Volunteer Princess Cruises
Volunteer Princess Cruises
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Climb aboard the Volunteer Princess, and join us for a public cruise or private event along Knoxville, Tennessee’s beautiful riverfront! Our luxury yacht is designed with you and your guests in mind, so you’ll find both modern luxury and classic design as you cruise with us and celebrate events both large and small along the Tennessee River. Our two fully enclosed and climate-controlled decks allow us to set sail year-round regardless of weather, so you can feel confident hosting a private event or joining us for one of our popular public cruises! Tailored to your food, drink, and entertainment needs, our offerings and unique setting ensure your gatherings on Knoxville’s finest riverboat are splendid. From sunset dinners and champagne brunches to birthday parties and company outings, our popular riverboat cruises are sure to impress both you and your guests. Celebrate on the Volunteer Princess, and you’ll see why the best events are on the water!
Knoxville, Tennessee
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Volunteer Princess Cruises
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
476 reviews
Excellent
323
Very good
81
Average
37
Poor
20
Terrible
15
clduss0724
Knoxville, TN1 contribution
May 2021
We had a great time getting dressed up and going to dinner on the boat. Beautiful views and great food. Drinks were fairly expensive and I wish there was a larger open air area. But overall it was a great time.
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mz Y
Knoxville, TN23 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a beautiful upscale yacht dinner cruise that is perfect for special occasions - such as birthdays, anniversaries, or wedding parties. The décor is very nautical with it's rich wood paneling, navy carpet and rope lighting throughout the ship.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on the cruise as we sipped on our wine and relaxed listening to music sailing down the river at sunset. Our waitress, Kylie, was so attentive throughout our 3 course dinner, chatting and checking on us often.
We were impressed by the quality of their food. It tasted so delicious. We gave the chef our compliments for our beef tenderloin entre that was cooked to perfection. We've been on other riverboat cruises whose food paled in comparison.
Everyone on the cruise seemed to be enjoying themselves...gazing at the lovely homes built along the river...passing under several bridges...and watching fishermen on their boats.
We'll look back with fond memories of the Volunteer Princess dinner cruise.
Everyone should treat themselves to this at least once in their lives.
Suggestion: Provide a golf cart for guests to ride who have walking difficulties on the long walkway between the yacht and the parking lot.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on the cruise as we sipped on our wine and relaxed listening to music sailing down the river at sunset. Our waitress, Kylie, was so attentive throughout our 3 course dinner, chatting and checking on us often.
We were impressed by the quality of their food. It tasted so delicious. We gave the chef our compliments for our beef tenderloin entre that was cooked to perfection. We've been on other riverboat cruises whose food paled in comparison.
Everyone on the cruise seemed to be enjoying themselves...gazing at the lovely homes built along the river...passing under several bridges...and watching fishermen on their boats.
We'll look back with fond memories of the Volunteer Princess dinner cruise.
Everyone should treat themselves to this at least once in their lives.
Suggestion: Provide a golf cart for guests to ride who have walking difficulties on the long walkway between the yacht and the parking lot.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverley M
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Friends
It was a great time but just want to share a few things that weren't clear on the website. First, it reads as if you have a choice about the entrees that are served. They do serve from the variety listed but you have zero choice. We were given beef tenderloin and cod. Unfortunately the cod had a sweet chili sauce and my husband could not tolerate the spice. If there had been any communication he might have asked for it plain. Serving sizes are petite. Also one person in our party was lactose intolerant so could not enjoy the dessert provided. We saw others receive an alternative dessert but we couldn't obtain one. Be aware that even though the website states there's a charge for soda, there is also an extra charge for ice tea and coffee. Only water is included. Gratuity is extra on top of the service charge so be sure to bring extra cash. The food was delicious and the cruise was nice. I would highly recommend it just be aware of these items that are not detailed on the website.
Written October 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaylang2209
Mobile, AL1 contribution
Apr 2021
I booked over the phone and was told that 2 people in my party would have chicken and fish because they don’t eat beef or pork. They only received fish. Booked the birthday package, cake was very dry. Didn’t receive the photos associated with the birthday package, they didn’t even mention it on the cruise. I was told over the phone my one year old was free but was charged $5.50 nothing besides riding was included for 1 year old. Called to notify and they offered 2 complimentary sight seeing cruises and would be a up charge to eat. I just asked for a refund for my birthday package. Poor Communication Skills!
Written April 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John L
Dublin, OH507 contributions
Aug 2021
This was a private party package booked by the resort where we were staying. The yacht was really clean and offered great views while seated in an inside area on the main deck. There were bars on the main deck and one on the upper deck but limited seating available on the upper enclosed deck. Captain and crew/servers were very gratious and friendly. Our server was very attentive and kept out glasses charged. Full service bar is available on board. I would agree with some of the other reviewers in that the food which was served buffet style was a bit on the average side.
The views along the river are beautiful and the cruise very relaxing. I visited the bridge a couple of times to look at the instruments and controls. Very modern the captain even has a camera monitor on the instrument panel that provided an outside view.
I would recommend the cruise just for the views along the Tennesse River.
The views along the river are beautiful and the cruise very relaxing. I visited the bridge a couple of times to look at the instruments and controls. Very modern the captain even has a camera monitor on the instrument panel that provided an outside view.
