The Riverboat Cruise In Nashville You Never Knew Existed
By Meghan Kraft|Published July 09, 2017
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
The Cumberland River is one of Nashville’s most defining features, and we found a way to see our beautiful city while cruising down this iconic Nashville river. Whether you’re looking for a great way to see the city’s lights from the water or for a romantic and unique dinner-and-a-show experience, this riverboat cruise in Nashville is an experience that no one should pass up. Sit back, relax, and let the lazy waters of the Cumberland River carry you back in time on this old paddle-wheel riverboat.
The General Jackson Showboat in Nashville officially opened its doors in 1985 and has been cruising the Cumberland ever since. The showboat docks near the Opryland Mall in the Two Rivers area.
While this boat is only about 30 years old, it's named after the first steamboat to ever operate on the Cumberland River. The original General Jackson began running in 1817 and was named after the famous general (it was 12 years before he became President).
The General Jackson carries the distinction of being one of the largest showboats ever built. The boat was designed to be a nod to the opulence and grandeur of the American Victorian era -- the golden age of riverboats in the South and Midwest.
The ship features four stories of decks from which passengers can view the sights, but the inside is just as equally impressive. There is a two-story Victorian Theater in the center of the boat that serves as the dining hall and as the stage for the boat's shows.
In true Nashville style, what makes the General Jackson special is its musical productions. Boasting top talent from around the country, the General Jackson puts on shows like the country-themed Nashville Nights, the Sunday in the South gospel brunch, and the Taste of Tennessee, featuring songs made famous in our beautiful state.
The showboat runs different shows on different days, so be sure to check out their calendar on their website. Prices depend on the show and range from $45 for just the cruise and show to $135 for the VIP experience, which includes upgraded dessert and a tour of the pilot house.
