general jackson riverboat nashville

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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.

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General Jackson Showboat

Review Highlights

“ The captain gave a fun and informative tour of the pilot house and all of the VIP extras made our experiences fantastic! ” in 15 reviews

“ Be sure to include this in your list of places to go to in Nashville Enjoyed our Dinner Cruise With friends. ” in 66 reviews

“ they offered pictures before getting on the boat , buffet style dinner two meat choices, carb, vegetable and a salad. ” in 87 reviews

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Location & Hours

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2812 Opryland Dr

Nashville, TN 37214

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About the Business

Founded in 1985, the General Jackson Showboat is one of the largest showboats in the United States. It is a 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat with three stories and several decks and is available for midday, evening, and party and special-event cruises. The boat houses a two-story Victorian Theater, which hosts live shows and musical events, including country and Broadway-style music. The General Jackson Showboat has a seating capacity of over 1,000 passengers. It hosts a variety of events, such as corporate parties, family reunions, weddings ceremonies, receptions, trade shows and convention events. Located in Nashville, Tenn., the General Jackson is owned by Gaylord Entertainment, which is one of the leading hospitality and entertainment companies in the U.S. …

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• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
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• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

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Overall rating

237 reviews

Dinner, River cruise, and a show for $100. Definitely worth it!! Sine we were first in line at the buffet, the prime rib was pretty dry. It was still tasty. For my second round at the dinner buffet, it was superb! I got my prime rare, with baby carrots, broccolini, nice side salad, and fresh horseradish with a kick! The food was better than I expected for a buffet. The interior was very cool. Love the old school architecture. Wait for my review on the show. We sat on Table 65. It was Tier 2. Tables 51 and above are better seats only because you are not as crowded and you have more room to move about. The tables in front of the stage are best for the show. You may even get a personal lap dance. Jk. There is not a bad seat for the show though. Post #2: the show was outstanding! From Johnny Cash, Shania, Toby, Garth, Reba, Ray Charles, Dilly, Elvis, Aretha, I can go on. I even knew the Swiftie song. The singers/performers did a fabulous job. A must see. Overall, 4.5. It was greater than a 4 and less than a 5.

The singer crew.

This showboat is the final boss of the touristy things you can do in Nashville. BUT- it is incredibly fun. The food, the view, the entertainment. It's worth going at least once. We did the Rollin' on the River evening show and the performers were very talented. I was riveted to my seat the entire time. I loved the virgin strawberry daiquiri I got and props to my husband for bringing the souvenir glass back in one piece in his carry on! Shout out to the random guy in the trees along the dark river bank who screamed at us and revved a chainsaw. We got a good laugh about that. Remember to bring cash to tip your waitstaff!

Great performances and wonderful crew. We weren't sure what to expect but the performance was highly engaging and awesome to watch!

We came here for a special NYE event, and it was an absolute BLAST! We didn't have any of the negative experiences others described. We sat in the top balcony straight across from the stage and had a great view of the stage. For this event, there was no buffet, but a set menu and the food was brought to us. There was plenty of food and it was good (I just didn't care for the filet - it was kinda like a thick version of a tv dinner Salisbury Steak, but the goat cheese salad was great, and the veggies and crab cake were all really good! The chocolate cake at the end was layered with mousse and that was pretty great, too). Our server was SO fun and sweet and helpful, and kept us posted on when we'd be downtown to be able to step out and check out the fabulous downtown views from the river. The selling point do this event was that there was a dance floor set up in front of the stage. We danced like crazy while the amazing band played - they really were fabulous!!! It was all the music you'd expect to hear at a wedding or something, and they mixed in a bunch of slow songs with the fast, dance ones. It was really fun, and they played some classic group dance songs when the band took a break. There was a toast at midnight and they released balloons, too! I thought it was pretty great that the band played for another half hour after docking, so there wasn't a mad dash to the doors. It was so much fun and probably the best NYE celebration I've ever attended!

Took the afternoon lunch cruise. The food is served buffet style and it was just ok. Loved our table and seats at table 16. Would not choose the captain's table, not worth the upgraded price. The one hour show was very entertaining. I recommend this activity - it was a clear day and cruising on the river was beautiful and relaxing. My friends and I agree it was a good choice and worth doing when in Nashville!

