Disclosure: Our tickets for this experience were provided complimentary for review purposes. As always, all opinions are our own.
When I realized I was heading to Knoxville to sell our Mystery City-Date Books at my first out-of-state book fair, I knew I wanted to make the trip extra special.
While Shane was busy competing in a PDGA tournament just outside of Knoxville, I found myself with a little free time before the event. Since I was staying with a friend whose husband was also playing in the tournament, we decided to turn it into a girls’ weekend. When I discovered the Tennessee Riverboat Dinner Cruise, it seemed like the perfect way to experience Knoxville from a different perspective.
And honestly? It exceeded my expectations.
I’ve been on dinner cruises before in Aruba and Upstate New York, and they’ve always been a fun experience. But seeing Knoxville from the Tennessee River showed me an entirely different side of the city that I didn’t even know existed.
The Tennessee Star isn’t just a sightseeing boat. It’s an authentic paddlewheeler powered by two diesel Cummins engines that turn the port and starboard paddlewheels, along with a separate engine that powers the generator. The boat weighs approximately 86 tons and stretches 131 feet from the stage to the steering rudders.
Built in 1982, the Tennessee Star has quite the history. Before becoming the Tennessee Star, the vessel was originally named the LaCrosse Queen and was later renamed the Robert E. Lee before receiving its current name. While it maintains the classic look and charm of a historic riverboat, it also features modern capabilities, including a bow thruster to help navigate the Tennessee River.
As we cruised along the water, we spotted landmarks like the Sunsphere and Neyland Stadium from a completely new vantage point. We also passed stunning waterfront homes and mansions that looked straight out of a dream. Homes I can only dream of living in. It’s amazing how much of a city you can miss when you’re only exploring it from the ground.
Upon arrival, we were escorted directly to our table inside the dining cabin where dinner would be served. The staff immediately made us feel welcome and offered drinks. For a little extra fun, we opted for the light-up souvenir cups. Not only were they festive, but our waiter pointed out that the lids could later be used as piggy banks. It’s such a small detail, but one I probably never would have noticed on my own.
It started to rain right before we took off, so we were actually happy to be in the cabin waiting for food during that time frame.
Once the boat got underway, dinner service began.
The buffet offered a great variety of options including salad, potatoes, prime rib, and chicken. Everything was fresh and flavorful, but the prime rib was definitely the star of the meal. Dinner concluded with a fluffy white cake filled with raspberry filling that was absolutely delicious.
After dinner, we headed upstairs to the open-air deck where we could take in the views and enjoy the live entertainment. Thankfully the rain had stopped by then and cleared up so we could enjoy the sunshine and sunset.
The musician delivered exactly the kind of classic Tennessee country music experience you hope for while cruising through Knoxville. He took requests from guests and did an incredible job keeping the atmosphere fun and relaxed throughout the evening.
At the end of the cruise, just before we docked, we got to even witness a couple get engaged. I made sure to record it for them and approached them at the end to find a way to send it to them. They were beyond delighted to have someone catch the special moment.
Between the scenery, the food, and the entertainment, the cruise offered much more than just dinner. It felt like an experience.
If you’re visiting Knoxville, celebrating a special occasion, planning a date night, or simply looking for a unique way to see the city, I highly recommend adding the Tennessee Riverboat Dinner Cruise to your itinerary.
For me, it ended up being one of the highlights of my Knoxville trip and a wonderful way to kick off a fun-filled weekend!
Book your cruise at www.tnriverboat.com
You will not regret it!