overnight riverboat cruises tennessee

The Tennessee Rivers Cruise

On this cruise through the Tennessee Valley, admire the stunning natural backdrop as we pass through the Appalachian Mountains and the Land Between the Lakes. Experience the rich history and culture of the region on board our spectacular American riverboat. Renowned musicians will serenade you with a variety of music that was born of the river, as its banks were once home to a booming recording industry and the area was considered, “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.”

In Chattanooga, guests can explore local attractions such as the famous Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge and Coolidge Park, accompanied by our expert local guides. You will also visit Savannah, the largest town on the Tennessee River and home to the nation’s most well-preserved battlefield, Shiloh National Military Park.

Along with Civil War history, music-inspired cities, and incredible southern cuisine, you will cruise the Cumberland River through the Tennessee River Gorge and be amazed by the sights and sounds this region of the Mississippi has to offer.

Ports of call: Chattanooga | Decatur | Florence | Savannah | Paducah | Nashville

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*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Chattanooga, TN Nestled between the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is one of America's most splendid cities. Enjoy a Welcome Reception on board as you begin your journey cruising along this breathtaking river with the majestic Appalachian Mountains serving as a beautiful backdrop.

2 Cruising the Tennessee River Board you ship and enjoy a leisurely day through the Appalachian Mountains as we follow the river through stunning landscapes.

3 Decatur, AL Southern charm abounds in the Old Decatur Historic District. Admire houses built from the 1800's to the present, ranging in style from the French-influenced Empire period to Edwardian Cottage and beyond. On your way, peruse the many unique shops found along Bank Street and 2nd Ave. Visit the fascinating area museums, including the Cook Museum of Natural Science, the Carnegie Visual Art Center, and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

4 Florence, AL Florence is one of four cities that make up "The Shoals," an area spanning two counties and separated by the Tennessee River. Explore the charming downtown, with locally owned stores featuring everything from handmade jewelry and bohemian chic fashion to antique collectables. Stop at the Wine Seller for a tasting or sip java at the popular Bookmarks Coffee Shop in the public library. There are a variety of venues in which to enjoy live entertainment including the Shoals Theatre and FloBama Music Hall.

5 Savannah, TN Part of Hardin County, Savannah is the largest town on the Tennessee River, with a celebrated southern heritage. Home to the nation's most well-preserved battlefield, Shiloh National Park, the town also has a rich Civil War history. Admire the city's historic district featuring 42 unique, now privately-homes, including the Cherry Mansion which served as the headquarters of General Ulysses S. Grant at the time of the Battle of Shiloh. Other points of interest include the Savannah Theatre, Savannah Cemetery, and recently revitalized Main Street.

6 Paducah, KY Residing at the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River, Paducah will make you feel as if you stepped back in time. Founded by William Clark (of Lewis & Clark), Paducah is known as a National Heritage Destination with many talented culinary artists, painters, potters, and jewelers creating and displaying their works there. Be sure to visit the Railroad Museum, featuring equipment and memorabilia from the romantic past of America's railroads.

7 Cruising Lake Barkley & the Cumberland River Admire the picturesque scenery of America's Heartland, including the Kentucky Lakes and rolling landscape of 170,000 acres of protected forest. Experience a relaxing day cruising Lake Barkley and admire panoramic views of the Cumberland River from the comfort of your private balcony.

8 Nashville, TN From the legendary Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville is the official headquarters of country music. The lively streets are lined with art galleries and unique shops that welcome you at every turn. Take time to explore historic downtown, including the famous Country Music Hall of Fame Museum and Honky Tonk Row. Consider touring the Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson. In the evening, be treated to a show a the Grand Ole Opry.

9 Nashville, TN Enjoy a breakfast on board the ship, before beginning your journey home. Reflect upon you adventures and the new friends made along the way.

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Tennessee River

Discover some of America’s natural beauty on a Tennessee River cruise. Winding for 886 miles in a U-shape across four states, (Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi), the river’s name is believed to be a derivation of the 18th-century Cherokee village, Tanasi, which was formed upon its banks. Like its sister rivers the Ohio and the Mississippi, the Tennessee River carries a rich and varied history.

The Tennessee was originally navigated only by flatboats, thanks to a shallow upper course filled with short rapids. During the Civil War, the north-flowing lower section of the river was vital to Union troops who used it to invade the western Confederate region. Cruises often visit important Civil War sites such as Shiloh National Military Park.

