The USS Nightmare The USS Nightmare is not your traditional haunted house. It is immersive storytelling on a boat. To be quite honest I didn't expect much from this attraction based on the outward appearance of the boat and the lack of advertising, so I was pleasantly surprised. My husband and I opted for the RIP experience, therefore we had additional scenes and a more hands-on experience than the standard ticketed guest. I highly recommend doing RIP. We were given a flashing necklace and were directed to a special queue line. We were our own group to start, however about halfway through the attraction the actors put us together with a larger group of teenage girls. The story is basically that the boat had a terrible accident and those aboard are lost spirits. I really enjoyed the way in which characters would introduce us to future characters through story and requesting we complete certain tasks when we meet them. It was fun anticipating what the Captain and Ana would be like based on the little info we had received. We did our best to complete tasks such as asking the clown a question, giving an object to Ana, however we realized after we left that we completely forgot to tell the captain something we were supposed to. It makes me wonder if that would've given us a different experience or made no difference at all. We did notice we were covered in clown weave by the time we finished and not sure if that was something we did or random. The path was interesting starting with an intense elevator ride and taking us throughout the boat. I loved the use of maze elements. I found the repetition fun throughout the walk and felt it must represent being stuck in a loop as some hauntings appear to be. The decor on the boat was good. The props and effects were well suited for the story for the most part. The make-up and costumes were fine. There were a few really fun effects, that although I've seen them used in other haunts, still caught me off guard since I didn't expect to see them on a boat. The actors worked very hard to give a great performance. Some were more gifted than others when it came to interaction and improvisation, but they all seemed to know their characters well. I found the clown with the large weapon to be just incredible, as well as the actor at the beginning and the elevator operator. Some of the characters had to interact with the audience more than others, such as getting us to eat and drink things or reach into buckets to fish out objects with our hands. They did a great job as a cast. Overall USS Nightmare is a fun immersive theatre piece. I wouldn't call it a standard walkthrough haunted house if you upgrade to the RIP Experience, I can't speak to regular admission. read more

We had a lot of fun. It's immersive and can get hands-on but the actors are pretty respectful and didn't cross any boundaries. Well worth the money on RIP and fast pass. The separate pull away rooms for RIP made it worth it. Also, if you are a person who is going to leave a bad review because of the lines, then buy a fast pass. Not that expensive and worth it. All in all, they put on a good show. Highly recommend. read more

Just spent hours in line with nobody here. Do not waste your time or money. Complete joke

I would definitely recommend going on a Thursday night because the line to get in is non-existent, however, they advertise opening at 7 PM when in actuality they didn't start letting people in until around 7:40. The scares were mid-grade but the fact that this haunt is on an actual ship, with the Cincinnati sky line in the background will always bump it up a star or two. read more

USS Nightmare - Amusement Parks Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

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I paid for the fast pass only to wait over 2 hours in line because a party of 25 and 75 fast lane people entered in front of me, supposedly friends of the owners. The employee who took my ticket made fun of me for paying the extra money because I'd have to wait longer than general admissions. I'm disabled and got the fast pass to wait the advertised "15 to 20 minutes" because I cannot stand for extended periods of time. I ended up having to leave before I could even get inside. It's no wonder they won't give refunds! This is absolutely ridiculous and I will not be returning. read more

We come every year. Love the nightmare! The fact that it's on a boat really adds to the effect and makes it special and unique. Really neat props and scenes inside especially the ramps you walk up and can see water underneath you. There is a RIP pass for more scare factor but I've never done it so I can't speak about it. This is one of the only haunted attractions in this area that are open certain days during the week. read more

We did the RIP experience tonight on the USS nightmare. We had a blast to say the least!! Definitely worth the money. The staff was very friendly. The actors are great. We loved the interaction with the actors. It gives you a much better experience when they can actually touch you. We've been to quite a few haunted houses, this was the best by far. It took us about 45 minutes to get through. Most take 10-15 minutes and leave you disappointed, not the case here!! I would highly recommend paying the few extra dollars to do the RIP experience. Awesome place, awesome staff and actors!!! Can't wait to go back!! read more

