We went on a Wednesday evening "Murder Mystery" cruise. From reading about it online, it looked like it was "Who Killed Elvis?" and that there would be live entertainment from "Elvis" and that then he'd be "killed" part-way through and that we'd have seen some acting and noticed clues that could lead to us figuring out his murder. When we got there, it became apparent that it WASN'T about Elvis, there wasn't live entertainment (just a D.J. playing random songs), and there wasn't acting. More on that in a second.

The food was really good, our server was nice, and the riverside was pretty, but the murder mystery part was a FAIL. We were expecting that there would be some sort of plot to the murder mystery, but all there was was a sheet at each table explaining how different people had conflicts with other people and then some of the characters wandering around the boat "being in character" but merely repeating what was already on the printout (one character walked around saying "CJ is my best friend" even though our sheet had already mentioned that). There was no official dialogue planned out, and when we heard that someone was murdered (the victim walked past all the tables with a "blood-stained" cloth over her side, smiling all the way... great acting there) and that we were supposed to decide who it was based on "what you've seen and heard," we realized that there was no plot and there was no way to solve the mystery. When we heard who the murderer was, our reaction was, "Wait, who?" The "murderer" ended up being a server who wasn't one of the characters listed on the sheet and whose name we didn't even recognize (not that we would have known it was him even if we had known his name since there wasn't any acting leading up to the murder anyway).

I'd recommend it if you want to go on the river and eat some great food, but if you're looking to be entertained, then this isn't the trip for you.

After we realized there are two "G' areas to board onto the Star of Knoxville, we realized we were in the wrong place even after following the signs. The whole group nearly missed the boat. So park at the end of the parking lot away from Calhoun's to insure your in the right spot. The food was good, and there was plenty to eat. The staff was very nice. I was completely disappointed in the length of the cruise. By the time you sit down and eat, there is only a few minutes actually left to do any sightseeing. And what sightseeing there WAS, you missed while you were eating. I would prefer the Riverboat in Chattanooga. So overall just OK.... :(

We went on the sightseeing cruise in the afternoon because the dinner cruise was not offered that evening. We were expecting something akin to the Chicago Architecture boat tour, but there were apparently no sights to see and no commentary at all during the trip. It was just a basic ride on the riverboat. So, if you're looking to spend an hour and a half on a riverboat chatting with your boatmates, this is a fine event. Otherwise, I can't recommend it.

Having read the previous reviews , i was surprised by the number of negatives. Our little group of Riders found it very enjoyable. Perhaps the early morning breakfast cruise is not for those accustomed to the best of everything on a silver platter. But for a hardy group of adventurers, it hits the spot!