The 6 Best Nashville River Cruises

1.General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,362 reviews · from $111Our pick

Ride Nashville’s historically recreated General Jackson Showboat for about four hours, with hotel pickup from select downtown hotels, a Southern lunch or dinner, and live music, comedy, or dancing. Choose daylight for city views or dinner for an orchestra-backed show. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals require advance notice.

“Great cruise, lunch and show Enjoyed the other guests at our table for lunch Everything clean and well kept”

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2.General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 178 reviews · from $138

Spend about four hours aboard Nashville’s General Jackson Showboat, with dinner in the Victorian Theater, live Tennessee music, and skyline views from the Cumberland River. The evening includes round-trip transport options, English-language assistance, and wheelchair access.

“The food and show were great however we're not given enough time to eat then go outside and take pictures before the show begins.”

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3.Pontoon Party Cruise with a Captain

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 130 reviews · from $60

Join a 50-foot Pontoon Saloon for two hours on the Cumberland River with a USCG captain, deckhand, party host, DJ, games, dancing, and drinks for purchase. Captain Mike, Captain G, Captain Cody, and hosts such as Crop Top Caden have helped make this a lively choice for groups aged 21 and up.

“A really fun ride. Great music, beautiful views and the crew was very helpful and kept everyone happy and having a great time.”

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4.Family Friendly River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 124 reviews · 2 hours · from $55

Spend two hours on a pontoon boat with a USCG licensed captain, live narration, and Cumberland River views. Guides such as Jimbo, Terri, Cody, and Capt. Kerry have made this a relaxed alternative to Broadway, with beer, wine, canned cocktails, and champagne for sale onboard.

“We were given a lot of information. The gentleman was informative & great at taking care of us. It was fun & relaxing. Would recommend it to others.”

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5.General Jackson Showboat Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · from $98

Spend three hours aboard Nashville’s General Jackson Showboat, with hotel pickup options, a Southern-style lunch, and the Taste of Tennessee country show. You’ll hear bluegrass, roots, and Americana while cruising the Cumberland River, with shuttle service and wheelchair access available.

“enjoyed the food, the entertainment and the theme of music in the three states of Tennessee, the shops, the cumberland river, the view of downtown Nashville and the weather.”

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6.Nashville Guided Paddleboard Tour along Cumberland River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $49Best value

Start at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center for a two-hour guided paddle on the Cumberland River. Josh, Dan, or another Big Willies guide provides safety instruction, gear, water, and sunscreen. Beginners are welcome, and windy weather may mean switching to a kayak.

“Our guide was super helpful! We fell a couple times (our balance isnt the best) But we had soo many laughs! We love that they take picture so that the memories are there to look back at later! Highly Recommend”

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