USS Nightmare - Amusement Parks Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

This was so much fun. I tolerate the haunted houses and scary adventures for the fiance. He insists on going every year. But this one I would definitely recommend. Not only do they have a unique setting- on a boat on the water-but they really do bring a ton of detail to the experience. Waiting in line there are plaques to read telling you about the haunted back story and there are one or two characters that scare the bejesus out of you when you least expect it. Once you are through the line, the boat is a series of wrap arounds, up and down levels, and scary jump out at you moments. The details are all pretty high quality and the actors themselves are on point. We never walked into any room or section and felt like "oh, this room must be on break." I also have to give them props for the most impressive use of hydraulics. You want to know what I'm talking about? I guess you'll have to buy a ticket. read more

We had an absolute blast here. The USS Nightmare is a well-oiled machine that will knock your socks off. Even if you prefer different houses, styles, show lengths, etc. you have to respect the amount of detail that goes into this production day after day, year after year. From the lighting, to the period music coming out of the antique radio in one scene, to the almost seamless mix of animatronics and live actors, every minutiae aboard the ship is engineered for thrills. There are three different shows: lights up, for scardey-cats; the regular show; and the special Extreme nights. If you decide halfway through that you can't handle it, there are exits throughout the house. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good scare. It's especially great to ease kids into the haunted house scene, with the Lights on Matinee. Go check it out! read more

USS Nightmare - Amusement Parks Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

It was my first time on this haunted boat and I thought it was really well done. I do get scared easily, but even for a pro there's some surprises. They advertise it lasting 45 minutes, but it was more like a half hour. It was worth paying an extra $4 for the 'RIP Express' ($20 vs $16 normally) to be able to skip an hour long wait in the cold. It wouldn't be something I'd go to every single year, but it's worth checking out at least once. Tip: On the website there's a $3 off coupon. You can't use it on Fridays or Saturdays though. read more

Work haunted house I've ever been too. Waited in line for almost three hours. Wasn't even scary don't waste your money

It's okay. For the money that you pay for, it seems to go by so quick. It's not that scary. The only good thing about it is it's on a boat and I like the view of the Cincinnati Skyline. read more

USS Nightmare - Amusement Parks Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

I mean, maybe its the years that I've spent working Halloween Haunt at Kings Island... or maybe its just that craptastic. I don't know what it is but every year I go, and every year I come out saying I'm not gong to do it again. But then I go again next year. I mean if you're not big on haunted houses this would be a great place for you! But I think with this place it has so much potential.... not even half of it is being reached. I mean where's the story line? Where's the theme that goes with a freaking haunted boat for crying out loud! I mean really? a circus? on a boat? I just want a story line to be there is all. And maybe some changes from year to year just small ones... that keep me guessing. It's just ok for me. but I gave it an extra 3rd star cuz for ppl that are scared easily, this would be a good place for them. Just not if you're looking for a good scare. there are others more worth the money. read more

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Pretty mediocre haunted house overall. We hadn't been in years and when we returned, it seemed pretty much identical to what we remembered, so I'd be curious to know what upgrades they've made. The reason for the exceptionally low rating, however, is actually due to the manager on site last night, Allan Rizzo. At one point in the house there is a room with green lights that lead to a tunnel at the end of the hall. I squatted down about to enter the low tunnel and an actor in a head to toe black suit came through at the same time, didn't see me, and head butted me square in the nose. It was a complete accident, and it was because where I was entering was actually not the correct way. Because of the lights, the actor couldn't see me coming in when I was supposed to be turning left. I was literally drilled in the nose- it was actually the only time I was startled the entire trip through. So, at the end of the haunted house, we got in the car and my nose was bright purple and swollen. So, I got out and walked back down in the rain to tell them what happened and suggest the path be a little more clear. The man that came out immediately acted like I was making something up, and his response was "when you come into a haunted house, you take a risk." Not an apology, not a thank you for letting us know, just an immediate shift of blame. Pretty unprofessional. So when he asked what I wanted, I told him there needs to be a sign to not climb into the tunnel or staff there to direct you better, and he looked at me like- I had to come outside in the cold for this? He said, "I don't even know where you're talking about and haven't heard anything about it." That was it. So I asked for my $20 back. His response was, "I don't think that's really necessary, but that's fine." So I asked him his name. Allan. Full name. Allan Rizzo. Then he said, "and I took care of you, so I don't see the problem." Suddenly he took an interest. Too late. I just wanted to make sure no one else got drilled in the face, and he was inconvenienced and annoyed with my taking the time to walk back out into the rain to bring it to their attention. He is the last person that should be in charge of customer service. read more

