riverboat cruise in montgomery alabama

Harriott II Riverboat

Come on down to the River and re-live history while enjoying a relaxing cruise on Montgomery's downtown attraction, the Harriott II. Docked beside the uniquely built Riverwalk Amphitheater, this elegant 19th-century riverboat is center stage of Montgomery's entertainment district and hosts public and private cruiseswtihgreat food, drinks, music, entertainment, and fun along the scenic Alabama River.

Getting There

• 255 Commerce Street
• Montgomery, AL 36104

Where to Stay

Key west inn south, homewood suites by hilton montgomery, comfort suites airport south, red roof inn midtown montgomery, capital city rv park, renaissance montgomery hotel & spa at the convention center, the backyard rv resort, travelodge by wyndham montgomery east, hilton garden inn eastchase, comfort inn & suites, upcoming events, montgomery whitewater golden hour festival, montgomery oyster festival, celebrate hank 101, montgomery museum of fine arts fall festival, ballet and the beasts, glow party cruises, where to eat, railyard brewing company, d road cafe, prevail union, k & j rib shack, the deli at alley station, jim 'n nick's bar-b-q, island delight caribbean restaurant at dexter, capitol oyster bar, momma goldberg's, find your alabama sweet spot.

Find the sweetest Alabama vacation spot perfectly suited just for you. Customize your next Alabama vacation by the type of experience you are looking for, then filter by the region of Alabama you want to visit. Don't know what your Alabama destination should be? Let our interactive location map be your guide. Now, where is your next Alabama Sweet Spot?

Freedom Rides Museum/ Historic Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station

Cahawba House

Was this listing helpful.

Everything Alabama has to offer —in one easy place!

Looking for information on state parks, hot spots to have fun in the sun, or the best places for fishing or bird-watching? How about the world’s best museums or science centers? The Alabama Vacation guide will help you discover so many new and unique experiences. No matter where you’re headed or what you feel like doing, the Alabama vacation guide will get started on the right path.

Fill out your information below to receive a printed guide and Alabama state highway map in the mail. Note: Currently we only send mail inside the United States. All fields are required unless otherwise specified.

• 1 Your Info

NomadTreneur

Harriot II Riverboat (Montgomery) Travel Guide

adidaswilson

August 6, 2023

Amidst Montgomery’s rich tapestry of history and culture, the Harriott II Riverboat stands as a proud reminder of the city’s ties to the Alabama River.

Whether you’re a Montgomery native or a tourist eager to experience Southern hospitality at its finest, a cruise on the Harriott II is an experience you won’t want to miss. This guide delves into the magic of the Harriott II, offering insights and tips for a memorable voyage.

• Introduction to the Harriott II Riverboat

The Harriott II Riverboat, anchored at Montgomery’s Riverfront Park, is a majestic 19th-century riverboat replica. With its gleaming white facade, grand paddlewheel, and red accents, it’s a nostalgic throwback to the days when steamboats ruled the rivers.

• A Glimpse into History

While the Harriott II itself is a modern construction, Montgomery has a longstanding riverboat history. The original Harriott, for which Harriott II is named, operated in the 1820s, transporting cotton, goods, and passengers along the Alabama River. Today’s riverboat is a tribute to this storied past, ensuring that Montgomery’s riverboat legacy continues to thrive.

• Cruising Options

The Harriott II offers a range of cruising experiences tailored to different tastes:

a. Scenic Cruises: Perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy the Alabama River’s tranquil beauty. These cruises often come with insightful narrations about Montgomery’s history and its relationship with the river.

b. Dinner Cruises: A gourmet experience, these cruises feature a delicious spread of Southern dishes, live music, and dancing.

c. Themed Nights: From jazz nights to blues cruises, the Harriott II frequently hosts themed evenings, allowing guests to immerse themselves in rich musical traditions.

d. Private Charters: For special occasions, the riverboat can be privately chartered, offering a personalized experience for guests.

• Amenities Onboard

Spread over three levels, the Harriott II boasts a range of amenities:

a. The Saloon Deck: Featuring a full-service bar, concessions, and restrooms.

b. The Jubilee Deck: This is where you’ll find the dance floor, band stage, and another full-service bar.

c. The Patriot Deck: Perfect for taking in panoramic river views, it offers open-air seating and a bird’s-eye view of the paddlewheel in action.

• What to Expect Onboard

A cruise on the Harriott II is more than just a ride; it’s an experience. Guests can expect:

a. Engaging Entertainment: From live bands to DJs, there’s always something to keep guests entertained.

b. Delicious Southern Cuisine: Depending on the cruise, guests might enjoy a buffet dinner, snacks, or themed meals.

c. A Friendly Crew: Known for their Southern hospitality, the crew is always on hand to ensure guests have a memorable experience.

