Gordon Bombay Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Been a long while since I posted a photo trip report. Anyways, I'm writing on a somewhat new tri-state area attraction that I don't think has been covered here on KIC yet: the "Ride the Ducks" tours in Newport, across from the Cincinnati Riverfront. If you happen to read Queen City Discovery, you may have already seen this covered. However, for the sake of tradition and the fact that I can be more thorough on here since more people might appreciate it, here is a detailed PTR: "Duck" tours utilize amphibious assault vehicles that were commonly used by the U.S. Military during the Second World War and Korean War for maritime landings. These slow moving boats had six wheels underneath and could roll ashore carrying combat troops and supplies. Due to their slow moving nature in the water they spawned the phrase "sitting ducks" since they could easily be picked off by enemy shells. - "Duck 53" in Newport compared to a WW2 era DUKW vehicle These types of vehicles were utilized during the historic D-Day invasion, but not during the first waves. Since 1977, variations of the "Ride the Ducks" tours have been around in cities throughout the world. Many different versions and companies run a similar product, but the most famous of these companies is the "Ride the Ducks" company owned by Herschend Entertainment (the same fine folks who own Dollywood). I had seen similar operations in Pittsburgh and Washington D.C., but it was really great to see this tour come to Newport/Cincinnati when Herschend acquired the Newport Aquarium. Herschend has been known for the high quality provided at their Dollywood park and I have to admit...that quality continues with these tours. A lot of people feel this is a really "gimicky" tourist trap, but even for someone like me who has been all over this city found it to be a great time. Friend tour "captains" load you on to the boats and instruct you on safety and tell some good old corny jokes as the vehicle takes you across the river to Cincinnati's public landing where you crash into the mighty Ohio River at 25 m.p.h. Many of the boats in the "Ride the Ducks" fleet are original army vehicles, however, Herschend recently acquired their own design and rights to make newer, more modern boats. The tour proceeds onto the river where your tour guide points out some interesting landmarks on both sides of the river and gives out some VERY interesting facts. I'm not going to spoil any of them though, you'll have to hear them for yourself on the tour. The views alone though are worth it. You're free to move about the boat during the tour and the captains will answer nearly any question you have. Along with your ticket you get a free plastic duck whistle which is great to annoy your friends and room mates with. You can see the whistle on the tour guide's neck in this picture: They even let you drive the boat: I had to wait in line behind that five year old kid, but it was worth it to drive the "duck." Ok well in all seriousness I didn't wait in line, but the tour guide did ask me if I wanted to try it. After a stroll on the river, you head up into the bustling city center of Cincinnati: - Cincinnati's new tallest tower under construction. - You'll pass by Fountain Square and other interesting landmarks. After traveling around the Queen City in your boat, you go back across the bridge to Newport. There's not much to see over there besides the World Peace Bell, the Levee from where you started and this Good Year store: As someone who has lived here my entire life and knows a lot about the history and goings on of the area, I highly recommend this tour. Whether you're showing folks from out of town around or looking for something to do. You'll learn a lot of cool facts you didn't know before and it's good old fashioned family fun. The staff is very, very friendly and the boat doesn't make you too seasick. I don't think the crew there has much time left in the season this year, but if you can make it down to Newport I highly recommend this tour. One of the best things is the price. At just 15 bucks per adult, you get a somewhat lengthy and exciting tour and a plastic duck whistle. If you hit it up during the week the crowds are somewhat low and you can park on the Cincinnati side at the public landing for free and just walk across the bridge like I did. They also offer a really neat halloween tour from what I hear. Check out their website at www.newportducks.com If you want to see more photos and such, check out the full PTR at my website: Queen City Disco(very) Thanks for reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standbyme Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Thanks for the interesting trip report. I had no idea how the ducks got their name...and if I were a soldier back then I don't think I would have wanted to know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrill_Biscuit Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Very cool pictures! Especially the sunset, Roebling-and-Brent-Spence silhouette picture. World-class! That looks like a great deal for folks like me who love showing off Cincy to visiting friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyGuy4KI Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Very Nice PTR GB! I rode the Ducks in Brandson MO several years ago. Very Fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted October 27, 2009 Author Share Posted October 27, 2009 Thanks for checking out the PTR guys! Thanks for the interesting trip report. I had no idea how the ducks got their name...and if I were a soldier back then I don't think I would have wanted to know! Me either! With how slow they go on the water part of the tour it's hard to imagine having to ride one of those into battle. Very cool pictures! Especially the sunset, Roebling-and-Brent-Spence silhouette picture. World-class! That looks like a great deal for folks like me who love showing off Cincy to visiting friends. They are a great way to show off cincy to visitors, I highly recommend doing it. Even if you've lived here for awhile it's a nice thing to just go out and do if you don't want to spend a lot of money and are looking for something fun/new. Very Nice PTR GB! I rode the Ducks in Brandson MO several years ago. Very Fun! Nice. The Branson operation was their original I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCryptRaider Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 I've only ridden the Ducks in Branson, and yes they were the original. The Herschends own Silver Dollar City as well, by the way. I enjoyed this trip report, thanks for posting it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dbfan Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 I did this in Boston, was one of the best times, we had a great driver. One problem I have with this is that in New York last week, I saw one of the new modern ones, ick! Looked like it was designed for mass capacity and looks nothing like the army ones. Gordon Bombay, ducks, i get it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KI FANATIC 37 Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 Cool pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasper Posted October 31, 2009 Share Posted October 31, 2009 Very nice Trip Report Gordan! I had no idea either how they got their name. I think I would almost rather swim in the war than ride one of those. I would have loved to have seen Gordan Bombay riding the Mighty Duck of Cincinnati. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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