riverboat ride montgomery al

Harriot II Riverboat

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Harriot II Riverboat - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Harriott II Riverboat Cruise

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(334) 625-2100

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255 Commerce Street Montgomery , AL 36104

http://www.funinmontgomery.com/parks-items/harriott-ii-riverboat

Spend A Perfect Day On This Old Fashioned Paddle Boat Cruise In Alabama

Jennifer Young

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Alabama is no stranger when it comes to natural scenic beauty. Luckily, we’re able to experience this beautiful scenery in a variety of unique ways. One way in particular is by taking a cruise down one of Alabama’s most scenic rivers while aboard the Harriott II. For more information about the Harriott II, including why it should be experienced by everyone, take a look below.

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Have you ever taken a ride on the Harriott II? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments.

Another unique attraction in Montgomery is Old Alabama Town, which you can read all about here .

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Harriott II River Cruise

Location & Hours

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335 Coosa St

Montgomery, AL 36104

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We were recommended to come here by a fellow native, seemed like a nice date night recommendation, so we tried it. We must have went on a pretty slow night Friday. We got tickets to the third deck, which was not crowded at all. (A plus for us it was chill+ view + and seat selection was available) There was live entertainment & the band was great + also a cash bar. Our waiter/server, definitely made sure we're good. The music keep us in a nice vibe.. One Star taken for the food it mediocre nothing spectacular a basic burger. Came with a drink and chips the value was there, but maybe the sit dinner food quality was better? We didn't select that price point.. & one star taken for the bathroom That was the worst part. The bathrooms were not what I expected, I wish they could renovate and give it a little more room think of a porter potty size and even more tiny & confined space than that! I suggest bug spray and a deck of cards to keep busy.. didn't see any animals or fish at all I thought we would encounter some, either way it was very relaxing to enjoy the afternoon outside on the Harriott ll.. Fun crowd, live music, views $30 per ticket wasn't bad for a 2 hr plus ride so I'd recommend!

See all photos from Jermani D. for Harriott II River Cruise

Birthday celebration that was planned 9 months prior to the brawl. It was like meeting a celebrity when the co-captain greeted us. Unfortunately the food on Saturdays leave one disappointing. Just precooked burgers (juicy, warm but lacking seasonings, bag of chips. Still it was a great & different way to celebrate a friend's birthday! The DJ, (DJ TRIPE AAA) was entertaining. The boat is clean and in outstanding shape. There were several parties from Bham and they all were just prepared properly and went off without a hitch. A bunch of complete strangers just having a good time, eating, drinking, enjoying watching the sights and chatting on Harriet2!

Horrible horrible how you ppl treat your employees. I would not recommend this place. Too bad I had to give u a star just to post a review other than that it would've gotten a star at all. Please people do not waste your money

The Harriott II has always been a special and unique venue. It is always been a family and one dear to my heart. Everyone from Captain to deckhand, bartenders, servers, managers, ticket sells, any part of the crew. It is not a job for the faint of heart. Everyone that is there is there because they want to be. It's not because the hours are the best. Or you always know your schedule. Each crew-member takes pride in their job, and being a part of the Harriott II! I truly believe if you can make it on that boat, you can make it anywhere. Hospitality is at center everything they do and they go above and beyond to make sure each passenger has a great time and if something does come up, they do their best to make it right. The entertainers that come to play they don't pick this venue because it's the easiest to load in/out of . There's times cruises are canceled last minute because of the weather or water conditions or change in reservations. The camaraderie and mutual respect that has been cultivated throughout the staff is inspiring. Yes, it's a business and each person has a job to do, but at the end of the day the relationships go much deeper. I've had the privilege to be a guest on multiple occasions, celebrated birthdays, a singer & entertainer at times, stepped in to be an extra set of hands and serve when needed. (Those galley stairs are no joke!) This boat is special not just because my aunt Lainey is one of the managers & Captain Jim is my uncle. It's more than that. When I first moved back to Alabama in 2013, after my late husband died; This boat and all the crew were a part of my healing. It was a safe place, a place to leave all your cares on the dock, even if it's for two hours at a time. When I slowly started dating again, they had to pass the Riverboat test. if they can survive the whole crew & bands maybe they can hang . I have since remarried and Captain Jim officiated our wedding It's been a place safe to bring my children. When they were going through a loss no child should experience at such tender ages, Each person became another dad, another Uncle, a big brother, big sister, an auntie. They made time to put a smile on their faces. The Riverboat and crew helped raise my baby girls(that are not so little anymore )and each of them have gotten to work and learn something new each time they are there. I've always loved how culturally diverse the Harriott II has been and that's always how I wanted to raise my daughters. You see all ages, races, genders, etc. are there on the same boat just to have a good time. Getting to see Montgomery in a different light and get to see the beautiful scenery and sunsets and throw in 3 different decks of entertainment--you feel like you've been transported to Savannah or New Orleans. Seeing firsthand how it's evolved and grown and been transformed over the years has been really special. I've been there and helped the crew getting ready for one of the holidays or themed cruises, and so much heart goes into the riverboat and creating the special space for each public and private event. So when the internet blew up & I was seeing texts and calls and videos, these weren't some strangers-- this hit us close to home!

