Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
Free visitors guide.
E-newsletter.
Plan your Private Event with us! Click here to get started!
Experience an unparalleled view of Knoxville during our public cruises! Enjoy a delightful lunch, brunch, or dinner cruise. We offer a range of public cruises for your friends and family on Knoxville’s only luxury yacht! From sunset dinner cruises to sailgates in Big Orange Country, Volunteer Princess Cruises is truly special for any event. Browse through our cruise offerings below to begin your jaunt along Knoxville, Tennessee’s beautiful riverfront!
Searching for a unique date night? Celebrating something special? Or just want a night out on the water? Our Sunset Dinner Cruise is just for you!
Looking for a new Sunday brunch spot? Join us on the Volunteer Princess and enjoy brunch on the water!
Tailgate in style aboard the Volunteer Princess, and be a part of the Vol Navy!
Knoxville’s beautiful riverfront comes alive with the colors of fall during this lunch cruise!
Cruise the waters of the Tennessee River in air-conditioned or heated comfort and luxury with our sightseeing tour. Relax in the sun on the front deck or find comfort.
Whether you’re on vacation, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a wonderful meal in a beautiful setting, you’ll thoroughly enjoy your experience on our lunch cruises. Relax in
Pints & pizza cruise.
Experience a fun night on the Tennessee River! Grab a slice of pizza and a pint of beer, and enjoy a two-hour cruise around Knoxville!
Experience a taste of Italy on our fantastic Italian Night Dinner Cruise. Take a seat at your private table, enjoy a two-hour cruise around Knoxville and indulge in a four-course.
Chattanooga is a city that prides itself on its river. Only a short trip from downtown, the Tennessee River Gorge is one of the most biologically diverse areas of the country. Over 200 bird species call the gorge home, nesting in the 27,000 acres of virtually undisturbed forest. Conveniently, there's plenty of options for rolling on the river. And one of the best ways to see this wonder of nature is by riverboat.
The Southern Belle is designed to mimic the luxury riverboats that cruised Chattanooga’s waterways in the 1800s. This triple decker riverboat holds up to 500 passengers, and cruising options abound. Short 1.5-hour sightseeing excursions are perfect for a downtown river view while longer journeys venture up the Tennessee River Gorge. The most popular options are the dinner cruises, which include live music, bingo, pilot house tours, and prizes.
Take a ride aboard the Chattanooga Ducks , authentic WWII amphibious landing crafts built specifically for the D-Day invasion. This historic 1-hour tour takes you through the heart of downtown Chattanooga. Just when you think you've seen it all, the vehicle splashes into the Tennessee River for a historical and ecological tour of the river and the Chattanooga Riverfront.
We've got you! Chattanooga offers a bunch of ways to get you out on the water. Check out some suggestions here . We'll see you out there!
Sign up for e-news.
Get the latest on upcoming events & things to do.
Get to know Chattanooga & its local attractions.
Phone: (423) 756-8687
Toll-Free: (800) 322-3344
© 2024 Chattanooga Tourism Co. All rights reserved.
Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. By continuing to use our site you agree to our privacy policy .
Day 1: chattanooga, tennessee, day 2: chattanooga, tennessee | embark.
Day 5: florence, al, day 6: savannah, tennessee, day 7: paducah, ky, day 8: dover, tn, day 9: clarksville, tennessee | disembark.
Dates & prices, my preferred start date.
Initial deposit is $1000 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 131 days prior to departure by MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, and check
See our general terms and conditions:
We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
United states travel guide.
Recognized by.
Overnight cruises in Tennessee are available on a few different rivers. One of the rivers is the actual Tennessee River, which flows between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Then there’s the Cumberland River in Nashville. And on the west coast of Tennessee, the city of Memphis is located on the Mississippi River. For this article, we’re going to focus on the Tennessee River.
While you’ll find some overnight cruises that include Chattanooga, the itinerary will also include the city of Nashville on the Cumberland River or the city of Memphis on the Mississippi River.
Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Tennessee
By Imilious (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
If you’re just looking for a one-day cruise, you’ll find several options for day, evening, scenic and special event cruises on the Tennessee River in both Knoxville and Chattanooga. Cruises range in length from an hour to several hours.
Chattanooga is about 120 miles southwest of Knoxville. Surprisingly, there are not any cruises available between the two cities. And overnight cruises depart from Chattanooga but not from Knoxville.