USS Nightmare - Amusement Parks Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

So fun and scary. Paid extra for the RIP experience and was totally worth it. Will be back.

Great place to bring good friends and fun experience decent price and the line to wait for the attraction wasn't very long and right next to the river read more

The U.S.S. Nightmare is a unique haunted attraction in and of itself simply because it's ON A BOAT! Most houses are in a building or the woods or something of the like. The Nightmare is interesting because it actually was a working ship at one time. If you notice the rear of the ship when you are exiting the house, it's crushed. That is REAL, the boat actually broke free on the Missouri river and crashed. It has been dubbed as the Mitchell Massacre, although nobody was onboard at the time. I've watched the news clip where it "escaped", and I always joked that maybe the boat has a mind of it's own. It is rumored to truly be haunted, so perhaps the earthly sprits were ready to get away? I went through the house a couple of times this year, and had a great time both nights. While waiting in line, the actors are getting you riled up before you even go in, and the caretaker as you are getting ready to enter is phenomenal. After he tells you what's in store you are on your way into your hellish adventure. The thing I truly loved besides this place being on a boat.... did I mention, that it's on a boat??? :) is the attention to detail in the place. There were a couple times when I got caught behind a small group with screamers or children, and just seeing the innate details really was interesting. Their are so many unique surprises around the corner from the Rat Lady, to the open air grates where you walk over the water, and the macabre themes as you realize the Captain has definitely been a bad influence on all of these ghosties and ghoulies aboard. I don't want to ruin it for you by telling you everything onboard, but I think if you really can appreciate what all you're seeing it's very impressive and unique. If you are hardcore and prefer the more extreme and gorey haunts, I suggest to you, not to discount the Nightmare. Check them out around the end of the season. They have what they call Extreme Night, and from what I hear ANYTHING goes. I sadly didn't make it out for that, but they had two nights as opposed to one from the year before and I heard from many people that they did not disappoint. If you've never been, check them out next year, and when you're finished you can grab something cheap from the snack bar or play a game of lazer tag... a haunted house that has LAZER TAG???? YES PLEASE!!! P.S. Did I mention that you're on a boat?? Oh, I did... well YOUR WELCOME! read more

I was in town for a work conference and decided to go with 3 other people from the conference. We loved how it was a long attraction -easily took 30 minutes from the time we went in until it finished. It was more frightening (things popping out)than scary. Over all it was a great experience and everyone enjoyed this attraction. read more

Incredible. My boyfriend loves October and I was taking him on a vacation to Cincinnati and saw this as an amazing opportunity. I HATE scary stuff. Figures they put me at the end of the line, huh? Lol It was perfectly chilly on the river last Saturday and I was doing ok (alright, I was next to tears) when I walked upon the chick on the bunk bed. She didn't say ONE WORD and started getting off the bed, just staring at me. That was when I lost it. I have an amazing boyfriend so he talked me out of an anxiety attack. Lol The actors were awesome. Stayed in character the whole time. We did get a little water slashed on us but not enough to make us mad. We have been recommending this to everyone. Thanks for an amazing experience! read more

We have a Halloween tradition with friends where we go on a haunted trail each year. We've gone to the USS Nightmare a few times now and are never disappointed. The details and length of the trail are definitely worth the money you pay and is hands down the best one I've ever been to. The line can be long depending when you choose to go, but they have ticket options to skip the line if you find it worth it. read more

We went as a group of four this past Wednesday and had a blast! The details were amazing in each room. Was super spooky to see the river below us through the crates in some sections. The staff was also great this year, very on point! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! So much fun. read more

