Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Operating from a prime location at 9 E River St, Savannah Riverboat Cruises presents a classic way to experience the city's famed waterfront. This long-standing tour operator provides a variety of excursions on its traditional red, white, and blue paddle-wheel riverboats, the Georgia Queen and the Savannah River Queen. These vessels are a common sight, offering a distinct perspective on the historic cityscape and the bustling port. The company functions as a full-service travel agency for river-based activities, catering to tourists and locals seeking a leisurely outing on the water.

The general experience aboard is frequently described as relaxing and enjoyable, providing a welcome respite from walking through the historic district. The staff consistently receives high marks for being friendly, helpful, and professional, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Whether on a daytime trip or an evening voyage, the boats offer both climate-controlled interior decks and open-air spaces, allowing guests to enjoy the views in comfort regardless of the weather. For many, the novelty of being on a large riverboat is a significant part of the appeal.

A Spectrum of Cruising Options

Savannah Riverboat Cruises has curated a diverse menu of river cruises to appeal to different interests and schedules. This variety ensures that nearly every visitor can find an option that fits their holiday planning.

Daytime and Sightseeing Tours

The most popular offerings are the daytime sightseeing tours. These 90-minute narrated excursions travel up the Savannah River, offering close-up views of the massive container ships at the Port of Savannah—one of the busiest in the nation—before heading back down past the historic River Street and toward Old Fort Jackson. The captain's narration provides historical context and interesting facts about the city, its port, and landmarks. Reviewers often find this commentary both entertaining and informative, making it a valuable experience for first-time visitors looking to understand the city's maritime significance. These tours are considered a quintessential part of many Savannah attractions.

Dining Cruises: A Mixed Bag

The company heavily promotes its dining voyages, including brunch, lunch, and dinner options. These cruises combine the scenic tour with a buffet-style meal. However, customer feedback on the culinary aspect is notably divided.

• Lunch and Brunch: The lunch cruise often features a spread of Southern staples like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and macaroni and cheese. Some guests find this meal to be a satisfying and enjoyable part of their experience, praising the variety of down-home Southern dishes.
• Dinner Cruise: The dinner cruise, on the other hand, receives more inconsistent reviews. While the evening ambiance, often featuring live music and dancing, is a highlight for many, the food is a point of contention. Several visitors have described the dinner buffet as mediocre or overly seasoned, suggesting that the experience is more about the atmosphere than the cuisine. Some regular patrons and reviewers explicitly recommend enjoying the cruise itself but opting for dinner at one of the many restaurants on shore.

This inconsistency suggests that potential customers, particularly those planning a special occasion, should temper their culinary expectations. The experience may be best viewed as a scenic boat tour with a meal included, rather than a fine dining event.

Sunset and Evening Cruises

The Sunset Cruise is frequently lauded as a standout experience. It offers breathtaking views as the sun dips below the city skyline, creating a picturesque and often romantic atmosphere. Following this, Moonlight Cruises provide a lively party-like environment with a full bar and music, making it a popular choice for groups and couples looking for evening entertainment.

Critical Considerations for Potential Customers

While Savannah Riverboat Cruises holds a strong overall rating, prospective passengers should be aware of a few key points to ensure their expectations align with reality.

Food Quality Variability

As noted, the most significant point of criticism revolves around the food on dining cruises. While some patrons are perfectly content, a notable number feel the quality does not match the price, especially for dinner. If gourmet food is a priority, booking a non-dining sightseeing tour and planning a separate meal on River Street might be a more reliable option. One reviewer summed it up by recommending the tour but suggesting to "skip the dining."

Accessibility Limitations

The company states that its vessels are wheelchair accessible, which is a significant plus. The Georgia Queen is particularly well-equipped, featuring an elevator and accessible restrooms. However, a critical detail shared by a family with a stroller, and relevant to wheelchair users, is that the elevator may not provide access to all decks. Specifically, the open-air top deck can be inaccessible without needing to carry strollers or navigate stairs. This is an important limitation for those with mobility challenges or families with young children who want to access the highest vantage point. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm the accessibility specifics for the exact vessel and deck you wish to enjoy.

Atmosphere and Crowds

The boats, particularly the Georgia Queen, can accommodate a large number of passengers—up to 1,000. During peak season, this can lead to a crowded environment. While some enjoy the bustling, social atmosphere, those seeking a quiet, intimate experience may want to consider this. The cruises are designed for a broad audience, and the onboard entertainment and announcements reflect a tourist-focused, rather than a boutique, experience.

Conclusion

Savannah Riverboat Cruises provides a reliable and generally well-regarded service that stands as a cornerstone of the local tourism industry. For those looking to see the city from a different angle, learn about its history, and enjoy a relaxing time on the water, the sightseeing tours are an excellent choice. The sunset cruise comes highly recommended for its stunning views. However, when considering one of the various vacation packages that include meals, it is wise to view the food as an accompaniment to the experience rather than its main attraction. By understanding the accessibility limitations for the top deck and the variability of the dining experience, customers can make an informed decision and fully enjoy their time on the Savannah River.