The Tennessee River begins near Knoxville at the confluence of the French Broad and Holston Rivers. It flows for 652 miles through four states – Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky and is the largest tributary of the Ohio River.
In Paducah, Kentucky, a confluence is formed between the the Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio Rivers. The Tennessee River is indirectly connected to the Mississippi River through the Ohio River.
A river cruise between Nashville and Chattanooga will include the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. And a river cruise between Chattanooga and Memphis will include the Mississippi, Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. Nashville is located on the Cumberland River and Memphis is located on the Mississippi.
Some of the cities you’ll visit along the Tennessee River include Chattanooga and Savannah, Tennessee; Decatur and Florence, Alabama; and Paducah, Kentucky.
In Paducah you’ll have a chance to explore the town. You can visit the River Heritage Museum. Or you can just stroll through the city and observe its many buildings that were built in the 19th century. If you love military history, Paducah has a Civil War Museum that you can also visit along the way.
Savannah, Tennessee is a rather small town with a population of about 7,000 and it covers less than 6 square miles. The highlight of this city is probably the Shiloh National Military Park.
O’Neal Bridge Over the Tennessee River in Florence, Alabama
By Tyler Ross (English Wikipedia) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
In Alabama the city of Florence has several museums to visit and historical sites to see, such as the Pope’s Tavern Museum, the Rosenbaum House and the Indian Mound Museum.
And in the city of Decatur, Alabama, you can tour the Carnegie Visual Arts Center. You’ll also have a chance to see another Civil War museum called the Blue and Gray Museum.
The American Queen Steamboat Company has itineraries during the months of October and November that travel between Nashville and Chattanooga and between Nashville and Memphis.
If you’re visiting either Knoxville or Chattanooga and would like to take a one-day cruise, there are several companies that offer day, evening, scenic and special event cruises along the Tennessee River.
Tennessee River Gorge
By Blueway (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
If you'd like to take a scenic cruise on the Tennessee River, you can take a boat ride along the Tennessee River Gorge. The Tennessee Aquarium offers a cruise that departs from Chattanooga. Read what others have to say about the River Gorge Explorer .
Blue Moon Cruises also has tours through the Tennessee River Gorge. And for those who just want to see Chattanooga from the river, the Southern Belle has day and evening cruises year-round.
The Tennessee River Boat Company and Volunteer Princess offer cruises along the Tennessee River in Knoxville. The cruising season is from March through November.
If you enjoyed this article, please share it with other people you think would also enjoy reading it. Thank you! :)
Lauri Wakefield is a travel writer who specializes in river cruises in Europe and the U.S. Connect with her on Twitter and Google+ .
You Might Also LIke:
|
|
|
|
About l Contact l Privacy Policy l Terms l Disclaimer
© 2019 ExploreRiverCruises.Com
POPULAR ARTICLES
RIVER CRUISE DESTINATIONS IN AUSTRIA
8 UNESCO SITES FOR RIVER CRUISES IN GERMANY
HOW TO DECIDE WHICH RIVER TO CRUISE IN EUROP E
RIVER CRUISES IN FRANCE
RIVER CRUISES IN GERMANY
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE A RIVER CRUISE
WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR RIVER TO CRUISE?
POPULAR RIVERS TO CRUISE IN EUROPE
DANUBE RIVER
DOURO RIVER
RHINE RIVER
SEINE RIVER
POPULAR RIVERS TO CRUISE IN AMERICA
HUDSON RIVER
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NIAGARA RIVER
POPULAR RIVERS TO CRUISE IN ASIA
MEKONG RIVER
YANGTZE RIVE R
Experiences make excellent gifts! Grab an E-Gift Card here for an upcoming Cruise!
Quick details.
Experience victorian elegance and exquisite dining at the mayor’s mansion inn in chattanooga, tennessee.
Imagine stepping into the Mayor’s Mansion Inn in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the 1889 Victorian charm envelops you in a world of timeless elegance. As you settle in for dinner, the warm glow of candlelight dances across the richly appointed dining room. A perfectly seared filet mignon arrives, its aroma teasing your senses, the tender cut of beef practically melting with every bite. The flavors, so exquisite, are enhanced by the historic ambiance of the inn, where each creak of the wooden floorboards seems to whisper tales from a bygone era.
