Tennessee Rivers Cruise

Welcome to Nashville, the heart of country music and a major center for songwriting, publishing, and recording. Your itinerary includes a hotel stay to ensure a smooth transition before boarding your ship. After checking into your hotel, enjoy time to explore at your own pace. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or stroll downtown’s live performance venues.

On embarkation morning, meet in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the vessel. Your luggage will be transported directly to your stateroom, ensuring a seamless and convenient start to your cruise adventure.

Sail through the heart of America, passing the wide Kentucky Lakes and 170,000 acres of preserved forests. Glide across Lake Barkley, taking in open views of the Cumberland River from your balcony or relaxing on the sun deck. Listen to expert speakers share insights on the region’s history and environment, or take part in onboard activities and games.

At the meeting point of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River lies Paducah, a designated UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. With the guidance of our seasoned local expert, delve into its layered history and evolving creative identity.

Explore the city’s Wall-to-Wall Floodwall Murals, a sweeping public art installation featuring more than 50 large-scale works depicting Native American heritage, pivotal Civil War moments, and local landmarks such as the Old Carnegie Library. Continue to the LowerTown Arts District, a 25-square-block neighborhood where restored buildings now house studios, galleries, and a thriving community of working artists.

Among Paducah’s cultural highlights, the National Quilt Museum stands out as a nationally recognized institution that attracts textile artists and design enthusiasts from across the country. Its exhibits celebrate the artistry, innovation, and cultural depth of quilting. 

Patti’s 1880’s Settlement - Complimentary Excursion
Immerse yourself in the rich history and warm southern hospitality of Patti's 1880's Settlement, a place to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, stroll through the beautiful gardens, shop for unique treasures, and experience a glimpse into the past. Upon arrival, gather in the Atrium where CEO and Director of Marketing Ann Martin will provide a brief history of the restaurant and the Tullar Family. Following this, venture outside to explore the Gardens as she regales you with the fascinating story of Patti Tullar and the history behind the 8 log gift shop cabins nestled within the beautiful gardens. Each cabin has its own unique tale and history of how it found its place on the grounds, adding to the charm and character of this historic destination.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Paducah Arts District & Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Explore downtown Paducah at your own pace. Visit the areas many museums and shops and stop at the riverfront to view the wall murals that tell the story of Paducah's past.
Making stops at:

Paducah Railroad Museum - Explore this interactive museum showcasing equipment and memorabilia from the romantic past of America's railroads.
Inland Waterways Museum - You can be a captain and choose your vessel type in the state-of-the-art boat simulator, as well as explore and learn about the history, environments, culture, and economy of these rivers through interactive exhibits.
The National Quilt Museum - View exhibits by renowned quilters who are implementing creative ideas and approaches to fiber art.
Lowertown Arts District & Neighborhood - Explore this 25 sq. block neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places. Look for the directory at the old Texaco Station. Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Cruise the Tennessee River through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where forested hills, quiet coves, and wide stretches of water create some of the South’s most beautiful scenery. Watch the landscape shift from peaceful farmland to dramatic bends and tree-lined shores as you travel between charming towns and historic ports.

On board, enjoy live performances inspired by the region’s rich musical heritage, from bluegrass and folk to classic river songs. Each evening, relax with complimentary drinks during cocktail hour while sharing stories with fellow travelers and your dedicated crew.

On the eastern shores of the Tennessee River, Savannah holds a strong connection to the region’s heritage and serves as the primary access point to Shiloh National Military Park, one of the most significant Civil War battlefields in the area.

Visit this renowned park, which preserves the site of the pivotal 1862 Battle of Shiloh. Explore the preserved battlefield with knowledgeable National Park Service rangers who bring the landscape to life through stories of strategy, sacrifice, and survival. In town, step into the Tennessee River Museum and uncover the area’s layered past. From Native American heritage to the rise of early trade, engaging exhibits and unique artifacts guide you from prehistoric times through post-war reconciliation.

Tennessee River Museum Shuttle - Complimentary Excursion
Set out to explore the Catfish Capital of the World, Savannah, with a shuttle that brings you straight to the Tennessee River Museum, where history and local flavor come together. Step inside to journey from prehistoric times through post-war reconciliation as engaging exhibits and one-of-a-kind artifacts reveal the region’s rich past. As you wander the museum, enjoy samples of hand-prepared Southern fare, from hushpuppies to refreshing local beverages, offering a true taste of the area. Located in the heart of town, the museum also places you just steps from charming local shops, giving you the freedom to browse and soak in Savannah’s welcoming atmosphere at your own pace.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Shiloh Military Park Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Explore Shiloh National Military Park, which was established by Congress on December 27, 1894, to commemorate the April 6-7, 1862, battle that raged around Shiloh Church and Pittsburg Landing. Resulting in more than 23,000 casualties, the battle was the largest engagement in the Mississippi Valley campaign during the Civil War. Today, visitors can learn about the history from National Park Ranger programs and explore the grounds of this hallowed site.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

This is a city where deep historical roots and a rich cultural legacy come together in a powerful and distinctive way. Florence is part of the broader Muscle Shoals recording tradition, a cornerstone of American music that stands alongside the well-known stories of Memphis and Nashville.

