REVIEW · SAVANNAH
Savannah: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Savannah Riverboat Cruises · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Cannon sounds and comfort food on one boat trip. This Savannah River lunch cruise pairs live Captain narration with a classic Southern buffet, so the time feels like both a show and a meal. You’ll float past working river sights, then end near Old Fort Jackson for the big historical moment.
I especially like the Southern buffet lineup—shrimp and grits, fried chicken, mac and cheese, and sweet potato soufflé—because it’s the kind of food you actually want to slow down for. Second, I like the way the narration threads it all together, using the Old Fort Jackson story as the spine while pointing out other landmarks along the way.
The main drawback is simple: at around $63 per person (some see it around $67), it can feel pricey if you don’t eat much or you plan to skip most of the buffet. Drinks cost extra, so your total can creep up fast if you’re the margaritas-in-the-sun type.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around
- Where the cruise really starts: the dock at 9 East River Street
- The lunch buffet: Southern comfort that does not taste like a compromise
- The 2-hour route: what you’re actually seeing on the Savannah River
- Old Fort Jackson and the cannon moment from your seat
- Captain narration that keeps it lively (and actually useful)
- Service, comfort, and the practical boat stuff
- Price and value: what you’re paying for and what can add up
- Who should book this cruise (and who might skip it)
- Should you book the Savannah lunch cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Savannah sightseeing lunch cruise?
- What’s included in the ticket price?
- Are alcoholic beverages included?
- Where do I pick up my tickets?
- What should I bring for the cruise?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key things I’d plan around
- Southern buffet that gets real praise for fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and comfort sides
- Old Fort Jackson approach where you’ll see and hear cannon blasts from your seat
- Captain-led narration that mixes story, landmarks, and a little humor
- Upper and lower decks so you can enjoy views or duck inside if it’s hot
- Easy downtown meeting point at 9 East River Street with nearby parking
Where the cruise really starts: the dock at 9 East River Street
If you’re driving, plan your timing like a mini-city expedition. The ticket office is at 9 East River Street, near Olympia Cafe and River Street Sweets. The boat is across the dock from the ticket office. Parking is available in public lots on River Street, on the Bay street level, or at the Bryan Street Parking Garage.
Here’s the practical tip: boarding begins one hour before the start time. Also allow an extra 30–60 minutes to find downtown parking. If you miss the boat, there’s no refund mentioned, so build in buffer time rather than gambling on a quick curbside spot.
Inside the experience, the vibe is straightforward: you check in, get seated, and settle in with your lunch before the cruise really gets going. The good news is that the meeting point is walkable and clear, so you’re not hunting for a hidden pier.
Other riverboat and river cruises in Savannah
The lunch buffet: Southern comfort that does not taste like a compromise
This is billed as a Southern-style buffet, and the menu reads like a “let me try everything” checklist. The sample lineup includes signature Savannah shrimp and grits, the best Southern fried chicken, a chef’s specialty station, creamy macaroni and cheese, southern greens, squash casserole, sweet potato soufflé, fresh fruit, assorted salads, dessert, and more.
What that means for you: you’re not limited to one safe choice. You can build your own plate like a comfort-food sampler. If you love classic sit-down meals, this scratches that itch. If you’re not a big eater, you can still choose smaller portions and graze, but I’d be honest about value at that point, because the price is closer to a plated meal than a cheap snack.
A few specific items stand out from the chatter around this cruise. Fried chicken gets singled out for being some of the best on the water experience, including a mention of Chef Ron making it. Shrimp and grits is also a favorite, especially if you like that balance of savory shrimp with creamy grits. Even people who thought it would be average said the food was better than expected, with straightforward “soul food” satisfaction.
One more little reality check: since it’s a buffet, you’ll want to pace yourself so you actually get dessert. Several people also comment on attentive service, which matters on a boat where you’re moving and eating at the same time.
The 2-hour route: what you’re actually seeing on the Savannah River
The cruise itself is about 2 hours, and the exact start times vary, so you’ll want to check availability before you plan the rest of your day.
The basic route is designed to feel like a guided visual story:
- You cruise down the Savannah River with live narration.
- You pass the modern port of Savannah, which adds a real working-river feel rather than only scenic postcard views.
- You take in local flora and fauna along the river.
- You continue toward Old Fort Jackson, the final historical anchor of the ride.
One honest note: the scenery along parts of the river isn’t always “pretty-water postcard.” A couple of people described the stretch as not what they’d call scenic, but said the overall experience still worked because of the food and the storytelling. Translation for you: if you’re expecting a quiet, nature-only cruise, you might feel differently. If you want a mix of river life, history, and lunch, it’s a good fit.
The port views are a strong reason to go even if you’re not a hardcore history person. They show another side of Savannah—industrial and active—so the ride doesn’t feel like a loop around the same waterfront.
