, and the boiler.  There’s a lot to explore on your river cruise!

3. Family of Riverboats

The Liberty Belle is in good company!  A riverboat named the Mark Twain debuted in Disneyland when it opened in 1955, and it was the first riverboat that had been build in the country in half a century.  Guests can now also enjoy riverboat attractions at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.  WDW originally had two riverboats, the Admiral Joe Fowler and the Richard F. Irvine; the latter changed its name to the Liberty Belle in the 1990s, and is now the sole riverboat in the Magic Kingdom.

2. Working Reproduction

History buffs and boat fans alike will enjoy learning about the Liberty Belle.  It’s almost 50 feet tall, with some beautifully crafted woodwork.  It’s actually a faithful replica of the types of boats that used to carry passengers up and down the Mississippi River, which means it’s a unique glimpse into the past.  How does it work?  The Liberty Belle’s steam engine turns water into steam, and it’s that steam that provides the power to turn the paddlewheel, which drives the boat.

1. Famous Voice

Your voyage on the Liberty Belle is narrated by several characters, and Disney fans might recognize one of the recorded voices: it’s none other than Thurl Ravenscroft, the famous voice behind Tony the Tiger (of Frosted Flakes fame).  Thurl provided the speaking and singing voices for many iconic Disney rides – you’ve probably heard his voice many times, even if you didn’t realize it!  He voiced the lead bust in Haunted Mansion, various voices in the Enchanted Tiki Room, Buff in the Country Bear Jamboree, and multiple pirates in Pirates of the Caribbean!

About Jason Dick

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Walking across the bridge offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty. Start your walk in Brooklyn for the best views of Manhattan, and end your journey in Lower Manhattan, where you can explore neighborhoods like Chinatown.

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2024 longtail rally: supercar drivers tour times square—and tame a dragon.

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A McLaren 600LT and the author's Porsche 911 Turbo S cross Pennsylvania on LongTail Rally 2024

How do the folks at LongTrail Rally top an event that’s already treated participants to a run up California’s Highway 1, a Pikes Peak Hill Climb, and a helicopter ride over Yellowstone — on the way to hot laps at Utah Motorsports Campus? Clearly this really has set high expectations, with drivers wondering what was in store for year four, and how it can top what’s come before? Especially when the LongTail Rally’s fourth iteration required shipping cars to New York City before things even got started...

Those questions were asked and answered on the 2024 LongTail Rally, as the 8-day excursion saw exotic cars parading through New York’s Times Square, taking over PNC Park in Pittsburgh, gathering at the posh Greenbrier luxury resort in West Virginia, and taming the famed Tail of the Dragon in Deals Gap, North Carolina. Each of these locations was strung together by some of the best driving roads east of the Mississippi, and all of them included thrilling activities far beyond the joy of driving high-performance cars on America’s picturesque highways.

LongTail Rally "mom" Julie Milne celebrates with participants and Lady Liberty

Day 0: NYC Harbor Cruise

Before cruising through the East Coast we had to Cruise along the most famous U.S. coastline. Boarding the “Enchanted” yacht shortly before sunset meant watching New York City’s famous city lights come up as the sun went down. Our 3-hour tour didn’t end in a shipwreck-based TV series, though it did see LongTail Rally veterans reconnecting while welcoming first-timers. The multi-course dinner cruise also offered unobstructed views and photo ops of iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

The MB&F McLaren 720S "shark" leads LongTail Rallyers through Times Square

Day 1: NYC to Pittsburgh

The first day of driving kicked off with a head-turning parade of Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, and Porsches making their way along Broadway, through Times Square, and under the Hudson River. Many a Big Apple tourist could be seen fumbling for cell phone cameras as nearly two-dozen exotic cars rolled beneath New York’s sweeping digital displays. While not considered a car-friendly city, New York’s natives and visitors alike offered nothing but smiles and thumbs up as the stream of sweeping, brightly colored bodywork rolled through its maze of steel and glass.

The thrill of driving is heightened in a kart, despite their small size and lower speeds

Day 2 Daytime: Karting Competition

After a 400-mile drive to Pittsburgh the first LongTail Rally “chill” day began with a karting competition at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. A warm-up heat, followed by a 60-minute endurance race for teams of three, identified which drivers found the smoothest line around the course. Karts offer a fraction of the speed and power found in modern supercars, but their low ride height and lack of wind protection makes them feel fast while rewarding drivers who maintain momentum around the race circuit. The fun factor has to be experienced to be believed.

Taking over Pittsburgh's PNC Park was yet another lifetime memory formed during LongTail 2024

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Musk-trump x interview: trump takes friendly questions from musk after glitch-plagued start, trump vs. harris 2024 polls: harris expands lead in latest survey, day 2 evening: batting at pnc park.

The evening’s dinner was one for the memory banks, as it combined a LongTail Rally takeover of PNC Park with ballpark food and batting practice. Rally cars were driven through the park’s main (pedestrian) entrance and parked right next to Fat Head’s concessions stand. Once inside, participants could literally swing for the fences on the same home plate as big-league players while listening to a curated list of songs over the PA system. LongTail Rally-themed jerseys and Jumbotron graphics completed the once-in-a-lifetime takeover experience.

Will Collette and Matt Perry of Ghostworx park their Audi R8 and Porsche 911 at The GreenBrier

Day 3 and 4: Pittsburgh to Greenbrier

A scenic 260-mile hop through the Blue Ridge Mountains had the rally pulling up to historic Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. A historic landmark oozing legacy, luxury, and tradition going back to 1778, the Greenbrier is also home to the famous “Project Greek Island” underground bunker. The secret fallout bunker was completed in 1962 to serve as an emergency shelter for congress during a nuclear strike, but was decommissioned in 1992 when its existence was revealed. Rally participants toured it, and enjoyed additional resort activities like trap shooting and falconry.

LongTail participants (and George Washington) dine in the government's formerly secret fallout ... [+] shelter

Day 5: Greenbrier to Cherokee Casino

Another day of twists and turns through the Appalachian Mountains gave drivers a preview of coming attractions, including a particularly engaging stretch of pavement dubbed “The Back of the Dragon” that snakes through southwest Virginia. The Back of the Dragon compresses 438 turns into 32 miles and provides some of the best scenery you’ll find in North America. The lush greenery along this route looks more like an Amazon rainforest than American backcountry, though the sound of turbocharged six-, eight-, and 10-cylinder engines confirmed which country we were in. An excellent appetizer before LongTail Rally’s main course...

The 2024 LongTail Rally headline event — The Tail of the Dragon

Day 6: The Tail of the Dragon

If The Back of the Dragon’s 438 turns in 32 miles wasn’t enough to hold a driver’s interest, the Tail of the Dragon’s 318 turns in 11 miles surely did the trick. Boasting international fame as one of the best driving experiences on the planet, the Tail of the Dragon lived up to its hype. LongTailers enjoyed several back-and-forth excursions on this ribbon of road that borders the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The Tail certainly requires your full attention, but its smooth pavement offers the perfect environment for capable cars driven by capable drivers.

A week of driving adventures brings LongTail members closer...maybe too close...

Day 7: Party Time in Nashville

After begrudgingly departing The Dragon our rally troupe made its way to Music City. Nashville’s summer nightlife and charm rivals New Orleans’ during Marti Gras, with teeming revelers lining downtown streets as the sun sets. You can feel the energy of one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., and after 7 days and 1,000 miles of automotive adventure it was the perfect last stop to celebrate car culture camaraderie. A final party at the Redneck Riviera on Broadway gave drivers and co-drivers a chance to relax and relive the week’s events.

Two heads, and drivers, are better than one, as reflected in the LongTail Rally's better half

And there was a lot to relive, with LongTail 2024 offering nearly as many “chill” days as driving days. For this fourth year the list of non-driving activities was the longest yet, and a testament to how well organizers Mike Knapp and Julie Milne have balanced traditional automotive adventure with rare and imaginative life experiences. Best of all, the LongTail Rally’s history of bringing like-minded enthusiasts together, and creating bonds that feel more like family than friends, is more prominent every time this unique event happens.

Mike Knapp and Julie Milne continue to make the magic happen on every LongTail event

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Crash of a Lisunov LI-2 in Kirov: 3 killed

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Liberty Square Riverboat Typical Wait Times by Time of Day

What are wait times typically like for Liberty Square Riverboat each day? The table below shows the recent average of wait times for Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom, listed in 5 minute intervals.

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Lightning lane multi pass availability & return times, lightning lane multi pass availability map, last available lightning lane time, more liberty square riverboat graphs, liberty square riverboat possible delays, liberty square riverboat wait time heat map, download liberty square riverboat data.

For Walt Disney World dining, please book your reservation online. 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Cruise the picturesque Rivers of America aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat in Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida.

Ride Vehicles. The Liberty Square Riverboat is a 47-foot-tall working steamship called The Liberty Belle. It is propelled by the paddle wheel that is itself propelled by the steam engine. It is a reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the Mississippi River.

Aboard the Liberty Belle. Featuring meticulously detailed wood craftsmanship, the 47-foot tall Liberty Belle is a working reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi. An actual steam engine converts water from the river into steam that powers the large paddle that in turn propels the boat.

General Ride Information. Average Wait Time: The Liberty Square Riverboat typically has short wait times, averaging 10-20 minutes on moderate and busy days. Height Requirement: There is no height requirement for this slow-moving boat ride. Single Rider: The Liberty Square Riverboat does not offer single rider lines. Ride Duration: The total ride duration is approximately 12 minutes as the ...

Ride Guide to Liberty Square Riverboat. Board a vintage steamer ship for a gentle ride circling Liberty Square and Frontierland, while hearing charming tales of American life in the days of Mark Twain. ... The Liberty Square Riverboat offers a serene and leisurely experience, allowing you to unwind and soak in the ambiance of an era long past ...

Magical Moments. The views from the Riverboat are fantastic, and are unlike those you'll see wandering around the park (particularly for the Haunted Mansion and Tom Sawyer Island). Visit the Liberty Square Riverboat at night when its lit by hundreds of brilliant white lights. Listen closely to the ship's captain as you tour the Rivers of ...

The Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square across from the Hall of Presidents and to the left of the Haunted Mansion. ATTRACTION. The Rivers of America wind their way around Tom Sawyer Island. The half-mile journey takes just under 20 minutes to travel. The Liberty Belle departs several times a day from the Liberty Boat Landing ...

Take a ride on a replica of an early American Steam Ship with all the excitment of the real thing. Cruise around Tom Sawyer Island and catch some grand views of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. LOCATION: On Liberty Square at Disney Magic Kingdom. From the entrance head to the Castle and then turn left towards Liberty Square.

Welcome aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. In this stunn...

The Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom® Park. Guests board and depart the boat at the Liberty Square Riverboat Landing located near The Hall of Presidents (to the left of The Haunted Mansion). The duration of the attraction is about 17 minutes. The boat holds approximately 450 guests and has three ...

Liberty Square Riverboat. This large paddle-wheel riverboat navigates the waters around Tom Sawyer Island and Fort Langhorn, passing settler cabins, old mining paraphernalia, an Indian village, and a small menagerie of animatronic wildlife. A beautiful craft, the Liberty Belle provides a lofty perspective of Frontierland and Liberty Square .

The Liberty Square Riverboat allows guests to set sail to a bygone era aboard the Liberty Belle.. Ride Information Restrictions Accessibility Location Fun Facts Top 5 Tips. Ride Information. Opening Day: October 2, 1971 Type of Ride: Boat Age Recommendation: All ages Duration of Ride: 16 minutes Typical Queue Time: Short; about 30 minutes, or the length until the next departure

The Liberty Square Riverboat attraction docks at - you guessed it - Liberty Square. The boat itself is named the Liberty Belle. It's an old-timey (read: historic) steam-powered paddle-wheel riverboat that travels around the Rivers of America. As you ride, you'll hear a recorded narrator share memories of Mark Twain's time on the ...

The boat, the 'Liberty Belle' is an authentic replica of an old style paddle-wheel driven boat and holds approximately 450 guests across its 3 decks. From the boat you can get a great view of both Frontierland and Liberty Square and is a great place to unwind and get out of the crowds. The boat operates several times throughout the day.

Opened: October 1, 1971. Ride length: 12 minutes, 45 seconds. Lightning Lane: No. ARTICLE: Taking a Ride on the Newly Reopened Liberty Square Riverboat. Overview/History: The Liberty Belle is an authentic replica of an old paddle wheel riverboat. It travels down the Rivers of America and circles Tom Sawyer Island several times a day.

Liberty Square Riverboat Possible Delays. This graph shows the possible delay data for Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom within the past 30 days of 08/01/2024. On average, there are 0 minutes worth of delays per day. A delay is considered as any time the attraction does not report wait time data for 10 minutes or more.

The Liberty Square Riverboat (aka the Liberty Belle) is the massive boat located in Liberty Square that you've most likely walked right past on every single visit to Magic Kingdom. We're highlighting what makes this attraction so unique, and why everyone- regardless of their age- should always take a ride on the Liberty Belle when they ...

7. Come One, Come All. We love the exclusivity of the Liberty Square Riverboat! Because it's a slow-moving boat ride, there are no height or age restrictions, and it's a family-friendly attraction. It might not keep thrill-seekers entertained, but we think it's a brilliant way to take a break from the chaos of a busy day in the parks.

See the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take a ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island, where you can explore the statue up close and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The same ferry will take you to Ellis Island, where you can learn about the millions of immigrants who passed through its doors seeking a new life in America.

Those questions were asked and answered on the 2024 LongTail Rally, as the 8-day excursion saw exotic cars parading through New York's Times Square, taking over PNC Park in Pittsburgh, gathering ...

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This graph shows the possible delay data for Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom within the past 30 days of 04/18/2024. On average, there are 0 minutes worth of delays per day. A delay is considered as any time the attraction does not report wait time data for 10 minutes or more. There are many possible causes for a delay, including the ...

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Russian River Cruises

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Russian River Cruises fleet

Ms pyotr velikiy.

MS Mustai Karim

Scenic Tsar

Viking Akun

Viking Ingvar

Ms general lavrinenkov.

MS Lunnaya Sonata

Viking Truvor

MS Yuri Andropov

MS Zosima Shashkov

MS Crucelake-Lebedinoe Ozero

MS Leonid Sobolev

MS Mikhail Sholokhov

Review of Russian River Cruises

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" hub provides detailed information on ships, itineraries, tours and prices on cruises along rivers and lakes in Russia. Here you'll also find concise info on the largest Russian cruise companies, including Vodohod , Mosturflot , Infoflot , Doninturflot-Orthodox , Imperial River Cruises Russia .

In the "Fleet" section you will find an extensive list or Russian cruise ships. By following each ship link you will find the ship's review, deck plans, scheduled itineraries and cruise pricing information. Live ship tracking is also provided on a digital map. It shows the vessel's current location, cruising speed and course.

In the "Itinerary" section you will find maps and day-by-day scheduled activities planned by Europe's largest cruise companies, also operating in Russia via chartered riverboats.

