Savannah Riverboat: Sunday Brunch Sightseeing Cruise

Savannah’s Sunday brunch cruise combines two pleasures that fit this city well: a slow meal and a gentle ride past historic River Street. You get a 90-minute cruise with views from the river, a Southern buffet, and live commentary from the captain instead of a silent ride through downtown.

I like the shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and honey-glazed ham, which give the meal a clear Savannah flavor. I also like the choice between the climate-controlled dining room and the open deck, especially when you want to hear the narration one moment and feel the river breeze the next. The main caution is simple: this is a relaxed outing, not a high-energy show, and the buffet may feel merely decent if you expect restaurant-level cooking.

Key points at a glance

• River Street from the water: See Savannah’s busy waterfront and historic buildings from a fresh angle during the cruise.
• Southern buffet favorites: Expect fried chicken, shrimp and grits, spiral ham, quiche, breakfast items, salad ingredients, desserts, and more.
• Live captain’s narration: The captain provides historical and humorous information about landmarks along the Savannah River.
• Comfort in any weather: Eat in a climate-controlled dining room, then step outside to the open deck for wind and wider views.
• Parking takes planning: Allow 30 to 60 extra minutes to find a downtown parking space, since the boat will not wait for late arrivals.
• A flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund and reserve now while paying later.

A Sunday view of Savannah that moves at an easy pace

This cruise is less about checking off sights and more about letting Savannah come to you. From the river, River Street’s historic waterfront takes on a different shape. You see the buildings, docks, and working edge of the city from a broad view rather than from street level.

The boat’s route lasts 90 minutes, long enough for a full brunch without taking over your entire day. I see this as a useful fit for a Sunday morning or midday plan, especially if you want something social and scenic but do not want a walking tour in the heat.

The pace matters. You sit, eat, listen, and look out at the water. The captain keeps the ride from feeling empty with live narration that mixes Savannah history with humor. One especially strong part of the experience is the personal delivery. The captain is described as engaging and personable, not simply a recorded voice.

Do not book this expecting loud entertainment or a packed schedule. The appeal is the calm rhythm. One past diner summed up the mood well: relaxed, pleasant, and low energy. That is a strength for some people and a drawback for others.

Boarding at 9 East River Street

Your first task is finding the ticket office at 9 East River Street, near Olympia Cafe and River Street Sweets. Pick up your tickets there, then walk across to the boat at the dock.

This sounds easy on paper, but downtown Savannah parking can take time. The practical advice is to allow an extra 30 to 60 minutes to find a space. Public lots are available on River Street and at Bay Street level, with the Bryan Street Parking Garage another option. If you arrive at the last minute, a parking delay can cost you the entire cruise, and no refund is offered for a missed departure.

I would not treat this as a turn-up-and-go activity. Give yourself enough time to park, walk to the ticket office, collect your tickets, and reach the dock without rushing. The ticketing process itself is described as smooth, but that only helps if you arrive early enough to use it.

The boat is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed, and you should bring a passport or ID card as required for the activity.

Settling into the climate-controlled dining room

Once aboard, you can settle into the climate-controlled dining room for the meal. This is the practical heart of the cruise. You can enjoy the food without worrying about heat or changing weather, then head outside when you want a clearer view of River Street and the riverbanks.

The open deck is worth using, even if you plan to spend most of the cruise inside. It gives you a wider angle for photographs and lets you feel the movement of the boat. One useful way to handle the cruise is to eat indoors, listen to the captain, and step outside between servings or during a scenic stretch.

The information provided describes this as a small-group experience limited to 10 participants. That small-group designation may appeal to you if you prefer a quieter setting, though the boat itself is designed as a dining venue. The key point is that the cruise is not built around constant activity. You are there to enjoy the view, meal, and commentary at a comfortable speed.

What arrives on the Southern brunch buffet

The menu leans into familiar Southern cooking rather than delicate brunch fare. The headline dishes include:

• Southern fried chicken
• Honey-glazed spiral ham
• Savannah shrimp and grits
• Ham and broccoli quiche
• Fresh garden greens with dressing and toppings
• Assorted breakfast entrees and breakfast items
• Desserts
• Coffee, tea, and soft drinks

The shrimp and grits are the dish that gives the buffet the strongest local identity. Fried chicken and glazed ham make the meal hearty, while quiche and breakfast items provide familiar choices for people who want something less distinctly Southern.

The range is useful for mixed groups. Grandparents, children, and picky eaters can all find something recognizable, while anyone looking for a taste of the region has several clear choices. You are not limited to one plated brunch selection, so you can sample different dishes and return for more of what suits you.

Expect buffet quality, not a carefully plated meal from a fine dining room. The feedback is generally strong on the food, with repeated praise for the seasoning, selection, and Southern cooking. At the same time, some diners found the food only decent and wished for a better salad or chocolate dessert. That is a fair warning. The buffet can be satisfying and generous without being the main reason a food-focused visitor books the cruise.

The included drinks are coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks are not included, so check the current onboard options if you want something stronger. Do not assume that drinks mentioned in older personal accounts are part of the standard package.

Captain’s narration along River Street

The captain’s live narration is one of the most valuable parts of the experience. As the boat moves along the Savannah River, you hear information about River Street landmarks and the city’s waterfront, with some humor mixed in.

