Mobile Harbor Tour: Perdido Queen Cruise with USS Alabama Views

The SS United States is anchored in Mobile Bay right now, on its final voyage before sinking as an artificial reef.

The Perdido Queen is a harbor cruise through Mobile's active port, narrated by a live guide in English. You'll pass the Alabama Cruise Terminal, cargo and naval vessels, the USS Alabama battleship, and the downtown skyline in about an hour. Through March 2026, the tour includes views of the SS United States, the 1952 ocean liner that held the transatlantic speed record and is now being prepared as the world's largest artificial reef off the Gulf Coast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mobile Harbor Scenic Ship Tour

• Board the Perdido Queen ship
• See the Alabama Cruise Terminal
• Enjoy views of Mobile Bay
• View USS Alabama from a distance
• See Downtown Mobile skyline and city lights

The experience

Board the Perdido Queen at the Alabama Cruise Terminal and spend an hour gliding through one of the Gulf Coast's busiest working harbors. The guide shares stories about Mobile's maritime heritage, the shipbuilding industry, and the city's role in global trade as you pass massive cargo ships, active naval vessels, and the working waterfront. The boat is air-conditioned, has restroom facilities on board, and works for all fitness levels: infants can ride in a stroller, and service animals are welcome.

The route takes you through Mobile Bay and past the USS Alabama battleship, visible from the water. Downtown Mobile's skyline comes into view as the cruise wraps up. The defining draw right now is the SS United States: the legendary ocean liner that set the speed record on her 1952 maiden voyage, retired in 1969, and was purchased in 2024 to be sunk as an artificial reef. She's anchored in the bay undergoing cleanup, and this tour may be the last chance to see her before that transformation happens.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned seating with panoramic views.
• a live English-speaking guide sharing stories about Mobile's maritime heritage and the working port.
• views of the USS Alabama, the downtown skyline, and the SS United States.
• restroom facilities on board.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and SaturdayDeparts at 13:30

Book up toStart time

GroupUp to 150

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Perdido Queen Cruises

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary without translation. Book this if you want to understand the harbor's working history and the stories behind the ships you're passing. The narration is what makes the hour meaningful instead of just scenic.

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Top questions

What is the SS United States and why is it in Mobile Bay?

The SS United States is a 1952 ocean liner that held the transatlantic speed record on her maiden voyage before retiring in 1969. Purchased in 2024 by Okaloosa County, Florida, she was moved to Mobile for cleanup and is now being prepared to be sunk off the Gulf Coast as the world's largest artificial reef. The tour includes views of the ship through March 2026.

How long is the Mobile Harbor cruise?

The Perdido Queen tour runs about an hour, departing from the Alabama Cruise Terminal and passing through Mobile Bay, the working port, the USS Alabama, and downtown Mobile's skyline.

Will I see the USS Alabama up close?

The USS Alabama battleship is visible from the water during the cruise, though the tour passes it at a distance. The ship is a permanent memorial at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and can be toured separately if you want to board it.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility concerns?

Yes, the Perdido Queen is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the boat has a restroom on board. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can I buy drinks on the boat?

A full cash bar is available on board, with sodas, beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails to order during the cruise.

What should I know about the guide and commentary?

A live guide in English narrates the tour, sharing stories about Mobile's maritime heritage, the shipbuilding industry, and the city's role in global trade as you pass through the harbor.