After dinner, as the sun begins its descent, you embark on a short, leisurely drive just a mile down the road to the Southern Belle Riverboat. The excitement builds as you step aboard this grand vessel, greeted by the gentle sounds of a live musician serenading the guests. The riverboat pulls away from the dock, gliding smoothly onto the Tennessee River, where the surrounding mountains and valleys paint the perfect backdrop for a sunset of vivid colors.
The sky transforms into a canvas of pinks, purples, and golds, reflected on the calm waters below. As you sip on a cocktail from one of the three full bars, you feel the day’s stress melt away. A soft breeze carries the scent of the river, and the twinkling lights of Chattanooga begin to shimmer in the distance. You take a moment to visit the pilot house, where the captain shares stories of the river’s history.
With each passing moment, the riverboat seems to drift further into a dreamy world where time slows down, and the beauty of the “Scenic City” captures your heart. The serenade continues, and as the last rays of sunlight fade, you find yourself lost in the magic of the evening, savoring every second of this enchanting experience on the Tennessee River.
The absolute best sightseeing of the lovely city of Chattanooga is from the Southern Belle Riverboat. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise on our open-air deck with live narration!
Grab a glass of wine from the concession, kick back, and relax as we cruise down the lazy Tennessee River on a two-hour scenic tour on our open-air deck.
COMMENTS
Enjoy the beauty of the Tennessee River on board the Star of Knoxville. This authentic paddlewheel riverboat is United States Coast Guard approved for 200 passengers. The main deck seats 110 passengers and is fully enclosed, air conditioned, and heated for year-round comfort. The ship boasts two complete bars, a spacious dance floor, a stage ...
9 Days / 8 Nights. Set sail through the storied waters of the Tennessee Valley aboard our modern American Riverboat. Cruise between the Appalachian Mountains and the Land Between the Lakes, a corridor rich in history and musical legacy. This region, once known as "The Hit Recording Capital of the World," produced some of America's most beloved ...
Call 1.406.541.2677. Many proclaim that there is no better way to explore Tennessee than on a river cruise. Effortlessly float between quaint villages, scenic countryside, and history-rich cities and destinations like Memphis, New Orleans, Natchez, Vicksburg, and Baton Rouge without unpacking your bags. Enjoy river cruises, cruises, cultural ...
Our Incredible History. One of the largest showboats ever built, the grand General Jackson is an elegant triumph of American ingenuity. The General Jackson was built by the largest inland shipbuilder in the United States, Jeffboat, and was launched on the Ohio River in Indiana to start the journey to its new home on Nashville's Cumberland ...
Nestled between the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is one of America's most splendid cities. Enjoy a Welcome Reception on board as you begin your journey cruising along this breathtaking river with the majestic Appalachian Mountains serving as a beautiful backdrop. 2 Cruising the Tennessee River.
Sightseeing cruises are a perfect way to see Knoxville and the Tennessee River. You can ride most the lunch and dinner cruises on our covered top deck as a Sightseeing guest (no meal or downstairs cabin access). Follow Us. Payment Accepted. Office Hours. Monday; 10:00am - 4:00pm;
Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN. 8 Nights. September 20, 2024, November 8, 2024. From $5,190. American Melody. Book Now More Info. Experience the beauty of Tennesse and Nashville River Cruises. Our agents are ready to book your Tennessee cruise adventure today!
Climb aboard the Volunteer Princess, and join us for a public cruise or private event along Knoxville, Tennessee's beautiful riverfront! Our luxury yacht is designed with you and your guests in mind, so you'll find both modern luxury and classic design as you cruise with us and celebrate events both large and small along the Tennessee River.
Easter Dinner on the Grand Chandelier Deck. Enjoy live music and dinner on the deck, followed by a one-hour cruise on the scenic Tennessee River aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat with narration by the captain! Call to Book. Learn More. From $19.95.
Star of Knoxville. 300 Neyland Drive • Knoxville TN 37902 • (865) 525-7827. Knoxville's riverboat, the Star of Knoxville, offers lunch and dinner cruises, party cruises, late night party cruises, and sightseeing cruises on the Tennessee River. Live music.
