Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise – A Relaxing Way to Discover the City’s Waterfront

When considering how to experience Savannah’s charming riverfront, a sightseeing lunch cruise offers a delightful blend of scenery, history, and Southern comfort food. This tour, operated by Savannah Riverboat Cruises, has earned an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 650 reviews, reflecting its popularity and consistent quality. It’s a great option for travelers looking for a leisurely, authentic experience that combines sightseeing with a tasty meal.

Two things we particularly like about this cruise are the informative narration by the captain, which brings the city’s history to life, and the delicious southern-style buffet that caters to a variety of tastes. The scenic ride along the Savannah River offers lovely views of the port, local flora, and historic landmarks like Old Fort Jackson. A possible drawback? Planning your timing carefully is essential because parking downtown can take some extra time, and the boat departure isn’t flexible if you miss it.

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy history, good food, and relaxing atmospheres. It suits travelers wanting a hassle-free way to see Savannah’s waterfront with engaging commentary and a hearty meal in a family-friendly setting. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Savannah adventurer, this cruise offers enough charm and value to warrant a spot on your itinerary.

Key Points

• Scenic river views and glimpses of the port combine to create a picturesque experience.
• Live narration provides engaging historical insights about Savannah’s landmarks.
• The Southern buffet features favorites like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and classic sides.
• It’s a value-packed experience at $63, including food, narration, and a two-hour cruise.
• Accessibility and flexibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers flexible booking options.
• Ideal for those seeking a relaxed, informative, and tasty outing on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Savannah Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

Setting the Scene: What the Experience Looks Like

Picture yourself stepping onto a beautiful riverboat docked along Savannah’s historic waterfront. The boat, operated by Savannah Riverboat Cruises, offers comfortable seating, multiple decks, and large windows that showcase the vibrant activity along the Savannah River. The boarding process begins about an hour before the scheduled departure, giving you plenty of time to settle in.

Once onboard, you’ll find yourself in a lively yet relaxed environment. The boat’s ambiance strikes a perfect balance—neither too formal nor too casual—making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers. The ship’s size enables a personalized experience; reviews mention a friendly, helpful crew that’s eager to make your cruise memorable.

The Itinerary: A Mix of Views, History, and Food

The cruise lasts approximately two hours, usually in the afternoon, which makes it a flexible addition to your day. As the boat leaves the dock, you’ll start to take in Savannah’s famous waterfront, watching cargo ships and cruise liners move through the busy port. The modern port of Savannah, the third-largest in the U.S., provides an impressive backdrop illustrating the city’s importance as a commercial hub.

As the vessel glides along the river, the captain’s live narration begins. Travelers consistently praise the captain’s storytelling skills, describing him as informative, engaging, and often humorous. You’ll learn about the city’s past, with a focus on landmarks like Old Fort Jackson, an important historic site with artillery displays that sometimes include cannon fire—a highlight for many.

From the upper decks, you can observe the local flora and fauna, enjoying the gentle breeze and scenic surroundings. The views of the Savannah skyline and port activity are particularly striking, especially on a clear day. The cruise doesn’t go deep into every detail of Savannah’s history, but it covers a good overview, making it suitable for those new to the city.

The Food: A Southern Feast

The star of the cruise for many is the buffet lunch. The menu features signature southern favorites like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. The buffet is described as generous and flavorful, offering a true taste of Southern comfort food.

Reviewers often highlight the quality and variety of the buffet, with some saying it exceeds expectations given the price. Desserts like peach cobbler and banana pudding add a sweet touch to the meal, and there’s enough space to go back for seconds if you’re still hungry. The buffet is served on deck 1, and passengers are free to explore the other decks afterward, where they can enjoy more viewings or a different atmosphere.

One reviewer summed it up: “The buffet lunch served on deck 1 was delicious and in abundance! All the southern comfort foods, plus dessert.” It’s a relaxed environment to enjoy your meal, with some reviews noting that you can revisit the buffet as often as you’d like.

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The Experience: What Travelers Love and What to Watch Out For

The live narration is frequently praised as a highlight. Many mention the captain’s engaging storytelling, with comments like “The captain provided a narrated history of Savannah and surrounding area, which was outstanding.” The stories add depth to the experience, making it more than just a boat ride—they’re educational and entertaining.

The views and scenery consistently earn high marks. Travelers love seeing Savannah’s port, local greenery, and historic landmarks from the water, often describing the experience as “relaxing,” or “beautiful.” The ability to see the city from this vantage point, combined with an engaging guide, makes it much more meaningful than simply walking around.

Food, while lauded by many, is sometimes noted as not being the main highlight—but most agree it’s a very good value for the price. Some mention that the fried chicken and shrimp and grits are standout items, while others appreciate the generous portions.

Practicalities: How to Make the Most of Your Trip

Timing is key—boarding begins an hour before the departure time, and it’s wise to arrive early to avoid missing the boat, especially since parking can be a challenge in downtown Savannah. The public parking lots on River Street or the Bryan Street Parking Garage are convenient options, but allow extra time for parking and walking.

Tickets are costly at $63 per person, but given that they include live narration and a hearty buffet, many reviews reflect that it’s worth the money. It’s a full two-hour experience, so consider it as a relaxing break from more structured sightseeing.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible and suitable for a broad audience, including families and older travelers. Just remember to bring weather-appropriate clothing—on warm days, lightweight attire and sunglasses are advisable, while cooler days might call for a jacket.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

If you’re someone who appreciates historic storytelling and enjoys scenic waterside views, this cruise will satisfy. Food lovers will appreciate the Southern buffet, and families or groups seeking a relaxing, all-in-one sightseeing experience will find it perfect. It’s also a fantastic option if you want to combine a bit of education with leisure, especially since many reviews mention the captain’s engaging narration.

However, if you’re looking for a more intimate or in-depth historical tour, or if you prefer a more active exploration of Savannah’s landmarks, you might want to supplement this cruise with other activities.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For around $63, this sightseeing lunch cruise offers a solid value—combining scenic views, engaging storytelling, and a hearty Southern meal. It’s a comfortable, family-friendly way to see Savannah from the water, especially on a clear, warm day. The friendly crew, thoughtful narration, and tasty buffet make it a relaxing and informative outing that many travelers rave about.

This tour is best suited for those who want an easy, enjoyable way to get a broad overview of Savannah’s waterfront, while indulging in some authentic Southern cuisine. It’s an experience that marries history, scenery, and good food into one memorable two-hour trip.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist season, to secure your spot and avoid missing out.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately two hours, usually scheduled in the afternoon.

Is parking easily available?
Parking is available at public lots on River Street, Bay Street level, or the Bryan Street Parking Garage, but it’s wise to allow extra time to find a spot.

Does the tour include alcoholic beverages?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included in the ticket price and are not mentioned as part of the package.

Is the cruise suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and appropriate for all ages. The relaxed pace and engaging narration make it suitable for families and seniors alike.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID or passport, weather-appropriate clothing, and perhaps sunglasses or a hat for sun protection.

Can I revisit the buffet after the initial service?
Yes, passengers are free to go back to the buffet as often as they wish during the lunch service.

In all, the Savannah Sightseeing Lunch Cruise combines scenic beauty, educational storytelling, and Southern hospitality. It’s a great way to enjoy Savannah’s waterfront in comfort and style, making it a worthwhile addition for your visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby