The Perdido Queen riverboat in Mobile, Alabama, offers unforgettable cruises on Mobile Bay and through the bustling Port of Mobile. From sunset dinner cruises and murder mystery theater to brunch tours and holiday celebrations, this classic paddlewheel riverboat provides unique experiences for couples, families, and groups.
Departing from downtown Mobile behind the Convention Center, the Perdido Queen lets you explore the working port, sail past the historic SS United States, and enjoy Southern hospitality on the water.

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What to Expect on a Perdido Queen Cruise
The Perdido Queen Boat Tour is a fantastic way to see all of the action in the Port of Mobile, along with amazing views of the city skyline.
We took my mother-in-law on the Scenic Ships and Port Tour, and she loved it. The boat is accessible and has great indoor seating with large windows. Drinks are available onboard which was perfect on a hot summer afternoon.
The cruise is fascinating and offers an opportunity to see the activity in the port, along with learn more about the ships that dock in the port.
I was truly in awe seeing all of the container ships, ship building yard, the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship, and the amount of activity we saw during our cruise. We can't wait to experience another Perdido Queen Mobile Cruise.
About the Perdido Queen
The Perdido Queen has an interesting journey! Originally built in 2002 as the Spirit of Texas in Galveston, she was renamed and moved to Orange Beach in 2014. Willie and Anna Jones purchased the riverboat in 2018 and relocated her to Mobile in 2019, where she's been delighting passengers ever since.
Types of Perdido Queen Cruises in Mobile
Cruises offered on the Perdido Queen include:
- Scenic sunset dinner cruise
- Murder mystery dinner theater
- Live music dinner cruise
- Brunch cruise
- Scenic ships and port tour
- Haunted riverboat ghost tours
- Private tours
- Holiday parties and cruises including Christmas season, New Year's Eve, Mardi Gras, and Valentine's Day cruises.
Here are our suggestions on the Best Perdido Queen Cruises
- Best for families: Scenic Ships and Port Tour, Brunch Cruise, Holiday cruises
- Best for date night: Sunset Dinner Cruise, Valentine's Day cruise, Brunch Cruise
- Best for groups: Murder Mystery, Private tours, Holiday Party cruise
Onboard Amenities and Seating

Boarding the Perdido Queen
Boarding for the Perdido Queen cruise is located next to the parking garage under the Convention Center. Passengers line up near the gangway until the staff is ready to welcome you aboard.
If you are visiting in the summer, there is shade in the parking garage if it is a super hot day.


Indoor Climate-Controlled Seating
The indoor seating on the Perdido Queen is really comfortable. The chairs are padded and do not have arms on them. This is a great spot to relax and watch the cruise from the comfort of the air conditioning.


Full Bar Service
There is a full bar available on the Perdido Queen. They have beer, wine, and a great selection of cocktails.
The Mobile Area Multi Attraction Pass includes the National Maritime Museum along with Bellingrath Gardens, Bragg-Mitchell Museum, Dauphin Island Aquarium, Conde Charlotte Museum, Historic Blakely State Park, Historic Oakleigh House, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, and more!


Observation Deck Views
The observation deck is located up a set of stairs near the front of the boat. During our recent cruise it was incredibly popular! If you want to get a specific photo or view during your cruise make sure to plan time to get to a spot and hold it.

Sailing Past the Historic SS United States
The Perdido Queen Riverboat sails past the SS United States while it is being worked on in Mobile, Alabama.
Since this picture was taken, the tall stacks on top of the ship have been removed. The ship is being prepared to be sunk off the coast of Florida between Pensacola and Panama City Beach.
The SS United States Ships and Port Tour was fascinating. They had memorabilia from the SS United States on display. We learned about the ship's transatlantic voyages, and great history of the ship. Book the Scenic Ships and Port Tour HERE to experience this limited-time opportunity before the ship leaves Mobile!

Why the Perdido Queen Mobile is Worth Booking
- Family friendly things to do in Mobile
- Climate-controlled indoor seating with panoramic windows
- Full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails
- Observation deck for photo opportunities
- Special seasonal cruises for holidays
Ready to experience Mobile Bay from the water? Check cruise availability and book your Perdido Queen experience HERE.
Perdido Queen Tips & FAQs
Can you see the SS United States from the Perdido Queen? Yes! The Perdido Queen sails right past the historic SS United States during most cruises. The SS United States Port Tour provides even more detailed history about this legendary ship.
Is the Perdido Queen wheelchair accessible? Yes, the main salon accommodates manual wheelchairs and walkers, and the indoor seating is comfortable with no arms on chairs.
What should I wear? Dress casually and prepare for Alabama Gulf Coast weather. If you plan to spend time on the observation deck, bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Does the weather impact the Perdido Queen? Cruises are done rain or shine, the vessel is heated or cooled.
Visitor Information: Booking, Parking, and Accessibility
Address - 1 South Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602, USA
Docked behind the Mobile Convention Center at the heart of downtown Mobile. If you walk around the convention center or through the parking lot you will find the boat.
Phone - 251-206-6106
Hours - Perdido Queen Riverboat Cruise times vary depending on the type of Mobile river cruise
Plus Size Seating - There are no arms on the chairs in the indoor seating area. They were comfortable.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, make sure you are prepared for the Alabama Gulf Coast weather. If you plan to be outside, please wear sunscreen and be prepared for the heat.
Pets - Pets are not allowed on the boat.
Parking - Covered parking is available in the Mobile Convention Center Parking Garage, park next to the water and the boat is right behind the parking garage.
Open parking is available in front of Cooper Riverside Park.

What to Do Near the Perdido Queen in Mobile
Maritime Museum of the Gulf - Explore 80+ interactive maritime exhibits in this unique ship-shaped museum just steps from the Perdido Queen dock.
Mobile History Museum - is filled with historical displays and interesting information on the history of Mobile and the surrounding areas.
What's New in Mobile, AL - Check out all of the new restaurants, exhibits, and things to do in Mobile!
Colonial Fort Conde - Step into a reconstructed fort and learn about the early settlements of Mobile.
Conde Charlotte House - Directly behind the fort is a fantastic Mobile historic house that showcases the history of Mobile. Built on the site of Mobile's first jail.
Where to eat near the Perdido Queen
Bistro Saint Emanuel - Just around the corner is a fantastic bistro with delicious food.
Knucklebones Elixir Co - Right across from Mardi Gras Park is a coffee shop with an epic vibe and great drinks.
Nova Espresso - Great Mobile Coffee shop located near downtown Mobile, Alabama. The coffee shop has a relaxed vibe and great drinks.
Dropout Bakery Company - Fantastic bakery just down the street with an epic menu of sweet and savory treats.

Mobile Hotels and Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
The Battle House Hotel - The historic Battle House Hotel offer luxurious comfort in the heart of Downtown Mobile. Book your hotel stay here
Renaissance Mobile Riverview - Gorgeous hotel with views of the Mobile River and downtown. Book your stay here
Fort Conde Inn - Great luxury boutique hotel located close to the Mobile cruise terminal and Fort Conde historic area. Book your hotel stay here
The Admiral - Located in Downtown Mobile's historic district the Admiral is gorgeous! Filled with art, an epic steakhouse and, gorgeous rooms. Book your stay here.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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