Volga River Cruises in Russia

Volga river cruising in Russia places you in another time. The longest and largest river in Europe stretches from Ivan the Terrible to Catherine the Great. Today, live along the central artery of Russia looks like it always has - the villages, the churches, the people, just like an old painting you have seen in a gallery.

The Volga flows through central Russia into the Caspian Sea and is often called the national river of Russia. 11 of the 20 largest cities of the country, including the capital Moscow, are in Volga's watershed. Some of the world's largest reservoirs can be found along the river, which has a symbolic meaning in Russian culture, referred to as Mother Volga (Volga Matushka) in Russian folklore and literature.

Explore the land of the Tsars while sailing down the historic Volga river, typically between Moscow and St Petersburg , the traditional homeports (of embarkation and debarkation). Tour landmarks are the Red Square and Kremlin in Moscow, the Hermitage and Catherine Palace in St Petersburg.

Once unthinkable as a cruise vacation destination, Russia is today more accessible than ever, with stops along its largest European lakes and rivers. For river travel lovers accustomed to European itineraries, the Russian experience will be quite different. Russia has a special feel of uniquely designed riverboats. Built to handle larger lakes (Lake Ladoga for example, is the largest European freshwater body of water), these vessels usually feature larger size and capacity (up to six decks), deeper draft, and most of them are refurbished instead of being newbuild.

The itineraries offered are activity-intensive in Moscow and St Petersburg, with long periods of cruising and less ashore time in the middle. Smaller "Golden Ring" cities (so named due to their historic significance) are full of icon-riddled monasteries and Orthodox churches. Most cruise lines hire local experts and fill the days of sailing along the river with lectures on country's history, cooking demonstrations and language lessons.

Most of the tours offered by the companies sailing along Volga River are identical, so customers choosing between the different itineraries should look at how the river ships spend the time within Moscow and St. Petersburg. Some lines have their guests stay onboard, which can be as far as 1 hour out of both cities. Others put their clients up at hotels near the center of the city, with several meals at customer's expense.

Compared with other river routes, Russia features a short season, between early May and late October, with high season in June (known as White Nights because of the endless daylight), July and August. Even if the weather is chilly, there are some advantages to sailing early or late: you'll beat the crowds which can make a visit to the Hermitage a bear. Most Russian museums lack air-conditioning, and while the climate is generally temperate, in the summer Moscow often experiences high humidity heat waves.

Remember to think about your Russian visa at least 2 months before your voyage, to have enough time to fill out the paperwork, including a lengthy online application. And don't forget that the Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Even in the cities, you'll rarely find signs in English, so learning some letters and a few phrases will help you get around.

Doninturflot-Orthodox Cruise Company

Orthodox Cruise Company operates a fleet of USSR-design large river ships and serves mainly foreign tourists. The parent company Doninturflot (established in 1992) is the shipowner and manages the fleet.

• Doninturflot started operations with the ships MS Maxim Litvinov, MS Mikhail Sholokhov and MS Sergei Dyagilev.
• Since 2002, Docturflot charters Akademik Glushkov (currently MS Igor Stravinsky) owned by OOO Rosflotinvest.
• In 2004 was acquired MS Anton Chekhov from Yenisei River Shipping Company (Russia).
• In 2006 were acquired MS Peter Tchaikovsky and MS Ivan Bunin from the Moscow-based cruise shipping company "Passenger Port".
• In 2008 was bought MS General Lavrinenkov from "Ukrrechflot" (Ukraine).
• In 2011 was bought MS Marshal Koshevoy (from Ukrrichflot, Ukraine) but in April 2013 the ship was sold to Viking Cruises (now operates as Viking Akun ).
• In 2016, was purchased MS Tikhi Don from the UK-based Grand Circle Travel company. In 2017, the ship started operations for Orthodox Cruise Company serving international tourists.

Imperial River Cruises Russia

"Imperial River Cruises Russia" was founded in 1992 and operates on inland waterways in both Russia and Ukraine. Company's chartered ships navigate on the rivers Volga, Don, Neva, Svir, Dnieper (also on the Danube) and the Russian lakes Onega and Ladoga.

The most operated itineraries are between Moscow and St Petersburg (visiting Uglich, Kostrom, Yaroslavl, Goritzy). Specially designed itineraries visit Vladimir, Suzdal, Zagorsk, Solovki Island. Also offered are itineraries Moscow-Volgograd and Moscow-Rostov, roundtrips from Kiev, and even grand voyages connecting two seas - Baltic and Black. Also offered are themed cruises - especially on food and music, with live performances by grand orchestras and choirs.

Imperial River Cruises Russia has an exclusive partnership with "Orthodox Cruise Company" - one of Russia's largest tour operators. As their names suggest, both companies target mainly foreign tourists - booking in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia. Ships' capacity varies between 180-250 passengers. English (or German) speaking licensed tour guides are provided on all excursions. The daily onboard entertainment program offers live musical performances, folk shows, enrichment lectures.