These days, the broad, blue river is a key component of one of the world’s greatest irrigation and hydropower systems. It is home to an important series of locks, dams and reservoirs, whose waters typically widen to small, calm lakes just before each of the nine locks.

Boats pass beneath eye-catching bridges like the bright blue John Ross Bridge in Chattanooga, TN, or the "Steamboat Bill" in Decatur, AL, where you’ll also find Wheeler Wildlife Refuge and the North Alabama Birding Trail. You might also cruise through the Tennessee River Gorge, a 27-mile-long river canyon downstream from Chattanooga, flanked by richly colored woods and home to ospreys and bald eagles.

Cruises on the Tennessee River are often part of longer itineraries that also sail the Mississippi or Ohio Rivers. These cruises provide terrific value for your vacation dollar, as accommodations, onboard meals and some excursions are covered in one affordable upfront price.

• ACL: Save up to $1,000 per couple off select cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 19. Click here .
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Tennessee River Cruises 

Overnight cruises in Tennessee are available on a few different rivers. One of the rivers is the actual Tennessee River, which flows between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Then there’s the Cumberland River in Nashville. And on the west coast of Tennessee, the city of Memphis is located on the Mississippi River. For this article, we’re going to focus on the Tennessee River.

While you’ll find some overnight cruises that include Chattanooga, the itinerary will also include the city of Nashville on the Cumberland River or the city of Memphis on the Mississippi River. 

Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Tennessee

By Imilious (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re just looking for a one-day cruise, you’ll find several options for day, evening, scenic and special event cruises on the Tennessee River in both Knoxville and Chattanooga. Cruises range in length from an hour to several hours. 

Chattanooga is about 120 miles southwest of Knoxville. Surprisingly, there are not any cruises available between the two cities. And overnight cruises depart from Chattanooga but not from Knoxville.

Tennessee River Facts

The Tennessee River begins near Knoxville at the confluence of the French Broad and Holston Rivers. It flows for 652 miles through four states – Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky and is the largest tributary of the Ohio River.

In Paducah, Kentucky, a confluence is formed between the the Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio Rivers. The Tennessee River is indirectly connected to the Mississippi River through the Ohio River.

Tennessee River Cruise Destinations

A river cruise between Nashville and Chattanooga will include the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. And a river cruise between Chattanooga and Memphis will include the Mississippi, Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. Nashville is located on the Cumberland River and Memphis is located on the Mississippi.

Some of the cities you’ll visit along the Tennessee River include Chattanooga and Savannah, Tennessee; Decatur and Florence, Alabama; and Paducah, Kentucky.

In Paducah you’ll have a chance to explore the town. You can visit the River Heritage Museum. Or you can just stroll through the city and observe its many buildings that were built in the 19th century. If you love military history, Paducah has a Civil War Museum that you can also visit along the way.

Savannah, Tennessee is a rather small town with a population of about 7,000 and it covers less than 6 square miles. The highlight of this city is probably the Shiloh National Military Park.

O’Neal Bridge Over the Tennessee River in Florence, Alabama

By Tyler Ross (English Wikipedia) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

In Alabama the city of Florence has several museums to visit and historical sites to see, such as the Pope’s Tavern Museum, the Rosenbaum House and the Indian Mound Museum. 

And in the city of Decatur, Alabama, you can tour the Carnegie Visual Arts Center. You’ll also have a chance to see another Civil War museum called the Blue and Gray Museum.

The American Queen Steamboat Company has itineraries during the months of October and November that travel between Nashville and Chattanooga and between Nashville and Memphis.

If you’re visiting either Knoxville or Chattanooga and would like to take a one-day cruise, there are several companies that offer day, evening, scenic and special event cruises along the Tennessee River.

Tennessee River Gorge

By Blueway (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you'd like to take a scenic cruise on the Tennessee River, you can take a boat ride along the Tennessee River Gorge. The Tennessee Aquarium offers a cruise that departs from Chattanooga.  Read what others have to say about the River Gorge Explorer .

Blue Moon Cruises also has tours through the Tennessee River Gorge. And for those who just want to see Chattanooga from the river, the Southern Belle has day and evening cruises year-round.

The Tennessee River Boat Company and Volunteer Princess offer cruises along the Tennessee River in Knoxville. The cruising season is from March through November.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with other people you think would also enjoy reading it. Thank you! :)

Lauri Wakefield  is a travel writer who specializes in  river cruises in Europe and the U.S. Connect with her on Twitter and Google+ .