I was a little worried because I get seasick and the girls aren't excited about boats. However, this was all of our best boat experiences ever! Everyone that we spoke to was friendly and kind. The kids were just talking about how much they missed salads now that we were not in California, and our first course was a Caesar salad. The kids loved that chicken nuggets were an option for the little kids meals. For the adult meals, the chicken was tender and succulent and the crab cake wasn't too salty. The drinks were so large that when my glass was empty, I was able to put both of my hands into the glass and there was still room for 2 other hands. The service was attentive, and we found out that we were the only ones at our shared table that tipped the waitstaff at the end which is just something that thoughtful people should think about. The ship was so fun for the kids to wander around and look at the large paddle as it makes ripples in the water as we move past. The mild 70 degrees Fahrenheit weather was also a plus for our leisurely walk around the deck. The show was so fun! The kids were dancing when they were listening to music that they never heard before. It was just a wonderful experience that we would love to try again.

See all photos from Rosie M. for General Jackson Showboat

The boat was a great tourist thing to do. I definitely recommend for a group outting or celebration. Location behind the mall with free parking was great idea.. they offered pictures before getting on the boat, buffet style dinner two meat choices, carb, vegetable and a salad. The food was plenty and warm and delicious. We sat and waited till the end to get our food not to have to wait in line and it was a good choice there was still plenty of food. Long line for the bar. We lucked out with great seats by the stage so we didn't feel crowded. They did a great Christmas show I left like i was on a cruise line vacation. Nice view of downtown Nashville. You didn't even feel the boat moving. I definitely enjoyed it for an excuse to dress up and go out. We even mer some wonderful people at our table.

A very cute activity complete with dinner and a show! I would say the at the boast could use some upgrades to really help elevate the experience. I was disappointed that the boat was broken today and I had just a dreadful view of dock. The staff was amazing 5 's and I really enjoyed the salad and my mixed drinks! The general dinner food I would say was largely bland with the expectation of the crab cakes.

This one was definitely worth the trip. For the price, you get a cute cruise ship style show, a very well done buffet, you do sit at a table with others (I love that, my husband not so much, LOL) a beautiful paddle boat ride along the Cumberland. The pulled pork and potato salad were both fantastic. My hubby really enjoyed the macaroni and cheese. The show was a tribute to Nashville legends. It was cute and very entertaining. We watched about 1/2 of the show and went outside to get a couple of cocktails and walk around the boat. The entire thing is about 3 hours, which really is a good value for the money paid. I would recommend it, and if we were in Nashville with strangers, I would definitely bring them on this .

Had a great time on the General Jackson showboat in Nashville, TN. We started off with lunch which was served buffet style... once the boat pushed off the show started being with a tribute to the country stars that put Nashville on the map... these entertainers were excellent. We really enjoyed the performances.

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General Jackson Showboat Nashville Lunch & Dinner Cruises

A General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise provides an amazing adventure to those visiting Nashville, TN . This famous paddle wheel riverboat takes guests via the Cumberland River to view the Nashville skyline to enjoy a relaxing cruise, live stage show, and delicious dinner. Whether you are celebrating a date night, birthday, or just want to get in some sightseeing during your Music City vacation, it is a must-have addition to your itinerary.

New for 2024: Tennessee Legends Show

The Cumberland River is a gorgeous and historic waterway winding throughout Nashville. On whichever trip you choose, you will be able to see some of the most glorious sights in Nashville from a unique perspective. The showboat is equipped with amazing ways to see everything, including balconies and outside decks which allow for beautiful panoramic views of the towering skyscrapers and sparkling lights of the city. During warmer months, you may capture sight of local wildlife as well such as fish and birds. Soak in the fresh air and the unforgettable Nashville skyline scenery on this cruise tour, and don't forget to bring your camera to snap a few pictures along the way!

