The Kentucky Derby - Often called the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" - is the longest continuous major sporting event in the United States. It has been held at Churchill Downs since its inception in 1875, even during times of war, economic hardship and a global pandemic - it consistently draws one of the largest crowds in American sports. 

It was started by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr the grandson of William Clark one of the explorers Lewis and Clark. After witnessing prestigious races in Europe he brought it to America. After founding a local jockey club, he organized the first Kentucky Derby on May 17th, 1875. A crowd of about 10,000 spectators witnessed that first race with Aristides and jockey Oliver Lewis winning the race. From that first race the Derby quickly established itself as a premier event in the world of horse racing.

Through the years, horses like Secretariat, who in 1973 achieved the still-standing fastest time, have become legendary. Jockeys such as Bill Shoemaker, Eddie Arcaro, and Willie Shoemaker have realized immortality by guiding their mounts to victory on the hallowed Churchill Downs track.

As the Kentucky Derby enters its third century, it continues to evolve, while always staying true to its rich heritage and traditions. 

The race is always held on the first Saturday in May at the Churchill Downs racetrack. Since 1932, the winning horse of the Kentucky Derby has been adorned with a garland of over 400 red roses, weighing approximately 40 pounds. The song “My Old Kentucky Home" has been played before the race begins since 1933.

The Mint Julep is still the drink of choice with an estimated over 120,000 served during the two-day Kentucky Oaks and Derby weekend.

The fashion spectacle of wearing hats to the Kentucky Derby began as an effort by Clark Jr. to emulate the sophistication and elegance of European horse races, where attending was seen as an opportunity to display one's wealth and status. Today, that custom lives on, the more extravagant the hat, the better.

Though these traditions remain, advances in technology, as well as continually adapting to changes in racing regulations and shifting societal norms, will ensure the race’s relevance for generations to come.

On our Grand Ohio River cruises, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the world-famous Churchill Downs Racetrack. The excursion includes a walk through a portion of the grandstands, where thousands of people roar with excitement on Derby Day, and standing at the rail of the legendary dirt track where every Derby winner has raced, from Aristides to Secretariat and more.

Guests hear stories of the early days of the Kentucky Derby through its transformation into the event it is today and view the epic film, The Greatest Race, a 360º, 18-minute media experience.

Most cruises are designed and priced for two people in a cabin - but there is a large quantity of solo cruisers out there.  On most cruises you would then pay a "single supplement" of about 150% - 200% of the cruise fare listed.  But because of the increase in solo cruisers some cruise lines are adding cabins and or pricing to better include solo cruisers.

Norwegian Cruise Line - they first started with Studio Cabins on their newest ships - amount 100 square feet - just enough for one person.  These are all inside cabins in the same area and you need your key card to enter the area.  It includes a solo lounge as well.  It also offers Solo cabins on it's Hawaii based Pride of America.

However, starting in 2024 they created 2 new solo categories - solo inside, solo oceanview and solo balcony.  These are regular inside, oceanview and balcony cabins that have now be designated "solo".  The pricing is better as there is no single supplement in these categories.  

Royal Caribbean - has also added solo cabins to both the new and older ship classes.  They are from 101-119 square feet.  These cabins however are oceanview cabins and some come with balconies.  Others have a virtual balcony.  Look for these cabins on the Quantum Class ships as well as Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas.

Silversea Cruises - Silversea has not created a specific cabin category for solo cruisers, but the line is known for catering to them with single supplements of just 10-25% on select sailings.  Occasionally they may waive the supplement during promotions.  These ships carry less passengers and is known to draw a social crowd that likes to mix and mingle - great for solo cruisers that don't want to eat alone.

Virgin Voyages - This new line is shaping up to be a leader in the solo cruise market.  The cabins on the Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady are about 105 square feet and are inside cabins.  They also have a small amount of Solo Sea View cabins that are about 130 square feet and have a window.

Tauck - Solo cruisers looking for a river cruise can sometimes find deals with Tauck Tours European Cruise Division.  Tauck will at time eliminate the single supplement on the least expensive category of cabins and reduce the supplement on other categories.

Avalon Waterways  - also will waive its single supplement for some cabins on each cruise in Europe

AmaWaterways - charges a single supplement of about 50% for solo cruisers booking non-suite cabins.  It also has 4 ships in Europe with 2 dedicated solo cabins that have no supplement.

There may be others as well, and I bet that as the solo cruisers market continues to grow we will see more cabins and categories showing up.  As someone who will cruise solo at times I don't mind paying a little extra - but don't like having to pay for 2 people when I am just 1 person.  I look forward to see what the cruise lines will do in the future.

The deadline to obtain a Real ID is May 7, 2025.

There is now have less than 1 year before the Real ID will be required for domestic flights.  You will no longer be able to use just a driver's license.  If you do not have a Real ID you will need to use your passport.

Be sure you have either a Real ID or valid Passport prior to any domestic flights.  A Passport will always be required for an international flight.

If you do not have the required updated identification by May 7, 2025, you will be turned away, and not able to proceed through a security checkpoint.
 
Check with your  state or territory where your drivers license is from, and follow the steps to get your ID updated.
 
The REAL ID was originally signed into law by President George W. Bush in May 2005 and has been extended several times in 2009, 2011, 2014, and then again in 2020 and 2022 during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

When arrival at the pier you will need your e-docs and your proof of citizenship.  It is highly recommended to have a valid Passport for any trip that leaves the United States.  However, this is a closed loop cruise (starts and ends in the same port) and a Passport is not required. You can use your original birth certificate plus government Id such as your drivers license. The government issued Id must have a picture.  If you are not a US Citizen you MUST have your Passport - it is also your responsibility to know if you need any visas or other documents for this location.