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Tennessee Rivers

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July 26 - August 3, 2024

American Cruise Lines will be our hosts aboard their gorgeous vessel, the American Symphony .

This contemporary riverboat was inaugurated in 2022, and with a capacity of only 180 guests, prepare for an intimate hospitality experience like none other!

The company is American owned and staffed, and the ship itself is built in the USA. Join us for an amazing journey with American Cruise Lines exploring a gorgeous area of our country.

On this cruise through the Tennessee Valley, admire the stunning natural backdrop as we pass through the Appalachian Mountains and the Land Between the Lakes. Experience the rich history and culture of the region on board this spectacular American riverboat.

Renowned musicians will serenade you with a variety of music that was born of the river, as its banks were once home to a booming recording industry and the area was considered “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.”

In Chattanooga, you can explore local attractions such as the famous Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge and Coolidge Park, accompanied by expert local guides. You will also visit Savannah, the largest town on the Tennessee River.

Along with Civil War history, music-inspired cities, and incredible southern cuisine, you will cruise the Cumberland River through the Tennessee River Gorge and be amazed by the sights and sounds this region has to offer.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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America’s last authentic overnight steamboat

The legendary Delta Queen invites you aboard to experience a nostalgic return to America’s past!

Step aboard this historic vessel and into another century, when steam-powered paddleboats churned up and down the waterways of America. Adorned with teak handrails, Tiffany-style stained glass and crystal chandeliers, the Delta Queen’s grand decor exudes lavish Victorian charm.

The Delta Queen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She is also a National Historic Landmark, a member of the National Maritime Hall of Fame, and most recently designated a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Once the renovation process is complete, the Delta Queen will return to the waterways of America’s Heartland and Deep South, giving passengers the opportunity to experience the rivers from America’s only authentic 1927 overnight paddlewheel steamboat.

At this time, the historic vessel is securing resources to begin major renovations so she can once again invite passengers to relive the age of Mark Twain and his cast of river characters.

Don’t miss your chance to escape to an era of elegance and grandeur aboard the Delta Queen! Be the first to receive updates about the Delta Queen’s renovations and future sailings by signing up for updates here and following us on Facebook and Twitter .

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We appreciate your patience as the Delta Queen secures the necessary funds and resources to begin our extensive renovation process. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as soon as it’s possible to do so.

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Public Riverboat Cruises in Knoxville, TN

Experience an unparalleled view of Knoxville during our public cruises! Enjoy a delightful lunch, brunch, or dinner cruise. We offer a range of public cruises for your friends and family on Knoxville’s only luxury yacht! From sunset dinner cruises to sailgates in Big Orange Country, Volunteer Princess Cruises is truly special for any event. Browse through our cruise offerings below to begin your jaunt along Knoxville, Tennessee’s beautiful riverfront!

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Sunset Dinner Cruise

Searching for a unique date night? Celebrating something special? Or just want a night out on the water? Our Sunset Dinner Cruise is just for you!

Brunch Buffet Cruise

Looking for a new Sunday brunch spot? Join us on the Volunteer Princess and enjoy brunch on the water!

Sailgate Cruise

Tailgate in style aboard the Volunteer Princess, and be a part of the Vol Navy!

Fall Foliage Cruise

Knoxville’s beautiful riverfront comes alive with the colors of fall during this lunch cruise!

Afternoon Sightseeing

Cruise the waters of the Tennessee River in air-conditioned or heated comfort and luxury with our sightseeing tour. Relax in the sun on the front deck or find comfort.

Lunch on the Lake

Whether you’re on vacation, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a wonderful meal in a beautiful setting, you’ll thoroughly enjoy your experience on our lunch cruises. Relax in

Sunset Sightseeing

Pints & pizza cruise.

Experience a fun night on the Tennessee River! Grab a slice of pizza and a pint of beer, and enjoy a two-hour cruise around Knoxville!

Italian Night w/ Strolling Violinist

Experience a taste of Italy on our fantastic Italian Night Dinner Cruise. Take a seat at your private table, enjoy a two-hour cruise around Knoxville and indulge in a four-course.

Save up to 50% on Tennessee River Cruises!

