georgia queen riverboat route

Georgia Queen at River Street

Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers a variety of packages for your special occasion. Hop aboard the Savannah River Queen or Georgia Queen for a dinner, brunch or a sight seeing tour. Depending on the type of cruise you decide on, you may even experience canon firing from Old Fort Jackson.

Address: 9 E River Street Savannah, GA 31401

Hours: Monday 9AM–7PM Tuesday 9AM–7PM Wednesday 9AM–7PM Thursday 9AM–7PM Friday 9AM–7PM Saturday 9AM–7PM Sunday 9AM–5PM

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Savannah, GA | Savannah.com

Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Savannah riverboat cruises offers the ultimate way to experience georgia’s first city — from the river.

And, best of all, many sightseeing cruises also include expertly prepared cuisine and a full bar.  

“We offer one of the most quintessentially Southern dining experiences,” said Savannah Riverboat Cruises’ owner Captain Jonathan H. Claughton. “Our dishes and menus use only the freshest ingredients available, and we try to incorporate locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.”

Signature items include shrimp and grits, prime rib, house-fried chicken and coconut cream pie. Take a break from the everyday and indulge with a relaxing, leisurely cruise along the Savannah River, a historic waterway that once served as a main estuary for the South’s thriving cotton industry, and remains an active route for international shipping.  

“When you take a dining cruise aboard Savannah Riverboat Cruises, you’re able to immerse yourself in Southern culture,” Claughton explained. “From our diverse menu selections to our unique cocktails and top-deck daiquiri bar, we have something for all ages. You can sit back and relax while you enjoy musical entertainment or historical narration provided by our captain aboard the grandest entertainment ship.”

Climate-controlled cruises depart daily from River Street.

Feel free to relax inside or head out onto the open-air deck for fantastic sightseeing along the river. Decorated in patriotic red, white and blue, these vessels draw visitors back in history.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers a variety of options to delight visitors. Enjoy the perfect Savannah getaway and a tasty meal on a Lunch Cruise or Sunday Brunch Cruise, both of which include a spectacular buffet featuring a wide range of Southern-inspired specialties. Dinner Cruises are scheduled throughout the year and include live music, as well as Savannah Shrimp and Grits, a beef carving station, roasted potatoes and delicious desserts.  

For a memorable musical and culinary experience, try the Gospel Dinner Cruise, which features the uplifting sounds of Southern gospel music during a special two-hour dinner cruise. The specialty buffet includes Southern fried chicken, pulled pork BBQ, macaroni and cheese, garlic cheese biscuits, squash casserole and much more.

The popular Sunset Cruise departs daily from April through October and includes live music and delicious food and drink from the Skyline Bar and Grill aboard the riverboat.  

“Our Sunset Cruise has a full bar and grill menu that is constantly evolving,” said Claughton. “Enjoy refreshing evening breezes and captivating sunsets from our open-air top deck patio with made-to-order dishes from our bar and grill.”

Daily Sightseeing Cruises showcase historic and present-day Savannah, and are fully narrated by the ship’s captain.

The cruise provides close-up views of historic River Street only available from the water. It includes information about the Georgia Ports Authority, the Waving Girl statue, as well as architectural history. Special Seasonal Cruises are offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and other holidays throughout the year.

Riverboats are also available for private parties, meetings, weddings, themed cruises and family reunions. All boats operate under U.S. Coast Guard regulations for passenger safety.  

Savannah Riverboat Cruises originally began in Savannah in 1991 under the direction of experienced Captain Jonathan H. Claughton. Over the years, the company has grown and established itself as a must-see tour and dining experience.  

Savannah Riverboat Cruises, 9 E. River Street. (912) 232-6404 or  www.savannahriverboat.com .

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11 Photos That Will Make You Fall in Love With River Street

• INSPIRATION , PHOTOGRAPHY
• 11 Comments
• by Erin Clarkson

Are you searching for travel inspiration these days? If your wanderlust has kicked in as much as mine, I’m willing to bet these incredible photos of River Street in Savannah, GA, will have you dreaming of your next getaway!

Just imagine strolling down the ballast stone streets of Savannah’s riverfront….watching as giant cargo ships pass by while the golden rays of the sun dance over the water. Sounds pretty dreamy, doesn’t it? I know the feeling; I live in Savannah, and I’m still drawn to River Street on an almost daily basis.

Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.

By the way, if you’re new around here — welcome ! I’m Erin, and I authored the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide .

I love introducing visitors to the city, and River Street makes a great place to start. Plenty of locals consider it a touristy area (and it is!), but I think it’s absolutely beautiful and a photographer’s dream.

Table of Contents

River Street Savannah GA

The area along Savannah’s waterfront is probably one of the busiest areas in the entire city. The Savannah River has nearly as much traffic as the city’s crowded streets and sidewalks! It’s common to see huge container ships sailing into port, as well as smaller tugboats…and the occasional fancy yacht.

Rousakis Plaza

The early morning hours are always the quietest time to visit River Street. Most of the shops open around 9 or 10 am. If you arrive before then you’ll find locals arriving for work, a few early-bird tourists, and the usual joggers who use the waterfront area for their daily route. River Street gets the most crowded with tourists in the late afternoon and evenings, thanks to its fairly active restaurant and bar scene.

The Georgia Queen Steamboat

To get a shot of River Street from the water, you can pay to take a cruise on the Georgia Queen Steamboat or take the free Savannah Belles Ferry , which departs from two locations on River Street and then crosses the water to drop passengers at Hutchinson Island.

If you choose the steamboat tour, I suggest selecting a sunset cruise for the best photo opportunities. While there’s not a lot to see from the water, you’ll get a unique perspective of River Street and will cruise past Fort Jackson. You might even spot a few dolphin if you’re lucky!

I don’t usually recommend the food cruises, since you’ll find much tastier food elsewhere in Savannah, but many readers in my Savannah Facebook group tend to love it. You can also purchase drinks during the cruise! (River Street is synonymous with alcohol, if you haven’t guessed that yet. More than half a million people attend the second largest St. Patrick’s Day festival in the United States each year, and River Street where it’s held.)

Savannah Riverboat Cruise Options

Since there are so many riverboat cruises available, I thought I’d post all of the options here to help you out.

• 2-Hour Sunset Sightseeing Cruise with Live Music
• Narrated Sightseeing Lunch Cruise with Southern-Style Buffet
• Narrated Sunday Brunch Cruise with Cash Bar
• Savannah Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise
• 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment
• Savannah Riverboat Cruise & City Tour Combo
• 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise (No Buffet)

Sunset cruise was very nice. We had a wonderful time the food was amazing and the music was pretty good as well. ~ Gail D-F, via Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook Group

Factors Walk

Factors Walk is easily one of the most unique places to take pictures in the Historic District. The bridge above is a popular spot for wedding portraits and graduation shots. It looks prettiest in April when the Confederate Jasmine is in full bloom. That’s when I took this shot.

The Factors Walk area also takes one of the top spots in my list of The 11 Most Haunted Places in Savannah, GA . The lowest level of Factors Walk feels particularly spooky after dark! (Like much of Savannah, it’s beautiful by day and slightly sinister by night.)

Related Reading: 11 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Factors Walk

The Cluskey Vaults

The Cluskey Vaults look (and feel) a little eerie on the inside, but the lighting makes for some fantastic portraits. The vaults are a popular stop on many of the local ghost tours. Click here to see a list of my favorite tours in Savannah.

The story behind the vaults is rather interesting, so make sure you read the markers located at the entrance to each opening. In short, some people (myself included) have speculated they were once used to house enslaved individuals.

The Old Cotton Exchange Building

Back in the 1800s, Savannah was known for exporting more cotton than any other port on the entire East Coast. In fact, Savannah was the second largest exporter of cotton in the world . Millions of bales of cotton moved through the city each year, and the old Cotton Exchange building was the epicenter of all the activity.

To see the old Cotton Exchange building today, you’d probably be surprised at how little it has changed in appearance since it was completed in 1887. It almost appears untouched — especially if you look closely at its crumbling facade and the sagging support beams near the base of the structure.

Unfortunately, no one is allowed inside except freemasons who are there to attend their monthly meetings.

Sunsets on River Street

My favorite time (by far!) to take pictures on River Street is during a sunset. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, especially if the water is still and you’re able to capture a good reflection. The lampposts turn on automatically at dusk, and photos usually look prettiest if you wait until just after they turn on.

