Major Riviera

07/31/2024

Our website now features ONE calendar with twice the amount of fun! When buying tickets online, guests can now view all of the events available each day for both the Major/Riviera and Valley Gem Sternwheeler. There are so many chances to take a riverboat cruise this season, so don’t miss out!

Check out: www.valleygemsternwheeler.com

07/24/2024

Are you interested in learning more about the history of our area and the riverboat captains that came before us? Join us for our 2nd annual Dinner with Historical Figures on August 2nd from 6:30-8:30pm.

Guests will enjoy a 2 hr cruise, dinner, and hear the tales of trailblazing captains presented by The Company.

Purchase tickets now by calling 740-373-7862 or visit www.valleygemsternwheeler.com and select “Book Major/Riviera.”

07/23/2024

Assemble your teams and join us for food and fun on the river for our 80s movie trivia night! Next Thursday, August 1st 6:30-8:30pm. Teams will compete for prize basket perfect for your next at-home movie night.

Tickets are on sale now and include dinner, coke products, and a 2 hr cruise. Bar services will be available throughout the evening.

Call 740-373-7862 or select “Book Major/Riviera.” At www.valleygemsternwheeler.com

07/22/2024

Join us for another unique dining experience as we cruise the Ohio River! Our Farm to Table Dinner Cruise is this Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm. Our Chef, Casandra Clark has prepared a delicious menu featuring locally sourced ingredients which will be served family style to your table.

SPACE IS LIMITED! Make sure to make your reservation. Call 740-373-7862 or visit www.valleygemsternwheeler.com and select “Book Major/Riviera.”

07/12/2024

In 1806, Anne Elliot, the daughter of a baronet, falls in love with Captain Wentworth, despite his lack of fortune and prospects. Against her heart, she is persuaded to break off her engagement by Lady Russell, a close family friend who has been like a mother to Anne. Eight years later, brokenhearted, despondent, and ill-used by her family, Anne encounters Captain Wentworth once more, only to learn that he is now rich, very successful—and looking for a wife. The prior years of bitterness and resentment will truly test their love for each other, as well as Anne's will to resist the persuasion of others.

Cruise and dine with us as The Company at the Major/Riviera presents “Persuasion”, a one-act adaptation of the Jane Austen novel. We’re looking forward to bringing you this timeless tale of love and longing as we cruise down the river in this unique theatrical dining experience!

Tickets available now at valleygemsternwheeler.com (Select Major/Riviera booking)

Dates: July 13, 19, & 20

06/26/2024

Sense & Sensibility is BACK for our final weekend of performances!

Our Summer of Jane Austen Series continues this weekend with our one-act adaptation of Sense and Sensibility! Performances are June 28th and 29th from 6:30-8:30pm.

Guests will cruise the Ohio River and enjoy a delicious dinner followed by the show.

“At the dawn of the Regency, two sisters, Elinor and Marianne are thrust into poverty by their brother’s scheming and manipulative wife. Reduced to living with their mother in a tiny cottage with their prospects for marriage nearly ruined, the sisters are nevertheless courted by three dynamic men, each with a dark secret.”

740-373-7862 or visit www.valleygemsternwheeler.com and select “Book Major/Riviera.”

06/17/2024

The Great Race is coming to Marietta this weekend! Make sure to include our Race Luncheon in your plans on Saturday from 11am-1pm. We’ll be serving up a menu perfect for the occasion:

Classic Burger Bar (beef and turkey burgers with all of your favorite fixings)
“Pit Stop” Pork and Peppers
Car-prese Pasta Salad
Piston Potato Salad
And Snow Cone cupcakes for dessert.

Book your seats now! 740-373-7862 or select “Book Major/Riviera.” On our website. 🏎️🏁🏆

06/12/2024

Come and enjoy some of the Great Race Weekend on the Major Riviera

Cruise the Ohio river on June 22nd from 11am- 1pm and enjoy a picnic style meal. The luncheon menu will be inspired by the race.

Ticket price includes 2-hour cruise, lunch, coffee, tea, water, and coke products. Our bar will also be open throughout the cruise. $38 for adults, $36 for Seniors 55+, $28 for kids 3-12 yrs. Reservations required. 740-373-7862 or select “Book Major/Riviera” at www.valleygemsternwheeler.com

06/10/2024

Our Summer of Jane Austen Series continues this weekend with our one-act adaptation of Sense and Sensibility! Performances are June 15th, 28th and 29th from 6:30-8:30pm.

Guests will cruise the Ohio River and enjoy a delicious dinner followed by the show.

“At the dawn of the Regency, two sisters, Elinor and Marianne are thrust into poverty by their brother’s scheming and manipulative wife. Reduced to living with their mother in a tiny cottage with their prospects for marriage nearly ruined, the sisters are nevertheless courted by three dynamic men, each with a dark secret.”

BOOK NOW! Save 15% off your order by using code: JANE24

740-373-7862 or visit www.valleygemsternwheeler.com and select “Book Major/Riviera.”

06/07/2024

Our next Mixology class is on June 21st from 7-9pm. Every day is a National Holiday, and we’ve created a wonderful cocktail list and menu to celebrate June 21st! Because, every day deserves to be celebrated.