Cruise the Grand Canyon of the Tennessee River and see one of nature's most magnificent wonders dressed in all of its fall splendor. Learn More $ 34.99. 3+ 1.5 hours ... Grab a glass of wine from the concession, kick back, and relax as we cruise down the lazy Tennessee River on a two-hour scenic tour on our open-air deck.
Enjoy the scenic Tennessee River aboard an authentic stern wheel riverboat which offers lunch, sightseeing, dinner, and party cruises. The Star of Knoxville is Knoxville's only authentic paddlewheel riverboat. We'll Show You Knoxville Like No One Else Can. Sightseeing, Lunch Cruises, Dinner Cruises, Private Charters, Football Charters, Weddings & Rehearsals, and much more. Year Round Cruises ...
183 reviews. #4 of 9 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Knoxville. Boat ToursNight ToursSightseeing Tours. Open now. 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. The Star of Knoxville Riverboat is an authentic 325-passenger sternwheel riverboat offering sightseeing, lunch, dinner, entertainment and moonlight cruises along the Tennessee ...
Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise. Welcome to the pride of the South and the best Chattanooga attraction! Join us for a great cruise along the scenic Tennessee River while enjoying one of our fabulous dinner, lunch or sightseeing cruises. We are perfect for private parties, reunions, receptions, company picnics, or meetings and our dockside ...
Dinner on the Tennessee River. Since 1985, the Southern Belle Riverboat has had a simple mission: to provide a unique and spectacular experience of the beautiful city of Chattanooga. Our dining cruises show off the beauty of both the river and the city, giving you gorgeous views of Chattanooga that you can only experience from the Southern ...
Public Riverboat Cruises in Knoxville, TN. Experience an unparalleled view of Knoxville during our public cruises! Enjoy a delightful lunch, brunch, or dinner cruise. We offer a range of public cruises for your friends and family on Knoxville's only luxury yacht! From sunset dinner cruises to sailgates in Big Orange Country, Volunteer ...
Southern Belle. The Southern Belle is designed to mimic the luxury riverboats that cruised Chattanooga's waterways in the 1800s. This triple decker riverboat holds up to 500 passengers, and cruising options abound. Short 1.5-hour sightseeing excursions are perfect for a downtown river view while longer journeys venture up the Tennessee River ...
Build your ideal United States trip. Call 1.406.541.2677. Start Planning My Trip. On this nine-day Tennessee river cruise, navigate rivers, bask in nostalgia, and immerse yourself in history. Visit the river's hidden havens and discover why so many have fallen in love with its gentle character. Embark on American Duchess and experience both ...
If you're just looking for a one-day cruise, you'll find several options for day, evening, scenic and special event cruises on the Tennessee River in both Knoxville and Chattanooga. Cruises range in length from an hour to several hours. Chattanooga is about 120 miles southwest of Knoxville. Surprisingly, there are not any cruises available ...
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Tennessee River and live music on the third deck. The tour includes pilot house tours with our captain. Learn More. From $35.95. 3+. 2 hours. Fireworks Over the Tennessee River! (Without Meal) The Southern Belle Riverboat takes you to the middle of the Tennessee River, where you can see the fireworks (weather ...
The Southern Belle. (423) 266-4488 jon@chattanoogariverboat.com 151 Riverfront Parkway. Chattanooga, TN 37402. Buy Ticket. Cruises. Fall & Holiday Cruises. Sights Cruise. Sunset Cruise. Dinner Cruises.
The best sunset cruise in all of Chattanooga. Since 1985 the Southern Belle Riverboat has had a simple mission: to provide a unique and spectacular experience of the beautiful city of Chattanooga. Tweet. Email. The Southern Belle. (423) 266-4488 jon@chattanoogariverboat.com 151 Riverfront Parkway. Chattanooga, TN 37402.
Head up to the pilot house and watch the captain in action as he pilots the Belle down the Tennessee River! Two flights of stairs required — no elevator. Tweet. Email. The Southern Belle. (423) 266-4488 jon@chattanoogariverboat.com 151 Riverfront Parkway. Chattanooga, TN 37402. Buy Ticket. Cruises.
The serenade continues, and as the last rays of sunlight fade, you find yourself lost in the magic of the evening, savoring every second of this enchanting experience on the Tennessee River. Times. Option 1: Dinner at The Mayor's Mansion from 4PM - 5:45PM + Sunset Cruise from 6PM - 7:30PM