nashville riverboats

Public River Boat Cruises in Nashville

River boat cruises in downtown nashville, cruise the river on a pontoon party cruise.

Our public cruises are famous in Nashville. It’s hard to beat the unique guided party experiences from our distinguished crew and views only available aboard the Pontoon Saloon. Our public river boat cruises in Nashville are BYOB and available at various times and will typically host about 40 people per cruise. Each group will be greeted by our licensed USCG Captain & Deck Hand who will help ice down your drinks while you settle aboard the Pontoon Saloon in preparation for the scheduled cruise departure. The bar-style atmosphere is amplified by your Deck Hand bringing hit tunes, entertainment, and engaging games that bring a crowd together on the dance floor. Thanks to our amazing crew, unique boat design, and amazing views, no other party bus or booze cruise knows how to get the party started like the Pontoon Saloon. Aside from the time of day, our river boat cruises in Nashville are all similar—each offering BYOB or purchase buckets of beer/seltzer.  

What’s Included

• USCG Licensed Captain & Deckhand
• Party Host, Server, DJ
• 2 hours on the water
• Mimosa Cruise includes juices
• Beer & Seltzer Buckets for pre-purchase
• The best views of Music City
• Ice, cups, coolers, Coke, & water
• Large sound system
• Bar area & Dance Floor
• High-top tables & Stools(we do not have seating for everyone, standing & seated room at tables)
• Koozies, Hats, T Shirts
• Beer & Seltzer Buckets

Departure Locations

Riverfront Dock East — All riverboat cruises in Nashville will depart from the east bank dock except for event dates noted below or stated otherwise in your confirmation email. **No Parking Available: 8/31, 9/15, 9/22, 9/28, 10/12, 10/13, 10/19, 11/2, 11/3, 11/17** Lock One Marina — We reserve the right to change dock locations due to city events. Public Cruises will depart from Lock One Marina on the following dates: 10/5, 10/25, 10/26

BOOK A PUBLIC CRUISE

Plan Your Ideal Day on the Water

Mimosa Cruise

The USS Mimosa departs each morning before noon. This cruise is the best way to start your day in Nashville. Bring aboard your favorite bottle of Champagne, and we provide a variety of juices for mimosas. This cruise will cure your hangover as you sip on mimosas, enjoy the river breeze, and listen to our curated Pontoon Playlist. Two mimosas later, you’ll be dancing to Cardi B with all new friends and ready for Broadway! This is a bachelorette must-do!

Pontoon Party Cruise

Our afternoon Pontoon Party Cruise is the best activity you can do before hitting Broadway! There is no better place to be on a hot sunny day in Music City than aboard this party barge enjoying a cool breeze and making some great Nashville memories. Grab a friend and come experience it for yourself. Our Deck Hand gets the pontoon party started with a curated playlist, and our famous pontoon dance-off will surely get you moving! Enjoy the beautiful views along the Cumberland River and skyline views of Downtown Nashville.

Sunsets & Skylines Cruise

The evening cruise brings the best nighttime skyline views of Downtown Nashville. Our licensed captains will first cruise downriver for a picturesque sunset view only available aboard the Pontoon Saloon. As the sun sets, drinks flow, and the party starts to hit the dance floor, you’ll be cruising by Broadway soaking up all the city lights. This Nashville river boat cruise is a Honky Tonkin’ blast!

Reviews From Our Guests

It’s a great way to get off Broadway and still have some good ‘ole Nashville fun!!! Seriously so much fun! Beautiful views, awesome crew, clean bathroom and great music.

My bridesmaids surprised me with the boat cruise for my Nashbach! It was the best time ever! Highly recommend this event for any group looking to spend an evening partying on the river!

Went on the pontoon saloon for my bachelorette party. We had a blast!! There were multiple parties with us and we all danced together. At one point we were playing limbo with a broomstick. I do recommend getting there earlier to secure a good spot on the boat. Plus, having the bathroom on board made life so much easier.

We had a team meeting (12 people) in Nashville and took an evening cruise on the pontoon saloon. It was the perfect choice for a group activity as they had dinner and beer as we cruised the Cumberland River. Awesome views of the Nashville skyline!! Andrew was great!

Pontoon Saloon was a great experience! The owner and staff are super cool, the boat was clean and roomy! It was a beautiful day on the Cumberland River even in November! We had a big group, so did the private tour! Highly recommend!

