Tennessee River Cruises - Top 7 Boat Tours and Cruises

The Tennessee Rivers Cruise from Chattanooga to Nashville is a 7 nights itinerary. It is from one of American Cruise Lines ships named American Melody.

The ship has 5 decks capable of 175 passengers. The modern riverboat was launched in 2021 as the fourth boat in American Cruise Line's Modern series of riverboats.

From the breathtaking view of Tennesee Valley to the famous Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge visitors are provided informational lectures.

Before the cruise, they offer a one-night complimentary hotel stay to explore the local area. So the cruisers need to reach there before the scheduled date.

Day-by-Day Excursion:

• Day 1: Chattanooga - Enjoying the Scenic Tennesse River backdropped with the Appalachian Mountains
• Day 2: Decatur - Visit the Old Decatur Historic District and housing built in the 18000s in French style.
• Day 3: Florence - Walk through the bohemian antique shops and show at the Shoals Theatre and FloBama Music Hall.
• Day 4: Savannah - Soak in the air of National Military Park and historic 42-privately homes including Cherry Mansion.
• Day 5: Paducah - Feel the serenity of the Ohio River and try your hands-on creative workshops at local art galleries.
• Day 6: Lake Barkley - Cruising over the Cumberland River visitors can admire the picturesque landscape scenery and lush jungles.
• Day 7: Nashville - Visit Grand Ole Opry to the lively streets of Nashville.
• Day 8: Nashville - Cruise back home.

Along with the Appalachian Mountains and lands between the lakes, the trip leads you to Savannah. The place holds the history of the Civil War.

You can make your booking from their website.

Fall Foliage Sightseeing Cruise is one of the best Tennessee river boat cruises. Southern Belle Riverboat has this package for 3 hours.

The excursion might be the shortest yet one of the best ways to see scenic nature through the water. They also provide live narration for the history and the scenes.

The scenic cruise takes you through the Grand Canyon to the Tennessee River Gorge. The natural treasures of the Southeast are carved through the Cumberland Mountains.

It costs $39.99 for individuals above 13, and they charge only $29.99 for children aged between 3 to 12.

You can book your Fall Cruise in Chattanooga trip through their official website.

General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise is facilitated with theater for musical performances. They offer a Southern-style lunch or dinner.

The starting price for the ticket is $109.62. The cruise sails on Nashville's Cumberland River and the riverbanks with live entertainment.

The 300-foot-long General Jackson was set to be operational by November 1985. It has the capacity to carry around 1000 passengers in four decks.

They organize shows to hear iconic river town wongs including jazz and swing favorites. Their appetizer begins with Americana music featuring fiddling favorites like Orange Blossom Special.

Guests can enjoy a three-course Southern meal from Gaylord Opryland Resort’s award-winning chefs. It is a 4-hour trip over the Cumberland River.

Booking can be done through Trip Advisor.

Foods Offered:

• Pork Shoulder
• Baked Mac-N-Cheese
• Baked Beans
• Buttermilk Ranch Old Fashioned Potato Salad
• House Blend of Spices
• Heirloom Carrots
• Seasonal Fruit Cobbler

Heart of the Delta is an itinerary package of Vikings River Cruises. The trip revolves around New Orleans and Memphis.

The tour introduces you to the American South culture cruising through the Mississippi River. They offer a Privileged Access Mississippi Delta blues experience in Greenville.

While soaking up the rich French culture and devouring the Cajun and Creole cuisine visitors can stir their souls.

Day-by-Day Excursions

• Day 1: New Orleans - Visit the New Orleans.
• Day 2: Darrow - Historic architecture visit to the Lower Mississippi.
• Day 3: Baton Rouge - Cajun and Creole music, cuisine, and distinct arts.
• Day 4: St. Francisville - Site seeing of the city of 140 buildings registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Day 5: Natchez - Explore the beautiful crescent of the lower Mississippi River.
• Day 6: Vicksburg - Witness the history of the pivotal Civil War battle.
• Day 7: Greenville - Experience the beauty of the award-winning downtown.
• Day 8: Rosedale - Roam around the Cameron Lake and Fenelon Falls.
• Day 9: Memphis - Embark on the history and landmarks.

The itinerary includes onboard meals to unlimited beverages. Airfare is added from their listed cities.

Sightseeing Cruises of Tennessee Riverboat Co boards a vintage paddle wheeler named Star of Knoxville Riverboat. The authentic wheel boat can carry 325 passengers.

The vessel organizes different events including late-night party cruises and weddings. They also provide private charters and football charters.

It has an open-air upper deck and a climate-controlled main deck to enjoy the leisurely moonlit stroll. To watch the Tennessee River flow downtown Knoxville's waterfront, it can be the best option within a short period.

Passengers can enjoy Southern comfort food on the patio-style upper deck. The meals are not included.

They have partnered with Calhoun's on the River for a parking facility.

For the booking, you can browse through their website under the name Tennessee Riverboat Co.

• Ship Name: Star of Knoxville Riverboat
• Duration: 1 and half hours (2 hours for dinner cruise)
• Cost: $25-30 USD ( $15 for children)

American Queen Voyages is one of the river cruises in Nashville Tennessee. Their Nashville to Memphis Itinerary is a 9 days trip.

The excursion is scheduled in American Queen. She is one of the largest river steamboats ever built and a six-deck recreation.

Visitors can embark on their journey through the grandeur of the Ohio River and the beauty of Clarksville. You can experience the unraveled beauty of nature and fascinating historical sites.

Day-to-Day Excursion

• Day 1: Clarksville - Stroll through historic sites including Fort Defiance
• Day 2: Nashville - Visit classical-style buildings and shipping ports
• Day 3: Clarksville - Stroll through the city
• Day 4: Dover - Soak in the serenity of rivers and learn the history of Fort Donelson
• Day 5: Paducah - Enjoy the riverfront murals
• Day 6: Cape Girardeau - Sip in the air of the Mississippi River and watch murals
• Day 7: Columbus - Meet the small community 134
• Day 8: New Madrid - Know the history of earthquakes and Native American artifacts
• Day 9: Memphis - Way back home

Enjoy informative lectures on history while you take a lively musical performance onboard. Local cuisine and beverages are their included services.

They also offer a pre-cruise experience at Gaylord Opryland Resort with facilities like a guided Backstage Opry Tour. It costs $999 per person.

Chattanooga Duck Boat Tour is among the best Tennessee riverboat cruise Chattanooga. It is a one-hour narrated sail into the Tennessee River.

The WWII amphibious landing crafts escape the streets of Chattanooga by straight driving into the water.

The ticket pricing differs for different age groups: it costs $34.99 for adults, $24.99 for 3 to 12 aged children, and $5.99 for infants.

Alex Moyers is the owner of the company. The tours are typically held from March to October in the favorable season.

The check-in location is 151 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402. However, the parking facility is not free.

The fascinating boats sail through Chattanooga's downtown, Moccasin Point, Oligati Bridge, and Maclellan Island. We might not want to escape Williams Island in between.

Some other main highlights of the tour are:

• Hunter Art Museu
• Bluff View Art District
• Missionary Ridge
• Walnut Street Bridge
• Elder Mountain
• Moccasin Bend
• Oligati Bridge
• Chattanooga Golf and Country Club