• Tips for Travelers

a. Reservations: Popular cruises, especially themed or dinner cruises, can fill up quickly. It’s advisable to book in advance.

b. Attire: While daytime cruises are generally casual, evening cruises, especially those with dinner and dancing, might have a dressier code.

c. Weather: Given the Patriot Deck’s open nature, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

• Nearby Attractions

The Harriott II docks at Riverfront Park, making it easy for guests to explore surrounding attractions:

a. Riverwalk: A scenic trail ideal for walking or jogging with picturesque views of the Alabama River.

b. Montgomery Biscuits Baseball: If you’re lucky, you might catch a game at the nearby Riverwalk Stadium.

c. Amphitheater: Located right in Riverfront Park, the amphitheater hosts a range of concerts, festivals, and events throughout the year.

• Reviews and Testimonials

Guests frequently highlight the Harriott II’s romantic ambiance, making it a popular choice for anniversaries and date nights. The combination of southern food, soulful music, and the gentle sway of the riverboat creates a magical experience cherished by many.

• Accessibility and Facilities

The Harriott II is equipped to accommodate guests with disabilities. However, it’s always a good idea to check in advance regarding specific needs.

Montgomery’s Harriott II Riverboat is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a voyage through time. It’s an ode to the bygone era of grand riverboats, of sultry Southern nights filled with music, laughter, and the gentle murmur of the Alabama River. Whether you’re a history buff, a music enthusiast, or someone simply seeking a unique experience, the Harriott II promises a journey you’ll cherish long after you’ve disembarked.

most recent

North America

Best barber shops in toronto neighborhoods.

Best Places to Live in Southern Italy

1 Week Vietnam Itinerary

10 Day Itinerary Spain

Yanchep National Park Caves

Airbnb Review Example

nomadtreneur

PH +1 000 000 0000

24 M Drive East Hampton, NY 11937

© {{2023}} Nomadtreneur

For more info email: ALL MGM

Harriott II Riverboat Cruise

Purchase Tickets Here 

(334) 625-2100

Opening Hours

Our address:.

255 Commerce Street Montgomery , AL 36104

http://www.funinmontgomery.com/parks-items/harriott-ii-riverboat

Harriott II River Cruise

Review Highlights

“ As we moved about the riverboat to the upper deck, we discovered a DJ playing pop/contemporary music. ” in 2 reviews

“ You cruise around the river at a slow pace and just enjoy the scenery and fresh air. ” in 2 reviews

“ Everyone from Captain to deckhand, bartenders, servers, managers, ticket sells, any part of the crew. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

335 Coosa St

Montgomery, AL 36104

You Might Also Consider

A Rose Affair

Experience the art of celebration with our selection of decorative balloons and sophisticated event spaces for any gathering. read more

in Car Rental, Party & Event Planning, Balloon Services

Amenities and More

Ask the community.

Ask a question

Got a question about Harriott II River Cruise ? Ask the Yelp community!

People also searched for

Birthday Dinner

Fishing Charter

Dinner Cruise

Fun Things To Do For A Birthday

Restaurants With Private Rooms

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

We were recommended to come here by a fellow native, seemed like a nice date night recommendation, so we tried it. We must have went on a pretty slow night Friday. We got tickets to the third deck, which was not crowded at all. (A plus for us it was chill+ view + and seat selection was available) There was live entertainment & the band was great + also a cash bar. Our waiter/server, definitely made sure we're good. The music keep us in a nice vibe.. One Star taken for the food it mediocre nothing spectacular a basic burger. Came with a drink and chips the value was there, but maybe the sit dinner food quality was better? We didn't select that price point.. & one star taken for the bathroom That was the worst part. The bathrooms were not what I expected, I wish they could renovate and give it a little more room think of a porter potty size and even more tiny & confined space than that! I suggest bug spray and a deck of cards to keep busy.. didn't see any animals or fish at all I thought we would encounter some, either way it was very relaxing to enjoy the afternoon outside on the Harriott ll.. Fun crowd, live music, views $30 per ticket wasn't bad for a 2 hr plus ride so I'd recommend!

See all photos from Jermani D. for Harriott II River Cruise

Birthday celebration that was planned 9 months prior to the brawl. It was like meeting a celebrity when the co-captain greeted us. Unfortunately the food on Saturdays leave one disappointing. Just precooked burgers (juicy, warm but lacking seasonings, bag of chips. Still it was a great & different way to celebrate a friend's birthday! The DJ, (DJ TRIPE AAA) was entertaining. The boat is clean and in outstanding shape. There were several parties from Bham and they all were just prepared properly and went off without a hitch. A bunch of complete strangers just having a good time, eating, drinking, enjoying watching the sights and chatting on Harriet2!