Frequently Asked Questions

Cancellation policy.

PUBLIC CRUISE CANCELLATION POLICY

Full refund 14 days prior to cruise departure time. Cancellations within 14 days, no-shows, late for departure are 100% non-refundable, non-transferable. Please contact us as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you on another cruise with a 20% change fee, we understand life happens. The 14+ day cancellation policy applies to any change in the guest count for a reservation. Public Cruises include Mimosa Cruise, Pontoon Party Cruise, & Sunset Party Cruise.

CHANGES TO EXISTING RESERVATIONS

If you need to cancel or make changes to an existing reservation, including adding or reducing the number of people in your party, please email us at  [email protected] . We will not make changes or cancel bookings over the phone.

BYOB ALCOHOL POLICY

We allow Beer, Hard Seltzers, Wine, and Champagne only onboard the Pontoon Saloon. We do not allow beer in glass bottles (cans only) but we do allow wine and champagne in glass bottles. Glass items will be stored behind the bar and we have cups and fresh ice. We do sell buckets of Beer & Hard Seltzer (Miller Lite, Coors Light & Whiteclaw) for pre-purchase. Please plan appropriately , we do not allow the removal of opened cases of beer/seltzer from the boat due to city ordinance. Only unopened cases are allowed to be taken from the boat after your cruise.

WEATHER POLICY

Cruises operate rain or shine since 3/4 of the boat has a covered roof. If Pontoon Saloon cancels due to severe weather we offer a refund of 50% or 100% toward a gift card for use at any future date. We will notify you 1.5 hours in advance if we need to delay or cancel your cruise. We are more flexible during our winter months (November-March) if we have random severe cold weather.

If you need to cancel or make changes to an existing reservation, including adding or reducing the number of people in your party, please email us at  [email protected]  or call us at  (615) 601-1464 .

IS THERE PARKING?

How early should i book my trip.

We recommend booking as soon as you decide on your cruise time. Especially if you have 8+ in your group, you will want to book at least 45 days out. Our Friday & Saturday cruises sell out fast.

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Nashville.com visitors guide to nashville, tn, general jackson showboat.

General Jackson Showboat prices include boat cruise, hotel pickup (select hotels), dropoff, lunch or dinner, live entertainment, local taxes. Convenient online booking : 4.5 star reviews! (note: additional food & drinks are extra). Subject to change

While “rollin’ down the river,” you’ll enjoy stunning views, a delicious meal freshly prepared by our chefs and toe-tapping entertainment in our two-story Victorian Theater in the center of the boat.

One of the largest showboats ever built, the grand General Jackson Showboat is an elegant triumph of American ingenuity. With its elegant lacy filigree and stately design, the boat is reminiscent of the opulence of the American Victorian era.

Showboats have long been a colorful part of our nation’s history, and this most unique Nashville attraction epitomizes the grace and grandeur of the Old South.

The General Jackson Showboat is named after the first steamboat to operate on the Cumberland River in 1817 which was named after President Andrew Jackson, whose historic home—The Hermitage—is 15 minutes from the dock.

Built by the largest inland shipbuilder in the United States, Jeffboat, located in Indiana, the General Jackson was launched on the Cumberland River on April 20, 1985.

General Jackson Showboat Tickets Here!

Parking shared with Opry Mills Mall

*Please note that firearms and any type of weapons are not allowed aboard the General Jackson Showboat.

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All Sightseeing Tours Depart From Riverfront Station Located At 108 1st Ave. South. 

General Jackson Showboat (Lunch/Dinner)

Float down the cumberland river on the iconic general jackson showboat.

General Jackson Experience Information

4 Hour Tour

Views From The Cumberland River

Wheelchair Vehicle Available By Request*

Departs From Riverfront Station

Select your tour date below to get started.  (Lunch Option)

Select your tour date below to get started.  (Dinner Option)

Take A Musical Riverboat Cruise In Nashville

Cruise down the scenic Cumberland River on the General Jackson Showboat, on one of the largest paddlewheel riverboats in the country. Enjoy lunch or dinner and a musical performance in the riverboat’s beautiful Victorian dinner theatre.

General Jackson Lunch Cruise:

A mid-day cruise. This thrilling show includes a delicious lunch and a cruise down the Cumberland River on the beautiful General Jackson Showboat.

