Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our office is located at 956 Volunteer Landing Lane, Knoxville, TN 37915 and is typically open everyday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We recommend calling ahead to make an appointment, but you are welcome to stop by and make a reservation with cash.  All cruise reservations must be made in advance.

Our address is 956 Volunteer Landing Lane, Knoxville, TN 37915. Parking is located to the left-hand side of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse under the overpass in spots labeled “Volunteer Landing Marina” or “Adventure Center.” Once you’ve parked, simply walk past Ruth’s Chris onto the cement walkway to the right-hand side of the building. Keep left at the fork, and you will see the yacht shortly thereafter!

Guests who require handicapped parking may park in the designated handicapped spots at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

Below, please view a parking map for reference and review . Please contact us with any questions you have, and we’ll gladly help.

Cancellations:

Cruises are non-refundable.  If you decide to cancel at least 48 hours in advance, we can reschedule you for no charge.  If you decide to cancel less than 48 hours in advance, you will be subject to a $15 per person rescheduling fee.  Please call our office for any cancellations.

Please note a full refund will not be given if a cruise remains dockside due to inclement weather. A full refund will be given if a cruise is cancelled entirely due to inclement weather.

Any person failing to appear on the day of departure will not be refunded.

Please note Mother Daughter Princess Tea Party AND Mother Son Superhero Party tickets are transferable but non-refundable. Tickets may only be transferred to another guest for the same cruise date and time. The original ticket-holder MUST call our office to give us the new ticket holder’s contact information, so we may verify the authenticity of the ticket, update our manifest, and send event information to the new ticket holder.

Private Event Cancellations:
Customers may review their event contract and call our office at 865-247-6584 for information regarding private event cancellations.

Boarding time is the window in which guests can board the yacht.  Boarding time begins 30 minutes prior to departure unless otherwise noted.  Due to Coast Guard regulations, admittance to the yacht is not allowed prior to the boarding window.  The yacht will dock promptly at the time of departure; boarding is not permitted once the boat has set sail.

We recommend smart casual attire such as dress pants, khakis, and a collared shirt for men. For women, we suggest smart, casual attire such a dress or a skirt and a nice blouse. You may find some guests dressed in more formal attire, especially those celebrating special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries. However, attire varies from dark, nice jeans to formal cocktail wear. Casual shorts, tennis shoes, flip-flops, and t-shirts are discouraged. We encourage our guests to have fun with their attire as a cruise aboard the Volunteer Princess provides the perfect opportunity to dress up!

Our two fully enclosed and climate-controlled decks allow us to cruise year-round regardless of weather.  In the case of inclement weather or upon directed of the US Coast Guard, the yacht will remain dockside until weather permits us to sail.

We pride ourselves on providing each party its own private table.  You will never be seated at a table with someone you do not know unless otherwise noted (i.e. social tables for our New Year’s Eve Cruises, reservations for our Princess Tea Parties, etc.).  As you board, our crew will direct you to your private table.

Of course! We do ask that adults accompany children at all times while onboard and consider providing something to occupy their time onboard.

Volunteer Princess Cruises does not issue tangible tickets for public cruises.  Upon booking your reservation, you will be sent a confirmation email for your review and your records.  Simply provide your name upon check-in, and we will cross check it with our manifest.

The Volunteer Princess departs from Volunteer Landing Marina and heads downstream towards Neyland Stadium and into the Sequoyah Hills area before we return to dock.  See “Yacht Route” under our “About the Yacht” page for more detailed information.

The cruise ends upon docking back at the marina, unless otherwise directed. We ask that upon docking you ensure your bar tab is closed and exit the front of the boat.

The maximum capacity of the yacht is 132 guests.  We can accommodate groups of 2 – 80 during our public cruises.  We offer discounted group rates and semiprivate deck rentals for parties of 20 or more.  Please contact our office at 865-247-6584 for more information.

Yes, we can accommodate standard wheelchairs on the main deck of the yacht.  We do not have an elevator to access the upper deck, so guests in wheelchairs will be confined to the main deck.  We do have a handicap accessible restroom located on the main deck.  Please indicate whether you or your guests require wheelchair access when making your reservation online.

Yes! For most public and private events there is a vegetarian option listed.

If your cruise has a set menu (i.e. New Years, Valentine’s Day, etc) please make sure to call or email us before booking to ensure we can accommodate your requests.

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

Yes, we offer several packages you may add to your reservation to enhance your cruise.  Simply book online and click on the dropdown menu under “Packages” to review our package options and descriptions.

Typically, outside food and beverage are not permitted on the yacht.  However, you may bring your own birthday cake from a licensed caterer; please call our office at 865-247-6584 if you would like to do so.

Enjoy background music played from the pilot house during most of our public cruises.  For most holiday cruises and special events, live DJ entertainment will be available; please let our DJs know if you have a special request!

Yes, please click on the red “Gift Cards” button at the bottom of our home page to purchase yours today!  Please note: no tangible gift card will be sent to you.  You will receive a code via email to use as your gift card when making reservations online.

Please call our office at 865-247-6584 if you would like to purchase a tangible gift card we will mail to an address of your choosing.  Please allow 6 – 10 business days for delivery.