This little river cruise was a pleasant experience. You cruise around the river at a slow pace and just enjoy the scenery and fresh air. There are 3 levels. The top level is open so you have an awesome view of the river and downtown Montgomery. They offer lunch and dinner cruises. They have special event cruises that sometimes include live music and/or a DJ. There's even a party cruise on late nights on the weekends. Harriott offers cruises for all occasions and all audiences. I was there this time on an elementary school field trip. It was one of our many stops on a tour of historic downtown Montgomery. The kids loved it!

See all photos from Zuri C. for Harriott II River Cruise

My family and I had an AWESOME time!!!!!!! It exceeded our expectations and we will definitely take a few more rides on the river. The Wild Cat Band kept me on my feet the entire time. They know how to perform and entertain the audience. The staff was attentive to our needs and the alcoholic beverages were nice!!! This is a beautiful and relaxing way to spend a nice evening

This was awesome! This was my birthday gift from my wife this weekend (birthday today! ) Being out there on the water, the lighting, the atmosphere, the great meal, it was an amazing time. This was my first time on a boat and definitely my first dinner cruise! She surprised with the whole trip. We went on the Christmas edition, with Santa and Christmas music. Our dinner was filet minion and crab cake. Which both of our steaks were cooked perfectly! My only suggestion would be the music possibly. To have a little something more contemporary. We will definitely be back when it is warm! We love it!

The Friday night dinner cruise seem like a good idea BUT not so much . First off, there was no A/c on the boat nor were the lights working. I don't recall signing up for a candle light dinner! $45 for cold pork loin , mash potatoes were decent and the green beans were straight out of the can . The drink menu (cash bar) could have had better selections . No craft beers and a very low end wine menu-- I can be a snob when it comes to beverages but I think this is a fair assessment. There was live entertainment which was decent but would have been better if he wasn't screaming in the mic! I think the biggest "no" for me were the spiders that literally were all over outside of the boat on the deck as well as ppl smoking cigarettes. I really had high expectations for this dinner cruise but it failed the test.

SOMETHING WAS DEFINITELY MISSING! We took the cruise but opted not to have dinner. Let's be clear, I would never consider a dinner cruise unless I am doing the cooking. Also, I don't enjoy tightly closed and crowded quarters with loud music so being on the perimeter of the boat was perfect. It was a nice relaxing time and a great way to end our stay in Montgomery. It was a perfect night with cool breezes and a beautiful sunset. However two hours was too long for this particular cruise. There was no wildlife to be seen and not a lot of sites to see along the route. It would have been perfect had I been on a chaise with a head set truly relaxing and tuning everything out. After an hour of cruising with no planned activity or agenda, I was ready to jump ship. I would much rather have a history cruise that could hold my interest. At the very least, they should consider setting up tables with board games so that there are some on-going activities. However, this would likely compromise the number of people they could fit on the ship and would not be cost-effective for them. If you are going to be on the perimeter of the boat, I suggest that you bring something to occupy your time, (travel games, or something fun and interactive). This would be the perfect activity to pair with spades and Uno, or maybe some people just prefer their "chill" time. Although It was nice meeting other couples, I simply needed more. Oh well, now I know! **** You will want to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to boarding because people will get there early and the line will be very long. *****Once you get on the boat grab a seat first, you can go and purchase food later. If you don't snag a seat, you may be standing up the entire time. ****You may have your picture taken if you wish. You will pick it up after the cruise. ****Bring a headset just in case you want to chill with your phone. ****If you are not coming with a large group, you may consider a small travel game or deck of cards to occupy some of your time.

