Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of the most frequently asked questions about Volunteer Princess Cruises. If you need further assistance or information that cannot be found on this site, please call our event planners at (865) 541-4556.

I want to make reservations for a cruise but do not have a credit/debit card. Can I still make reservations?

Yes.  Our office is located at Volunteer Landing Marina in downtown Knoxville and is open Monday-Friday from 9:00-4:30 PM, or by appointment. A reservation may be made at this location with cash.

Where do we park for the cruise?

Parking can be found under the bridge in the Ruth's Chris Parking lot. Please park in the spaces that say Gateway Offices.  Although we are part of Volunteer Landing Marina, the manager of the marina and "dock tenants" have told us that our guests can no longer park in the spaces that say Volunteer Marina.  Therefore we ask that you only park in the Gateway spaces or in the spaces marked Ruth's Chris that are also under the bridge.  If you are having problems finding a spot, please pull up to the Ruth's Chris entrance and speak with the Valet.  Just tell them you are coming on the Volunteer Princess and he will be more than happy to direct you where to park.  

Do not park in the Calhoun's/Riverboat spaces; towing has occurred before. Overflow parking can also be found at James White Fort (located at the top of the hill) or at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, or Suntrust.  You can also park in the garage parking on White Avenue. 

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

Volunteer Princess Cruises cancellation policy states that cancellations for normal public cruises must be made 48 hours in advance to receive a refund. This includes breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, but does not include special holiday cruises. Cancellations for special holiday cruises must be made at least one week in advance. Refunds will not given if you cancel after the noted grace period. All cruises are subject to cancellation at the Captain's discretion for adverse weather or mechanical reasons. All public cruises require a minimum of 15 passengers to set sail. If a public cruise is cancelled due to a lack of reservations, your credit card will be issued a complete refund or we can reschedule you for one of our other cruises.

What is the dress attire?

For dinner cruises, we recommend men wear dress slacks with a dress shirt and women wear cocktail attire. We do not have a dress code, but we hope our guests experience the special atmosphere to its fullest. A dinner cruise aboard the Volunteer Princess is an opportunity to dress up!

For lunch and brunch cruises, we recommend dressy casual attire. For men, we recommend dress shorts or pants with a dress shirt. For women, we recommend dress slacks or skirt/shorts with a blouse. 

What is Boarding Time?

Boarding time is the earliest that you and your guests may board the ship and begins 30 minutes prior to departure time, unless noted otherwise. You are welcome to board anytime after that up until the Cruise Time. The ship will leave the dock at Cruise Time. No boarding will be allowed once the ship has set sail.

What if it rains?

The Volunteer Princess will cruise in most weather conditions year round. The yacht has two fully-enclosed decks which are climate controlled, so weather will not affect your cruise. In case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the United States Coast Guard, the yacht will remain dockside until weather permits.

Is there pre-assigned seating?

Yes, all tables are assigned. As you board, our cruise coordinator will direct you to your assigned, private table.

How many people will I be seated with at our table?

The Volunteer Princess prides itself in providing each party their own private table. Under no circumstance will you be seated at the same table with someone you do not know.

Where do I pick up my tickets?

Volunteer Princess Cruises does not issue tickets for public cruises. Once your reservation has been made, all you have to do is check in with the cruise coordinator at boarding. If you book a reservation online, we receive those in the office and immediately place them in our manifest for the specified date. If you call and book reservations over the phone, we will need your credit card to hold your reservation. Tickets are not necessary when coming onboard.

What is our cruise route?

The Volunteer Princess departs from Volunteer Landing Marina and heads downstream the Tennessee River. The Volunteer Princess offers exclusive views of downtown Knoxville's riverfront from every table. Various landmarks that can be seen on every cruise include the Sunsphere, Neyland Stadium, Thompson Boling Arena, the University of Tennessee, the beautiful multi million dollar homes in Sequoyah Hills and Loony Island. On cruises of three hours or more, Cherokee Country Club and Lakeshore park can be seen. 

When does the season end?

The Volunteer Princess is able to cruise all year round. The Tennessee River does not freeze and is deep enough for us to navigate year round. Also, since both decks are totally enclosed and climate controlled, you will always be in the comfort of heat or air conditioning.

What size groups can you accommodate?

We can accommodate groups from 2-149. Please call our event planners if you have a date you are interested in.

Is the yacht handicap accessible?

Volunteer Princess Cruises can accommodate standard wheelchairs on the main deck of the yacht, however there is no elevator for access to the upper deck. Please indicate when making your reservation that you have handicap guests in your party.

What beverages are served on the cruise?

Soft drinks, beer, wine and liquor drinks are available for purchase onboard at our cash bar.  Water, tea and coffee are complimentary.

Do you offer vegetarian meals?

Yes. If you have any special dietary concerns, please notify us prior to the cruise date so that special arrangements can be made.

Is smoking allowed on the cruise?

Smoking is allowed on the outside areas of the lower deck only.

Does my ticket price include gratuity?

No, Volunteer Princess Cruises does not include gratuity in the ticket price.  The standard gratuity is between 15-20%.

Does Volunteer Princess Cruises do anything special for anniversaries, birthdays, etc.?

The Volunteer Princess offers several packages that may include floral arrangements, appetizers and cocktails. Please call our office at 865.541.4556 or look at our packages online to inquire about and order any special occasion packages.

Can I bring a birthday cake onboard?

Typically, we do not allow guests to bring their own food onboard. For a celebration, you can order a cake through our own catering.

May I bring my own camera on board?

Guests are more than welcome to bring their own camera for personal pictures aboard the ship. In addition, you can choose to purchase a photo package while making reservations. This comes with a picture of you and your guests and a frame. Before you depart, you’ll find your photo already printed and framed.

What type of entertainment do you have?

For our public Starlight cruises, dance to the sounds of our DJ’s vast repertoire while taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of Knoxville, Tenn. Aboard one of our other public dinner cruises, our captain will play music from the pilot house. If you have any requests, please feel free to let him know!

Lunch cruise feature an interesting and informative narration that describes the points of interest along the route from our very own captain.

Do you offer Gift Certificates?

Yes, you can purchase Gift Certificates online, here.