On a clear night, you’ll usually get varying shades of purples, oranges, and yellows, like you see in the two photos above. The sun sets behind the Talmadge Bridge (also known at the Savannah Bridge), which connects Savannah to Hutchinson Island and then the border of S.C.

Sometimes I like to place items in the foreground of my photo to frame a particular scene or add dramatic effect. Make sure you’re not too skittish if you try this method with bushes and trees like I did in the photo above. The river rats tend to come out at dusk, and they lurk in the shrubbery. They’re pretty big. And fast. And they’ll run over your feet if you’re in their path. (Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!)

I don’t recommend staying in Savannah during a mandatory hurricane evacuation just so you can snag a good photo, but…I’ll admit that I’ve done it a few times. Those shots (like the one above) usually end up being my all-time favorite photos of River Street!

One thing you should note about sunset photos on River Street is that it’s nearly impossible to get a shot without people. You either have to be really patient or go during a time when no one wants to be near the water ( ie : when a hurricane is coming or when it’s really cold out).

In addition to the hurricane shot above, I took most of the others during the mandatory COVID-19 “shelter indoors” orders.

Related Reading: When is the Best Season to Visit Savannah, GA?

River Street Sweets

River Street Sweets is one of the most popular shops along Savannah’s riverwalk area — and for good reason! It’s a nostalgic little candy shop, with warm, friendly vibes and some of the most incredible sweets you’ll ever put in your mouth. Make sure you sample their pralines and Bear Claws, as well as the candied nuts. (Ok…just sample everything you can get your hands on. Trust me on this.)

If you’re a foodie, you’ll quickly discover that Savannah is a pretty awesome place to hang out. However, the best restaurants aren’t located on River Street, but further into the Historic District. Treylor Park, Little Duck Diner, and The Collins Quarter are a few of my current favorites.

You can also sample a variety of restaurants by going on the Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour or the 3-Hour Culinary & Cultural Walking Tour .

River Street Savannah GA at Night

There are lots of bars and restaurants that stay open late along River Street, so you can usually find plenty to do. The entire street is an open container zone, so you might want to go elsewhere if you’re traveling with kids.

I tend to get a lot of inquiries about whether or not River Street is safe at night. Personally, I think it’s better to walk around with a buddy than it is to walk alone. I don’t suggest wandering around on the middle and lower levels of Factors Walk late at night, since those areas are less trafficked and some members of the homeless community tend to camp out there.

Insider Tip: My general rule of thumb in Savannah is this: If you see lots of other people out and about, then you’re usually good to go. Once others head inside, it’s a good idea to follow suit. Visitors who aren’t familiar with the area shouldn’t be caught alone on the streets of Savannah late at night. Review my Savannah Crime Map for current statistics.

Having mentioned all that, you can get some really incredible photos of River Street and Factors Walk once the sun goes down. Consider yourself doubly lucky if you’re in the area after a fresh rainfall, since the lights reflecting off puddles between the cobblestones add a nice little touch to photos.

The Stone Stairs of Death

I had to save the best for last…the Stone Stairs of Death always make a great photo op! They’re impressive day or night. They’re located on the west end of the river between River Street and Williamson Street — just below the Jere’s Antiques sign.

Related Reading: Is Jones Street Really the Prettiest Street in Savannah?

Savannah Riverfront Hotels

If you want to stay on River Street and have a direct view of the water, here are a few hotels I recommend:

• River Street Inn
• Hilton Homewood Suites

The newest hotel to the Savannah riverfront area is the JW Marriott Kessler Plant-Riverside , which is located on the recently-developed far west end of River Street.

Related Reading: Best Accommodations in Savannah

Savannah Travel Guide Info

If you’re planning to a trip to Savannah, here are a few additional resources I’ve created to help you out.

• Free Resources Library  – When you sign up for my email list, you’ll get a checklist of “50 Things To Do On-Foot in the Historic District (No Car Necessary)” and other helpful printables.
• Savannah First-Timer’s Guide:  My ebook combines my most helpful Savannah travel tips from this website in one handy downloadable guide.

When you purchase my ebook, you also get access to a private Facebook group I created where you can ask questions about your trip and get advice/see photos from others who have recently visited.

So…which of these River Street photo spots do you want to visit first? Let me know in the comments below!

Love this post? Pin it now to save for later!

