Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

Discover the Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

The Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise offers a delightful way to explore Georgia’s historic riverfront while enjoying a Southern-style buffet for $63 per person. This 2-hour cruise departs from 9 East River Street, providing an accessible and relaxing escape that combines scenic views, engaging storytelling, and hearty food. The tour is highly rated with a 4.6 out of 5 based on 653 reviews, making it a popular choice for those seeking a laid-back yet informative experience in Savannah.

This cruise is perfect for travelers who enjoy beautiful river scenery, local history, and classic Southern cuisine. It’s suitable for all ages, especially those who appreciate a comfortable, leisurely pace and live narration. Note that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase separately.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: $63 per person for 2 hours of scenic river cruising
• Location: Board at 9 East River Street, across from the dock
• Main Highlights: Southern buffet, live narration, views of Savannah’s waterfront
• Food: Signature shrimp and grits, fried chicken, Southern greens, desserts
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, suitable for most travelers
• Booking Flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Meeting Point and Parking in Savannah

The tour begins at the Riverboat Ticket Office on East River Street, near Olympia Cafe and River Street Sweets. The boat docks directly across from the ticket office, making it a convenient spot for boarding. Visitors arriving by car can park at public parking lots on River Street, Bay Street, or at the Bryan Street Parking Garage. Since parking in downtown Savannah can take some time, arriving early is advisable, as boarding begins one hour prior to the scheduled start.

Scenic Views Along Savannah River

The cruise takes you smoothly down the Savannah River, offering views of the modern port activities, the local flora and fauna, and the historic Old Fort Jackson. As the boat approaches the fort, cannons are fired, creating a lively atmosphere that highlights the area’s military past. This route showcases both urban port operations and natural beauty, appealing especially to those interested in Georgia’s maritime activity.

The Captain’s Narration and Historic Insights

Throughout the cruise, the captain provides live narration, sharing stories about Savannah’s complex history and notable landmarks. The narration is described as smart, interesting, and sometimes humorous, with guides like Gage and Chayse earning praise for their engaging storytelling. The commentary covers topics from the third busiest port in the country to local historic sites, making the experience both entertaining and educational.

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Southern Buffet Highlights

The buffet menu features signature Savannah shrimp and grits, southern fried chicken, and a chef’s specialty station. Alongside these main dishes, the meal includes creamy macaroni and cheese, Southern greens, squash casserole, and sweet potato soufflé. For dessert, travelers enjoy banana pudding and peach cobbler, with fresh fruit and salads rounding out the offerings. The all-you-can-eat buffet is served on deck 1, with the option to explore other decks after eating.

Quality of Food and Service

Reviewers frequently mention that the lunch buffet exceeds expectations, highlighting delicious, hearty Southern comfort foods prepared with care. The servers are consistently described as friendly, attentive, and helpful. Many note that the wait staff make the experience especially enjoyable, with Melissa and Rae receiving particular praise for their excellent service.

The Overall Experience and Atmosphere

The atmosphere aboard the boat is described as lively yet relaxing, with beautiful views and friendly staff creating a welcoming environment. The lively narration adds a layer of local storytelling, often peppered with funny anecdotes. Passengers appreciate that they can move around the deck, visit different levels, or return to the buffet as they wish.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs. Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, as some outdoor areas may be cooler or warmer depending on the season. Since parking can take 30-60 minutes, it’s wise to arrive early to ensure smooth boarding. Guests should bring a passport or ID, and note that alcoholic beverages are available but not included in the ticket price.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What makes this Savannah cruise stand out is its combination of scenic river views, engaging storytelling, and hearty Southern cuisine. The live narration by the captain offers insider insights, while the buffet delivers classic flavors. The 2-hour duration strikes a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation, making it ideal for those with limited time or looking for a gentle, enjoyable activity.

Considerations and Limitations

One aspect to keep in mind is that no hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so travelers need to arrange their own transportation. The view of the scenery may not be considered as breathtaking as other types of cruises, but the historical insights and food experience compensate well. Plus, boarding begins an hour before the cruise start time, so punctuality is key to avoid missing out.

Why This Tour Fits Certain Travelers Best

This cruise appeals most to history enthusiasts, food lovers, and families seeking a relaxed outdoor activity. It is especially well-suited for those wanting a taste of Southern cuisine combined with informative narration and scenic views. Travelers looking for a more active or adventurous experience might prefer other options, but for a laid-back, engaging cruise, this is an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts: A Taste of Savannah on the Water

The Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise provides a well-rounded experience with delicious food, informative guides, and scenic river vistas. Its reasonable price and positive reviews underscore its value as a fun and educational activity in Savannah. While it doesn’t focus solely on natural scenery, the combination of historic storytelling and Southern cuisine makes it a memorable highlight for many visitors.

This cruise is an inviting way to see Savannah from the water, learn about its port and historic sites, and enjoy comfort food in a relaxed setting. For anyone interested in delicious Southern dishes paired with local history, this tour offers great value and warm hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included; guests need to arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts 2 hours, usually in the afternoon.

What is the price of the cruise?
Tickets are $63 per person, including the live narration and buffet lunch.

Where do I meet the boat?
The meeting point is 9 East River Street at the Riverboat Ticket Office, with the boat docked directly across from the office.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring passport or ID and weather-appropriate clothing.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase separately.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What kind of food is served on the buffet?
The buffet features Southern favorites like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens, and desserts such as peach cobbler.

Is there enough time to explore after the cruise?
Yes, guests are free to visit other decks and revisit the buffet during the cruise.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for most ages, especially families looking for a relaxed, scenic activity.

Would you recommend this cruise?
Absolutely, especially for those wanting great views, rich local stories, and delicious Southern food in a comfortable setting.

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