General Jackson Showboat Cruise Nashville: Lunch or Dinner Live Show

Cruise the Cumberland River and watch a live show from a Victorian theater on a historic paddlewheel boat

The General Jackson Showboat is a lunch or dinner cruise on one of the country's largest paddlewheel riverboats, departing from Nashville with hotel pickup included. You board in the morning or evening, settle into the Victorian theater, eat a traditional Southern meal, and watch live entertainment—a comedy show on the lunch cruise or a Las Vegas-style performance with dancers and a live orchestra on the dinner cruise—while the boat travels down the scenic Cumberland River and returns you to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

General Jackson Showboat Cruise Experience

• Be picked up from Nashville hotel
• Board the General Jackson Showboat
• Cruise down the Cumberland River
• Enjoy views of Nashville skyline
• Have a traditional Southern meal
• Watch live musical performances
• Return to hotel after cruise

The Experience

After hotel pickup from select downtown Nashville locations, you board the General Jackson Showboat, one of the largest paddle-wheel boats in the country. The vessel is built to evoke the showboats that navigated American rivers in the 19th century, and the moment you step aboard, the scale of it becomes clear. You can spend time on the indoor or outdoor decks taking in views of the Nashville skyline and the Cumberland River before heading into the Victorian theater where your meal is served.

The lunch cruise departs at 10:30am and includes a traditional Southern lunch with a comedy show filled with classic Southern humor. The dinner cruise leaves at 5:30pm and features a more elaborate evening: a delicious dinner followed by a Las Vegas-style show with a dynamic cast of dancers, elaborate costumes and a live orchestra. Both cruises last around four hours and include the full river journey. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if you request them in advance.

The boat travels down the scenic Cumberland River, and you'll pass the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge during the cruise. All local taxes and fees are included in your ticket, and the return trip brings you back to your hotel. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and ADA-compliant vehicles are available for pickup with 48 hours' notice.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from select downtown Nashville hotels.
• General Jackson Showboat admission.
• lunch or dinner (depending on which cruise you choose).
• live entertainment on board.
• the scenic Cumberland River cruise.
• all local taxes and fees.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Gray Line Tennessee

Is this one for you?Choose the lunch cruise if you have a free morning and want to be back by early afternoon; pick the dinner cruise if you prefer an evening out with a more elaborate show and a full dinner experience.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the lunch and dinner cruises on the General Jackson Showboat?

The lunch cruise departs at 10:30am, includes a Southern lunch and a comedy show, and runs about four hours. The dinner cruise leaves at 5:30pm, features a full dinner and a Las Vegas-style show with live dancers, elaborate costumes and a live orchestra, also lasting around four hours.

Is hotel pickup included in the General Jackson Showboat cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for guests staying at select downtown Nashville hotels. You'll be picked up before your cruise and returned to your hotel after the show ends.

Can I get vegetarian or gluten-free meals on the cruise?

Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon advance notice. Let the operator know your dietary needs when you book so they can prepare your meal.

What can I see from the General Jackson Showboat during the cruise?

You'll see views of the Nashville skyline and the Cumberland River from the indoor and outdoor decks. The boat also passes the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge during the cruise.

Is the General Jackson Showboat accessible for guests with mobility needs?

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and ADA-compliant vehicles are available for hotel pickup if you provide 48 hours' notice when you book.