REVIEW · SAVANNAH
Savannah Riverboat: Sunday Brunch Sightseeing Cruise
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Savannah Riverboat Cruises · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A boat + brunch combo in Savannah just makes sense. This Sunday brunch sightseeing cruise gives you River Street views plus a live, funny captain narration while you eat Southern favorites. It’s an easy way to feel like you’re doing something local without planning a full day.
I especially like the food spread. It’s not a small breakfast plate—think fried chicken, honey-glazed spiral ham, shrimp and grits, quiche, fresh greens, desserts, and more, all laid out as a buffet you can pace yourself with.
One thing to consider: the vibe is relaxed, not high-energy. A few diners found the buffet food decent rather than wow-level, so go for the setting and the variety, not the promise of fine-dining perfection.
In This Review
- Quick Takeaways Before You Go
- Why a Savannah Sunday Brunch on the River Feels Like the Real Deal
- The Buffet: Southern Comfort Food That Actually Fills the Time
- The 90-Minute Cruise: What the Captain Adds to the Ride
- Views of River Street: Where the Sightseeing Actually Happens
- Service Style: Friendly, Helpful, and Built for a Relaxed Sunday
- Price and Value: Is $77 Worth It for 90 Minutes?
- Timing, Parking, and Finding the Dock Without Stress
- Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Option)
- Should You Book the Savannah Riverboat Sunday Brunch Cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Savannah Riverboat Sunday Brunch Sightseeing Cruise?
- What’s included with the ticket price?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- Where do I pick up my tickets?
- What do I need to bring?
- Is the cruise wheelchair accessible, and are pets allowed?
Quick Takeaways Before You Go

- Live captain narration turns the ride into more than just scenery
- Classic Southern buffet includes fried chicken, ham, shrimp and grits, quiche, and desserts
- 90 minutes is long enough for views, not so long you feel stuck
- Small group size (up to 10) helps it feel calmer than a big tour
- Climate-controlled dining room keeps Sunday brunch comfortable even when weather changes
- Alcohol is not included, but you can still enjoy the meal with coffee, tea, and soft drinks
Why a Savannah Sunday Brunch on the River Feels Like the Real Deal

Savannah does nostalgia well, and this cruise leans into it. You get a Sunday tradition vibe—brunch, a gentle boat ride, and landmark chatter as you move down the Savannah River.
The best part is how it packages two things you’d otherwise split up: scenic sightseeing and breakfast/brunch. Instead of walking the riverfront with a full schedule, you can sit, look, and eat while the captain points out what you’re seeing.
If you’re traveling with kids or you want something that doesn’t require big effort, this format helps a lot. One server named Renee stood out for being attentive and friendly, and that matches the overall tone: you’re looked after, not herded.
Other riverboat and river cruises in Savannah
The Buffet: Southern Comfort Food That Actually Fills the Time

This is a buffet-style brunch, and that matters for how you should set your expectations. You’ll see a lot of options laid out, so you can build your own plate and go back for seconds without feeling rushed.
Here’s what’s listed on the menu, buffet-style:
- Southern fried chicken
- Honey-glazed spiral ham
- Savannah shrimp and grits
- Ham and broccoli quiche
- Fresh garden greens with dressing and toppings
- Assorted breakfast entrees and items
- Desserts, plus additional brunch choices
That lineup is the reason this cruise works as a true Sunday treat. It’s not just pastries and fruit. It’s hearty comfort food, the kind that makes a river ride feel like part of the vacation instead of a stopover.
One practical tip: since it’s a buffet, pace your first plate like you would at a good brunch restaurant. You’ll have 90 minutes, and there’s also sightseeing time outside of eating. If you go heavy on the first round, you might end up too full to enjoy the views.
Also note what you’re drinking: soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included. Alcohol is not included, so if you want cocktails or champagne-style drinks, you’ll need to buy them separately if available onboard. (Some folks mentioned ordering alcoholic drinks, but the meal itself is non-alcoholic by default.)
The 90-Minute Cruise: What the Captain Adds to the Ride