With engaging local guides, explore legendary recording studios such as FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound, where artists including Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones helped define the sound of American music. Florence is also closely tied to the early roots of the blues and the enduring legacy of W.C. Handy, whose influence helped shape modern American music. Visit the W.C. Handy Cabin, Museum, and Library to experience this musical heritage firsthand.

Beyond its musical significance, discover Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, and step inside her childhood home to gain insight into her remarkable early life and global impact. Nearby, tranquil spaces like Wilson Park offer a peaceful connection to the city’s scenic riverfront setting.

Florence Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy this quaint town at your leisure, with stops at:
Florence-Lauderdale Welcome Center – Learn about the rich history of The Shoals area. Representatives of Florence and The Shoals will be there to greet you, answer questions and may even have something special to welcome you to their community.
The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts – Discover and enjoy extraordinary works of art, explore new ideas, and cultivate new insights into local culture and the act of creation.
Pope’s Tavern – Popes’ Tavern serves as a hospital during the Civil War and now serves as a community history museum. Narratives from slaveholders, enslaved people, yeoman farmers, freedmen, and Native Americans invite visitors to understand the past from multiple viewpoints, using historical artifacts and interpretation. 
The W.C. Handy Cabin, Museum, and Library – Dedicated to one of Florence's most famous sons known as the "Father of Blues," Handy was born in a log cabin at this site in 1873. View a collection of Handy's personal papers, artifacts, and other items he donated before his death in 1958.
Downtown Shopping District – Explore downtown on your own. Take time for shopping, perusing, and perhaps stopping in at a local dining establishment.
Rosenbaum House – Explore one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most magnificent homes, declared by architecture critics to be one of the purest examples of Usonian prototype.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Ivy Green, Helen Keller Birthplace – Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a self-guided exploration of Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller. Since 1954, this home on the National Register of Historic Places has been a permanent shrine to the “miracle” that occurred in a blind and deaf seven-year-old girl’s life. Discover the humble beginnings of the iconic activist and author as you wander through her childhood home, beautifully preserved with period furnishings. Having survived untouched through the ravages of the Civil War, Ivy Green is maintained to the smallest detail in its original state. Through informative exhibits and captivating displays, learn about Keller’s remarkable journey, including the influence of her teacher Anne Sullivan, as well as her enduring legacy.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes  

Unfolding along the banks of the Tennessee River and serving as a vital hub of activity and culture, the unique port of Decatur invites exploration. The Old State Bank, with its dignified facade, stands as a testament to Alabama’s early financial endeavors and its perseverance through economic shifts and the Civil War.

Step back in time with a visit to nearby Mooresville, an entire town listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore the onsite 1818 Farms, where you can take part in a hands-on pressed-flower workshop, observe a natural dye eco-printing demonstration, and stroll through a flower field.

Led by the guides, discover the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, which showcases the story and achievements of America’s space program, featuring rockets, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.

Decatur Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy this charming town at your leisure, with stops at:
Carnegie Visual Arts Center – Beginning as Carnegie Library in 1904, this historic building was transformed into an arts center in 2003. Explore the permanent and temporary exhibits which feature a multitude of mediums.
Cook Museum of Natural Science – This state-of-the-art museum features exhibits on zoology, geology, paleontology, and nature.
Morgan County Archives – Home to historical rarities and nearby to local antique stores, yarn boutiques, and other shopping.
Old State Bank and Union Depot – A historic Classic Revival-style building offering, this historic bank displays life in Decatur in the 1830s. The Decatur Union Depot is filled with working model trains and railway memorabilia.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Once a major railroad and manufacturing center, Chattanooga has evolved into one of the South’s most scenic and vibrant destinations. Framed by mountain landscapes and a revitalized riverfront, the city offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, with nearby peaks holding deep Civil War significance that adds a powerful historical dimension to the scenery.

Explore the nationally renowned Tennessee Aquarium, where immersive exhibits bring you face-to-face with native wildlife and showcase the remarkable biodiversity of the Southeast.

Continue to the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, located in the city where the nation’s highest military honor was first awarded. Through powerful, inspiring exhibits, it honors the courage and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients while sharing stories of leadership, service, and patriotism.

National Medal of Honor Heritage Center Exploration – Complimentary Excursion
Delve into the heroic legacy of America's bravest at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, the city where the nation's highest military honor for valor was first awarded. On a self-guided exploration, view inspiring exhibits that chronicle the unparalleled acts of valor and sacrifice recognized by the nation's highest military honor. Through interactive displays and historical artifacts, gain a deep appreciation for these extraordinary individuals who epitomize the spirit of American heroism.
 Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: ADA Accessible: Yes

After breakfast on board, bid farewell to the Tennessee River and take with you the memories of scenic landscapes, rich history, lively music, and meaningful connections made throughout the journey.