This commentary gives the scenery a useful frame. A waterfront building can look attractive from the deck, but a short explanation helps you understand why it matters. You also avoid the common problem of a sightseeing cruise that offers pretty views with no sense of place.

The narration is in English. If you enjoy learning while you look, stay within hearing distance of the captain’s commentary, particularly during the first part of the route. You can always step outside afterward for a quieter view.

The captain’s style seems to be conversational rather than formal. That works well here. Savannah’s waterfront is easier to enjoy when the facts arrive with a little personality instead of sounding like a museum label. Still, the precise content and pace can vary with the captain on duty, so you should not expect a scripted performance by a named guide.

The best views come from switching between inside and outside

The dining room is the sensible base, especially on a hot Savannah day or if you want to eat in comfort. But the open deck gives the cruise its strongest visual moments.

From outside, you can take in the river breeze and see more of the waterfront without window reflections. The wider view helps you understand how River Street sits beside the water. It also gives you a chance to enjoy the ride without talking over the narration or the sounds of the dining room.

The practical compromise is to use both spaces. Begin inside for food and commentary, then move to the open deck when you want photographs or a break from the table. If the weather is comfortable, you may find yourself spending much of the cruise outside, as one diner did.

This is not a cruise built around dramatic scenery far from town. Its pleasure comes from seeing Savannah’s familiar waterfront from a less familiar position. If your main goal is broad river views, the outdoor deck matters. If your main goal is brunch, the indoor dining room keeps the meal comfortable.

How the $77 price works for your day

At $77 per person, the price covers the 90-minute cruise, brunch, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. You are paying for a combined experience rather than just a buffet or just a boat ride.

The value is strongest when you would otherwise pay separately for a downtown brunch and a sightseeing activity. The cruise folds both into one reservation, with the added convenience of not having to move between restaurants and attractions. It also gives you a set Sunday plan with a clear start and finish.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a cheap meal or a long sightseeing cruise. Ninety minutes passes quickly, and the buffet is not guaranteed to impress someone who judges brunch by high-end cooking. Alcohol costs extra or is not included, so factor that into your budget if drinks are important to your plans.

I would consider the price reasonable for a special occasion, a family outing, or a first look at Savannah from the water. It makes less sense for a solo visitor who only wants to photograph River Street, since you can see the waterfront from land at no cruise cost.

The strongest reports praise the staff as friendly, professional, and attentive. Renee, one server specifically praised by name, made a lasting impression on one family outing. Good service matters on a buffet cruise because the meal itself is self-serve. Attentive staff help the experience feel like an occasion rather than a cafeteria meal on a boat.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a gentle introduction to Savannah’s riverfront and prefer sightseeing with a meal built in. It suits couples marking an anniversary, families with children or grandchildren, and anyone who wants a comfortable Sunday activity that does not require much walking.

It also works well for mixed-interest groups. One person can focus on the scenery, another on the brunch, and another on the captain’s stories. The flexible indoor and outdoor spaces help too.

You may want a different plan if you need fast entertainment, intense sightseeing, or a serious food experience. The cruise is intentionally unhurried. The captain’s narration adds interest, but there is no suggestion of a full stage show or constant activity.

For a celebration, the format is particularly convenient. An anniversary couple used the Sunday cruise as a special treat, while another family planned to return for a dinner cruise. The occasion does not need to be formal. The boat, meal, and river views create enough structure for a memorable outing without requiring a large event.

Booking details that can save you trouble

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around it.

The host or greeter speaks English, and the activity is wheelchair accessible. Bring your passport or ID card, and leave pets at home.

Most important, protect your arrival time. Downtown Savannah parking can take 30 to 60 minutes, and missing the boat does not qualify for a refund. Pick up tickets at the office first, then cross to the dock. That small bit of planning will do more for your enjoyment than arriving hungry and hurried.

Should you book the Savannah Riverboat brunch?

Book it if you want a relaxed river view, a filling Southern buffet, and live local commentary in one 90-minute outing. The fried chicken, shrimp and grits, ham, and easygoing service give the brunch a clear regional flavor, while the open deck keeps the boat ride from feeling confined.

Skip it if you want a gourmet brunch, a long cruise, or high-energy entertainment. The buffet receives some mixed reactions, and the schedule leaves limited time for lingering over the meal or exploring every part of the boat.

For most people, the best reason to book is the combination. You get a comfortable way to see River Street from the water, hear the captain explain what you are looking at, and enjoy a broad selection of familiar food. Arrive early for parking, keep your expectations focused on a pleasant sightseeing meal, and the $77 price can make good sense.

FAQ

How long is the Savannah Riverboat Sunday Brunch Cruise?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes.

What food is served during brunch?

The buffet includes Southern fried chicken, honey-glazed spiral ham, Savannah shrimp and grits, ham and broccoli quiche, garden greens with dressing and toppings, breakfast items, desserts, and more.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks 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 across from the office at the dock.

How early should I arrive for parking?

Allow an extra 30 to 60 minutes to find parking in downtown Savannah. Public lots are available on River Street and at Bay Street level, and the Bryan Street Parking Garage is another option.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed, and you should bring a passport or ID card.