On a boat, the scenery is the obvious win. What makes this cruise better is the captain’s narration—historical and sometimes comical—about the landmarks you pass.
That live narration changes the experience from passive sightseeing into active listening. You’re not just looking at riverfront buildings; you’re learning the why behind what you see, at a pace that fits an easy brunch schedule.
The narration also helps you “place” River Street. Even if you’ve never been to Savannah before, the commentary makes the riverfront landmarks feel connected, instead of like random pretty buildings. And because the tone can be funny and engaging, it doesn’t feel like a lecture.
If you care about context, this is one of the strongest points of the cruise. If you’re the type who just wants to relax, you can still tune it in and out—it’s there, not forced.
Views of River Street: Where the Sightseeing Actually Happens
This cruise is built for River Street sightseeing. You’ll be riding down the Savannah River while the captain calls out landmarks along the way, and the boat setup makes it easy to see without constantly moving around.
Inside, there’s a climate-controlled dining room, which is a big deal in Savannah. Hot summers and changeable shoulder-season weather can turn outdoor sightseeing into a sweat-fest. Here, you can keep the comfort, eat your brunch, and still get meaningful views.
You can also spend time outside if you want fresh air and wind. Some people talked about hanging out on the open deck to feel the breeze, which is fun if you don’t mind being a little cooler or windblown depending on the day.
Best approach? Use both. Eat in the dining room, then step outside for a few minutes at a time when you want photos or a clearer view.
Service Style: Friendly, Helpful, and Built for a Relaxed Sunday
This isn’t a frantic tour where you’re racing from one stop to the next. The overall feel is calm, with staff focused on keeping your meal moving smoothly and your plates stocked.
In particular, Renee was highlighted for being awesome and attentive. That matters because on a buffet cruise, service isn’t just about one check-in—it’s refilling coffee, clearing plates, and helping you stay comfortable while you enjoy the ride.
Another service-related win: people described the staff as professional and helpful, and the organization as smooth when it came to ticketing. For a Sunday, that’s honestly what you want. You show up, get on board, and spend your time enjoying Savannah instead of solving logistics.
Other boat tours in Savannah
Price and Value: Is $77 Worth It for 90 Minutes?
At $77 per person for a 90-minute cruise with brunch, the value comes from the bundle. You’re paying for:
- the boat ride down the Savannah River,
- the buffet brunch with multiple hot items and desserts,
- and included soft drinks, coffee, and tea,
- plus live narration that adds meaning to the views.
If you were to do the day piecemeal—pay for a riverfront experience and then buy a full brunch—costs can climb fast. This combines it into one set price, which is often why people like it for anniversaries, family outings, or “we want something special but not complicated” trips.
Where the value can feel different person to person is the food quality. A couple of comments suggested the buffet wasn’t mind-blowing for everyone, which is normal for any buffet setup. But you’re not just buying food—you’re buying the ride, the narration, and the relaxed Sunday atmosphere.
So my take: it’s good value if you want the overall experience. It’s less of a bargain if your main goal is an elite, restaurant-quality brunch where every bite is gourmet.
Timing, Parking, and Finding the Dock Without Stress
Plan for extra time downtown. You’ll want a buffer of 30–60 minutes to find parking, because downtown Savannah traffic and garages can slow you down.
Your check-in spot is straightforward:
- Pick up tickets at the Riverboat Ticket Office at 9 East River Street
- The boat is across from the ticket office at the dock
- You can park at public parking lots on River Street, Bay street level, or in the Bryan Street Parking Garage
My practical advice: arrive early enough that you’re not thinking about the clock the whole time. That nervous feeling can steal the fun, and this cruise works best when you can settle in, get a good view spot, and start the brunch flow.
And yes—bring an ID or passport, since it’s required.
Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This is a great match if you:
- want a Sunday brunch that feels like an event,
- like scenic sightseeing without walking for hours,
- enjoy learning as you go, thanks to the captain narration,
- want an easier outing for families or multi-generational groups,
- appreciate a small-group setting (limited to 10 participants).
It’s also solid for celebrations. People used it for anniversaries and family milestones, and that fits the vibe: comfortable, enjoyable, not too stiff.
Where it may not fit as well is if you want:
- nonstop action,
- a nightlife-style energy level,
- or a high-end, chef-driven brunch where every item is exceptional in its own right.
Keep it simple: choose this cruise for the river setting + the brunch buffet + the storytelling. If you want one or two of those elements, you’ll probably be happy. If you want all three to be top-tier, your expectations should be a little flexible.
Should You Book the Savannah Riverboat Sunday Brunch Cruise?
If you’re asking whether to spend your Sunday here: I’d book it if you want a relaxed Savannah experience with a lot included. The captain’s live narration plus the Southern buffet plus the easy river sightseeing is exactly the kind of “worth it” combo that turns a half-day into a memorable one.
I’d think twice if you’re a foodie who needs every dish to be restaurant-great and you’re easily disappointed by buffet-style variability. In that case, you may still enjoy the boat and narration, but treat the food as part of the package—not the main act.
Bottom line: this cruise is a comfortable, classic Savannah-style outing with real value in its format. It’s Sunday brunch done the fun way—on the water, with a story being told as you eat.
FAQ
How long is the Savannah Riverboat Sunday Brunch Sightseeing Cruise?
The cruise lasts 90 minutes.
What’s included with the ticket price?
Your ticket includes the 90-minute cruise, brunch, and soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
No. Alcoholic drinks are not included.
Where do I pick up my tickets?
Pick up your tickets at the Riverboat Ticket Office at 9 East River Street, near Olympia Cafe and River Street Sweets. The boat is across from the ticket office at the dock.
What do I need to bring?
Bring an ID or passport.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible, and are pets allowed?
The experience is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed.































