There’s no better way to see Music City than from the middle of the Cumberland River — drink in hand, skyline in view, and the whole crew dancing to a playlist that never quits. But here’s the thing first-timers always ask us: which cruise is right for my group?
We’ve got five ways to get on the water, and every one of them is a honky tonkin’ blast. The trick is matching the cruise to your crew, your occasion, and your time of day. So we built the cheat sheet below to help you pick in about thirty seconds — and then broke down each option in detail so you know exactly what you’re stepping aboard.
Let’s get you on the river.
The quick-reference chart
Before we dig into the details, here’s what every Pontoon Saloon cruise has in common, no matter which one you book:
- 2 hours on the water cruising the Cumberland River with front-row skyline views
- A USCG-licensed Captain and Deckhand keeping safety first
- A party host and DJ running the music, games, and good vibes
- A large sound system, an onboard restroom, and a ¾-covered roof so the party goes on rain or shine
- Departures from Downtown Nashville’s Riverfront Dock — a short walk from Broadway
Everything else — the time of day, the drinks, the crowd, and the price — is where the cruises start to differ. Here’s the full rundown.
The five cruises
Mimosa Cruise (book now)
The vibe: Morning kickoff aboard the USS Mimosa. River breeze, sunshine, and a couple of bubbly mimosas to get the day going before you’ve even hit Broadway.
Who it’s for: Brunch lovers, early risers, and bachelorette parties looking for the perfect “phase one” of a big day in Nashville.
Drinks: 2 mimosas plus a premium branded cup are included with your ticket. Want more? Additional mimosas and the full bar are available for purchase onboard.
Price: $49 per person · 21+
Best for: Groups who want to start the celebration early — and toast the morning with the skyline as their backdrop.
Pontoon Party Cruise (book now)
The vibe: Our classic afternoon party and the best thing you can do before a night out on Broadway. A cool breeze, a curated playlist, our famous pontoon dance-off, and a barge full of people ready to have a good time.
Who it’s for: Pretty much everyone. It’s the everyday crowd-pleaser — birthdays, friend groups, first-time visitors, and anyone chasing a sunny afternoon on the water.
Drinks: A fully stocked onboard bar is available for purchase, with local and domestic beer, seltzers, wine, champagne, and canned cocktails (drinks typically run $5–$10).
Price: $39.95 per person · 21+
Best for: The flexible, no-fuss party that fits any occasion at the most accessible price point.
Sunset Party Cruise (book now)
The vibe: Golden hour, then city lights. Our captains cruise downriver for a picture-perfect sunset, then swing back past Broadway as the skyline lights up and the dance floor fills.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants the most jaw-dropping views of the night — and a party that builds as the sun goes down.
Drinks: Same great onboard bar as the Party Cruise, with everything available for purchase.
Price: $39.95 per person · 21+
Best for: Date nights, photo ops for the ‘gram, and groups who want the evening skyline as their party backdrop.
BACH Party Cruise (book now)
The vibe: Nashville’s ultimate bachelor and bachelorette party, on the water. We bring the bach groups together — usually around four parties per cruise — for two hours of lounging, mingling, dancing, and boozing aboard the Luxury Pontoon Saloon II.
Who it’s for: Bachelor and bachelorette parties only. If your whole crew is here to celebrate the bride or groom, this is the one.
Drinks: Beer and hard seltzers are included in your ticket price, along with Pontoon koozies. Wine, champagne, and canned cocktails are available for purchase onboard. (Not a drinker? Non-alcoholic options are included too.)
Price: $90 per person · 21+ · gratuity included
Best for: Bach groups who want the alcohol handled, the koozies stocked, and a built-in party of fellow celebrators.
Private / Corporate Cruise (book now)
The vibe: The whole boat, just for your people. The Luxury Private Cruise is our most flexible, elevated experience — lounge seating, a dedicated server, beverage packages, and catering, all coordinated for you.
Who it’s for: Any occasion and all ages — birthdays, weddings and rehearsal dinners, family reunions, girls’/guys’ trips, and corporate outings. For companies, the Corporate Cruise layers on customizable extras like a “Taste of Nashville” beer package, live music from local artists, shuttle service, a cruise host, and catering.
Drinks & catering: Beverage packages vary to fit your group, and catering is available through partners like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Martin’s BBQ, and Crave Catering. Your dedicated Cruise Coordinator helps you build the whole thing.
Capacity: Up to 47 guests per vessel — or up to 130 across multiple boats for larger events.
Price: Starting at $1,000 · gratuity included · Inquire for a custom quote — pricing depends on your group size, beverage package, and catering, so reach out and we’ll tailor it to your event.
Best for: Larger groups, mixed ages, and anyone who wants the boat (and the experience) entirely their own.
Still deciding? Here’s the cheat sheet
By occasion:
- Bachelorette or bachelor party → BACH Party Cruise (or start the morning with the Mimosa Cruise)
- Birthday or friends’ day out → Pontoon Party Cruise
- Corporate outing or team event → Corporate Cruise
- First time in Nashville → Sunset Party Cruise for the best skyline views
- Mixed ages, kids included, or a big group → Private Cruise (the only all-ages option)
By time of day: Mimosa (morning) → Party (afternoon) → Sunset/BACH (evening).
By drinks: Want the alcohol included? Go Mimosa (2 mimosas) or BACH (beer + seltzers). Prefer to buy as you go? The Party and Sunset cruises have a full bar onboard.
By budget: The Party and Sunset Cruises are the most wallet-friendly at $39.95, the Mimosa Cruise lands at $49, BACH at $90, and Private/Corporate starts at $1,000 for the whole boat.
Good to know before you book
- Age: Public cruises (Mimosa, Party, Sunset, BACH) are 21+. Private cruises welcome all ages.
- Outside beverages aren’t permitted — all drinks are served onboard.
- Rain or shine: ¾ of the boat is covered, so the party sails in almost any weather. If we ever have to cancel for severe weather, we’ll make it right.
- Book early. Friday and Saturday cruises sell out fast. For public cruises with 8+ guests, book at least 45 days out; for BACH and private cruises, aim for 90 days ahead.
- Getting there: We’re a 10–15 minute walk from Broadway. We recommend walking or Uber/Lyft over driving — parking near the dock is limited, and nobody should be drinking and driving.
- Tipping: Gratuity is included on BACH and private cruises. On other public cruises, tips for the crew are always appreciated (cash or Venmo).
Ready to pick your cruise?
However you celebrate, there’s a spot on the river with your name on it. Check availability, grab your tickets, and we’ll see you on the water.
Check Availability & Book Now →
Got a group or a special event in mind? Reach out about a private or corporate cruise and we’ll build something just for you.
