Memphis Riverboats

Operating on the Mississippi River since 1955, Memphis Riverboats provides a distinct perspective of the city's skyline and riverfront through sightseeing and dinner cruises. This long-standing tourist attraction leverages a fleet of classic sternwheeler vessels to offer patrons a nostalgic journey on the water. While many customers report positive and memorable outings, prospective passengers should be aware of several key aspects, both favorable and challenging, to ensure their expectations align with the reality of the experience.

The Sightseeing Cruise: A Historical Perspective

The standard offering is a 90-minute sightseeing boat tour that covers a 7- to 10-mile circuit along the Downtown Memphis riverfront. A central highlight, frequently praised in customer feedback, is the live historical commentary provided by the captain or a designated 'Riverlorian'. The narration offers insights into Memphis's connection to the river, from historical figures like Mark Twain to local heroes, making the trip both a relaxing and educational affair. Passengers learn about the city's history and the crucial role the Mississippi has played in its development. The guides are often described as knowledgeable and entertaining, adding significant value to the standard river cruise.

The vessels themselves, such as the flagship Island Queen, are multi-deck sternwheelers, providing both enclosed, climate-controlled areas and open-air decks for unobstructed views. This variety allows guests to choose their comfort level. However, a common piece of advice is to arrive early, at least 30 minutes prior to departure, to secure a preferred spot. The top decks offer the best vantage points for photography but are exposed to the elements; securing a shaded seat can be crucial on a sunny day. The calm waters of the Mississippi generally ensure a smooth ride, making it suitable for those who might be concerned about motion sickness.

The Dinner & Music Cruise: An Evening on the Water

For those seeking an evening activity, the two-hour Dinner & Music Cruise is a popular option. This trip planning choice combines a meal, live music, and the scenery of the Memphis skyline illuminated at night. The atmosphere is consistently noted as a strong point, with the live band—often playing a mix of blues, jazz, and requests—creating a lively and engaging environment. Many find it a fun alternative to a night on Beale Street.

Food and Refreshments

The meal served on the dinner cruise is a buffet featuring Memphis-style barbecue. The typical menu includes pulled pork, grilled chicken breast, baked beans, mac & cheese, and a salad. Reviews on the food quality are mixed, which is common for buffet-style service in such a setting. While some find the meal to be very good and a highlight of the trip, others describe it as merely adequate. The pulled pork generally receives positive mentions, while other items, like the chicken, have been described as dry by some patrons. It's best to approach the dining aspect with the expectation of a decent, hearty meal rather than a gourmet culinary experience. The ticket price includes the meal, tea, and water, while a full bar accepting both cash and cards is available for alcoholic beverages and other drinks.

Weighing the Positives and Negatives

When considering a booking with this tour operator, a balanced view of the customer experience is essential.

Key Strengths

• Knowledgeable Staff: The commentary during the sightseeing cruises is a significant asset, consistently praised for being informative and entertaining.
• Atmosphere: Both day and night cruises offer a relaxing and enjoyable environment. The dinner cruises, in particular, are lauded for their great live music and fun ambiance.
• Unique Views: The cruises provide a unique and picturesque view of the Memphis skyline, bridges, and riverfront that is unavailable from land.
• Authenticity: The use of traditional sternwheelers adds a charming, historical element to the travel experience, connecting visitors to the golden age of river travel.

Points of Consideration

• Logistics and Accessibility: This is perhaps the most critical challenge for many visitors. Parking is not available at the dock (45 Riverside Dr). Guests must park in a designated paid lot nearby and face a walk of roughly 10 minutes. Crucially, this walk involves a very steep hill leading down to the river, which can be difficult for individuals with mobility issues. A shuttle van service is available from a nearby visitor's center, and its use is highly recommended. While the company assists handicapped guests, it's important to note that the vessels themselves are not required to be fully ADA compliant due to their age. Potential guests with accessibility needs should call ahead to discuss arrangements, as the Island Queen is noted as the most accessible boat.
• Onboard Amenities and Service: While a snack bar is available on sightseeing cruises, service can be slow during busy periods, with some reports of only one staff member taking orders. This can lead to long waits for drinks or snacks.
• Environmental Factors: Being on the river means exposure to nature. Guests on the upper decks, especially in the evening, have noted the presence of pesky gnats, which can be a minor annoyance. Sun exposure is also a factor on the top deck during daytime cruises.
• Predictable Itinerary: The cruise follows a set route, circling a specific section of the river near downtown. It is a localized tour focused on the city view, not a long-distance journey down the Mississippi.

Booking and Final Thoughts

Memphis Riverboats operates as a key component of the local tourism landscape, often included in broader Memphis vacation packages. It provides a reliable and generally well-regarded service that appeals to a wide range of visitors, from families to couples. The experience it offers is an authentic slice of river life. The key to a successful outing is proper preparation: plan for the parking and the walk down to the dock (or use the shuttle), arrive early to get a good seat, and set realistic expectations for the onboard food service. For those who do, a trip with this travel agency offers a memorable and relaxing way to see the city from the legendary waters of the Mississippi.