Discover some of America’s natural beauty on a Tennessee River cruise. The river’s name is believed to be a derivation of the 18th-century Cherokee village, Tanasi, that was formed upon its banks.

See important Civil War sights and other riverside attractions during shore tours that are included in the price of your vacation. And back on board, enjoy upscale accommodations, delicious cuisine, wine and beer with dinner, lively entertainment and intriguing lectures, all covered in the rate. Some cruises that sail the Tennessee River also spend time on the Mississippi River.

• ACL: Save up to $1,000 per couple off select cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires May 19. Click here .
• ACL: Receive a free $150 per couple onboard credit on all sailings. Click here .
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Tennessee River Cruises & Tours

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T he more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days

Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days

Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days

Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days

Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days

Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

FAQ Module : Travel - Top Mississippi River Cruises FAQs

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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Twilight Cruise

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 2 hours
• User Ages: 3+

Twilight Cruise in Chattanooga

• Two-hour cruise on our open-air deck with concessions available for purchase
• Background music and pilot house tours
• Grab a glass of wine or a beer from the concession and kick back and relax as we cruise down the lazy Tennessee River.
• You might catch a glimpse of a beautiful sunset this time of year if we’re lucky!
• Head up to the pilot house and watch the captain in action as he pilots the Belle down the Tennessee River!
• Two flights of stairs required — no elevator

Related Cruises

• Clock 1.5 hours

Sunset Cruise

Grab a glass of wine from the concession, kick back, and relax as we cruise down the lazy Tennessee River on a two-hour scenic tour on our open-air deck.

Moonlight Cruise with Live Music

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Tennessee River and live music on the third deck. The tour includes pilot house tours with our captain.

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A cruise holiday isn’t always about setting sail across vast oceans. For an alternative type of break on the water, winding your way inland might sound similar but it’s a vastly different experience.

From crossing deep into the untouched areas of the Amazon rainforest to exploring some of Europe ’s finest cities, the river cruise experience is one that allows tourists to get to grips with the history, culture and tradition of a destination in a slow, immersive fashion.

This could be in the form of sampling Creole cuisine in Mississippi or discovering historic sites in Vietnam , but whatever it is, there’s plenty of choice across Europe , Asia , South America and North America .

Read on for a selection of the best cruises, from the Mississippi to the Mekong.

Europe’s second longest river – and arguably its most famous – river takes you through amazing capital cities and host of charming towns, as well as plenty of scenic countryside in Austria , Hungary , Slovakia and Romania. Cruises along the Danube can vary from a handful of days to almost three weeks, giving you time to explore the elegance of cities like Vienna , Budapest, Bratislava or Belgrade.

Emerald Cruises lets you see the best of the Danube with the addition of a hefty dose of traditional German culture in Munich. Leaving the Bavarian capital, you’ll travel to Passau before a quick cross-border trip to the Unesco-listed Czech city of Cesky Krumlov. Vienna is the next city, replete with opulent architecture, before a quick overnight stay in Bratislava on the sixth night. Guided tours and hikes around the castle are included, before you get three nights to explore Budapest, the Hungarian capital that is blessed with picturesque buildings, relaxed thermal baths and a buzzing nightlife scene. 

From £1,999pp, including nine nights’ accommodation, full board, tours of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest and airport transfers. Departing 7 May 2024 to 20 October 2024.

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This famous river runs for over 4,000 miles throughout South America and is a major part of the eponymous rainforest, one of the most biodiverse and important natural areas on the planet. A river cruise remains the best way to reach deeper into the jungle, with many cruises beginning in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus or in the Peruvian city of Lima.

Start in Peru’s enchanting capital with the Peruvian Rivers and Rainforest Discovery cruise from Uniworld. You’ll fly to Iquitos, the largest city in the Amazon as your next stop, before delving into some of the most remote areas in the world as you take to the waters. From here, nature takes centre stage, with a variety of experiences – including jungle walks and kayaking on a lake – added to the enjoyment of natural features such as giant lilies, towering barrigona trees and around 10 per cent of the world’s known animal species.

From £8,799pp, including 10 nights’ accommodation, full board, return flights from London, domestic flights and various excursions. Departing regularly from 17 January until 6 November 2024.

Start in  Cairo  and make your way down to Aswan over a few days (though many shorter routes operate between  Aswan and Luxor  only). For a relaxing way to take in riverside scenery and some of Egypt’s most important historical sites, a river cruise is the ideal choice.