Russian river cruise deals

• Departure port (dock/berth), check-in, boarding and landing times are indicated on the company's website and on passenger boarding passes. Ship's exact departure time is clarified on the website the day prior departure.
• Kids discount ticket prices are offered for children up to 14 years of age (14-yo including), the age being fixed on departure day.
• Kids from 2 to 5 years of age (5-yo including) travel free of charge, but without providing an additional bed (if there are no free beds in the cabin). Shore excursions are also free of charge.
• Toddlers (kids under 2) travel free of charge, but the bed, food, and tour services are not provided. Extra beds in staterooms (baby cribs, cots) are not available on the ship.
• TWIN (double cabin) single supplement rate is 75%.
• Ticket prices are inclusive of 3 meals a day. Onboard dining includes Breakfast (buffet style, drinks - cocoa, milk, juices, hot-cold dishes), Lunch (buffet style) and Dinner (waiter-served, 1 Starter, 1 Main course (choice of 3 / meat-fish-vegetarian), 1 Dessert (choice of 2 or fruits). Water in pitchers is always provided. Tea/coffee is served.
• On embarkation day and disembarkation day (at the end of the voyage) meal times depend on landing times. If a land tour coincides with a meal time (lunch), passengers are provided with complimentary food at a local restaurant (cafe) or given "dry rations".
• Ticket price inclusive onboard events are Welcome Aboard ("bread and salt" ceremony), Welcome Cocktail (complimentary 1 glass of champagne or juice per person), "Tea Ceremony" (with traditional pies), "Vodka Show" (blini and vodka tasting), Cocktail Party (once per cruise, complimentary 1 cocktail per person), Captain's Dinner (gourmet menu, once per cruise), mulled wine or ice tea (weather-depending / upon returning from excursions), complimentary Coffee Station (coffee, hot water, packed tea, milk, cocoa, cookies), 1 bottled water (0.33l pp per day in cabins). Tickets are also inclusive of foreign language speaking guide services, onboard entertainment (language class, singing lessons, live music, nightly dancing music, Wheelhouse tour).
• Complimentary excursions are detailed in the ship's cruise itinerary program. Optional tours are available for onboard booking. For excursion services, foreigner passengers may be charged with additional fee pp per day (varies by cruise tour length).
• Cruise tickets don't include land transfers (excepting foreign travel agency bookings), beverages and snacks (in onboard bars-lounges), phone calls, sauna visits, optional excursions, travel insurance, gratuities, personal spendings. Ticket prices include 18% VAT.
• Smoking on the ship is allowed only in designated areas (marked with "Place for smoking" signs). Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces and on open decks (except at designated areas).
• On most ships are available health gymnastics and morning exercises (led by a certified physician/ship's doctor), oxygen cocktail, dietary food.
• On most ships are provided (free of charge) the following medical services - emergency medical care (assistance required for sudden acute illnesses, conditions, exacerbation of chronic diseases), measurement of blood pressure and body temperature, primary treatment of wounds.
• Boarding starts 2 hours prior to departure. All passengers must be boarded at least an hour prior to departure. Late passengers missing their cruise tour are not refunded.
• Russia's main river cruise departure ports are Moscow , St Petersburg , Astrakhan , Nizhny Novgorod , Perm , Samara , Kazan , Volgograd , Rostov-on-Don , Saratov .

Russian cruise ships

Currently, in Russia is operated a huge fleet of over 200 river cruise ships. All these vessels were built during the USSR (Soviet Union) times, roughly in the period between 1950-1990. Depending on class and series, these boats differ in terms of size, equipment (different engine designs), passenger capacity, onboard facilities and venues, cabins (types and number). Amenities additionally differ by shipowner (cruise company).

All these old-design Russian ships were completely refurbished and rebuilt for their new shipowners, Some of these ships are operated (via partnerships or under charter) also by foreign companies (like Viking, CroisiEurope, Uniworld, AMAwaterways, Grand Circle, Nicko). During their multi-million-dollar drydock refits, vessels passenger capacities were considerably reduced to improve travel comfort and safety.

Most boats are of the following classes:

• "Rossiya" (Project 785, 36 vessels built 1952-1958)
• "Baykal" (Project 646, 15 units built 1953-1956)
• "Rodina" (Project 588, 49 vessels built 1954-1961)
• "Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsiya" (Project 26-37, 14 units built 1957-1962)
• "Dunay" (Project 305, 47 vessels built between 1959-1964)
• "Kuybyshev" (Project OL400, 9 units built 1975-1983)
• "Vladimir Ilyich" (Project 301, 22 vessels built between 1975-1983)
• "Dmitri Furmanov" (Project 302, 27 vessels built between 1983-1991)

Regardless of their age, all these motor ships undergo regular drydock refurbishments , machinery and safety checks, scheduled repairs (including annual surveys). Drydocks are every 5 years and include repairs, hull inspection, propulsion-steering inspection, general maintenance works.

Each ship is equipped with life-saving appliances (lifeboats and rafts) in amounts exceeding the boat's max passenger and crew capacity. Each cabin is equipped with lifejackets with illustrated instructions in several languages. All ships are equipped with modern fire-fighting systems. Crew and staff are experienced and highly professional certified employees.