See all photos from Madelyn A. for Harriott II River Cruise

If I could leave a zero star I would this is the worst place I've ever been to in my life I highly recommend that no one pays their money to go because it's not gonna be what you think!

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Riverfront Park

There’s no better place to enjoy Montgomery’s feel-good vibe than Riverfront Park . Extending from the bank of the river up to the central business district, the park offers something for everyone to do throughout the year. 

Appreciate the Riverfront Park area and its past by pausing to read the historical markers. Reflect on the many lives that were impacted by this place. Board the Harriott II , an elegant 19th-century vessel, for a relaxing riverboat cruise. Take in the scale of the Union Station Train Shed and think of the number of people who stepped off a train to experience Montgomery in a different time. 

Pick your perfect entertainment option. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium is home to the Montgomery Biscuits , the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays; home games are great fun for the entire family. Or take in a concert at the Riverwalk Amphitheater, nestled in a gentle river bend. The Red Bluff Bar provides live entertainment throughout the week. The Splashpad is the ideal way to cool off during the summer months. 

Check out our calendar for upcoming events along Riverfront Park. Top gatherings include spring’s Riverbend Brew Fest at the Union Station Train Shed and the Riverwalk Wine Festival in the fall. When Christmas lights sparkle, the park is a magical location for a winter walk. 

Whether you decide to enjoy a picnic, a riverboat cruise, a visit to Rotary Dog Park with your furry friend or a home game with the Biscuits, at every turn you’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy spots to share at Montgomery’s Riverfront Park.

Montgomery Riverfront Park

Anchored by the Amphitheatre, the Harriott II Riverboat, and the historic Union Station Train Shed, Riverfront Park is an entertainment destination on the banks of the Alabama River. Riverboat rides, events, and concerts make this park a fun and exciting place for people of all ages.

Getting There

• 355 Commerce Street
• Montgomery, AL 36104

Where to Stay

Holiday inn montgomery airport south, quality inn & suites near gunter annex air force base, capital city rv park, the woods rv resort, key west inn south, towneplace suites by marriott montgomery eastchase, wind creek casino & hotel montgomery, courtyard by marriott, wingate by wyndham, renaissance montgomery hotel & spa at the convention center, upcoming events, 'poosa jeep fest, montgomery whitewater | u.s. navy day, market day at old alabama town, beyond the horizon air & space show at maxwell afb, flimp festival 2024, u.s. canoe slalom & kayak cross olympic team trials, baskerville: a sherlock holmes mystery, 2023 statewide us 80 hi-way sale, montgomery whitewater | all forward festival & raft race, montgomery travel exhibit, where to eat, common bond brewers, the house restaurant, derk's filet & vine, the cork & cleaver, the deli at alley station, el taco shop, j.w. beverette's soul food, wintzell's oyster house, find your alabama sweet spot.

Find the sweetest Alabama vacation spot perfectly suited just for you. Customize your next Alabama vacation by the type of experience you are looking for, then filter by the region of Alabama you want to visit. Don't know what your Alabama destination should be? Let our interactive location map be your guide. Now, where is your next Alabama Sweet Spot?

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What is the Harriott II, riverboat involved in Montgomery riverfront brawl?

• Updated: Aug. 13, 2023, 1:54 p.m. |
• Published: Aug. 11, 2023, 5:00 a.m.

The Harriott II riverboat sits docked in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. A riverfront brawl occurred on Aug. 5 when a crew member was punched for trying to move a pontoon boat that was blocking the riverboat from docking. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)

• Mary Colurso | [email protected]

The Harriott II riverboat has been in the news lately, figuring into the infamous riverfront brawl in Montgomery that happened on Saturday, Aug. 5, and quickly captured national attention via viral videos.

The videos showed a Black riverboat co-captain attacked by a group of white people as other Black people rushed to his defense. As of Friday morning, Aug. 12, four people had been charged with assault in connection to the large fight, and another was being sought for questioning in connection with the incident.

The melee was ignited, police said, when the Harriott II, which had been out on the Alabama River for a dinner cruise, was trying to dock in a spot that had been designated and reserved for the riverboat. A private pontoon boat was docked too close to the spot, and the captain used a public address system to try to find the pontoon’s occupants and get them to move it.

The Harriott’s co-captain, Damien Pickett, was taken by a smaller boat to the dock to try to address the situation. That’s when a confrontation ensued between Pickett and some of the pontoon boat occupants.