About the General Jackson Showboat

The General Jackson is one of the largest Nashville boat and river cruises in the country and its dock is found on the Cumberland River. Having launched its cruises in 1985, it has provided quality entertainment, live music, and fun to visitors for more than three decades. It is named after the first steamboat to travel in Nashville in 1817. Thousands of people have enjoyed this famous attraction, which is famous for its stately design and special event cruises, drawing in thousands of travelers every year to view its entertainment options. The boat itself has a lot of stunning features, with a length of 274 feet and a towering height of 55 feet, massive decks, and stunning views.

The Nashville river boat can carry up to 1,037 passengers and 135 crew at a time during max capacity. It also features one of the largest paddlewheels that is 36 feet long and 24 feet in diameter. Just the paddle wheel weighs 36,000 pounds! This massive boat has a total weight of 1,489 tons. It travels at an average speed of approximately 5 - 8 miles per hour. The boat is comprised of four decks, which hold features such as the Heritage Hall, a gift shop, the Victorian Theater with a sit-down dining area and comfortable seating, balconies, and tons of outside viewing opportunities. If you are wanting to enjoy a completely unique experience, make sure to board this fantastic riverboat. Additionally, the beautiful General Jackson Showboat is wheelchair accessible and gives a neat way to explore the Nashville downtown area.

With tons of viewing space, these themed Nashville cruises offer amazing shows, a good time, mouth-watering food, and an energy that is totally unparalleled by any other boat adventure in the South. Be sure to climb aboard and enjoy live entertainment and downtown sightseeing the next time you visit Music City by booking your General Jackson Showboat tickets today. Whether you want to take an hour cruise, lunch cruise, evening dinner cruise, or just want to get out and see Nashville Tennessee on the river, these cruises offer amazing opportunities for adventures. Be sure to book your hotel lodging to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, go shopping at the Opry Mills Mall, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or get tickets to see the Grand Ole Opry. Regardless of what you do, you're bound to have a blast on your trip to Nashville! Be sure to book a great Nashville hotel in the area. jackson general general jackson's music city queen riverboat nashville tngeneral jackson showboat seating chart gen jackson boat general jackson seating chart

• What type of parking do you have? The General Jackson shares a parking lot with Opry Mills and there is no charge for parking.
• Approximately how long are the cruises? The entire experience is approximately 2.5 hours long.
• How many decks or levels are there aboard the boat? The boat has four decks.
• What lake or river does the boat cruise on? The boat sails on the Cumberland River.
• How many passengers does the boat hold? The boat holds 1,037 passengers along with 135 crew members.
• What is the dress code? Casual dress for all cruises. Shirts and shoes are required to be worn at all times. No halter top or bathing suit tops are allowed.
• Does General Jackson Showboat Nashville Lunch & Dinner Cruises feature a bar? Yes, there is a full-service bar on deck for all your favorite alcoholic drinks.
• Are alcoholic beverages served at General Jackson Showboat Nashville Lunch & Dinner Cruises? Yes, there is a full-service bar.
• Is the boat air-conditioned? Yes, the interior of the boat is air conditioned.
• What is the policy in case of inclement weather? The boat makes an effort to always sail even during weather-related instances in which the boat may be delayed.
• Are strollers allowed on the boat? Yes, strollers are permitted on board.
• Garden Salad Romaine Iceberg Blend - Shredded Kale - Cornbread Croutons - Crumbled Cheese Curds - Grape Tomatoes - Heirloom Carrots - Tangy House Dressing   
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad Green Onions - Bacon - Sour Cream 
• Sweet Bourbon Glazed Chicken BBQ Spices - Brown Sugar - Apple Cider Vinegar
• Hickory Smoked Prok Shoulder  Sweet Molasses BBQ Sauce
• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Root Beer Baked Beans
• Chef's Seasonally Inspired Vegetables
• Buttered Soft Rolls with Cherrywood Smoked Sea Salt
• Seasonal Fruit Cobbler Cinnamon Streusel Topping with Caramel and Vanilla Cream Sauce

Tea, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee 

(Menu Subject to Change without Notice)

Garden Salad Romaine Iceberg Blend - Shredded Kale - Cornbread Croutons - Crumbled Cheese Curds - Grape Tomatoes - Heirloom Carrots - Tangy House Dressing 

