Knoxville: Scenic Lunch Cruise on the Tennessee River

Discover Knoxville’s Scenic Lunch Cruise on the Tennessee River

The Knoxville: Scenic Lunch Cruise offers an inviting way to enjoy 90 minutes of relaxation along the Tennessee River. Priced at a reasonable rate and rated 4.7 out of 5 from 35 reviews, this tour combines breathtaking views of Knoxville’s waterfront with a delicious meal served onboard. It departs from Volunteer Landing Marina, with flexible parking options, making it accessible and easy to enjoy. Whether you’re visiting Knoxville for a day or looking for a unique daytime activity, this cruise provides a comfortable, engaging way to see the city from the water.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of scenic beauty and gourmet dining. The vessel is climate-controlled, so you can relax regardless of the weather, and the menu caters to dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian options. The 90-minute cruise feels perfectly paced, allowing plenty of time to take in the views and enjoy the meal without feeling rushed.

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Key Points

• Relaxing 1.5-hour cruise on the Tennessee River in Knoxville.
• Delicious meal including garden salad, roasted chicken breast, herbed rice pilaf, seasonal vegetables, and cheesecake.
• Stunning panoramic views of Knoxville’s waterfront and downtown skyline.
• Iconic landmarks like Neyland Stadium are visible from the water.
• Climate-controlled vessel ensures comfort in any weather.
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Starting Point and Parking at Volunteer Landing Marina

The tour begins at Volunteer Landing Marina, with easy parking found to the left of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, under the overpass. The designated spots are labeled for Volunteer Landing Marina or Adventure Center, and hangtags are not required. If those spots are full, visitors can park in the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse parking lot, with no risk of towing despite signage. It’s best to walk past the steakhouse onto the cement walkway, then keep left at the fork to find the yacht shortly thereafter. The coordinates for the meeting point are 35.96104431152344, -83.910888671875.

What to Expect During the 90-Minute Lunch Cruise

This scenic cruise takes place onboard a comfortable vessel equipped with air conditioning and heating, making it suitable for any season. The journey starts with a fresh garden salad to set the tone for the meal, followed by a succulent roasted chicken breast topped with a creamy pan sauce. The chicken is served alongside herbed rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables, appealing to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

The meal is complemented by quality bar drinks available onboard, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. The meal options include accommodations for vegan and vegetarian guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy the culinary experience. The cruise concludes back where it started, leaving ample time to explore Knoxville afterward.

Stunning Views of Knoxville’s Waterfront and Downtown Skyline

As the boat glides along the Tennessee River, passengers are treated to sweeping views of Knoxville’s skyline. The Sequence of sights includes the picturesque Sequoyah Hills and the city’s iconic waterfront, providing a different perspective compared to land-based sightseeing.

Most notably, travelers get a clear view of Neyland Stadium, making it an interesting sight for sports fans or those interested in Knoxville’s local landmarks. The panoramic vistas are ideal for photography or simply soaking in the city’s natural beauty from the water.

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The Vessel’s Climate-Controlled Comfort

The yacht used for this cruise offers climate control, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic views in comfort regardless of the weather outside. On hot days, the air conditioning keeps the interior cool, while in colder weather, the heating system ensures a cozy environment. This thoughtful feature makes the cruise accessible and enjoyable year-round.

Food and Drinks on Board

The lunch menu is designed to be satisfying and diverse. The starter is a garden salad, light and fresh. For the main course, the roasted chicken breast is prepared draped in a creamy pan sauce, paired with herbed rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables. This meal is regarded as tender and flavorful, with many reviews praising its quality.

Dessert is a classic New York Style Cheesecake, a perfect finish to the meal. The cruise also offers a bar with drinks available onboard, enhancing the laid-back atmosphere. Importantly, the menu can be customized to cater to vegan and vegetarian dietary needs, which are available upon request.

Parking and Accessibility Details

Travelers can park in the designated spots to the left of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, with no hangtag required. If those are full, the Ruths Chris parking lot provides an alternative. The walk from the parking area to the yacht involves passing past the steakhouse, then heading right onto a cement walkway. The meeting point is straightforward to find, and the vessel is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Reserving a spot on this scenic lunch cruise is simple, with options to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for travel plans. The tour includes a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, making it a risk-free activity to book ahead. The cruise typically departs at various times, so checking availability is recommended.

What Reviewers Love About the Knoxville Lunch Cruise

The reviews highlight the delicious food and great service as key strengths. Many note how relaxing the experience is, with stunning views of Knoxville’s water and skyline. The food quality receives particular praise, especially the tender grilled chicken and cheesecake. Visitors appreciate that the guides or staff are knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience.

Perfect for All Ages and Weather Conditions

This tour is suitable for all ages, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or groups of friends. Since the vessel is climate-controlled, it can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of the weather outside. Its relaxing pace ensures that everyone has time to take in the views and enjoy the meal without feeling rushed.

Comparing Similar Experiences in Knoxville

Similar activities include sunset dinner cruises, sightseeing cruises, and after-dark ghost tours. These options, offered by the same provider, provide varied experiences from evening dining to historical ghost tours. However, this scenic lunch cruise stands out for its combination of a quality meal and daytime water views, making it an ideal choice for a midday escape in Knoxville.

Final Thoughts: An Enjoyable Waterway Experience

The Knoxville: Scenic Lunch Cruise offers a comfortable, scenic way to enjoy Knoxville’s waterfront and downtown skyline in just 90 minutes. The delicious, well-presented meal and stunning views make this tour a popular choice for visitors and locals alike. Its climate-controlled vessel and easy parking add to its accessibility and convenience.

While this experience is ideal for those wanting a relaxing daytime activity with great scenery and good food, travelers should note the duration and menu options when planning their day. The tour provides a balanced blend of sightseeing and dining, making it well worth considering for anyone exploring Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Knoxville Scenic Lunch Cruise?
The cruise lasts 1.5 hours, providing ample time to enjoy the views and meal.

Where does the cruise depart from?
The tour departs from Volunteer Landing Marina, accessible via parking spots near Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

Is the vessel wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible.

What is included in the meal?
The meal includes a garden salad, roasted chicken breast with creamy pan sauce, herbed rice pilaf, seasonal vegetables, and cheesecake.

Are dietary accommodations available?
Yes, vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request.

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

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome on this family-friendly tour.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for onboard dining and consider the weather, as the vessel is climate-controlled.

How do I find the meeting point?
Follow the cement walkway past Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and keep left at the fork—the yacht is nearby, coordinates 35.96104431152344, -83.910888671875.

What makes this cruise different from others in Knoxville?
Its combination of scenic daytime water views with gourmet lunch and climate-controlled comfort makes it a distinctive, relaxing way to see Knoxville from the river.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby