The General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise offers visitors to Nashville a truly unique and immersive experience. Aboard one of America’s largest paddlewheel riverboats, guests can indulge in a delectable three-course meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline. But the real draw of this four-hour journey lies in the captivating live entertainment that showcases the rich musical heritage of Tennessee. From bluegrass to soul and country, the showboat’s talented performers bring the state’s vibrant culture to life. With its blend of fine dining, stunning scenery, and exceptional talent, the General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise presents an evening of entertainment that’s not to be missed.
This experience made our list of the 7 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Nashville.
Key Points
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A 4-hour journey aboard the historic General Jackson Showboat, featuring live entertainment showcasing Tennessee’s musical genres of bluegrass, soul, and country.
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Availability of a sumptuous three-course dinner menu, including Tennessee-style barbecue and vegetarian options, served in Victorian-style dining rooms.
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Breathtaking views of the Nashville skyline, including landmarks like the AT&T Building, Pinnacle at Symphony Place, and Ryman Auditorium, from the paddlewheel riverboat.
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Complimentary round-trip transportation from Nashville hotels and accessibility features ensuring a seamless travel experience.
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Positive customer ratings and feedback on the staff’s knowledge and courtesy, transportation reliability, and exceptional service throughout the dinner cruise.
Cruise Experience Overview
On the Nashville Dinner Cruise, guests embark on a 4-hour journey aboard the majestic General Jackson Showboat, exploring the Cumberland River and taking in the stunning views of the city’s skyline.
This experience features live entertainment showcasing the best of Tennessee music, including bluegrass, soul, and country. The cruise departs daily at 6:00 PM, providing a lively and immersive dinner theater setting.
Passengers can look forward to a sumptuous meal served in the boat’s Victorian-style dining rooms as they’re entertained by talented musicians and singers.
This is a truly unique opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of Nashville from the comfort of a historic paddlewheel riverboat.
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Pricing and Reservations
Booking a Nashville Dinner Cruise is a straightforward process, with prices starting from $138.00 per person. Guests can reserve their spot without any upfront payment using the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The cruise’s organizers have made the experience accessible, with round-trip transportation from Nashville hotels and designated meeting points.
Whether visitors are looking for a romantic evening or a fun night out, the General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise offers a convenient and hassle-free booking experience.
Transportation and Accessibility
The Nashville Dinner Cruise offers convenient transportation and accessibility options for guests.
Round-trip transportation from Nashville hotels is included, with meeting points at the Riverfront Train Station and the Music Valley Shop. This ensures hassle-free travel to and from the cruise.
The General Jackson Showboat is also wheelchair accessible, catering to the needs of all guests.
Key transportation and accessibility highlights include:
- Complimentary round-trip transportation from Nashville hotels.
- Convenient meeting points at the Riverfront Train Station and Music Valley Shop.
- Wheelchair accessibility on the General Jackson Showboat.
- Seamless travel experience from start to finish.
Dinner Theater Highlights
Guests aboard the Nashville Dinner Cruise are treated to a sumptuous dining experience in a Victorian Dinner Theater setting.
The three-course menu features a selection of regional specialties, including Tennessee-style barbecue, as well as vegetarian options.
After the meal, guests are entertained by a lively musical performance titled "Rollin’ on the River." This high-energy show showcases the best of Tennessee’s musical heritage, with toe-tapping renditions of bluegrass, soul, and country classics.
The stunning backdrop of the Nashville skyline at night adds to the enchanting atmosphere, making for an unforgettable evening of food, music, and sightseeing on the Cumberland River.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyNashville Skyline Views
As the General Jackson Showboat glides along the Cumberland River, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the Nashville skyline.
The boat’s elevated vantage point provides an unobstructed panorama of the city’s iconic landmarks, including:
- The AT&T Building, with its distinctive "Batman" architectural design.
- The Pinnacle at Symphony Place, a sleek modern skyscraper.
- The Ryman Auditorium, the famous "Mother Church of Country Music."
- The Cumberland River, its waters reflecting the twinkling lights of the downtown area.
This picturesque setting creates a memorable backdrop for the dinner cruise experience, allowing guests to savor the music and cuisine while immersed in the beauty of Nashville‘s urban landscape.
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Tennessee Music Performances
Complementing the stunning vistas of the Nashville skyline, the General Jackson Showboat‘s dinner cruise features lively performances showcasing Tennessee’s rich musical heritage.
Guests are treated to a spirited review titled "Rollin’ on the River" that celebrates the state’s diverse musical traditions, from bluegrass to soul to country.
The show’s talented cast delivers energetic renditions of classic tunes that have defined Tennessee’s enduring musical legacy.
Throughout the evening, passengers tap their toes and sway to the infectious rhythms, immersed in the vibrant sounds that have made Nashville the epicenter of the American music scene.
Customer Ratings and Feedback
Passengers have overwhelmingly praised the Nashville dinner cruise, awarding it an impressive 4.4-star rating based on 153 reviews.
Reviewers were particularly impressed with the:
- Knowledgeable and courteous staff, who earned a 4.9/5 rating.
- Reliable round-trip transportation from Nashville hotels, rated 4.7/5.
- Exceptional service throughout the experience, scoring 4.6/5.
- Smooth organization and coordination of the 4-hour event, rated 4.7/5.
While some noted limited salad dressing options and accessibility challenges with the ramp, the overwhelming consensus praises the beautiful boat, delicious food, and amazing entertainment on this unique Nashville dinner cruise.
Exploring the General Jackson Showboat
The General Jackson Showboat is the centerpiece of the Nashville dinner cruise experience.
This majestic paddle-wheel riverboat, one of America’s largest, offers a unique setting for an evening of dining and entertainment. Cruising along the Cumberland River, guests are treated to stunning views of the Nashville skyline after dark.
The interior features a Victorian-style dinner theater, where a sumptuous meal is served. Following dinner, passengers enjoy a lively musical performance titled "Rollin on the River," showcasing the best of Tennessee’s musical heritage, including bluegrass, soul, and country genres.
The General Jackson Showboat provides a truly memorable way to experience the charm and energy of Nashville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
No, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the General Jackson Showboat dinner cruise. The cruise includes a full-service dinner and bar, so passengers are expected to enjoy the provided meal and beverage options during the experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Dress Code Requirements?
The dinner cruise has no age restrictions, though the experience may not be suitable for young children. As for the dress code, smart casual attire is recommended, but there are no strict requirements.
Does the Cruise Have Any Special Dietary Options Available?
The General Jackson Showboat dinner cruise offers several dietary options, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan selections. Guests with specific dietary requirements are encouraged to inform the cruise line in advance to ensure their needs are accommodated.
Are There Any Photo Opportunities During the Cruise?
The dinner cruise offers ample photo opportunities throughout the voyage, allowing guests to capture the stunning views of the Nashville skyline, the impressive paddle-wheeler boat, and the lively entertainment performances.
How Often Does the Cruise Run During the Week?
The General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise operates daily, departing at 6:00 PM. The 4-hour cruise runs 7 days a week, allowing guests to enjoy the live entertainment and scenic views of the Cumberland River year-round.
Recap
The General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise is an exceptional way to experience Nashville’s musical heritage. With a delicious three-course meal, stunning views of the city skyline, and live performances showcasing the region’s diverse sounds, this cruise offers an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, the General Jackson Showboat is a must-do activity that captures the charm and talent of Tennessee’s capital.
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