AP Touring’s  Egypt Discovery  trip takes you on a round trip from Cairo. You’ll cross thousands of years of history, starting with West Bank the Valley of the Kings, before a short flight to Aswan to explore Abu Simbel and a sighting of the landmark Pyramids of Giza near the Egyptian capital. The scenery along the route is exceptional, too, with palm trees, green spaces and mini oases dotted in between the yellow-hued rock.

From £6,995pp, including 12 nights’ accommodation, 30 meals (including unlimited local beer and wine) return flights from London Heathrow, domestic flights within Egypt and activities in each of the 10 destinations. Departing regularly from September 2024 to April 2025.

Exploring this land of castles and fairytales is a worthwhile European trip, with tours often starting in the pretty Dutch capital of Amsterdam and weaving across the German and French countryside, with the route broken up by cities such as Cologne, Dusseldorf and Strasbourg. Many of the towns located on the banks of the Rhine, such as Koblenz, are incredibly picturesque, with a range of medieval castles and natural sites like the Black Forest also featuring.

Ama Waterways provide a seven-night cruise that runs from Basel to Amsterdam. Get your cultural fix at either end of your trip in either of these two cities, before admiring the vistas around the Rhine Valley, the medieval castles that loom over towns like Heidelberg and the timber-framed buildings that line the streets of Riquewihr and Strasbourg. Stops in both Freiburg and Dusseldorf are also included, as well as an optional excursion to Cologne.

From £2,399pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board and tours in each destination. Departing regularly between 18 February and 28 December 2024.

The views around the Douro Valley are some of the best in Portugal , whether you’re sitting by the banks in Porto or admiring the verdant hills and vineyards around Pinhao. This region, well-known for its port production, has cruises lasting roughly one week that usually begin and end in Porto – where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean – with a brief crossing over into Spain and Salamanca.

The Riviera Travel package offers an affordable eight-day Douro option starting and ending in Porto , with two nights to explore Portugal’s magnificent second city (and to go on a guided tour of a well-known port producer). Days three and four take you to sleepy Castelo de Rodrigo and the historic Spanish city of Salamanca (with guided tours and time to explore at your leisure) before traversing the cascading vineyards of the valley on your way back to Porto via the beautiful Peso de Regua (and a local wine tasting).

From £1,599pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board, flights from a London airport, one excursion one each day and airport transfers. Departing regularly from 7 April 2024.

The Mississippi

Discovering the Deep South is often done by car, but with new routes recently from Viking Cruises, exploring Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota and Tennessee has never been more idyllic. The famed cities of New Orleans and Memphis can bookend your tour, with lesser-known locations such as Baton Rouge, Natchez and Darrow making up the other stops.

Opt for Viking’s ‘Heart of the Delta’ cruise to if you really want to immerse yourself in the Deep South. The cruise begins with a few days exploring the French influences and Creole cuisine of New Orleans , before moving on to Baton Rouge – a haven of Creole and Cajun culture – and then onto Natchez, the oldest city on the river. You’ll travel through other towns on the Mississippi – complete with walking tours or excursions to the Atchafalaya Swamp basin – before reaching Memphis, the atmospheric home of blues music.

From £6,545pp, including 12 nights’ accommodation, full board, return flights from London and one excursion per destination. Departing weekly from March 7 until 13 June, with additional departures on 7 November and 13 November.

The Mekong flows through a host of Asia’s most fascinating countries, including Vietnam , Thailand , China and Cambodia. Most cruises only take in parts of Vietnam and Cambodia , though this mix of floating fishing villages, traditional markets and the two capitals of Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh will be enough for most travellers. With Avalon Waterways , you’ll combine energetic, modern cities with some of the most vibrant culture in Asia and a history that is equal parts sobering and fascinating.

It starts in Siem Reap, site of the Angkor Wat temple, before moving on to the Cambodian capital, where you can learn about the dictatorship of Pol Pot and visit several must-see landmarks. After this, Vietnam beckons, with a visit to the dizzying Ho Chi Minh City to see its admirable architecture. Visits to markets, old Vietnam War tunnels, temples and cooking classes are dotted in between these city trips for good measure, with stops at characterful towns like Vinh Long, too.

From £4,229pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board and activities on each day of the trip. Departing regularly from 15 January to 11 March and from 12 August to 2 December 2024.

Read more: Best hotels in Europe: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

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