General Jackson Dinner Cruise:

What a thrill to cruise the Cumberland River on the beautiful General Jackson Showboat. Your night will include a Las Vegas style show with a dynamic cast of entertainers, elaborate costumes, dancers and a live orchestra. The evening includes a delicious dinner, the show and a three-hour cruise.

*Accessibility:

ADA-compliant vehicles are available for most tours if you provide us with a 48-hour notice. After scheduling your tour, please contact our Dispatch Office at (615) 883-5555 to confirm availability.

We believe strongly in the Gray Line Tennessee sightseeing experience. If you’re dissatisfied with your tour, please contact our Customer Service office at 615-883-5555 and we’ll make it right.

General Jackson Showboat Nashville Lunch & Dinner Cruises

A General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise provides an amazing adventure to those visiting Nashville, TN . This famous paddle wheel riverboat takes guests via the Cumberland River to view the Nashville skyline to enjoy a relaxing cruise, live stage show, and delicious dinner. Whether you are celebrating a date night, birthday, or just want to get in some sightseeing during your Music City vacation, it is a must-have addition to your itinerary.

New for 2024: Tennessee Legends Show

The Cumberland River is a gorgeous and historic waterway winding throughout Nashville. On whichever trip you choose, you will be able to see some of the most glorious sights in Nashville from a unique perspective. The showboat is equipped with amazing ways to see everything, including balconies and outside decks which allow for beautiful panoramic views of the towering skyscrapers and sparkling lights of the city. During warmer months, you may capture sight of local wildlife as well such as fish and birds. Soak in the fresh air and the unforgettable Nashville skyline scenery on this cruise tour, and don't forget to bring your camera to snap a few pictures along the way!

About the General Jackson Showboat

The General Jackson is one of the largest Nashville boat and river cruises in the country and its dock is found on the Cumberland River. Having launched its cruises in 1985, it has provided quality entertainment, live music, and fun to visitors for more than three decades. It is named after the first steamboat to travel in Nashville in 1817. Thousands of people have enjoyed this famous attraction, which is famous for its stately design and special event cruises, drawing in thousands of travelers every year to view its entertainment options. The boat itself has a lot of stunning features, with a length of 274 feet and a towering height of 55 feet, massive decks, and stunning views.

The Nashville river boat can carry up to 1,037 passengers and 135 crew at a time during max capacity. It also features one of the largest paddlewheels that is 36 feet long and 24 feet in diameter. Just the paddle wheel weighs 36,000 pounds! This massive boat has a total weight of 1,489 tons. It travels at an average speed of approximately 5 - 8 miles per hour. The boat is comprised of four decks, which hold features such as the Heritage Hall, a gift shop, the Victorian Theater with a sit-down dining area and comfortable seating, balconies, and tons of outside viewing opportunities. If you are wanting to enjoy a completely unique experience, make sure to board this fantastic riverboat. Additionally, the beautiful General Jackson Showboat is wheelchair accessible and gives a neat way to explore the Nashville downtown area.

With tons of viewing space, these themed Nashville cruises offer amazing shows, a good time, mouth-watering food, and an energy that is totally unparalleled by any other boat adventure in the South. Be sure to climb aboard and enjoy live entertainment and downtown sightseeing the next time you visit Music City by booking your General Jackson Showboat tickets today. Whether you want to take an hour cruise, lunch cruise, evening dinner cruise, or just want to get out and see Nashville Tennessee on the river, these cruises offer amazing opportunities for adventures. Be sure to book your hotel lodging to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, go shopping at the Opry Mills Mall, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or get tickets to see the Grand Ole Opry. Regardless of what you do, you're bound to have a blast on your trip to Nashville! Be sure to book a great Nashville hotel in the area. jackson general general jackson's music city queen riverboat nashville tngeneral jackson showboat seating chart gen jackson boat general jackson seating chart

