City: Branson, MO

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (417) 336-7400, (800) 831-4FUN

Address: 4800 MO 165 at

Description: One of the Silver Dollar City–owned properties, the Showboat Branson Belle is a 1990s version of a turn-of-the-20th-century paddle wheeler, sans the rats. At 278 feet long, 78 feet wide, and three stories tall, this 700-passenger vessel is an impressive sight on Table Rock Lake. When it was launched from White River Landing in 1994, bananas were used to grease down the path to the water in keeping with Silver Dollar City’s environmentally correct modus operandi. You won’t find any alcohol or gambling on this luxury ship, but you will find a live show, meals prepared onboard in the galley, and a breathtaking view of the lake during the day and a star-filled sky at night. Radio personality Paul Harvey was presented the official maritime captain’s bell on board the Showboat, making him an honorary captain on one voyage.The ship moves so slowly (an average of 6 mph) and quietly that once you’re inside you hardly notice the movement at all. On deck, however, the cool breeze rising off the lake is the perfect prescription for unwinding at the end of a long day of sightseeing. The ship’s interior spans three open stories with balconies on the second and third floors looking down on the stage. Fine draperies partially conceal the view from the dozens of windows overlooking the water. The tables are tastefully adorned with white tablecloths and attended to from the moment you arrive by a most courteous wait staff. Cruises are at noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. They run mid-March to December.The live entertainment lineup in 2006 includes Showstoppers!, celebrating the most memorable musical performances in entertainment history. The 4 and 8 p.m. cruises feature nationally acclaimed comedian Todd Oliver and his talking dogs.The food aboard the showboat rivals any restaurant in town. The full-course lunch or dinner features a beef or chicken entree, salad, sourdough bread, and a specialty dessert. After the show and meal have ended, passengers have plenty of time to take a stroll on the upper decks and visit the pilothouse, where the captain welcomes questions about the ship. Lunch is $46–$58 for adults and $23–$29 for children; the Early Escape dinner cruise and the sunset dinner cruises are $54–$66 for adults and $27–$33 for children. All prices are plus tax. Private dining and menu service are available in the Paddlewheel Room. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and cruises always leave on time, so don’t be late. Before or after the cruise you might want to visit the gift shop at White River Landing. You’ll find nautical-themed trinkets and other neat collectibles. To get to the Showboat Branson Belle, take MO 165 south of Branson. As soon as you cross the Table Rock Dam, look for the entrance sign to the parking lot on your right.