Start the New Year By Planning a Scenic River Cruise
It’s never too early to start checking off items on your list for 2026.
If you’ve been eyeing a bourbon river cruise, now is the best time to start planning. Although it’s the off-season for riverboat cruises, springtime is not far. As you’re sitting in the cold Kentucky weather thinking fondly of times when you could bask in the sun and sit on the porch during 9 PM daylight, why not take this opportunity to lock in some time in the great Kentucky outdoors when the warmer days return?
Here are some advantages of early planning and how to get started with the nation’s only boat-based bourbon tour!
Benefits of Early Bourbon Boat Tour Planning
Beyond taking charge and not letting experiences slip past you as part of your 2026 resolution, planning a riverboat cruise early in the year can make your trip overall more enjoyable in several ways:
Take Advantage of Other Attractions
When you plan your scenic river cruise in Kentucky early, you have a world of opportunities when it comes to filling your itinerary with other attractions nearby. Our riverboat tour is situated along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, a historic thoroughfare that gives you a glimpse into Kentucky’s bourbon craft and tradeways. Because we’re near the heart of the Commonwealth, not far from the state capital, there are all kinds of attractions to build a jam-packed vacation. On your way, stop by West 6th Brewery Farm or grab a bite to eat at The Ashbrook.
Looking for an overnight stay? We also own a vacation home located not far from the river, and it’s a stay worth a trip on its own. You won’t find another bourbon-themed VRBO like it!
Secure the Scenic River Cruise You Really Want
Another perk of planning ahead is having first pick of dates and departure times for your scenic river cruise in Kentucky. Popular weekends and prime-time slots tend to book quickly once the weather warms up, especially for groups and special occasions. By securing your spot on the calendar now, you can relax knowing you have a scenic river cruise locked in long before everyone else.
Early planning also gives you time to coordinate with your crew. No matter who you're bringing along, an early date can make all the difference in coordinating everyone's busy schedules.
Make the Most of Scenic Season on the Kentucky River
Timing matters. Once winter ends in Kentucky, the riverbanks turn green again, wildlife is more active, and evenings are longer and brighter. Planning now lets you target late spring or early summer, when the days are warmer, the views are better, and you can finally leave the jacket at home.
Turn Your Resolution into a Real Plan
If one of your goals this year is to do more and scroll less, early trip planning is an easy win. Instead of letting “take a scenic river cruise near Frankfort” sit on your list of New Year's resolutions, you can give it a date and a time from the comfort of your couch. A little planning now can set you up for a day—or an entire getaway—when the boats start running again in the spring.
Book now or contact us to learn more about our tours!
Want to gift a tour to a friend? We offer gift cards as well.