11 Comments on 11 Photos That Will Make You Fall in Love With River Street

Gosh, these streets are simply stunning! I’ve been wanting to visit Savannah for years, so thanks for this inspiring post!

Ever since reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, I’ve wanted to visit Savannah. Gorgeous photos!

What a great post! Savannah has been on my bucket list for a long time. It looks absolutely gorgeous and your photos just want me to go more.

I last visited Savannah when I was 15 years old, but I still remember that candy shop! I got a bear claw and omg it was good.

I love Savannah so much! These are such beautiful photos that capture River Street so well. It makes me want to go back!

These photos are truly stunning! I need to visit Savannah more often considering I live in GA!! It’s such a charming city.

I’ll have to make sure I stay for sunset — your photos are gorgeous!

Wonderful article… Savannah is a special place. I’m sure it’s even better when it warms up.

I was in Savannah for the 1st time in September and loved it so much that I’ll be spending Xmas there this year. Thank you for this guide and pictures!

Oh how fun! It looks incredible during the holiday season. I’ve written a couple posts that include lots of photos of the Christmas decorations in the Historic District.

Love your site!

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Sunday Brunch Riverboat Cruise in Savannah

• Fully narrated Brunch Cruise.
• Iced Tea, Lemonade, Soft Drinks or Coffee are included
• Taxes, fees and port charges are included in price
• Entry/Admission - Savannah Riverboat Cruises
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Riverboat Ticket Office, 9 E River St, Savannah, GA 31412, USA Please go to the Ticket Office before boarding. The Riverboat Ticket Office is located directly in front of the riverboat dock at 9 East River Street, directly behind City Hall and next door to the Hyatt Regency. Please provide ID with this Voucher.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• No walking is required for our tour
• The main deck of the Savannah River Queen is handicapped accessible, but restrooms are not
• Boarding ramps and main decks of each vessel are accessible by wheelchairs
• Riverboats do not have a dress code
• Yes, smoking is allowed, but only on the outside decks. No smoking is allowed anywhere on the interior cabin of the boat
• A cash bar is available on all cruises for the purchase of alcoholic beverages; minimum drinking age is 21 years
• Most travelers can participate
• YOU MUST ALLOW AN EXTRA 30-60 MINUTES TO FIND PARKING IN DOWNTOWN SAVANNAH. YOU WILL NOT BE OFFERED A REFUND IF YOU MISS THE BOAT.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 999 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• Historic River Street

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Riverboat Ticket Office 9 E River St, Savannah, GA 31412, USA Please go to the Ticket Office before boarding. The Riverboat Ticket Office is located directly in front of the riverboat dock at 9 East River Street, directly behind City Hall and next door to the Hyatt Regency. Please provide ID with this Voucher. See address & details
• 1 Savannah Riverboat Cruises Stop: 2 hours - Admission included Decorated in traditional riverboat red, white, and blue, floating palaces continue to transport visitors back to a time when elegance and relaxation were expected from river travel. There are a variety of hour and a half cruises including the ever-popular Sightseeing Cruise, the Dinner Entertainment Cruise, special Luncheon trips, Sunday Brunch, the beautiful Sunset Cruise and the Moonlight Party Cruise depending on your taste. There is a tour experience for everyone. The dinner cruises are unguided; the sightseeing, lunch and brunch cruises has a live guide. Both riverboats offer a glass-enclosed climate-controlled dining and observation deck with panoramic views, open-air patio, and has numerous bench seats that line the upper decks for incredible city views and plenty of sunshine.. Anytime is a good time for a cruise down the river.  Come and enjoy Savannah’s only riverboat tour and dining experience! Sample Dinner Menu (subject to change based upon discretion & availability):  Beef Carving Station, Savannah Style Shrimp & Grits, Baked Chicken w/Artichoke Cream Sauce, Fresh Catch of the Day, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Seasonal Fresh Vegetables, Assorted Side Salads, Garden Salad w/Dressings & Toppings, Fruit Display, Bread Service & Choice of Dessert Service. Sample Lunch Menu (subject to change based upon discretion & availability):  Chef's Special, Southern Fried Chicken, Savannah Style Shrimp and Grits, Southern Style Turnip Greens, Creamy Squash Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese, Sweet Potato Souffle, Seasonal Fresh Vegetables, Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Warm Rolls w/Butter & Dessert. **Please mention if you have any dietary restrictions and you will be accommodated as much as possible.  **Alcoholic drinks are not included in the ticket price; a cash bar is available on board.  The minimum drinking age is 21.  ID will be required when boarding. -------------------- ITINERARY -------------------- 1:00pm & 3:30pm - Sightseeing Cruise 1:00pm Lunch Cruise 1:00pm Brunch Cruise 7:00pm Dinner Cruise 7:00pm Sunset Cruise 7:00pm Gospel Cruise 9:30pm Moonlight Cruise Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to our departure time for sightseeing cruises and 60 minutes prior for food cruises Sample Dinner Menu (subject to change based upon discretion & availability):  Beef Carving Station, Savannah Style Shrimp & Grits, Baked Chicken w/Artichoke Cream Sauce, Fresh Catch of the Day, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Seasonal Fresh Vegetables, Assorted Side Salads, Garden Salad w/Dressings & Toppings, Fruit Display, Bread Service & Choice of Dessert Service. Sample Lunch Menu (subject to change based upon discretion & availability):  Chef's Special, Southern Fried Chicken, Savannah Style Shrimp and Grits, Southern Style Turnip Greens, Creamy Squash Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese, Sweet Potato Souffle, Seasonal Fresh Vegetables, Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Warm Rolls w/Butter & Dessert. Read more Pass by Historic River Street
• You'll return to the starting point