Horrible horrible how you ppl treat your employees. I would not recommend this place. Too bad I had to give u a star just to post a review other than that it would've gotten a star at all. Please people do not waste your money

This little river cruise was a pleasant experience. You cruise around the river at a slow pace and just enjoy the scenery and fresh air. There are 3 levels. The top level is open so you have an awesome view of the river and downtown Montgomery. They offer lunch and dinner cruises. They have special event cruises that sometimes include live music and/or a DJ. There's even a party cruise on late nights on the weekends. Harriott offers cruises for all occasions and all audiences. I was there this time on an elementary school field trip. It was one of our many stops on a tour of historic downtown Montgomery. The kids loved it!

See all photos from Zuri C. for Harriott II River Cruise

The Harriott II has always been a special and unique venue. It is always been a family and one dear to my heart. Everyone from Captain to deckhand, bartenders, servers, managers, ticket sells, any part of the crew. It is not a job for the faint of heart. Everyone that is there is there because they want to be. It's not because the hours are the best. Or you always know your schedule. Each crew-member takes pride in their job, and being a part of the Harriott II! I truly believe if you can make it on that boat, you can make it anywhere. Hospitality is at center everything they do and they go above and beyond to make sure each passenger has a great time and if something does come up, they do their best to make it right. The entertainers that come to play they don't pick this venue because it's the easiest to load in/out of . There's times cruises are canceled last minute because of the weather or water conditions or change in reservations. The camaraderie and mutual respect that has been cultivated throughout the staff is inspiring. Yes, it's a business and each person has a job to do, but at the end of the day the relationships go much deeper. I've had the privilege to be a guest on multiple occasions, celebrated birthdays, a singer & entertainer at times, stepped in to be an extra set of hands and serve when needed. (Those galley stairs are no joke!) This boat is special not just because my aunt Lainey is one of the managers & Captain Jim is my uncle. It's more than that. When I first moved back to Alabama in 2013, after my late husband died; This boat and all the crew were a part of my healing. It was a safe place, a place to leave all your cares on the dock, even if it's for two hours at a time. When I slowly started dating again, they had to pass the Riverboat test. if they can survive the whole crew & bands maybe they can hang . I have since remarried and Captain Jim officiated our wedding It's been a place safe to bring my children. When they were going through a loss no child should experience at such tender ages, Each person became another dad, another Uncle, a big brother, big sister, an auntie. They made time to put a smile on their faces. The Riverboat and crew helped raise my baby girls(that are not so little anymore )and each of them have gotten to work and learn something new each time they are there. I've always loved how culturally diverse the Harriott II has been and that's always how I wanted to raise my daughters. You see all ages, races, genders, etc. are there on the same boat just to have a good time. Getting to see Montgomery in a different light and get to see the beautiful scenery and sunsets and throw in 3 different decks of entertainment--you feel like you've been transported to Savannah or New Orleans. Seeing firsthand how it's evolved and grown and been transformed over the years has been really special. I've been there and helped the crew getting ready for one of the holidays or themed cruises, and so much heart goes into the riverboat and creating the special space for each public and private event. So when the internet blew up & I was seeing texts and calls and videos, these weren't some strangers-- this hit us close to home!

My family and I had an AWESOME time!!!!!!! It exceeded our expectations and we will definitely take a few more rides on the river. The Wild Cat Band kept me on my feet the entire time. They know how to perform and entertain the audience. The staff was attentive to our needs and the alcoholic beverages were nice!!! This is a beautiful and relaxing way to spend a nice evening

This was awesome! This was my birthday gift from my wife this weekend (birthday today! ) Being out there on the water, the lighting, the atmosphere, the great meal, it was an amazing time. This was my first time on a boat and definitely my first dinner cruise! She surprised with the whole trip. We went on the Christmas edition, with Santa and Christmas music. Our dinner was filet minion and crab cake. Which both of our steaks were cooked perfectly! My only suggestion would be the music possibly. To have a little something more contemporary. We will definitely be back when it is warm! We love it!

The Friday night dinner cruise seem like a good idea BUT not so much . First off, there was no A/c on the boat nor were the lights working. I don't recall signing up for a candle light dinner! $45 for cold pork loin , mash potatoes were decent and the green beans were straight out of the can . The drink menu (cash bar) could have had better selections . No craft beers and a very low end wine menu-- I can be a snob when it comes to beverages but I think this is a fair assessment. There was live entertainment which was decent but would have been better if he wasn't screaming in the mic! I think the biggest "no" for me were the spiders that literally were all over outside of the boat on the deck as well as ppl smoking cigarettes. I really had high expectations for this dinner cruise but it failed the test.