• What type of parking do you have? The General Jackson shares a parking lot with Opry Mills and there is no charge for parking.
• Approximately how long are the cruises? The entire experience is approximately 2.5 hours long.
• How many decks or levels are there aboard the boat? The boat has four decks.
• What lake or river does the boat cruise on? The boat sails on the Cumberland River.
• How many passengers does the boat hold? The boat holds 1,037 passengers along with 135 crew members.
• What is the dress code? Casual dress for all cruises. Shirts and shoes are required to be worn at all times. No halter top or bathing suit tops are allowed.
• Does General Jackson Showboat Nashville Lunch & Dinner Cruises feature a bar? Yes, there is a full-service bar on deck for all your favorite alcoholic drinks.
• Are alcoholic beverages served at General Jackson Showboat Nashville Lunch & Dinner Cruises? Yes, there is a full-service bar.
• Is the boat air-conditioned? Yes, the interior of the boat is air conditioned.
• What is the policy in case of inclement weather? The boat makes an effort to always sail even during weather-related instances in which the boat may be delayed.
• Are strollers allowed on the boat? Yes, strollers are permitted on board.
• Can you purchase beer or wine on the cruise? Yes. There is a full-service bar on board.
• Garden Salad Romaine Iceberg Blend - Shredded Kale - Cornbread Croutons - Crumbled Cheese Curds - Grape Tomatoes - Heirloom Carrots - Tangy House Dressing   
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad Green Onions - Bacon - Sour Cream 
• Sweet Bourbon Glazed Chicken BBQ Spices - Brown Sugar - Apple Cider Vinegar
• Hickory Smoked Prok Shoulder  Sweet Molasses BBQ Sauce
• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Root Beer Baked Beans
• Chef's Seasonally Inspired Vegetables
• Buttered Soft Rolls with Cherrywood Smoked Sea Salt
• Seasonal Fruit Cobbler Cinnamon Streusel Topping with Caramel and Vanilla Cream Sauce

Tea, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee 

(Menu Subject to Change without Notice)

Garden Salad Romaine Iceberg Blend - Shredded Kale - Cornbread Croutons - Crumbled Cheese Curds - Grape Tomatoes - Heirloom Carrots - Tangy House Dressing 

From the Carver

Slow-Roasted Prime Rib of Beef Garlic and Shallot Salt Crust - Fresh Herbs - Horseradish Cream

Main Course

• Roasted Chicken Breast Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Demi  
• Baked Mac and Cheese Garlic with Cheddar Crumb Topping  
• Steakhouse Potatoes House Blend of Spices  
• Chef's Seasonally Inspired Vegetable
• Glazed Carrots and Spring Peas Shaved Parmesan - Citrus - Honey - Thyme
• Chocolate Torte Whipped Cream - Vanilla Creme Anglaise - Bourbon Caramel - Toffee Cookie Crumble

((Menu Subject to Change without Notice))

Please mention at time of reservation. Vegetarian menus, while change each night, are often the same menu as the regular cruise minus the meat. They often include a pasta dish with additional vegetables. 

*subject to change. 

Salad Arcadian Baby Lettuces with Dried Assorted Fruits, Toasted Pecans, Chevre Goat Cheese & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Braised Short Rib with Merlot Demi-Glace OR Roasted Chicken Breast with Creamy Chicken Demi
• Roasted Steakhouse Potatoes
• Citrus Honey Glazed Carrots
• Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake
• Oat & Honey Streusel, Sea Salt Caramel Cream

Tea, Coffee, or Decaf Coffee

(Menu subject to change without notice)

• Arcadian Baby Lettuces with Dried Assorted Fruits, Toasted Pecans, Chevre Goat Cheese, White Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Roasted Chicken Breast with Herb Brined, House Spices, Creamy Demi

Tea, Coffee, and Decaf Coffee 

Menu Subject to Change without Notice.

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Nashville Boat Tours and Cruise

Boat tours and cruises in nashville.

Do you love to spend time on the water? Nashville area cruises are the perfect combination of relaxing comfort with adventurous sightseeing. Often beverages are a part of the attraction and viewing the vast green middle Tennessee landscapes will relax the soul. There is something about being on the water that helps slow down a day that is moving too fast. Take a deep breath, and take in the beauty and a view of Nashville that can only be seen from the rivers edge. Visit these sites for find the best Water Tours and Cruises in middle Tennessee. Enjoy Life, Nashville Life!

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Tourists witness body being pulled from Cumberland River

Search crews found the body of a man in the cumberland river monday afternoon..

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A body was recovered from the Cumberland River on Monday afternoon, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD).

A woman and her friends, visiting from Seattle, were just about to hop on a Cumberland River boat tour when they came across the scene.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Body recovered from Cumberland River

“We walked up and there were a lot of emergency vehicles, a lot,” Ruth Van Lier said.

