Public River Boat Cruises in Nashville
River boat cruises in downtown nashville, cruise the river on a pontoon party cruise.
Our public cruises are famous in Nashville. It’s hard to beat the unique guided party experiences from our distinguished crew and views only available aboard the Pontoon Saloon. Our public river boat cruises in Nashville are BYOB and available at various times and will typically host about 40 people per cruise. Each group will be greeted by our licensed USCG Captain & Deck Hand who will help ice down your drinks while you settle aboard the Pontoon Saloon in preparation for the scheduled cruise departure. The bar-style atmosphere is amplified by your Deck Hand bringing hit tunes, entertainment, and engaging games that bring a crowd together on the dance floor. Thanks to our amazing crew, unique boat design, and amazing views, no other party bus or booze cruise knows how to get the party started like the Pontoon Saloon. Aside from the time of day, our river boat cruises in Nashville are all similar—each offering BYOB or purchase buckets of beer/seltzer.
What’s Included
- USCG Licensed Captain & Deckhand
- Party Host, Server, DJ
- 2 hours on the water
- Mimosa Cruise includes juices
- Beer & Seltzer Buckets for pre-purchase
- The best views of Music City
- Ice, cups, coolers, Coke, & water
- Large sound system
- Bar area & Dance Floor
- High-top tables & Stools(we do not have seating for everyone, standing & seated room at tables)
- Koozies, Hats, T Shirts
- Beer & Seltzer Buckets
- Professional Photographer
Departure Locations
Riverfront Dock East — All river boat cruises in Nashville will depart from the east bank dock except for event dates noted below or stated otherwise in your confirmation email. Lock One Marina — We reserve the right to change dock locations due to city events. Public Cruises will depart from Lock One Marina on the following dates: April 27th, May 2nd – May 4th, June 6th- June 9th, July 2nd – July 5th, Sept. 5th
BOOK A PUBLIC CRUISE
Plan Your Ideal Day on the Water
Mimosa Cruise
The USS Mimosa departs each morning before noon. This cruise is the best way to start your day in Nashville. Bring aboard your favorite bottle of Champagne, and we provide a variety of juices for mimosas. This cruise will cure your hangover as you sip on mimosas, enjoy the river breeze, and listen to our curated Pontoon Playlist. Two mimosas later, you’ll be dancing to Cardi B with all new friends and ready for Broadway! This is a bachelorette must-do!
Pontoon Party Cruise
Our afternoon Pontoon Party Cruise is the best activity you can do before hitting Broadway! There is no better place to be on a hot sunny day in Music City than aboard this party barge enjoying a cool breeze and making some great Nashville memories. Grab a friend and come experience it for yourself. Our Deck Hand gets the pontoon party started with a curated playlist, and our famous pontoon dance-off will surely get you moving! Enjoy the beautiful views along the Cumberland River and skyline views of Downtown Nashville.
Sunsets & Skylines Cruise
The evening cruise brings the best nighttime skyline views of Downtown Nashville. Our licensed captains will first cruise downriver for a picturesque sunset view only available aboard the Pontoon Saloon. As the sun sets, drinks flow, and the party starts to hit the dance floor, you’ll be cruising by Broadway soaking up all the city lights. This Nashville river boat cruise is a Honky Tonkin’ blast!
Reviews From Our Guests
It’s a great way to get off Broadway and still have some good ‘ole Nashville fun!!! Seriously so much fun! Beautiful views, awesome crew, clean bathroom and great music.
My bridesmaids surprised me with the boat cruise for my Nashbach! It was the best time ever! Highly recommend this event for any group looking to spend an evening partying on the river!
Went on the pontoon saloon for my bachelorette party. We had a blast!! There were multiple parties with us and we all danced together. At one point we were playing limbo with a broomstick. I do recommend getting there earlier to secure a good spot on the boat. Plus, having the bathroom on board made life so much easier.
We had a team meeting (12 people) in Nashville and took an evening cruise on the pontoon saloon. It was the perfect choice for a group activity as they had dinner and beer as we cruised the Cumberland River. Awesome views of the Nashville skyline!! Andrew was great!
Pontoon Saloon was a great experience! The owner and staff are super cool, the boat was clean and roomy! It was a beautiful day on the Cumberland River even in November! We had a big group, so did the private tour! Highly recommend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancellation policy.
PUBLIC CRUISE CANCELLATION POLICY
Full refund 14 days prior to cruise departure time. Cancellations within 14 days, no-shows, late for departure are 100% non-refundable, non-transferable. Please contact us as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you on another cruise with a 20% change fee, we understand life happens. The 14+ day cancellation policy applies to any change in the guest count for a reservation. Public Cruises include Mimosa Cruise, Pontoon Party Cruise, & Sunset Party Cruise.
CHANGES TO EXISTING RESERVATIONS
If you need to cancel or make changes to an existing reservation, including adding or reducing the number of people in your party, please email us at [email protected] . We will not make changes or cancel bookings over the phone.
BYOB ALCOHOL POLICY
We allow Beer, Hard Seltzers, Wine, and Champagne only onboard the Pontoon Saloon. We do not allow beer in glass bottles (cans only) but we do allow wine and champagne in glass bottles. Glass items will be stored behind the bar and we have cups and fresh ice. We do sell buckets of Beer & Hard Seltzer (Miller Lite, Coors Light & Whiteclaw) for pre-purchase. Please plan appropriately , we do not allow the removal of opened cases of beer/seltzer from the boat due to city ordinance. Only unopened cases are allowed to be taken from the boat after your cruise.