READ: Montgomery riverboat crew says they were attacked by drunk people yelling n word, records state

“The co-captain was doing his job,” Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert told CNN . “He was simply trying to move the boat in just enough to where the cruise ship could park safely in its identified location. However, it quickly escalated.”

Police responded to break up the fight, and 13 people were detained and questioned for several hours Saturday, officials said. Meanwhile, videos taken by bystanders during the brawl were posted on social media, causing a national sensation. An investigation is ongoing, police said.

READ: Montgomery Riverfront Park brawl: 2 defendants jailed on assault charges

The Harriott II, a familiar sight on the river, might have been taken for granted by folks in Montgomery in the past, but no longer. Recent comments on the Harriott’s Facebook page , both positive and negative, have mentioned the brawl, and the incident has significantly raised the riverboat’s profile.

So what is the Harriott II? What role does it serve on the city’s entertainment and tourism landscape? What services does it provide, and how much does it cost to ride? If you’re unfamiliar with the riverboat, here’s a primer.

The Harriott II riverboat sails down the Alabama River in March 2013 at Union Station Train Shed in Montgomery, Alabama. (AL.com file photo/Julie Bennett)

What is the Harriott II?

The Harriott II, a 19th-century riverboat, offers public and private cruises on the Alabama River. The riverboat is part of Montgomery’s entertainment district, and was part of a downtown revitalization effort in the city that revved up in 2008-2009.

Right now, Montgomery’s website for parks and recreation and special events touts the Harriott II as “center stage of Montgomery’s entertainment district.” The City of Montgomery website lauds the Harriott II as a prime attraction on its “vibrant riverfront,” and also points to “ballets, sports complexes, museums, civil rights memorials, city parks.”

The Harriott II arrived in Montgomery in October 2008 , after taking a 1,400-mile trip that took about 28 days from its origin in Savannah, Georgia. The Montgomery Riverfront Development Foundation paid about $500,000 for the riverboat as an entertainment and tourist attraction, according to a report by WFSA TV , an NBC affiliate in Montgomery. Reports at the time said the riverboat could hold up to 400 passengers.

The Harriott II is maintained and managed by the City of Montgomery/Riverfront Facilities, according to an online brochure with rental information.

Right now, the riverboat offers regularly scheduled cruises for the public on Fridays through Sundays through October. There’s a two-hour dinner cruise on Fridays at 6:30 p.m., a two-hour getaway cruise on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and a two-hour blues cruise on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Food, drinks, and live entertainment are part of the cruises.

Tickets are $30-$55 for adults, $15-$35 for children. Packages for birthdays and anniversaries cost $49.95-$79.95, the riverboat’s website says. The agenda trims to Saturdays and Sundays in November. (See this online brochure for details.)

People board the Harriott II about a half-hour before departure, at 255 Commerce St. near Riverfront Park . Tickets can be bought online or at the box office at 213 Commerce St. At least 35 paying customers must be on board for a cruise, the brochure says. About 227 people were on the Harriott when the riverfront brawl happened on Aug. 5, according to CNN.

Charter rentals for the Harriott II range from $3,700 to $10,500, depending on the day, the cruise and the services provided. There’s also an educational cruise that lasts one hour and has a minimum of 75 passengers, with historic narration and a box lunch, that costs $22 per person.

The Harriott II has scheduled several specialty cruises this year, including a Halloween costume party cruise on Oct. 28; a murder mystery cruise on Nov. 19; holiday cruises Dec. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16; and a New Year’s Eve cruise on Dec. 31.

Food entrees on the riverboat range from barbecue chicken to beef tips over rice to spaghetti and meatballs, according to the rental brochure, and grill area offers burgers, wings, nachos and other casual fare. Beer, wine, liquor and specialty drinks are available at the bar.

The Harriott II has a rating of 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor , based on 82 reviews. It’s got 4.5 stars on Google, based on 300 reviews.

MORE ON THE RIVERFRONT BRAWL:

21-year-old woman is 4th person charged in Montgomery riverboat brawl

3 white men in pontoon boat charged in Montgomery brawl; Black man with chair sought for questioning

Johnson: Montgomery brawl defenders embody broader Black resolve, ‘Not today, y’all’

Man seen trying to stop Montgomery riverfront brawl: ‘I don’t really think this was a racism thing’

Montgomery riverfront brawl: ‘Justice will be served,’ mayor says as police obtain 4 warrants

Man claims he was on Montgomery riverboat, tells radio host: ‘Made me proud of Black people’

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