I don't see how anyone could be scared by this thing. It was beyond lame and wouldn't scare anyone who knows a haunted attraction is supposed to be. One of the actors was a pathetic individual, as he couldn't take a joke when we entered the dining room. I asked him since it was cannibalism, if he was the main course and he said "your mom is". He oughta be glad I didn't shove him down a flight of stairs! The only bright spot was the actor playing the museum curator. He was a hoot. I'm glad I got these tickets for free, if not I wouldn't have paid a dime for these tickets. I'll never go again! read more

Went here last Saturday (10/1) with some friends, we hadn't been for a few years. The line for the tickets was a fifteen minute wait, a suggestion is to have the other ticket booth window open. : The wait for the line to get the boat was about 45 minutes, but it went by fast. : The group that went in with us were early teens and they were scared around every corner, eventually we decided to go in front of them. The different parts of the boat were cool, but there were not many people working. We later found out that a lot of the workers called in sick. : Ticket prices are 16 dollars for a normal ticket or 20 for a express ticket. read more

I had been here in previous years it was more a 2-star attraction. I'm not easily scared so I have to cut them slack on the scare factor but it was the most entertaining I've ever seen it. We hit the line early and still had an hour's wait. I think they could have put groups through a little faster. My group managed to catch up to the group ahead but we still had mostly a private experience. If they reduced the price of the souvenir pics a bit, I'd probably buy them. read more

I actually liked the USS Nightmare a lot. The night we went it was raining like crazy so the lines were short and the boat dripped water from every crevice. This added to the scare factor as there seemed the be the real possibility of being washed down river when walking through the portions where the floor is metal grate allowing a view of the river below. The props were nice and there were not that many live actors but it was really the whole package that made this a great and unique haunted boat. read more

My first haunted house and we did the RIP Experience and it was amazing...scary, but fun! The people were more interactive then I thought and made the whole experience fun for my friends and I. The haunted boat itself was a 40 minute walk throw. I wanted to go back the next day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more

I say this not in mean way, but just my opinion. We went there tonight and there were very few people there. Now I am not scared easily and just to say how unafraid I am, I once spent the night in a funeral home by myself when I was fifteen. I didn't find it scary at all. They have great effects and dressed up actors, but it wasn't scary. I did find one thing that got my heart pumping and to not give out any parts of it, I won't tell you. If I knew then what I know now I would've worn a hat and gloves. In the lower decks there is rust dripping from everywhere and if touch it, it will cut you. They have air sprayers and water sprays with it and it' sprayed in one person's mouth and they said it tasted oily. So we figured that it's water dripping down from the deck. For me it wasn't even scary and it had good effects, but it seemed like there wasn't enough people to run it the way it should. My wife didn't get scared and she scares very easy. read more

This is an interesting haunted house that is definitely original but it as its flaws and I felt it was overrated and ultimately not worth the money. We went on a night that they were doing the Captain's Experience so it was not the usual set up. I would not recommend this experience although judging by the scenes, I would say the regular show is decent. The Captain's experience started at 11. You had to be in line by 9:30 in order to still get the regular admission. We got there at 10:45 and were able to get to the ticket counter quickly. There wasn't much a line at that point and they were supposed to start letting people in soon so we paid the $30 for the general Captain's Experience. They offered a Fast Pass for $40 but since we were there early, we decided against it. The lady that sold us the ticket said the line moves pretty fast. That was a blatant lie. We got in line after purchasing tickets at about 11pm and did not enter until after 1 am. We had already paid and there were no refunds so we either could leave the line and loose our money or wait in an unmoving line for an indeterminate amount of time as none of the workers could give us much of an estimate. VERY frustrating. I would not have done this had I known the wait. IT WAS NOT WORTH EVEN HALF THE WAIT. I know it was the last night they were doing the Captain's experience but it was extremely slow and didn't seem to move at all. The worst part: once we actually got in, the line was still extremely full as we were one of the first people there, we were inside for 30ish minutes and when we left, the line was gone. So for some reason, it took them 2 hours to figure out how to get people in. Very confusing and frustrating. The Captain's Experience was supposed to be very extreme and they made very clear that they would touch you. A lot. They really hyped it up. While waiting in line, you get a bracelet. You are supposed to keep the bracelet on if you want the extreme experience but it means they will touch you. I took mine off immediately because I am not into that scene but it was pretty fun to watch others in our group go through it. I would recommend leaving it on for the first few rooms and then you can always take it off later. You will get sprayed with water, fake blood, and other things but it all comes off so just don't wear anything too nice. The other major disappointment is that their idea of scary is mostly just sexually uncomfortable. They use expletives a lot. They didn't really try to jump out at us at all so I never really got scared once but I didn't have my bracelet on so that may have been my fault. The scenery was some of the best I have ever seen however so that was pretty cool. Overall, worth the money but not worth the 2+ hour wait. Very misleading in that they don't tell you any of that once you get in line. The extreme version was ok, but not up to the hype. I would recommend just going to the the usual admission if possible. read more

