Built in 1998, the R/B River Explorer was conceived as a complete American vacation experience. By exploring the regional heritage and culture of the country’s waterways and nearby towns aboard a spacious, relaxing vessel, travelers experience America in a whole new light.

See America... Differently!

Choose from six exciting regions that offer a unique perspective into Ameria's regional heritage as your clients experience the country's rivers, including the Lower and Upper Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Illinois and Kanawha, Atchafalaya River Basin and along the inland Texas-Louisiana Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

The R/B River Explorer is made up of the three separate vessels – the DeSoto, the LaSalle and the Miss Nari, a 3,000-horsepower towboat. Onboard, guests experience an intimate, unhurried family atmosphere and home style cooking, including regional Blue Plate Specials. Guests also enjoy such "creature comforts" as: a 24-hour "Raid the 'fridge," Perpetual Cookie Jar (it’s bottomless!); lengthy mealtime hours with casual dress and open seating; the Guest Pilot House; and entertainment by regional performers. Exciting excursion opportunities abound aboard the R/B River Explorer. From the Crescent City of New Orleans to Memphis, the home of the blues, to America’s Queen City of Cincinnati, your clients can experience a variety of great river cities and towns. The focus of each excursion is also on the rivers, how they shaped America by fostering commerce and settlement and tied some of these most influential cities together.

All-Inclusive Pricing

Every excursion’s pricing is fully inclusive of specially planned shore activities, meals, non-alcoholic beverages, taxes, port charges and gratuities (which also means higher commission for agents). We firmly stand by our commitment to share America’s stories, from its rivers to its shores and welcome your clients into the RiverBarge Family. We are sure they will enjoy celebrating America – its history, heritage, culture and, most importantly, the people who have made it what it is today. You and your clients will appreciate the difference of a RiverBarge Excursion.   

Groups Are Our Specialty

A RiverBarge Excursion is a great vacation for groups! We offer group benefits that include: 1 FREE berth for each 15 full fare guests; group discounts on most excursions; and only 5 double occupancy stateroooms are needed to qualify! You'll also enjoy the personal service you'll receive from our RiverBarge Family.

Vessel

R/B River Explorer

The R/B River Explorer offers 98 identical, spacious staterooms that measure 200 square feet which offer: individually controlled AC/Heat, satellite TV, VCR, refrigerator, coffee maker, full size tub with shower, hair dryer, large picture window that opens and your choice of twin of super queen bedding. Platinum Deck Staterooms have a small balcony. On the Royal Deck there are three wheelchair accessible staterooms. The entire public space of the R/B River Explorer is wheelchair accessible. 

Royal and Platinum Deck Staterooms