Historic and Modern Culinary Cruises

Most of the US waterways are navigable; some can even be followed from their source to the sea. And there are many of them. In fact, there are a quarter of a million rivers in the US, with the Missouri River the longest, at a whopping 2,540 miles.

With so much water – we haven’t yet mentioned the Great Lakes – it’s little surprise that boats developed in all styles.

Perhaps the most traditional is the paddle steamer. These beauties were once queens of the waterways, and found use as dredging vessels, as well as transport ships and luxury passenger ships.

During the 19th century it was common to see these huge paddle-powered beauts making their way up the Mississippi and Hudson rivers.

Some of these iconic vessels are still in operation today , and are now used to serve some of the finest cuisine available.

That said, they are not known for their speed. So while they paddle their way along, others set sail or turn to diesel turbines for speed. Whichever you prefer, they all offer the rare opportunity to take lunch while you sail.

If you are considering buying a gift certificate and you know its recipient prefers nostalgia to new technology, it has to be for one of the older vessels. A lunch cruise in Daytona Beach would help turn back the clock to the golden age of sailing. And if they are resident in Springfield, they could board the Showboat Branson Belle.

Perhaps they would like to catch some jazz with their soul food? Well, if so, you should consider setting them up with a lunch cruise in Louisiana.

But if they want to lap up all the luxury of a new cruise ship, there are better choices. A Philadelphia, Norfolk or Washington DC lunch cruise will see them served great foods, in new style.