?St. Louis levee cruises have hosted more than 5 million visitors on the Mississippi in five decades

St. Louis (February 26, 2014) – This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the Gateway Arch Riverboats cruising on the St. Louis riverfront, and the Becky Thatcher and Tom Sawyer invite the region to join in the celebration.  Recalling images of the shimmering Admiral to the tall stacks of the Robert E. Lee, the Becky and the Tom continue the tradition as the only two remaining riverboats on the St. Louis riverfront.

“A visit to the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis isn’t complete without a riverboat ride on the Mississippi,” said John Nations, Bi-State Development Agency President and CEO. “Riverboats on the Mississippi Riverfront are an icon for St. Louis, and we are pleased to continue the tradition.”

The 2014 anniversary season will feature: Daily One-Hour Sightseeing Cruises, some narrated by National Park Service rangers;  Skyline Dinner Cruises featuring a new buffet menu; a variety of specialty cruises such as a Sunday Brunch Cruise including Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day brunches; Blues Cruises, featuring the best of live blues music in St. Louis; Lock-n-Dam Cruises, where visitors learn about the fascinating Mississippi River lock system; fall lunch shopping cruises to Kimmswick, Mo.; Oktoberfest Cruises; a Halloween Cruise, a New Year’s Eve Cruise and more.  The riverboats are also available for private charters, corporate events and weddings.

“What better way to see St. Louis and its magnificent Gateway Arch than from the river?” said Tom Dunn, Director of Operations for the Gateway Arch Riverboats, a division acquired by Bi-State Development Agency in 2001. “It’s an honor to continue the tradition and celebrate St. Louis’ rich river heritage.”

The anniversary celebration kicks off on March 1, 2014, and will feature special events and promotions throughout the cruising season. For the most current information or to make a cruise reservation, go to www.gatewayarch.com or call 877-982-1410.