Taking a river cruise through Knoxville offers a fresh perspective on this lively Tennessee city. While I haven’t personally sailed aboard the Volunteer Princess, the reviews and details shared paint an inviting picture. If you’re looking for a laid-back way to see the city’s sights from the water, this two-hour cruise might be just what you need — especially if you love good views and tasty food.
What I really appreciate about this cruise is how it combines scenic beauty with a relaxed atmosphere. The cruise passes iconic sights like the Sunsphere, built for the 1982 World’s Fair, and the impressive riverfront homes in Big Orange Country. Plus, the price point of $35 per person makes it accessible for many travelers, offering surprisingly good value for the experience. On the downside, some mention parking challenges and a few inconsistencies with food allergies — worth considering if those are high on your list. This cruise seems best suited for those who enjoy a comfortable, scenic outing that combines light sightseeing with a touch of local flavor.
If your idea of a good day involves gentle river views, friendly crew, and the chance to relax without breaking the bank, this tour could be a perfect fit. Families, couples, and groups seeking a taste of Knoxville from a different angle are likely to find it appealing.
Key Points
- Affordable Scenic Experience: For $35, you get a two-hour cruise with stunning river views.
- Iconic Landmarks: Pass by the Sunsphere and see luxurious riverfront homes.
- Good Value for Money: Tasty food and friendly service contribute to a positive experience.
- Comfortable Setting: Enclosed dining area with views, plus outdoor options.
- Mixed Reviews on Food & Parking: Some mention parking frustrations and minor food issues.
- Ideal for Relaxing & Sightseeing: Perfect for those wanting a laid-back glimpse of Knoxville.
👉 Check out our guide to the 5 Best Tours In Knoxville
Contents
- Key Points
- The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect on the Volunteer Princess
- What’s Included and What to Expect
- The Scenic Highlights: What You’ll See
- The Experience from Passengers’ Perspectives
- Practicalities and Tips
- Who Will Enjoy This Cruise?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Knoxville
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Knoxville
- More Tour Reviews in Knoxville
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Knoxville we have recnetly reviewed
The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect on the Volunteer Princess
The journey begins at 956 Volunteer Landing Lane, where the Volunteer Princess is waiting to set sail. This straightforward meeting point is near public transportation, making it relatively easy to access if you’re staying downtown or nearby. Once aboard, you’ll quickly settle into the comfortable, enclosed dining space or step outside for a better view.
The cruise itself lasts about two hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. The boat glides smoothly down the Tennessee River, passing by Knoxville’s most recognizable landmarks. You’ll see the Sunsphere, a colorful structure that became a symbol of the 1982 World’s Fair and remains a vibrant part of the city’s skyline. It’s a clear highlight, especially with the opportunity to snap photos from the water.
Beyond the Sunsphere, the boat cruises past the impressive homes of Big Orange Country, where many large, elegant riverfront estates line the shore. The views of these grand properties often catch passengers’ eyes and help illustrate Knoxville’s blend of southern charm and affluence.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Knoxville
What’s Included and What to Expect
The cruise comes with a restroom on board, which is a small but appreciated convenience. Regarding food, most reviews praise the meal as “amazing,” with some noting a three-course setup that includes a salad, a main course (like chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes), and dessert (cheesecake). Several travelers highlight the deliciousness and freshness of the offerings, making it a good value for the price.
Drinks are not included in the ticket price, and alcoholic beverages aren’t served on board, so plan accordingly if you want to toast the view. However, the friendly crew and attentive staff seem to make the dining experience smooth and enjoyable, with many reviews mentioning how pleasant and efficient the service is.
The Scenic Highlights: What You’ll See
The main draw of this trip is the scenic beauty of Knoxville’s riverfront. Many reviews describe the experience as “beautiful” and “very smooth,” emphasizing how relaxing the ride is. Expect to see impressive riverfront homes, some valued at over a million dollars, which adds a touch of local opulence.
Passing under bridges and along the city’s skyline, the cruise provides a peaceful, laid-back way to take in the sights. It’s not a tour packed with narration, but some crew members, including the captain, are happy to chat and share tidbits about the river and the city’s history — a bonus for those seeking a bit of personal connection.
The Experience from Passengers’ Perspectives
Reviews paint a generally positive picture, especially regarding the views, food, and friendly staff. One traveler noted that the scenery was “amazing,” and the food was “surprisingly good,” emphasizing the value of the meal included. Families and couples alike have described the cruise as “fun,” “peaceful,” and “classy,” making it suitable for a variety of occasions, including special celebrations.
Some less glowing reviews mention parking frustrations — a common issue in busy downtown areas — and a few note that the sitting arrangements can be tight. One review pointed out a misstep with a dietary allergy, so if you have specific food needs, it’s advisable to communicate clearly ahead of time.
A few reviews mention weather cancellations, which is an important consideration. Since the tour is weather-dependent, rain or storms can cancel the trip, but the operator offers full refunds or rescheduling if that happens.
Practicalities and Tips
- Booking in advance is highly recommended, with an average of 15 days’ notice, to secure your preferred date.
- The price of $35 per person balances affordability with a quality experience, especially considering the included meal.
- Arrive early to find parking and settle in comfortably, especially since some travelers mention parking issues.
- Dress comfortably for the weather, as you might want to spend time outside for the best views.
- While alcoholic drinks aren’t included or served, you might want to bring your own if permitted, or enjoy the non-alcoholic options on board.
- The group is limited to 132 travelers, ensuring a friendly, not overly crowded, atmosphere.
Who Will Enjoy This Cruise?
This river cruise is an excellent choice for families, couples, and groups looking for a relaxing, scenic outing. It’s particularly suitable for those interested in photography, given the stunning views of Knoxville’s skyline and riverfront homes. Food lovers will appreciate the included meal, which many describe as delicious and well-prepared.
However, it’s less ideal for travelers seeking a narrated tour or extensive sightseeing, as the cruise is quite laid-back and largely focused on enjoying the scenery and meals. The weather dependency also means it’s best to plan for a clear day to avoid cancellations.
The Sum Up
The Knoxville River Cruise aboard the Volunteer Princess offers a great way to see the city from a different angle — on the water, with good company, and tasty food. Its affordable price point, combined with the stunning views of the Sunsphere and riverfront mansions, makes it a solid choice for a relaxing afternoon in Knoxville.
While parking and food allergies might require some extra planning, the friendly crew, beautiful scenery, and pleasant ambiance make it a worthwhile experience for many visitors. It’s perfect for those who want to combine light sightseeing with a leisurely meal, and for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their Knoxville visit.
If you’re after a calm, scenic escape with friendly service and good food, this cruise is worth considering — especially if you book ahead and enjoy the outdoors.
Knoxville River Cruise Aboard the Volunteer Princess
“Parking was atrocious. Boat could’ve been washed. Table clothes that are stained could be replaced & table clothes could’ve been even around th…”
FAQ
Is parking available at the departure site?
Yes, parking is available near the meeting point at 956 Volunteer Landing Lane, though some reviews mention it can be challenging or limited.
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately two hours, providing enough time to relax and take in the sights without feeling rushed.
Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included, and none are served on board. You might want to bring your own if allowed.
Can I bring service animals?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the cruise.
Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed nature and family-friendly reviews suggest children would enjoy it too.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather; layers are a good idea since you might spend time outside or inside.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How do I book the tour?
Booking is usually done in advance, with a typical lead time of around 15 days, through platforms like Viator.
The Volunteer Princess cruise presents a relaxing, scenic, and tasty way to experience Knoxville from the river. It hits a sweet spot between affordability and memorable views, making it an experience worth considering for your trip to Tennessee.
