Review: Savannah Riverboat Cruise in Savannah, Georgia

The Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise provides a look at Savannah from the water and a view of ports near the historic part of the city, but you should understand exactly what you'll get from a cruise down the river from Savannah's famous River Street before you embark on this trip.

On the weekends, as coastal Georgia residents, we like to play "local tourist" and divide our sightseeing time between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida and all points in-between. I've been on riverboat cruises in many different cities including New Orleans, St Louis, and Louisville, just to name a few. It's a lovely way to see a city from a different view and usually a great way to get some interesting photos while you are enjoying some time on the water. Some cities have cruises that are primarily devoted to the scenery, some to the history of the area, and for those with bustling ports, the focus is on the boat traffic you'll pass as you cruise. Savannah's Riverboat cruise tries to hit all three points of interest and it hits - and sometimes misses.

Savannah Riverboat Cruise - Staff and Organization

One of the highlights of the trip before, during, and after our cruise was the staff of the Savannah Riverboat Company. We never encountered an unsmiling or unfriendly face while purchasing tickets, getting on board, or buying refreshments. This company should be very proud of its staff. All questions were answered pleasantly and thank-you's were provided at the end of each exchange. I really felt like my business was appreciated!

Savannah Riverboat Cruise - The Quality of the Riverboat

Due to lingering a little too long in the shops on River Street, we were some of the last people to buy our tickets and board the riverboat. This trip, the riverboat had a large number of passengers and the most popular seats facing the outside rails were nearly full by the time we arrived. We were fortunate to procure the last available table in the shade at the back of the boat. This allowed us to see out either side of the boat, but not what was coming up ahead of us. And we ended up being glad for these seats because it was a very sunny, hot and humid day in Savannah and many people abandoned their favored seats by the rails for seats inside the cabin of the riverboat.

The riverboat we were on for an afternoon cruise was the Savannah River Queen. This boat seemed very familiar from the moment I boarded and it was interesting to learn that she had been relocated from New Orleans to Savannah after Hurricane Katrina. Having taken many riverboat cruises of various kinds in New Orleans, I was surprised to find out that I had indeed been on this very boat before - pre-Katrina in New Orleans!

The condition of the Savannah River Queen was excellent. All the tables and benches were clean as was the riverboat itself from top to bottom. The Savannah River Queen is a large riverboat and rides very smoothly. If you tend to get seasick with little provocation, you should have no worries here. It was so smooth you forgot you were on the water.

Savannah Riverboat Cruise - Tour Narration

Here is the good and bad news about the Savannah Riverboat Cruise. First, the good. The sound system used for narration was perfect. The tour guide was easy to hear and understand. Now, the bad news. Although Savannah is a port city, as port cities go, Savannah is not as interesting as others I have been to - at least not where this riverboat travels. In an unusual turn of events, no large boats traveled by us nor did we pass any large boats unloading cargo while we were onboard for our riverboat cruise. So, if you have taken the riverboat cruise in New Orleans, you will be disappointed in the amount of port activity in Savannah - particularly on a slow day such as we encountered.

If you are hoping for scenery, it isn't particularly scenic after you pass the River Street buildings and the waving girl statue, either.

Because of this, you may find the tour narration lacking. While our tour guide had a pleasant voice and did a good job with his narration, I felt that the narration written for him could have been stronger. For instance, there were many obvious old docks and small boat skeletons on the undeveloped side of the river. When were they abandoned? Why? A few more human interest stories about colorful characters could have been woven in with the facts. We also passed the tug boats and little mention was made of them. For people not from the coast, the jobs that tug boats do and some interesting stories about them would be welcome, too.

Savannah Riverboat - Would I Take a Repeat Cruise?

If you have never been on a riverboat or if you are taking your children on a riverboat for the first time, I say yes, definitely go on this cruise! If you've been on many riverboats in other cities, particularly New Orleans, you might wish to pass on this one - or take a dinner or special event cruise where the view or tour narration is not the primary entertainment.

I will definitely give the Savannah Riverboat another try - for a dinner or special event cruise.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises
9 East River Street
PO Box 10086
Savannah, GA 31412
800-786-6404
www.savannah-riverboat.com
Cruises are available 7 days a week. Sightseeing cruises every afternoon. Dinner, lunch, brunch and special event cruises also available.

Sources:
Personal experience.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises