We’re back with Part 2 of our Tennessee Rivers cruise with American Cruise Lines (ACL)—diving into the ports, excursions, and what surprised us most along the way as we sailed on the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Ohio Rivers.
From Chattanooga to Nashville, we share the excursion options along the way, including scenic sailing, small-town gems, Civil War history, and unique stops like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Paducah’s Quilt Museum, which we experienced firsthand.
We also cover tips for excursions, what to expect in these quieter destinations, and how to extend your trip before or after your cruise in Chattanooga, Nashville, or Franklin, TN.
In Part 1 (
https://youtu.be/bklphcMa7ko), we talked about the overall experience of river cruising on the Tennessee River, what the ship is like, and who this type of cruise is best for.
Here are helpful links to go along with this episode, which include photos:
• American Cruise Lines: Tennessee River Cruise Review from Chattanooga to Nashville:
https://sometimessailing.com/american-cruise-lines-tennessee-river-cruise-review-from-chattanooga-to-nashville/
• Is the Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour Worth it?
https://sometimeshome.com/is-the-grand-ole-opry-backstage-tour-worth-it-in-nashville/
• 26 Date Ideas in Franklin, Tennessee:
https://sometimeshome.com/date-ideas-in-franklin-tn-for-couples/
• The Harpeth Hotel Review:
https://sometimeshome.com/the-harpeth-hotel-review-in-downtown-franklin-tennessee/
CHAPTERS
00:35 Intro to the Tennessee Rivers Cruise
02:44 Exploring Chattanooga: Pre-Cruise Experience
06:52 Day-by-Day Ports & Excursions on the Tennessee Rivers Cruise
07:51 Decatur, Alabama (Excursion in Huntsville, AL): Space Race
10:27 Florence, Alabama: Native American Culture & Historic Music
13:22 Savannah, Tennessee: Shiloh National Military Park
16:17 Appreciating the Small Towns & Port Cities
17:48 Paducah, Kentucky: A Hidden Gem
22:20 Day of Cruising Through Scenic Landscapes
24:53 Nashville, TN: A Vibrant, Final Port
27:19 Disembarking in Music City: Extending Beyond the Cruise
28:01 Post-Cruise Discovery in Franklin, Tennessee
31:53 Looking Back on the Tennessee Rivers Cruise Experience