Come cruise on the river and learn how to make 3 cocktails and enjoy them with a paired menu item.
Seating is LIMITED and goes fast! 21+ Book today:

🎫- Select “Book Major/Riviera” on www.valleygemsternwheeler.com 740-373-7862

*Spirits used this month will be Bourbon, Gin, Vodka, and some flavored liqueurs

06/06/2024

There are still tickets for tomorrow’s International Dinner Cruise! Enjoy a cruise from 6:30-8:30p, and a menu that travels across multiple countries:

Chorizo stuffed mushrooms
Tzatziki with Pita
Mediterranean Crostini
Greek Salad
French Onion Chicken
Lamb Ragu
Ratatouille
Green Beans
Portokalopita
Pistachio Gelato
Churros

Book online by selecting “Book Major/Riviera” at www.valleygemsternwheeler.com or call 740-373-7862

06/05/2024

This weekend there are three chances to cruise the Ohio River with us. Whether you’re interested in a dinner cruise, or a shorter narrated tour, we’ve got you covered! Purchase tickets at www.valleygemsternwheeler.com and select “Book Major/Riviera.” Or call 740-373-7862z Select each image for trip information:

06/04/2024

Thank you to Visit Marietta Ohio and Bruce for this wonderful image. We had an amazing first weekend cruising. There are so many unique cruises and events coming up this season. Get your tickets NOW!

Marietta Monday
Every Monday, we will feature a beautiful image of Marietta, Ohio, taken by local photographer Bruce Wunderlich.
This week's image is of the Major Riviera on its maiden voyage in

05/31/2024

And we’re off! Here is to our new chapter. We’ve got a season full of dinners, theatre productions, and so much more. Get your tickets now! 🚢🍽️🎭

05/28/2024

After a slight delay, we are proud to announce that the Major|Riviera boats will now launch this Thursday, May 30th at 6pm. The event is open to the public by reservation and will be a dinner cruise on the Ohio River from 6pm to 8pm. We will have a brief ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30pm. Reservations can be made on our website at www.valleygemsternwheeler.com or by calling 740.373.7862.

05/20/2024

EXCITING NEWS: Our chef has been nominated in “Favorite Chef” competition! We’ve been so blessed to have Casandra Clark as our Head Chef since 2022 and if you haven’t been to see us yet, you’re missing out! Whether it’s some of our classic dishes, or her expertise in game meat, she continues to bring a passion and lots of flavor to our menus.

You can vote for our chef by following this link:

https://favchef.com/2024/casandra-clark

05/16/2024

Calling all Bridgerton Fans! Immerse yourself in a ball fit for the ton’s finest eligible members. Come celebrate with us as we kick off our Summer of Jane Austen with our Regency Ball! May 31st from 6:30-8:30pm.

There will be dinner, live music, learn a regency era inspired dance, have an audience with the Queen, and maybe even discover who the diamond of our cruise will be! Dressing up is encouraged!

For Tickets 🎫: 740-373-7862 or visit “Book Major/Riviera.” at www.valleygemsternwheeler.com

05/09/2024

You may have noticed some changes to our events starting on May 25th.. 🚢👀

Our Captains and staff have been working so hard and have been anticipating this new chapter. Thank you to everyone who has supported us!!

More exciting news from MACC Members!

Way to go, Major Riviera & Valley Gem Sternwheeler!

***Press Release***

Valley Gem Sternwheeler Sets Launch Date for
Second Vessel, Major/Riviera
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 1, 2024
It is with great excitement that the Valley Gem Sternwheeler announces the launch of a second vessel
into passenger service in Marietta, Ohio. Our “new” vessel, named the Major/Riviera, is actually a
combination unit made of the historic towboat, Major and the passenger barge, Riviera.
The Riviera is very similar to the Valley Gem in size and layout and will carry 149 passengers. The
lower deck is carpeted, enclosed and climate controlled. The upper deck is open air with some sun
shade protection. Because the Riviera is a barge, it has no propulsion of its own and must be pushed by
another vessel.
The companion boat to the Riviera is our historic sternwheel towboat, Major. The Major was originally
built in Charleston, WV in 1928 and has a long history of service. We were able to purchase the boat in
2015. We have now repaired and restored the boat and made it a Subchapter T passenger vessel so that it
may work in conjunction with the Riviera as one unit.
Because of the generosity of the public in wanting to continue taking our boat rides, we needed a second
vessel to meet demand for private charters and public cruises. We will be launching the Major/Riviera
on its maiden voyage on Saturday, May 25 at 5:30pm. That evening, we will have a ribbon cutting for the
Major/Riviera and will be setting off on dueling dinner cruises. The Valley Gem and the Major/Riviera
will leave the dock one after the other and will cruise together for two hours with a delicious dinner and
a live entertainment variety show. Reservations for both dinner cruises are still available so you can be
on the first ever Major/Riviera cruise or you can enjoy a front row seat on the Valley Gem as we cruise
down the river.
The Major/Riviera has a full slate of events scheduled for the season including dinner cruises, murder
mysteries, a summer of Jane Austen dinner theatre, Broadway cabarets, specialty themed dinner cruises
and a full slate of Holiday events including presentations or The Tell Tale Heart, Miracle on 34th Street
and Christmas at Pemberley just to name a few.
Reservations for both the Valley Gem and the Major/Riviera can be made on our website,
www.valleygemsternwheeler.com or by calling 740.373.7862

05/04/2024

Assemble your teams and join us on Friday May 10th for our Movie Trivia Night: Classic Edition. Doors and bar will open at 6pm. Enjoy dinner and we’ll test your knowledge of a wide variety of movies.

Reservations required! Call 740-373-7862 or visit www.valleygemsternwheeler.com and select “Book Major/Riviera.”