Itinerary of Russian River Cruises

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" itinerary section provides information on itineraries and ports of call offered by the largest Russian and European river cruise companies - Vodohod, Viking, Uniworld, Scenic, CroisiEurope. Each foreign company has a partnership with a local company and operates as a joint venture one or more Russian ships.

For detailed itinerary information (routes) visit our pages of the following departure ports - Saratov , Volgograd , Samara , Perm , Nizhny Novgorod , Cheboksary , Rostov-on-Don ,  Kazan , Astrakhan , Moscow , St Petersburg .

Volga River cruise ports highlights

• St Petersburg (Russia's second-largest city - after Moscow) was built by Tzar Peter the Great in 1703. It is located in the Neva River delta (Gulf of Finland's east coast). Saint Petersburg includes the territories of more than 130 islands interconnected by over 300 bridges. The city has a huge number of cultural and historical sights, architectural landmarks, museums, magnificent palaces (Russian Tsars' former residences), grand parks, wide avenues, bridges, numerous monuments. Among its most famous tourist attractions are the Hermitage museum (housing over 2 million pieces of art). Two days is never enough to see everything in this remarkable city. However, passengers will usually visit the Hermitage, admire the city's 19th-century architecture during a canal cruise tour, take in a cultural performance, visit one of the Versailles-style palaces in St. Petersburg's countryside (Pushkin or Peterhof).
• Moscow (Russian Federation's capital and largest city) was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. The city was destroyed several times - by the Mongolians, Napoleon, the Nazis. The heart of the city lies in the Red Square, which contains Lenin's Tomb, St Basil's Cathedral, and GUM Department Store. Kremlin's red walls also border the square. Inside the fort are the Armoury (containing the Faberge eggs) and 9 onion-domed churches. Art-fans can seek out Pushkin Gallery or see a show at Bolshoi Theatre.
• Yaroslavl is one of the Golden Ring cities of Russia, and the largest city to visit during the middle of your Volga cruise. The town is famous for its gorgeous churches. It also offers several pedestrian-only streets full of shops and cafes, as well as a lovely embankment used as a park.
• Uglich has a provincial setting. It was found in the 10th century and was a scene of some of medieval Russian history's most remarkable events. Here were exiled the Ivan Terrible’s 7th wife and her son Tsarevich Dmitry. Soon after, Tsarevich was mysteriously murdered here. Soon after, a dedicated to this event church ("Church of St. Demetrius on the Blood") was erected. Within the Uglich Kremlin walls is the town's oldest building - "Prince’s Palace". Other attractions are St. John’s Church and the Transfiguration Cathedral.
• Astrakhan was founded at the end of the 13th century and is located on the Volga's left bank. Port’s activities extend 100 km downstream and over 300 km upstream along the river. The city is a major trading center and its main business is freight shipping (coal, timber, salt, food, industrial products). Astrakhan is not linked to the railroad network. Cargoes are transferred by floating cranes from river ships to seagoing vessels.
• Goritsy is a small village on River Sheksna, famous for its Resurrection Convent, At approx 4 ml (7 km) from Goritsy is Kirillov - a pilgrimage site with many historical and architectural monuments. Among those are the Kirillo-Belozerski monastery, Ferapont monastery (UNESCO site), 12 churches, 25 civil monuments.
• Kizhi Island (Lake Onega) is located approx 70 km (40 ml) to the northeast of Petrozavodsk. The island has two onion-domed churches. Also here is the 17th-century-built 22-domed church - constructed without using a single nail. Its "Church of the Transfiguration of our Savior" and "Church of the Intercession" were rebuilt several times and are preserved in their original 17th-century design.
• Mandrogi (Mandroga) is a small village on the Svir river recently created as a tourist attraction. It features small wooden log cabin houses. Its “town of masters” is a market for hand-made Russian art craft, including paintings, painted wooden dolls, embroidery, pottery. Other attractions are the elk nursery and the quail farm, horse-riding tours, food tasting (pastry), vodka tasting (museum of Russian vodka).
• Kostroma is also one of the Golden Ring cities, and once was one of Russia's 3 largest cities - after Moscow and Yaroslavl, It is located at the confluence of the rivers Volga and Kostroma. Among the attractions are the St Ipathy monastery, an open-air museum (traditional wooden architecture- izbas, mills, churches are gathered in one place).
• Kizhi is famous the whole world over. It has become the symbol of the grandeur of unique Russian culture. Visiting the Kizhi Islands gives a great chance to appreciate the enchanting medieval atmosphere and get acquainted with the customs and free spirit of men living in a spacious area with a rigorous climate
• Kazan. The largest port in the Volga basin, it transships cargoes transported by water alone or by water and rail. The port receives coal from Kuznetsk Basin for Kazan's heat and electric power plant, food and industrial products, and ships out products of city's enterprises and Siberian timber. The port includes Tsentral’nyi, Kama, and Volga cargo areas, as well as a number of landings, the biggest of which is Naberezhnye Chelny and Chistopol’. The basin of the Tsentral’nyi Cargo Area and passenger area are protected by a breakwater.
• Novgorod (Nizhniy Novgorod) is an ancient stronghold founded by Gran Prince Yuri as a frontier post, is now the 5th largest city of Russia as well as one of the main centers of river tourism in the country. In the 19th century, Nizhniy became the trade center of the whole state as it was the place of the biggest fair in the Russian Empire. A proverb of that time says: "Moscow is the heart of Russia, St. Petersburg is its head, and Nizhniy Novgorod - its pocketbook". The city was renamed "Gorky" in Soviet times, in honor of the writer Maxim Gorky, born there. Until 1990, Nizhniy Novgorod was “closed” to foreigners as USSR protected its military secrets. Nizhniy Novgorod is included in the UNESCO list of 100 cities constituting world cultural and historical value.
• Samara - during the Soviet period the city was named Kuybyshev, in honor of the Soviet party figure Valerian Kuybyshev. The shortest ways from Central and Western Europe to Kazakhstan, Siberia, and Central Asia run through Samara. The city has a rich cultural heritage: Alexey Tolstoy spent his childhood and youth there. Maxim Gorky started his literary career in the city - he worked in "Samara Newspaper". The Czech writer Yaroslav Gashek also worked in Samara, during the Civil war. Famous artists like Ilya Repin, Ivan Ayvazovsky, Vasily Surikov, lived in the city. During the Great Patriotic War, the Seventh Symphony of Dmitry Shostakovich was performed in Samara for the first time.
• Tver - the White Trinity Church (1564) is the sole ancient monument of Tver as in 1763, there was a great fire after which the city was rebuilt in Neoclassical style. There are also a lot of buildings of Catherine the Great. Tver State University is highly rated in the region. In 1931, Tver received the name Kalinin, in honor of the Soviet leader Mikhail Kalinin. The city was occupied by the German army in 1941. Only 2 months later it became the first big city in Europe liberated from the occupation.
• Ulyanovsk is located on the right bank of the Kuibyshev Reservoir. Port's activities extend 90 km downstream and 100 km upstream along the Volga. The port unloads mineral construction materials, food, and industrial products for the cities of Saransk and Uljanovsk, and ships out coal from Kuznetsk Basin, automobiles, foodstuffs. Its passenger area was rebuilt in 1969 and includes a large number of landings, the biggest being Melekess and Sengilei. The basin of the port of Ulyanovsk is protected by a breakwater.
• Saratov (founded in 1590) is the capital city of a huge province that as size equals the territories of Albania, Belgium and Switzerland combined. In the late 19th century, Saratov became a center for industry and trade, Among the city's attractions, are Moskovskaya street (Europe's longest straight street), one of Europe's longest bridges (2,8 km long), children’s theater, puppet theater, Russia’s oldest circus, musical conservatory, beaches, Art Galleries, Lipki Park, two large casinos.
• Volgograd (currently Stalingrad) was founded in 1589. This is a major port and shipping hub linking Donets Basin with the Urals and Upper Volga Region. It ships grain, coal, food, and industrial products upstream and receives mineral construction materials and timber. The port’s districts are situated within the cities of Volzhsk and Volgograd (Tsentral’nyi). Kamyshin is the biggest landing belonging to the port. Among Volgograd's attractions is the Mamayev Hill with numerous sculptures devoted to the WW2 victims and topped with the world’s largest freestanding statue “Mother Russia” (height 52 m / 171 ft). Adjacent is the "Museum of the Defense" (war artifacts, weapons, uniforms).

