Every major city in Tennessee is built alongside a river. Whether visiting Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga or Knoxville, you won’t be far from the water’s edge. Dinner cruises offer exciting ways to explore these natural waterways and also take in a scenic view of Tennessee’s cities. In addition to the views and food, your evening will likely be accompanied by some good old Tennessee country music.
As Tennessee’s westernmost metropolitan area, Memphis borders the states of Arkansas and Mississippi. It also lays claim to the famous Memphis Riverboats which travel up and down the Mississippi River along the Memphis cityscape. Dinner guests come aboard the riverboats for a two hour cruise that features live music, a bar and an authentic Tennessee barbecue buffet. Guests choose from pulled pork and marinated chicken, with sides of cole slaw, baked beans and a vegetable du jour. Each buffet meal also includes assorted types of bread and a chef’s choice dessert. After dinner, passengers aboard the Memphis Riverboats cruises enjoy a night of sightseeing and plenty of dancing.
Memphis Riverboats
45 S. Riverside Dr.
Memphis, TN 38103
800-221-6917
[email protected]
memphisriverboats.net
The General Jackson Showboat offers far more than a traditional dinner cruise. Based in Nashville, the dinner cruise runs along the Cumberland River while passengers are entertained by a dinner show. Although shows change with the seasons, guests looking to experience Nashville's famed country music need not worry. Shows aboard the General Jackson frequently consist of country music from the past through the present. When purchasing tickets for the dinner cruise, passengers customize their experience through selecting from different meal and show plans. Typical dinner cruises aboard the General Jackson last approximately three hours from departure.
General Jackson Showboat
2812 Opryland Dr
Nashville, TN 37214
866-567-5225
[email protected]
generaljackson.com
The Southern Belle travels the scenic Tennessee River along the banks of Chattanooga. Public dinner nights offer variety for guests aboard the Southern Belle, but private functions can also be reserved for weddings, reunions, birthday parties or any type of gathering. Although much of the food on the Southern Belle could be described as country cooking, the cruise also features fine Italian dining nights and casual pizza menus. Cruises are offered daily from spring through fall, but only on selected dates from November through March.
The Southern Belle
201 Riverfront Parkway, Pier 2
Chattanooga TN 37402-1616
800-766-2784
chattanoogariverboat.com
Based in Knoxville, Volunteer Princess Cruises offers public and private cruises throughout the year on a luxury yacht. The two hour dinner cruises travel the Tennessee River around the city of Knoxville and the University of Tennessee. Three-course meals are prepared by an onboard master chef. In addition to the gourmet dinner cruises, Volunteer Princess Cruises offer a number of themed dinner and happy hour cruises which feature a lighthearted atmosphere and casual dining experiences. Although dinner cruises are public, reservations are required.
Volunteer Princess Cruises
956 Volunteer Landing Lane
Knoxville, TN 37915
865-541-4556
[email protected]
volunteerprincess.com
