2017 marks the 10th season of ferry service on the Oklahoma River. Starting with just two landings and now serving four, Oklahoma River Cruises services have expanded and so have the destinations along the river.
Ridership is growing and at a faster rate recently; in 2016, there was a 27 percent increase in ferry ridership and a 19 percent increase in chartered cruises over the previous year. All of the specialty cruises, from the Mother’s Day Cruise to the Haunt the River Cruise, sold out last season.
“We expect to see continued growth in the 2017 season as the river adds attractions,” said Jeanne Smith, river transit manager. “The Oklahoma River is constantly changing. We’ve seen the development of iconic boathouses and the new $45 million Riversport Rapids whitewater rafting and kayaking center. Our riders will see Wheeler District, the urban neighborhood that will surround the Ferris wheel, being developed from the ground up.”
One source of ridership comes from the hotels in the Meridian Corridor, an area that has seen more than $43 million in private development over the past 10 years.
“Our guests are very interested in the river,” said Jayne Wagner, regional director of sales Fairfield Inn and TownPlace Suites by Marriott, located adjacent to Meridian Landing. “They want to see Oklahoma City and experience some of our unique events and attractions. We recommend Oklahoma River Cruises to our groups and they come back with rave reviews — it’s a fun experience that allows them to see a seven-mile stretch of some of Oklahoma City’s newest and fastest growing destinations.”
Regular ferry service is ramping up and specialty cruises are scheduled throughout the spring and summer season. They include:
- For history buffs, Oklahoma characters will reenact history on board the History Comes Alive Cruises Saturday afternoons May through August. Historical re-enactors in period costumes will make these creative themed-cruises interesting and educational.
- Honoring Parents — Moms ride free Mother’s Day weekend, May 13-14 and Dad’s ride free June 17-18. This is a memorable way to celebrate the parents we love.
- Kids will get a kick out of the Cartoon Cruise, each Saturday morning April through November.
- Try a fun, themed cocktail cruise on any of the last three Friday and Saturday evenings of every month June through September. Cruises include an hour and a half ride on the river with music, snacks for purchase and a cash bar.
- Sunset Cruises, with music, light appetizers, sodas and a cash bar, offer remarkable views of the Oklahoma City skyline