From the Carver

Slow-Roasted Prime Rib of Beef Garlic and Shallot Salt Crust - Fresh Herbs - Horseradish Cream

Main Course

• Roasted Chicken Breast Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Demi  
• Baked Mac and Cheese Garlic with Cheddar Crumb Topping  
• Steakhouse Potatoes House Blend of Spices  
• Chef's Seasonally Inspired Vegetable
• Glazed Carrots and Spring Peas Shaved Parmesan - Citrus - Honey - Thyme
• Chocolate Torte Whipped Cream - Vanilla Creme Anglaise - Bourbon Caramel - Toffee Cookie Crumble

((Menu Subject to Change without Notice))

Please mention at time of reservation. Vegetarian menus, while change each night, are often the same menu as the regular cruise minus the meat. They often include a pasta dish with additional vegetables. 

*subject to change. 

Salad Arcadian Baby Lettuces with Dried Assorted Fruits, Toasted Pecans, Chevre Goat Cheese & White Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Braised Short Rib with Merlot Demi-Glace OR Roasted Chicken Breast with Creamy Chicken Demi
• Roasted Steakhouse Potatoes
• Citrus Honey Glazed Carrots
• Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake
• Oat & Honey Streusel, Sea Salt Caramel Cream

Tea, Coffee, or Decaf Coffee

(Menu subject to change without notice)

• Arcadian Baby Lettuces with Dried Assorted Fruits, Toasted Pecans, Chevre Goat Cheese, White Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Roasted Chicken Breast with Herb Brined, House Spices, Creamy Demi

Tea, Coffee, and Decaf Coffee 

Menu Subject to Change without Notice.

The Riverboat Cruise In Nashville You Never Knew Existed

Meghan Kraft

Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.

More by this Author

The Cumberland River is one of Nashville’s most defining features, and we found a way to see our beautiful city while cruising down this iconic Nashville river. Whether you’re looking for a great way to see the city’s lights from the water or for a romantic and unique dinner-and-a-show experience, this riverboat cruise in Nashville is an experience that no one should pass up. Sit back, relax, and let the lazy waters of the Cumberland River carry you back in time on this old paddle-wheel riverboat.

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General Jackson Showboat (Lunch/Dinner)

Float down the cumberland river on the iconic general jackson showboat.

General Jackson Experience Information

4 Hour Tour

Views From The Cumberland River

Wheelchair Vehicle Available By Request*

Departs From Riverfront Station

Select your tour date below to get started.  (Lunch Option)

Select your tour date below to get started.  (Dinner Option)

Take A Musical Riverboat Cruise In Nashville

Cruise down the scenic Cumberland River on the General Jackson Showboat, on one of the largest paddlewheel riverboats in the country. Enjoy lunch or dinner and a musical performance in the riverboat’s beautiful Victorian dinner theatre.

General Jackson Lunch Cruise:

A mid-day cruise. This thrilling show includes a delicious lunch and a cruise down the Cumberland River on the beautiful General Jackson Showboat.

General Jackson Dinner Cruise:

What a thrill to cruise the Cumberland River on the beautiful General Jackson Showboat. Your night will include a Las Vegas style show with a dynamic cast of entertainers, elaborate costumes, dancers and a live orchestra. The evening includes a delicious dinner, the show and a three-hour cruise.

*Accessibility:

ADA-compliant vehicles are available for most tours if you provide us with a 48-hour notice. After scheduling your tour, please contact our Dispatch Office at (615) 883-5555 to confirm availability.

We believe strongly in the Gray Line Tennessee sightseeing experience. If you’re dissatisfied with your tour, please contact our Customer Service office at 615-883-5555 and we’ll make it right.

Daytime Cruises

Tennessee legends.

If you are looking for a  Tennessee Legends , look no further than the world-famous General Jackson Showboat. Spend an afternoon onboard with us where you can sample the many styles of music that made Tennessee famous.

Tennessee Christmas Midday Cruise

This musical Christmas treat celebrates the tremendous legacy of holiday favorites from some of Tennessee’s greatest musical stars like Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan plus many more. 

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