Definitely Not a Lame Duck Excursion!

Since the early 19th century, riverboats have been the way to experience the sights, sounds (and smells) of the Queen City. But now, a new option is catching on like a duck to water.

Ride The Ducks, a Philadelphia-based sight-seeing tour company, has brought this sightseeing experience to Kentucky’s Newport on the Levee. The tour is a mix of entertainment and education, as a US Coast Guard-certified captain serves as a tour guide. On the Newport-based tour, guests can learn about Newport and Ohio history, the Ohio River, its famous personalities and its impact on the state and the nation.

Guests can also interact with the captains and passersby, blowing on bill-shaped whistles called “Wacky Quackers” as they experience the rich history of Cincinnati. Land “a-quack-tions” include the World Peace Bell, the Roebling Suspension Bridge, the Newport Aquarium, the Serpentine Wall, the Historic Riverside Drive, Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ballpark.

History buffs can appreciate the historical value of the boats. The amphibious ducks are based on the classic World War II DUKW amphibious design transformed into sightseeing Ride The Ducks vessels. The use of military DUKW vehicles began during the 1950s when an American entrepreneur recognized their commercial value and began off-road land and water tours, Ride The Ducks, LLC said in a statement. Today, the company builds its vehicles from the ground up, using the latest in marine design and safety.

Ride the Ducks caters to families, school groups and working professionals with private groups. In fact, each vehicle can accommodate up to 36 guests and Ride The Ducks can accommodate groups from 20 to 200. So, they can handle your small group of happy hour cubicle buddies or a holiday outing with all your colleagues.

According to Ride The Ducks, they carry more than a million passengers annually on a national basis, including the Newport location. And it’s easy to join in on the fun. Tickets can be purchased at Newport on the Levee in front of Newport Aquarium. Adult tickets cost $13, child tickets cost $10, and children 2 years and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office at Newport on the Levee. The tour operates Monday though Friday at noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday times are 11 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

For more information about Ride The Ducks, visit the company’s Web site, or call (859) 815-1439 for tickets.

PHOTO CREDITS
Photo: Courtesy of Ride The Ducks