SOMETHING WAS DEFINITELY MISSING! We took the cruise but opted not to have dinner. Let's be clear, I would never consider a dinner cruise unless I am doing the cooking. Also, I don't enjoy tightly closed and crowded quarters with loud music so being on the perimeter of the boat was perfect. It was a nice relaxing time and a great way to end our stay in Montgomery. It was a perfect night with cool breezes and a beautiful sunset. However two hours was too long for this particular cruise. There was no wildlife to be seen and not a lot of sites to see along the route. It would have been perfect had I been on a chaise with a head set truly relaxing and tuning everything out. After an hour of cruising with no planned activity or agenda, I was ready to jump ship. I would much rather have a history cruise that could hold my interest. At the very least, they should consider setting up tables with board games so that there are some on-going activities. However, this would likely compromise the number of people they could fit on the ship and would not be cost-effective for them. If you are going to be on the perimeter of the boat, I suggest that you bring something to occupy your time, (travel games, or something fun and interactive). This would be the perfect activity to pair with spades and Uno, or maybe some people just prefer their "chill" time. Although It was nice meeting other couples, I simply needed more. Oh well, now I know! **** You will want to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to boarding because people will get there early and the line will be very long. *****Once you get on the boat grab a seat first, you can go and purchase food later. If you don't snag a seat, you may be standing up the entire time. ****You may have your picture taken if you wish. You will pick it up after the cruise. ****Bring a headset just in case you want to chill with your phone. ****If you are not coming with a large group, you may consider a small travel game or deck of cards to occupy some of your time.

See all photos from Madelyn A. for Harriott II River Cruise

If I could leave a zero star I would this is the worst place I've ever been to in my life I highly recommend that no one pays their money to go because it's not gonna be what you think!

5 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Collections Including Harriott II River Cruise

The City of Montgomery, AL

By Madelyn A.

People Also Viewed

Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise

Capital City Club - Montgomery

Red Bluff Bar at the Silos

Ravello Ristorante

Goat Haus Biergarten

The Cajun Leprechaun

Alley Station

Bowlero Montgomery

Trilogy Hotel Montgomery Autograph Collection

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Things to Do

Horseback Riding

Personal Chefs

Photographers

Entertainment

Other Boat Charters Nearby

Find more Boat Charters near Harriott II River Cruise

People found Harriott II River Cruise by searching for…

Birthday Dinner Montgomery

Open Now Montgomery

River Boat Montgomery

Related Cost Guides

Boat Charters

Boudoir Photography

Bounce House Rentals

Event Photography

Valet Services

Videographers

Harriott II Riverboat, Tour, Montgomery, Alabama

Pickwick Belle Riverboat

Alabama Attractions

• North Alabama Birding Trail
• Alabama’s Birding Trails
• Historic Iron Furnaces In Alabama
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• McWane Science Center
• Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
• Speedways in Alabama
• Alabama Music Hall of Fame
• Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
• Alabama Wildlife Center
• Civil Rights Memorial
• Southern Environmental Center
• Botanical Gardens
• Rattlesnake Saloon
• US 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale
• Dismals Canyon
• Guntersville City Harbor
• Unclaimed Baggage Center
• Alabama River Boats
• Bridge Crossing Jubilee(Selma,Alabama)

Alabama Weather

[widgets_on_pages id="harriott ii"].

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

• Privacy Policy

Riverfront Park

There’s no better place to enjoy Montgomery’s feel-good vibe than Riverfront Park . Extending from the bank of the river up to the central business district, the park offers something for everyone to do throughout the year. 

Appreciate the Riverfront Park area and its past by pausing to read the historical markers. Reflect on the many lives that were impacted by this place. Board the Harriott II , an elegant 19th-century vessel, for a relaxing riverboat cruise. Take in the scale of the Union Station Train Shed and think of the number of people who stepped off a train to experience Montgomery in a different time. 

Pick your perfect entertainment option. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium is home to the Montgomery Biscuits , the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays; home games are great fun for the entire family. Or take in a concert at the Riverwalk Amphitheater, nestled in a gentle river bend. The Red Bluff Bar provides live entertainment throughout the week. The Splashpad is the ideal way to cool off during the summer months. 

Check out our calendar for upcoming events along Riverfront Park. Top gatherings include spring’s Riverbend Brew Fest at the Union Station Train Shed and the Riverwalk Wine Festival in the fall. When Christmas lights sparkle, the park is a magical location for a winter walk. 

Whether you decide to enjoy a picnic, a riverboat cruise, a visit to Rotary Dog Park with your furry friend or a home game with the Biscuits, at every turn you’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy spots to share at Montgomery’s Riverfront Park.