Instead of their boat loading up with tourists to see the city, they saw search boats in the river and investigators with MNPD walking along the banks.

“I feel like they should have yellow taped it off, that’s what I see in most things like that, instead we got to see everything,” Van Lier said.

The Nashville Fire Department said someone saw what looked like a body in the river on Monday afternoon. Moments later, police confirmed it was the body of an unidentified man.

“We saw the gurney come up with the body covered up,” Kim Tanner said.

Officers called in the medical examiner opened an investigation and cleared the area.

“I felt safe, it was very odd that we were that close to whatever was going on, I think it should have been a private moment of investigation and removing the body, it shouldn’t have been for the public eye,” Jolene Netto said.

The women said although they were shaken up, eventually they were able to go on their boat tour.

Metro police continued their investigation to find out what led to the death of the man found.

Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.

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Tennessee Legends

2024 general jackson showboat midday cruise, featuring tennessee legends in the victorian theater, march 8 – november 10, 2024.

If you are looking for a Taste of Tennessee, look no further than the world-famous General Jackson Showboat. Spend an afternoon onboard with us where you can sample the many styles of music that made Tennessee famous. Join us for a glorious daytime cruise on the General Jackson Showboat, as we celebrate and salute the music of world-famous TENNESSEE LEGENDS . Listen to some of Nashville’s finest musicians and singers sharing the stories and songs from the pride of Tennessee.

From East Tennessee to Nashville’s Music City to the soulful sounds from Memphis, many of the top musical entertainers of all time call Tennessee home. Hear Smoky Mountain stories from country music’s greatest living legend, Dolly Parton to the sounds of Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry stars to the classics from one of the greatest artists of all time, Memphis’ own Elvis Presley. With guitars, fiddles and voices ringing,  TENNESSEE LEGENDS  is a can’t-miss musical treat.

What to Expect: Great Music

A versatile and virtuoso showband are our Tennessee tour guides and take you on this exciting musical journey featuring authentic country picking and grand country harmonies, all supported by glamorous costumes, lights and multimedia.

Musical Appetizer

Our musical appetizer begins in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with the energetic music of bluegrass, roots and Americana music featuring fiddling favorites like “Orange Blossom Special” to the homespun songs of musical superstar, Dolly Parton.

Second Course

Our next course features a generous helping of the traditional and contemporary country music that made Nashville, Music City, with songs from Reba McEntire to Charlie Daniels to Garth Brooks.

Third Course

Course number three serves up the music of Memphis R&B and Blues as we pay tribute to Sun Records’ famous Million Dollar Quartet including Jerry Lee Lewis and the King himself, Elvis Presley. Our final sweet treat is an inspiring multimedia and musical medley of patriotic anthems.

What to Expect: Great Food

Add to this a mouth-watering Southern meal and the river cruise-all included in your ticket price! So, take a legendary cruise on Tennessee’s Cumberland River and discover all the legendary music that Tennessee has to offer!

Come enjoy the best that Tennessee has to offer. Enjoy the music of TENNESSEE LEGENDS  on the General Jackson Showboat!

Tennessee Legends Cruise Schedule

Captain’s Table Boarding : 11:00 a.m.

Boarding : 11:15 a.m. Buffet begins : 11:15 a.m. Departure : 12:00 noon Show begins : 12:10 p.m. Return : 2:30 p.m. (*)

(*) – Will return at 2:45 p.m. if there are two buffet seatings

Ticket Pricing

Adults (12 and up): $115.00: Captain’s Table* $75.00: Cruise, Lunch, and Show

$45.00: Outer Deck Cruise & Show Only

Children (ages 4-11): $95.00: Captain’s Table* $55.00: Cruise, Meal, and Show

$35.00: Outer Deck Cruise & Show Only

Prices are inclusive of tax.

*In addition to the cruise, meal, and show, the Captain’s Table experience includes a tableside greeting and tour of the pilothouse by the captain, upgraded dessert plus a souvenir specialty drink and shirt from the on-board gift shop

Ticket prices include a service charge (currently 18.75%) and an administrative fee (currently 7.25%) based on the price of lunch/dinner served.  The service charge is distributed in its entirety to wait staff and service bartenders. The administrative fee is not a tip, gratuity or service charge for any employee.  Unless a fee is specifically denoted as a ‘service charge’, it is not a tip, gratuity or service charge for any employee.

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