Old Fort Jackson and the cannon moment from your seat
Old Fort Jackson is the payoff. As you reach the area, the experience leans into the dramatic part of the story: you’ll see and hear the cannons roar from your seat.
That’s the kind of moment that makes the cruise more than dinner on a boat. Sound carries well on water, and the cannon effect gives you something to focus on, even if you’re chatting or eating. It’s also why the narration matters—without the story, it’s just a loud signal. With the story, it’s a short historical scene you can picture.
If you’re sensitive to loud noises, think about that in advance. The exact volume isn’t stated, but people do clearly talk about hearing the cannons, so don’t assume it’s subtle.
Captain narration that keeps it lively (and actually useful)
This isn’t just recorded facts. You get live narration, delivered in English by the captain or a host figure, with a focus on Savannah’s story. The narration centers on Old Fort Jackson and other landmarks along the route, using the “why” behind what you’re seeing.
In the feedback, people specifically praise the guide’s information and entertaining delivery—some mention humor and even dad-joke style moments. That matters because it changes how the time feels. A boat ride can go slow. Here, the story gives you something to track and anticipate: what you’re passing now, and why it matters when you reach the fort.
I also like that the narration is tied to recognizable places, like the port and the fort. That helps you connect your cruise to the rest of Savannah without needing a long museum visit.
Other boat tours in Savannah
Service, comfort, and the practical boat stuff
A big part of cruise value is how painless the meal and the seating feel. The service here gets strong praise—people mention excellent wait staff, friendly servers, and smooth attention throughout the lunch.
You’ll also hear names come up in the feedback, like Rae and Melissa as standout servers. Tour guide Gage is mentioned too. These aren’t details you need, but they hint at something important: the operation seems to take guest comfort seriously, and that’s what keeps lunch from turning into a stressful scramble.
On comfort, one helpful detail from the experience description and feedback: you can often choose between upper deck views and air-conditioned lower decks when the weather turns. That’s a real plus in Savannah, where it can feel warm fast.
Bathrooms get mentioned as very clean, which is an underrated quality check on a boat experience.
If you want one small “don’t get surprised” tip: someone points out that staff may clear items from tables. Translation: don’t leave personal items or anything you’re still using behind, even if you think you’ll be right back.
Price and value: what you’re paying for and what can add up
At $63 per person (with some seeing it closer to $67), you’re paying for four things bundled together:
- The boat cruise on the Savannah River
- Live narration
- A full Southern buffet lunch
- A guided route to Old Fort Jackson
Where value can feel great: if you want a one-and-done plan for lunch that includes both entertainment and a substantial meal. The buffet menu isn’t trimmed down; it’s built like an actual meal service.
Where value can feel shaky: if you don’t eat much, you’ll still be paying for the buffet. And drinks aren’t included. Alcoholic beverages are not part of the package, and several people note that add-ons like drinks can increase the total.
So my practical approach for you is this: if you’re hungry, this is a solid way to convert “time on your feet in downtown” into “sit, eat, and listen.” If you’re only lightly hungry, consider eating before you board or plan to focus on just a couple buffet items.
Who should book this cruise (and who might skip it)
This works especially well for:
- Couples who want an easy, low-effort afternoon plan
- Visitors who want Savannah context without adding multiple stops
- People who like a guided, sit-down activity that still includes sightseeing
- Families looking for an activity that feels special without complex planning
- Anyone who wants a relaxed lunch that’s not just a restaurant meal
It may not be your best choice if:
- You only care about scenery and prefer a nature-heavy cruise
- You dislike loud cannon sounds
- You’re trying to keep costs super low and won’t fully use the buffet
One more angle: this cruise pairs nicely with other quick-hit Savannah activities because it’s just 2 hours. If you’re building a tight day, you can slot it in without it turning into an all-day commitment.
Should you book the Savannah lunch cruise?
If you want an easy, enjoyable way to experience Savannah’s river and history in one sitting, I’d book it. The strongest reasons are the combination of a well-liked Southern buffet, live Captain narration, and the Old Fort Jackson cannon moment that gives the ride real payoff.
I’d only hesitate if you’re not planning to eat much or if you strongly prefer quiet, purely scenic views. For everyone else, this is a classic “plan-and-relax” afternoon that avoids decision fatigue. Check your start time, arrive for boarding early, and give yourself extra parking time so you can start the meal stress-free.
FAQ
How long is the Savannah sightseeing lunch cruise?
The cruise duration is listed as 2 hours, with starting times that vary by availability.
What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes live narration and a Southern buffet lunch.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No. Alcoholic beverages 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 located across from the ticket office at the dock.
What should I bring for the cruise?
Bring a passport or ID card, and wear weather-appropriate clothing.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
