Booking choice: The General Jackson lunch or dinner cruise, from $112 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
You will sit through a meal and a show in an air-conditioned theater, then step out onto open decks in the Tennessee sun or evening air, and climb stairs between four decks. Dress for all three.
The quick answer
Casual dress is fine: the only rules are that shirts and shoes must be worn at all times, and halter tops and swimsuits are not allowed. Bring a light layer for the theater, comfortable shoes for the stairs, and a card for drinks and tips. Leave outside food and drink behind.
Is there a dress code on the General Jackson?
Yes, a relaxed one: casual dress is encouraged, shirts and shoes are required at all times, and halter tops and swimsuits are not allowed.
Jeans, shorts, sundresses and polos are all fine for lunch. Many guests dress up a little for the evening cruise, especially for a birthday or anniversary, but there is no requirement to.
Outfit sorted? Check your date for the cruise, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the General Jackson lunch or dinner cruiseShould you bring a jacket or sweater?
Yes: bring a light layer, because the theater can be cold when the air conditioning is running and the decks can be breezy.
One July guest reports the dining room was so chilly that people wrapped themselves in tablecloths. The opposite happened in August and September 2026, when guests report the air conditioning was out and the theater was hot. A cardigan or light jacket covers both.
What shoes should you wear?
Comfortable, flat shoes with some grip: you will use stairs between the decks, and the outdoor decks can be wet.
Crew help with the stairs, and there are ramps and elevator access to several decks if stairs are hard for you. Leave very high heels for another night.
What should you bring?
Pack light: a layer, sunglasses and sunscreen for the decks, and a card for drinks and tips.
- A light sweater or jacket for the theater
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for the open decks at lunch
- A card or cash for drinks, gratuities and photos
- Your booking confirmation
- Any medication you need during the cruise
Can you bring your own food or drinks?
No: the General Jackson does not allow outside food or drink.
There are full-service bars on board. Guests report about $24 for a cocktail in a souvenir cup, so budget for drinks. What is and is not included is in General Jackson tickets and prices.
Meal, show and the ride from downtown in one ticket: only drinks and tips are extra.
Explore the General Jackson lunch or dinner cruiseCan you take photos and video?
Photos yes, video of the show no: non-professional cameras are allowed and you can photograph the entertainment, but filming the shows is not permitted.
The best photos are from the outdoor decks as the boat approaches the downtown skyline, especially on the evening cruise. A photo shop on board also sells pictures; one guest reports paying and not receiving the digital files, so keep your receipt.
Can you bring a stroller or wheelchair?
Yes: strollers are permitted, and the boat has ramps and elevator access to several decks.
Accessible restrooms are on the Main Deck only. Children must not be left unattended anywhere on board.
What if the weather is bad?
The boat sails in most weather; schedules change only for sustained winds of 20 mph or more or poor river conditions.
In summer, dress for heat on the shuttle and decks; in fall and winter, bring a warmer coat for time outside. Check your cruise the day before, and see is the General Jackson worth it? for what happened in summer 2026.
Weather looking good? Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the General Jackson lunch or dinner cruiseFrequently asked questions
Can I wear shorts on the General Jackson?
Yes. Casual dress is encouraged; just keep a shirt and shoes on at all times.
Can I wear jeans to the dinner cruise?
Yes. There is no formal dress code for the evening cruise, though some guests dress up for special occasions.
Are flip-flops allowed?
Shoes are required, and flip-flops count, but flat shoes with grip are safer on the stairs and wet decks.
Can I bring snacks on board?
No. Outside food and drink are not allowed; there are bars and a full meal on board.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise
- Cruise ticket on the General Jackson Showboat (lunch at 12 pm or dinner at 7 pm)
- Plated Southern lunch or dinner in the Victorian Theater
- Live show: country hits at lunch, a band, singers and dancers at dinner
