This 2024 Season marks the beginning of a new era here at the Valley Gem as we introduce the Major/Riviera into passenger service. Fifteen years ago, we began a journey with our barge. At the start, the barge was merely a wooden building that served as a ticket stand. Through time, the barge was rebuilt in steel, lengthened, the interior was finished, it was a restaurant and has served a dockside event space. Time and effort were taken to make provisions for the barge to become a passenger barge. The Riviera has no power of propulsion on its own - enter the Major.

In 2015, we were very fortunate to be able to acquire the historic towboat, Major. The Major was built in 1928 and has had quite the history. It remained a working towboat up until we purchased it. Our goal was to restore and repair the vessel so that it could push our passenger barge, now known as the Riviera. Together, the Major/Riviera work as one unit and will be taking both public and private tours on the Ohio River. The Riviera holds 149 passengers with two decks. We have dinner cruises, dinner theatre cruises, sightseeing tours, and a variety of other events available.

Our crew has worked so hard over these last few years to make this dream become a reality and we are excited beyond measure to watch this boat leave the dock with passengers for the very first time.