• Gerstel 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Fair The tour guide was wonderful. He was informative, funny and easy to listen to. The actual sites from the river were few and far between. Read more Written March 23, 2024
• judgedoll 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles only okay nice ferry ride but not that much to see - some people in our party actually fell asleep, so definitely not worth the cost. Read more Written March 20, 2024
• Pam M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles They got it right!! The tour desk employees were very upbeat and accommodating. We had an issue with our reservation not being in the system. They worked above and beyond to solve the issue and after many attempts and missed departures they allowed us to take the tour. Our tour guide Gigi was excellent very knowledgeable, witty and personal stories about many of the attractions. The seating was comfortable and environment clean. Highly recommend you won't be disappointed. Read more Written March 20, 2024
• Crazy4US 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyable and informative! This cruise was enjoyable and informative. The young man giving the tour did an excellent job. It was fun learning about the history of the city. Read more Written March 20, 2024
• tomcatj 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles It was just ok Nice boat ride but it wasn’t really anything real neat to see. At least they had drinks and food. Okokokok okokokok. Just average at best . Just average at best Read more Written March 17, 2024
• K2968NYmichaels 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles A trip with good food, appropriate information and time and friendly atmosphere and crew members. Amazing views and good narration, smooth ride and good food. Narration had some humor along with facts. Good options for seating. Read more Written February 29, 2024
• Climber45978056037 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting cruise and history lesson. Nice cruise with history to go with. It was a bit rainy for most of the cruise so it was a bit crowded inside. Arrive early to get window seating. Read more Written February 26, 2024
• frazierb2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to learn about the "Old-Time Charm" of Savannah in a relaxed way. Highly recommend this riverboat tour to see Savannah from the water! You will learn about the action of the Savannah port and also about the military forts surrounding Savannah and the city's role in the Civil War. Definitely recommend if you are a huge history buff! My mom and I loved the old-school charm of the actual Riverboat and we had a gorgeous weather day, so we really enjoy sitting on the top deck and getting to see the scenery and wildlife around us. The narrator of the boat tour is an aspiring actor in Savannah, so he was extremely entertaining with his story telling and history narration about the city and even kept it light with a few jokes and pop-culture tidbits! I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a sit back and relax activity, while you also learn a ton! Plus, there is a great concessions stand on the boat where you can order drinks and food from. You may even see some beautiful wildlife too while on the boat as dolphins are a popular sight in the river! There is a live cannon blast as the boat passes Old Fort Jackson down the river, so make sure to bring ear-plugs if you are sensitive to that. The tour guide gave us plenty of warning before it happened, but it still caught us off guard. Another thing to note is to get in line earlier rather than later for the boat ride because the seating is first come, first serve, and they have backward facing seats if you want to avoid those. Although, the boat is moving at a pace that isn't upsetting for people prone to motion-sickness (aka my mom!). Read more Written February 25, 2024
• 642sasha 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Skip the Valentine’s Day cruise I took the Valentine’s Day cruise which was overpriced. It was $143 with tax per person. The service should have been better based on that price. I requested vinaigrette dressing for my salad because they did not put any dressing on the salad. The waitress ignored me and I asked her several times. It seemed like such a simple request, but apparently it wasn’t. The food was average not worth more than $20. The entertainment was mediocre. I would not recommend anyone to pay for the Valentines Day cruise. The views at night was the best part of this cruise. Read more Written February 19, 2024
• johncE5585HR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great! It was very informative and the boat was great! Food was surprisingly very good for a buffet. Narrator was very knowledgeable and pleasant . Read more Written February 18, 2024
• elaineaB9765RX 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Not a Sternwheeler Depends on what you're expecting...Despite the pictures on the web and brochure, the riverboat was not a sternwheeler. Enjoyed being on the water, but the narration was difficult to hear. As other reviewers stated, the views are primarily industrial. Other river traffic is interesting to see, but not a scenic nature cruise. Read more Written February 10, 2024
• taber 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing Cruise Very disappointing experience. A waste of money. We thought we were going of a paddle wheeler boat but it wasn't, there was no paddle wheel. There were only 2 speakers on the main deck of the boat so we could not hear the commentary. There wasn't really anything to look at while you sat on the boat. The windows were dirty. We did pass by a fort but could not hear any information about it. Read more Written February 3, 2024
• lg2bizzy4u 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Weekend Family Dinner Cruise Seven family members and I took did the Riverboat Cruise. We had a fabulous time. I recommend the cruise for family gatherings. The food was good and our server was exceptionally nice. The one thing that I truly appreciated was the people at the buffet served the food to the customer. I love the safety steps they are doing to prevent the spread of viruses. I suggest when you book your dinner cruise that you request window seats. Read more Written January 7, 2024
• JacqWilliams 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointed Vegan My husband and I were excited to attend the New Year's Eve Gala Cruise on the Georgia Queen Riverboat. As a vegan, I called in advance to ensure that I would have meal options. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the limited options provided during the event. Despite being told that the staff would be able to accommodate my dietary restrictions, I was only able to eat two of the courses which were both salads and the main meal was a spoonful of overcooked quinoa over asparagus which looked like a plate of slop, see picture below. This made me feel singled out as an outcast. Considering the high price of the tickets, I feel that the advertisements should clearly state if there are no vegan options or there should be a price adjustment. Paying $250 for a plate of iceberg lettuce and strawberries is unfair. I believe that a refund or some other type of accommodation is deserved in this situation. I must say that the staff serving the food were all very nice and should be applauded. Read more Written January 4, 2024
• dennishY7293VD 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Better than I expected - great MC! The "MC" for the cruise was fantastic! Made an enjoyable river cruise even better - lively and informative! I wasn't really expecting much but the actual cruise turned out to be a very pleasant experience! Definitely recommend doing if you're visiting historic Savannah! Read more Written January 2, 2024

