Knoxville River Cruise Aboard the Volunteer Princess

Discover the Knoxville River Cruise on the Volunteer Princess for $32.25

The Knoxville River Cruise aboard the Volunteer Princess offers a relaxing and scenic journey along the Tennessee River. Priced at $32.25 per person, this approximately 2-hour cruise departs from 956 Volunteer Landing Lane in Knoxville, USA. The vessel is designed with modern luxury and classic charm, making it an inviting option for both casual sightseeing and special events.

This public cruise is highly accessible, thanks to its fully enclosed, climate-controlled decks, which allow for year-round operation regardless of weather. The cruise is also suitable for private events such as birthday parties, corporate outings, or sunset dinners, with flexible catering and entertainment options. Although the cruise does not include alcoholic beverages, it provides a comfortable environment with excellent river views, restroom facilities, and friendly staff.

The tour is popular, with a 92% recommendation rate from previous participants and a solid 4.5 out of 5-star rating based on 24 reviews, reflecting consistent satisfaction. Keep in mind that this experience is non-refundable and has a maximum group size of 132 travelers, making it a well-organized, manageable outing for most groups.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $32.25 per person for a scenic 2-hour river cruise.
• Year-round operation with climate-controlled decks for comfort in any weather.
• Notable sights include the Sunsphere, the symbol of the 1982 World’s Fair, and the Big Orange Country area.
• Includes restroom facilities but does not include alcoholic beverages.
• The cruise departs and ends at 956 Volunteer Landing Lane, Knoxville.
• Popular for both public cruises and private events like dinners and celebrations.

Scenic Views of Knoxville’s Riverfront and Landmarks

The Volunteer Princess cruise highlights the scenic beauty of Knoxville’s riverfront, passing notable sights such as the Sunsphere, a landmark associated with the 1982 World’s Fair. The vessel glides downstream, giving passengers an unobstructed view of the vibrant riverfront and local architecture.

The cruise offers an ideal vantage point to spot luxury homes along the river and catch glimpses of Knoxville’s bridges and the VOLS stadium. The wide-open view from the fully enclosed decks makes for a comfortable yet impressive sightseeing experience, especially in changing weather conditions.

The scenery includes both natural landscapes and prominent city sights, blending urban charm with the tranquil flow of the Tennessee River.

Inside the Volunteer Princess: Modern Comfort Meets Classic Design

The Volunteer Princess features two fully enclosed, climate-controlled decks that ensure a comfortable environment, regardless of outdoor weather. This setup makes the cruise accessible in both summer and winter, a key advantage that allows for flexible planning.

The interior design balances modern luxury with a classic nautical style, creating an elegant atmosphere for sightseeing, dining, or celebrating. The vessel includes restroom facilities on board, making the experience more convenient for all ages and needs.

The boat’s well-maintained condition is a point of praise in reviews, reflecting attentive care from the crew. Passengers can also step onto the front of the boat for a closer view or to take pictures without leaving the vessel.

Meeting Point and Accessibility for Visitors

The meeting point for the Knoxville River Cruise is located at 956 Volunteer Landing Lane, a convenient location near public transportation options. The easy-to-find dock and parking, as confirmed by previous feedback, help ensure a smooth start to the experience.

The tour welcomes service animals and is designed to be accessible for most travelers. Since the activity is booked via a mobile ticket, participants can verify their reservation easily and get updates before the cruise.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Passengers enjoy restroom facilities on board, adding to the comfort during the cruise. The tour does not include alcoholic beverages, so visitors should plan to bring their own drinks or purchase from the vessel’s bar if available.

The pricing includes the scenic cruise and access to the vessel’s amenities, providing good value for the quality and length of the experience. The cruise’s duration of about 2 hours offers a leisurely and informative way to see Knoxville from the water.

Reviews Highlight the Experience’s Strengths

The majority of reviews praise the professional and friendly crew, with many mentioning how easy and straightforward it is to reach the dock. Passengers appreciate the smooth sailing and the beautiful scenery, describing it as a peaceful, enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.

The onboard food and drinks receive positive remarks, with some noting tasty, fresh meals and friendly service, although some mention that the food quality varies. The views of Knoxville’s homes, stadium, and bridges are consistently highlighted as memorable moments.

Considerations and Limitations

While the cruise is praised for its scenic beauty and comfort, some reviews note that there is no narration during the trip, which might be a downside for those seeking historical or cultural commentary.

A small number of reviews mention docking challenges, with one describing eight attempts to dock on a particular day, though this is not a common occurrence. The cruise does not include alcoholic beverages, which might be a limitation for guests wanting an all-inclusive experience.

Lastly, weather can impact the experience, but the climate-controlled decks help mitigate this concern, allowing enjoyment regardless of outdoor conditions.

Ideal For Celebrations, Scenic Viewing, and Relaxation

This cruise is perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy Knoxville’s riverfront scenery in comfort. It suits birthday parties, company outings, or sunset dinners, offering a flexible and elegant setting for celebrations.

The moderate price point makes it accessible for many, with the two-hour duration making it a manageable outing. It’s especially appealing for visitors who want a comfortable, scenic experience with friendly service and stunning views.

Knoxville River Cruise on the Volunteer Princess: Summary

The Volunteer Princess offers a well-rounded river cruise experience in Knoxville with modern amenities, beautiful views, and friendly staff. The year-round operation and climate-controlled decks ensure comfort in all seasons, making it a reliable choice.

While it does not include narration or alcoholic beverages, the cruise’s focus on scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere makes it an enjoyable outing for most visitors. The positive reviews underscore its appeal, especially for those seeking a peaceful, picturesque cruise along the Tennessee River.

This tour caters best to families, couples, or small groups celebrating special occasions or simply wanting to see Knoxville from a different perspective. Plan ahead to arrive at the easy-to-find dock and enjoy a memorable two hours on the water with views that capture the essence of Knoxville’s riverfront charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Knoxville River Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the cruise is accessible for most travelers, and children are welcome. The cruise’s comfort and scenic views make it a good outing for families.

Can I bring my own drinks?
While alcoholic beverages are not included, you are allowed to bring your own drinks on board.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, providing a leisurely exploration of Knoxville’s riverfront.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather, as the vessel features climate-controlled decks, but consider layers if the weather changes.

Is parking available at the meeting point?
Yes, parking and easy access to the dock are available, with prior reviews confirming smooth logistics.

Are there any meal options included?
No, meals are not included, but food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, and the reviews mention tasty, fresh offerings.

What sights will I see on the cruise?
Expect views of the Sunsphere, luxury homes, bridges, and Knoxville’s stadium, along with the natural beauty of the river.

Can I book a private event on the Volunteer Princess?
Yes, the vessel is suited for private events, with flexible catering and entertainment options.

What if the weather is bad?
Thanks to the climate-controlled decks, the cruise runs year-round, but severe weather could impact the schedule. The tour is non-refundable if canceled due to weather conditions like flooding.

How do I book tickets?
Tickets are available via mobile ticketing, and the departure point is straightforward to find.