Scary! If you like to be scared, that is the place to come. Still, it is enjoyably scary, not some totally sick thing. Not my kind of thing, but as for this kind of place it deliveres what it promises. I did not like the flashing lights at the end and the cook banging in the pots horribly loudly, but this was my first time in such a place ever ans had no idea what I was putting myself into. Will never do it again :D read more

I went last night with my husband, and he won free tickets from Yelp. We didn't have to wait in a long line to purchase tickets, but we did have to wait for about 20 minutes or so before entering the USS Nightmare (they were letting in small groups of 2-8 people at a time). There were a few highlights for me (the guy with the chainsaw and just being in the dark and narrow walkways). Otherwise, I didn't think that there were that many actual people in there (and many of them weren't even scary). I have been to other haunted houses (and a haunted prison, for that matter), and they were much scarier). This may be a good haunt for those who are easily scared. read more

Customer service is horrible! They are rude and don't care. Too expensive for what you get. They offer military discount, and I tried to use it. They wouldn't take my military ID for proof, bc I didn't print out a piece of paper online?! read more

This was my first time visiting the USS Nightmare and I don't think I will come back. The walk through was extremely crammed and there were many low hanging areas that you could seriously injure yourself on. The line wasn't long at all when we got there and we still ended up waiting for 30-40 min which was quite confusing to me. The workers did have pretty decent costumes and makeup but there was really only a couple of places where they were actually able to scare you. All in all, not a bad visit but I won't go again. read more

Won tickets from Yelp to board the USS Nightmare. My boyfriend and I went last night and had a great time. The line wasn't too long, and felt even shorter because of the interactions with the staff.My boyfriend and I both enjoyed the experience thanks to yelp! read more

Great haunt!! There seems to be something new every year. I am hard to frighten but they seem to get me every year. The vortex is mind numbing. The freaky clowns never disappoint and the soundtracks in the boat set an eerie stage. Love love love the haunted radio in the crew quarters. read more

Chills, Thrills, and Affordable, USS. Nightmare and the Dent Schoolhouse are two of the most popular haunts in southern Ohio, and with good reason. Whether the line is long or short, the satisfaction is always great and worth the wait. read more

One of my favorite Halloween attractions, and one that I visit every year. I can't believe how much detail & sets they can squeeze onto this ship. This sucker is long and well worth the price of admission. read more

Amazing new scenes, best actors by far! The USS Nightmare has the coolest atmosphere by far of any other haunt!!!

wow, what a experience. One of the best!! A little bit of everything in this experience. Great laughs and scares. Keep it up for next year!! read more

Horrible, not scary at all for anyone who isn't scared easily. Hate the fact it didn't scare me. I enjoy a good scare but this fell way below my expectations. And for 20$ it wasn't worth the time nor effort. read more

Absolutely great! I went to the eXtreme Captain's Tour, and I am happy to say it was in the top 2 of my favorite haunted houses this year!!! It was scary, exciting, gross, even kinda raunchy. Fit my tastes perfectly! Kinda wished it would have gone on longer it was so good! I recommend this to anyone over 18! read more