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Drag story hour at library canceled after suspicious package and threats, authorities say.

Associated Press

North Queen Street is deserted after police issued evacuation orders after discovering a suspicious package during a security sweep prior to "Drag Queen Story Hour," at the Lancaster Public Library, in Lancaster, Pa., Saturday, March 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Jim Gerberich)

LANCASTER, Pa. – A scheduled “Drag Queen Story Hour” at a Pennsylvania library that had drawn opposition was canceled Saturday after a suspicious package was found in the building and two blocks were evacuated after threats were reported, authorities said.

Police evacuated the Lancaster Public Library after the package was found. A state police bomb squad later cleared the library, but police said “additional reported threats” were still being investigated. Residents of the block and another block nearby were told to evacuate, an order lifted several hours later.

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A city spokesperson later told LancasterOnline that a dog had alerted on the package and that the contents were later found to be “benign” but “subsequently, we received additional written threats via email.”

Lancaster Pride, a nonprofit that celebrates the town's LGBTQ+ community, posted a notice on social media that the “Drag Story Hour with Miss Amie” had been canceled, saying “the safety and well-being of our community are of utmost importance to us.”

The planned story hour drew impassioned opposition from some residents during a marathon county commissioners meeting Wednesday, the second meeting in a row marked by resident protests after Republican commissioners denounced the event as inappropriate, LancasterOnline reported .

Commissioner Josh Parsons wrote that libraries “should be places for kids to safely read and learn, not politicized social laboratories for woke ideology.” Commissioner Ray D’Agostino said he thought there was a link between children being more “confused, anxious and stressed” than ever and people ”trying to push adult themed issues at such an early age." Scores of people attended a prayer vigil in the plaza adjacent to the library Friday night opposing the event.

Both Parsons and D'Agostino issued statements Saturday afternoon condemning the reported threats and calling for the prosecution of those responsible regardless of their motives, LancasterOnline reported.

"Threats of violence have no place in our debates,” Parsons said.

Lissa Holland, the library’s executive director, told LancasterOnline that she was “really sad, very disappointed and angry" about the cancellation.

“The library should be a place of safety. ... And as I’ve told people numerous times this week, like every book in the library is not for every person, every program is maybe not for every person. But we don’t censor,” she said.

The listing for the “Drag Queen Story Hour” on the library's events page called on attendees to “Join Miss Amie Vanité as she spreads awareness and acceptance by celebrating diversity, inclusiveness, kindness and love through LGBTQ+ literature for young readers.”

The Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition noted “backlash” in a Facebook post earlier this month and decried what it called "hateful comments about the LGBTQ+ community” from public officials.

“We want to be clear that drag story hours for children are NOT the same as adult drag performances,” the group said. The performer, the group said, "is a professional who has done other story hours for children. She dresses up in fun, whimsical costumes, sings age-appropriate songs, and reads age-appropriate books."

Christopher Paolini, who was to read in drag as Miss Amie Vanité, said he had just arrived and was getting ready “when the alarms went off.” He called the turn of events "insane,” LancasterOnline reported.

“It just hurts my heart that it came to this," he said. “I’m not going to stop what I’m doing. This program is too important for too many people.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far out should I make reservations? We recommend making reservations as soon as you know you want to cruise with us at Savannah Riverboat. Our cruises sell-out quite often and if you don’t make your reservations early enough, you could be left out.

Does the boat sail in inclement weather? We sail rain or shine. In the event of severe weather or dangerous river conditions, it is up to the captain of the boat to make that decision. In the event of a weather-related cruise cancellation, your cruise will be refunded.

Do you have a dress code? We do not have a dress code. Our customers dress in everything from casual to formal. We encourage everyone to dress based on the situation you are celebrating.

Are you handicapped accessible? The boarding ramps and main decks of each vessel are accessible by wheelchairs.  The Georgia Queen is handicapped accessible and is outfitted with a passenger elevator and handicapped accessible restrooms. The main deck of the Savannah River Queen is handicapped accessible, but restrooms are not. Please contact our ticket office 800-786-6404 with ANY questions.

Where will we go on our cruise? It all depends on the length of your cruise. A typical lunch or dinner cruise will go up river towards the ports passing the Talmadge Bridge and then back around down river passing the waving girl until Fort Jackson. A sightseeing cruise will mostly go up river to the ports and down to Fort Jackson, where you will most likely experience a cannon firing…the cannon schedule varies and is dependent on weather and time of the year.  Sometimes our cruise routes vary depending on ship and river traffic. Our captains do their very best to provide optimal viewing of the Savannah River.

Is smoking allowed on the boat? Yes, smoking is allowed, but only on the outside decks. No smoking is allowed anywhere on the interior cabin of the boat.

Are drinks included with a dining cruise? Iced Tea, Lemonade, Soft Drinks or Coffee are included with all dining cruises. A cash bar is available on all cruises for the purchase of  alcoholic beverages.

Where do we park? Parking is available in the public parking lots on River Street. Parking is also available on the Bay Street level.  Metered parking north of Liberty Street is enforced Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.The Bryan Street Parking Garage is conveniently located just two blocks from the Riverboat Ticket Office and has over 400 parking spaces available on an hourly fee basis. Transportation from your hotel to the riverboat may also be arranged through your Hotel’s Concierge. Tour buses over 35 feet long must obtain a special parking permit.

Are there nearby hotels that we can stay in? Yes, there are quite a few hotels for you to choose from. Generally, hotels that are listed in the historic downtown Savannah area are within walking distance.

Where is your ticket office located? Our Ticket Office is located directly in front of the riverboat dock at 9 East River Street, directly behind City Hall and next door to the Hyatt Regency.