I would recommend the cruise just for the views along the Tennesse River.
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A B
4 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Beware if you have food restrictions!! We had a party of six, two of us had diet restrictions (gluten and vegetarian). Since both restrictions were mentioned in the advertisement, I called to see what the options were before booking. I was promised that both options would be accommodated. For dinner however, the Gluten Free option was meat and veggies (they thought potatoes had gluten), and the vegetarian option was just the veggie portion of the meal! For dessert, rather than cheesecake, it was a small bowl of berries. The scenery was ok, after sunset you can’t see anything of the scenery though so that was disappointing.
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tessylou77
Knoxville, TN1 contribution
Mar 2022
Went on this cruise for our anniversary and paid extra for a “celebration” package. Realistically the entire experience was overpriced, food was sub par (Portions extremely small. Went out afterwards for food as my husband was still hungry. Ceasar salad about 1/4 cup of lettuce (not exaggerating), fish and roast beef served cold, veggies loaded with pepper. Cod covered in an unappetizing Asian sweet-n-sour sauce and lots of pepper. Champagne was very cheap and not enjoyable to drink, bottled water on menu but not available, charged extra $2.50 for one soda after paying over $150 for the trip.) Photo taken after dark and frame dollar store quality and very cheap. No site-seeing announcements. Extremely dirty windows with a huge spider living outside one of them. (Is there no way to power wash these boats before launching?) 1970’s/80’s pop music playing—so tiresome. Was hoping for something more pleasant and relaxing. Truly not the experience we were hoping for.
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FridayNites12
Knoxville, TN1 contribution
Oct 2022
We did enjoy the dinner cruise and the beautiful river scenery and sunset.
The meal was very nice and my husband enjoyed the music that was playing.
I would note that the staff members were rather quiet and not extremely welcoming and friendly.
I would recommend more frequent vacuuming of the floors and removal of spider webs on deck.
In general, we enjoyed the dinner cruise very much.
The meal was very nice and my husband enjoyed the music that was playing.
I would note that the staff members were rather quiet and not extremely welcoming and friendly.
I would recommend more frequent vacuuming of the floors and removal of spider webs on deck.
In general, we enjoyed the dinner cruise very much.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SandieRN
Chicago, IL132 contributions
Jun 2021
Went for the Sunset Dinner Cruise, and was impressed with the food and service. The river cruise was fun, with absolutely perfect weather. This is a smaller cruising vessel which lends itself nicely to a smaller, more intimate experience. The food was a plated service, very good and more than enough to fill our bellies. Overall, this is a great value for the money. I recommend them highly, and hope to do it again in the future.
Written June 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
casillasb1
Lenoir City, TN1 contribution
Jul 2022
Boarded the boat and was taken to our seat. Had a 3 course meal. We had a good time. A tip take a light sweater, even on hot days it gets really cool inside. And do visit the captain.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I went to book online for the dinner cruise. It says the dinner is $56.95, but when I enter the number of people, the price is $63.45. why is the price increase? I called but no one answers the phone
Written September 16, 2022
I believe it was added fees. Maybe booking fees but not sure. Sorry.
Written September 17, 2022
Can you wear jeans under your "business casual" policy?
Written August 23, 2019
Can you wear jeans under their "business casual" policy?
Written August 23, 2019
No one on our cruise wore jeans. Some were dressed up others casual. Since it was July husband wore kakis and I wore a dressy skort the inside had air conditioning so no worries about getting heated.
Written August 24, 2019
Do you have to purchase the 2 hour open bar package to buy alcohol? And can you bring your own wine?
Written December 26, 2018
I don't know my brother belongs to AA and we never order alcohol when we are with him. From the brochure alcohol is available by the drink. I would call them about bringing a bottle of wine and see if they have a corkage fee.
Tom
Written December 27, 2018
Carmen C
Ypsilanti, Michigan
How much did it cost thinking about going on it for my boyfriends birthday
Written April 7, 2018
We took a group of 27 on the dinner cruise and the cost was slightly over $61 per person.
Written December 27, 2018
Is it pet friendly? CanI bring my mini poodle in a troll nI can enclose with a Mesh covering?
Written May 4, 2017
I don't think that pets are allowed.
Written May 4, 2017
Sue Forsyth O
Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
What is the cost on a Saturday afternoon?
How should I dress for an afternoon tour?
Will you pick up and drop off at my hotel?
Written June 11, 2015
Sue Forsyth O
Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
What is the cost on a Saturday afternoon?
How should I dress for an afternoon tour?
Will you pick up and drop off at my hotel?
Written June 11, 2015
Most of the prices and cruise types are listed on their website volunteerprincess. (I can't put the link here but Google it and you'll find it easy enough.) I'm not sure if they do Saturday afternoons though as the only brunch cruises I see listed at for Sundays.
As far as dress, when we went it carried depending on what the people were there for. We saw people in wearing everything from formal evening gowns to business casual. Just be careful where you step on the wooden dock as you are going up to board if you wear heels!
I don't think they do pickups but check with the hotel you're staying at. Sometimes they'll have a shuttle available to take you.
Written June 13, 2015
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