All ships listed here operate on Russian waterways. To this long list should be additionally added the following boats, which are currently listed in the fleets of their own companies:

• Scenic Tsar (company Scenic Cruises )
• River Victoria (company Uniworld )
• Viking Rurik , Viking Akun , Viking Helgi , Viking Ingvar , Viking Truvor (company Viking Cruises )

Viking River Cruises in Russia - Itinerary "Waterways of the Tsars"

Viking's itinerary is named "Waterways of the Tsars" (13-day cruise) inclusive of:

• all transfers and port charges
• Riverview stateroom
• 10 guided tours (audio headsets provided)
• all onboard meals (including 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners, Welcome Cocktail Reception, Gala Dinner)
• complimentary beverages (wine, beer, and soft drinks with all dinners and lunches)
• complimentary Wi-Fi
• visiting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• enrichment events (onshore live music and dance performances), onboard Russian language lessons, history-themed lectures, Russian cooking workshop, Russian tea time).
• Viking's Russian cruise fares are between USD 5,100 - 5,600 PP. Prices are inclusive of international airfare from 30 USA airports.
• Airport transfers (meet & greet) are included only when flights are purchased through Viking Cruises.

Optional (additionally priced) extensions are:

• (pre-cruise) 2-night Moscow hotel package (Radisson Royal Hotel or similar), with included 2 breakfasts, Moscow Subway guided tour, Viking host services.
• (post-cruise) 3-night Helsinki hotel package (Radisson Blu Plaza or similar), with included 3 breakfasts, guided walking tour, Viking host services, train travel (St Petersburg to Helsinki), all hotel and ship transfers.

Itineraries are two: northbound (Moscow to St Petersburg) or the reverse southbound (St Petersburg to Moscow).

• (Day 1) Moscow arrival, airport to ship transfer, onboard dinner
• (Day 2) half-day Moscow tour (Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, GUM Department Store, Moscow Metro)
• (Day 3) free time full-day Moscow touring, or an optional morning tour to Tretyakov Gallery Russian fine art museum). Other optional tours are in the afternoon (Cosmonaut Museum, Jewish Moscow) and in the evening (Moscow by Night).
• (Day 4) Moscow tour to Kremlin (Tsar’s Canon, Tsar’s Bell, 2 cathedrals), scenic Moscow Canal cruise (after lunch) as the ships departs the city.
• (Day 5) Uglich arrival (after lunch), disembarkation for a guided walking tour (Kremlin of Uglich, Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, tea at a local family home), before dinner departure
• (Day 6) Yaroslavl arrival in the morning, guided tour (covered food market, handcrafted souvenirs shopping), free time, ship lunch, departure.
• (Day 7) Kuzino morning arrival, tour to Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (guided walk- wooden chapels, Assumption Cathedral, museum), children’s school, ship lunch, afternoon departure.
• (Day 8) Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) afternoon arrival, walking tour (Open Air Museum of Architecture- wooden houses, windmills, churches, Preobranzhenskaya Church), evening departure.
• (Day 9) Mandrogy (Svir River cruising) afternoon arrival (Vodka Museum, handmade Russian craft shopping, optional banya / Russian bathhouse visit, optional tour (matryoshka doll making workshop), Lake Ladoga cruising to Neva River.
• (Day 10) — St Petersburg (Neva River cruising), early morning arrival, onboard breakfast, guided tour (Winter Palace, Hermitage Museum), onboard dinner and evening live Russian ballet performance.
• (Day 11) St Petersburg tour to Pushkin district (Catherine Palace), ship lunch, city tour (St Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt), optional evening folklore performance.
• (Day 12) free time St Petersburg touring (optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, optional afternoon kommunalka tour, optional St Petersburg canal cruise from), onboard lunch and dinner.
• (Day 13) St Petersburg - onboard breakfast, ship disembarkation, ship to airport transfer for the return flight.

Uniworld Cruises in Russia - itinerary "Imperial Waterways of Russia"

The 13-day long itinerary is named "Imperial Waterways of Russia" and operated by the ship River Victoria. Uniworld's Russian cruise fares range between USD 5,200 and 9,900 PP (depending on cabin category.

• Day 1 – Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport arrival, ship transfer, embarkation)
• Day 2 – Moscow (city tour, metro tour, Arbat Street) - Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, Russian lunch included, onboard Captain’s Welcome Reception, Gala Dinner
• Day 3 – Moscow (Kremlin, Armory Museum)
• Day 4 – Moscow (leisure day)
• Day 5 – Moscow Canal and Volga River cruising to Uglich (walking tour)
• Day 6 – Yaroslavl (Lake Rybinsk cruising) - city tour
• Day 7 – Goritsy (Lake Onega cruising) - monasteries, St Cyril of the White Lake Monastery, Children’s Arts and Crafts,
• Day 8 – Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) - Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture
• Day 9 – Svir River cruising to Mandrogi, Lake Ladoga cruising - Mandrogi walk tour (picnic lunch)
• Day 10 – St Petersburg (city tour, canal cruise, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, ballet performance at Alexandrinsky Theatre)
• Day 11 – St Petersburg (Catherine Palace, Pushkin Park)
• Day 12 – St Petersburg (Winter Palace - Hermitage Museum, Captain’s Farewell Reception, Gala Dinner)
• Day 13 – St Petersburg (disembarkation, transfer and return flight).

Scenic River Cruises in Russia - itinerary "The Imperial Wonders Of Russia"

The itinerary is operated by Scenic Tzar and named "Imperial Jewels of Russia". Its duration is 15-day, along Volga and Svir rivers. Scenic Cruises deals are inclusive of:

• Scenic Enrich - handcrafted, Scenic passengers exclusive tour experiences (private shows, family meals prepared by local hosts)
• Scenic Sundowners - exclusive cocktail events
• all onboard meals (including complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunches and dinners)
• onboard doctor
• onboard entertainment
• in-cabin room service
• Wi-Fi internet (Mac mini infotainment system via the cabin's TV)
• all gratuities
• Scenic's Russian cruise fares are USD 11,500 PP.

Day-by-day itinerary info: Day 1 (Moscow), Day 2 (Moscow, Sundowners canal cruise), Day 3 (Moscow - Kremlin), Day 4 (Moscow - Cosmonaut meeting), Day 5 (Moscow - Tretyakov Gallery), Day 6 (Uglich), Day 7 (Yaroslavl - city tour), Day 8 (Goritsy - Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery), Day 9 (Kizhi Island - Church of Transfiguration), Day 10 (Mandrogi - Museum village), Day 11 (St Petersburg - Hermitage), Day 12 (St Petersburg - Peterhof Palace), Day 13 (St Petersburg - Private Ballet performance), Day 14 (St Petersburg - canal cruise), Day 15 (return flight).

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