Nashville Riverboats has arrived in Music City with the debut of the first of two historic riverboats, bringing authentic riverboat heritage back to the heart of downtown Nashville. The company has launched year-round service aboard its inaugural vessel, The Capitol, operating daily from Riverfront Park with regular sightseeing tours, brunch and dinner cruises, and special event charters.
“Nashville was a river city long before it became known to the world as Music City,” said Troy Manthey, President and CEO of Nashville Riverboats. “For most of Nashville’s history, the Cumberland was a working river, with shipping and industrial uses taking precedence over tourism and recreation. With the East Bank redevelopment project underway and increased attention to our riverscape, this is the perfect moment to bring riverboats back to downtown. We look forward to telling the river’s story and showcasing Nashville’s best views.”
There has not been a regular riverboat presence in downtown Nashville since 2014, when the Music City Queen, a for-charter paddleboat, was sold and moved to Boston. The return of riverboats to downtown is part of a citywide effort to expand downtown experiences of interest to families and Nashville residents.
A second vessel, Steamer Nashville, will be added to the fleet in late fall 2026. Steamer Nashville is a historic riverboat and a rare gem of American maritime history, one of only three operating western river steamboats, with an authentic steam engine that dates to 1915.
Nashville Riverboats provides family-friendly experiences for all ages, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the Cumberland River throughout the year:
- Historical & Sightseeing Tours: Expert-led journeys detailing the rich history of the Cumberland River and the growth of Music City.
- Brunch & Dinner Cruises: Elevated culinary experiences featuring Southern-inspired menus and live entertainment.
- Private Events: A unique floating venue for weddings, corporate gatherings, and milestone celebrations.
Nashville Riverboats is part of the Manthey Hospitality group, which operates Florida’s largest fleet of passenger vessels. The company will operate year-round and is expected to employ approximately 100 team members once fully staffed. Nashville Riverboats has established its corporate offices in Washington Square, with an overnight dock located on Cement Plant Road.
Nashville Riverboats is Manthey Hospitality’s first expansion outside of Florida and represents a significant investment in Nashville’s tourism and hospitality landscape. The Capitol marks the first phase of the company’s expansion into Tennessee, offering locals and visitors of all ages new ways to experience Nashville from the water.