WEATHER POLICY
Cruises operate rain or shine since 3/4 of the boat has a covered roof. If Pontoon Saloon cancels due to severe weather we offer a refund of 50% or 100% toward a gift card for use at any future date. We will notify you 1.5 hours in advance if we need to delay or cancel your cruise. We are more flexible during our winter months (November-March) if we have random severe cold weather.
If you need to cancel or make changes to an existing reservation, including adding or reducing the number of people in your party, please email us at [email protected] or call us at (615) 601-1464 .
IS THERE PARKING?
How early should i book my trip.
We recommend booking as soon as you decide on your cruise time. Especially if you have 8+ in your group, you will want to book at least 45 days out. Our Friday & Saturday cruises sell out fast.
GET IN TOUCH
Have questions.
" * " indicates required fields
Partners & Sister Companies of Pontoon Saloon
Grand Ole Opry, CMA Fest, Morgan Wallen, Shane Gillis, Def Leppard > TICKETS!
Nashville.com official guide to nashville, tn, general jackson showboat.
General Jackson Showboat prices include boat cruise, hotel pickup (select hotels), dropoff, lunch or dinner, live entertainment, local taxes. Convenient online booking : 4.5 star reviews! (note: additional food & drinks are extra). Subject to change
While “rollin’ down the river,” you’ll enjoy stunning views, a delicious meal freshly prepared by our chefs and toe-tapping entertainment in our two-story Victorian Theater in the center of the boat.
One of the largest showboats ever built, the grand General Jackson Showboat is an elegant triumph of American ingenuity. With its elegant lacy filigree and stately design, the boat is reminiscent of the opulence of the American Victorian era.
Showboats have long been a colorful part of our nation’s history, and this most unique Nashville attraction epitomizes the grace and grandeur of the Old South.
The General Jackson Showboat is named after the first steamboat to operate on the Cumberland River in 1817 which was named after President Andrew Jackson, whose historic home—The Hermitage—is 15 minutes from the dock.
Built by the largest inland shipbuilder in the United States, Jeffboat, located in Indiana, the General Jackson was launched on the Cumberland River on April 20, 1985.
General Jackson Showboat Tickets Here!
Parking shared with Opry Mills Mall
*Please note that firearms and any type of weapons are not allowed aboard the General Jackson Showboat.
See more Nashville Attractions Here!
Nashville Hotels!
Nashville Calendar of Events!
Nashville Concert & Event TICKETS!
Nashville.com : The Complete Guide to Nashville, Tennessee!
Your cruise lets you experience Nashville as it can best be seen from the beautiful Cumberland River.
While “rollin’ down the river,” you’ll enjoy stunning views, a delicious meal freshly prepared by our chefs and toe-tapping entertainment in our two-story Victorian Theater.
One of the largest showboats ever built, the grand General Jackson is an elegant triumph of American ingenuity. With its elegant lacy filigree and stately design, the boat is reminiscent of the opulence of the American Victorian era.
Showboats have long been a colorful part of our nation’s history, and this most unique Nashville attraction epitomizes the grace and grandeur of the South.
The General Jackson Showboat is named after the first steamboat to operate on the Cumberland River in 1817.
Built by the largest inland shipbuilder in the United States, Jeffboat, located in Indiana, the General Jackson was launched on the Ohio River in Indiana to start the journey to its new home on Nashville’s Cumberland River on April 20, 1985.
Please note that firearms and any type of weapons are not allowed aboard the General Jackson Showboat.
Accommodations
Stay the night for the ultimate Nashville experience. Book your trip today!
GaylordOpryland.com • TheInnatOpryland.com
When was the General Jackson launched?
Our launch date was April 20, 1985!
Who built the General Jackson?
The Jeffboat Inc from Jeffersonville, Indiana built it.
When was it christened?
On July 2, 1985, by Mrs. Thelma Gaylord
What is the capacity?
The capacity of the General Jackson is 1,000 passengers plus crew members.
What is the length of the boat?
274 feet; 300 feet including gang plank
How wide is the boat?
63 feet, 6 inches (width)
How tall is the General Jackson?
55 feet, fixed; 77 feet to the top of folding stacks
What is the draft?
The boat sits 7 feet in the water.
Which engines are used?
2 Caterpillar 3512’s; 1050 hp per engine; 880 kw generators
Which motors are used?
Two 600 HP General Electric motors turn the paddlewheel – 1,200 hp total
What is the speed of the General Jackson?
13 mph top speed; 4-8 mph average speed
How large is the Paddlewheel?
36 feet long, 24 feet in diameter; weighs 36 tons
How heavy is the General Jackson?
1,489 tons dead weight
Bow Thruster
200 hp propeller
What kind of search light does the General Jackson use?
Xenon bulb; 120 million candle power
How big is the Dock?
195’ X 35’ barge
What is the Mooring Cell?
Large cylinders on each end of the dock filled with sand and rock, topped with concrete and used to support and secure the barge/dock.
About the Cumberland River
River Navigable for 381 miles; the General Jackson dock is at mile 197.5; average depth is 15-25 feet; normal (pool) level is 385 feet elevation. A round trip to downtown Nashville and back is 14 miles. The head waters are in Harlin County, Kentucky, and the mouth is at Smithland, Kentucky, where it joins the Ohio River.
Want the Latest News?
*enter e-mail address.
This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. If you continue using our website, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website and you agree to our Privacy Policy .
IMAGES