Showboat Branson Belle – Branson MO

Sharing is caring!

We received tickets for a Showboat Branson Belle dinner cruise as part of a promotional blogger tour of Branson, MO through the US Family Guide. All opinions are 100% my own.

As I finally settle back into a routine after our whirlwind action-packed vacation to Branson, MO, I sit and reflect and think, “WOW! This is one of the BEST trips we went on, and everything about it was awesome.”

Branson is a fabulous place for family entertainment, and we didn’t waste any time getting started. Literally, we pulled into the parking lot of our hotel, ran inside our room to get changed quickly, and then headed to Table Rock Lake to get on board the Showboat Branson Belle for a dinner cruise!

I had never been on a showboat cruise before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The cruise exceeded our expectations and was one of the highlights of my trip. I will be sharing everything we did while on the cruise, so hopefully, if you and your family ever go to Branson, you will be sure to check out this majestic beauty.

History About the Showboat Branson Belle

Operating for almost twenty years now, the Showboat Branson Belle takes passengers on a two-hour tour of the gorgeous Table Rock Lake—you have to see it to really admire its beauty.

Passengers eat dinner while onboard, with meals prepared fresh in the ship’s galley. There is live entertainment during the meal, followed by a chance to tour the ship and enjoy the views. After stretching your legs, the entertainment resumes with award-winning shows that celebrate our American heritage.

If you are planning on taking a cruise aboard a showboat, my advice is to arrive about 30 minutes early. The view is gorgeous and will allow for time to take photos of the area and your family as well.

After snapping a few photos outside, we walked right on board, met some of the bloggers on our trip, and then we were immediately seated.

Dinner service started immediately — with unlimited sweet tea, a roll, and salad. My teenagers enjoyed the entire meal.

Along with the salad, they served a delicious entree of roasted chicken, roast beef with real mashed potatoes, and sugar snap peas with julienned carrots.

Dessert was a delicious lemon torte served with unlimited amounts of coffee. For this coffee lover, that made me extremely happy!

The ship has seating that is in rows. It looks like it might be a tight squeeze or that you would be crowded, but it is not. There are two people per table and the seating comes in rows.

We were about 2 – 3 rows away from the stage, so we were in the perfect place to see the show and enjoy the entertainment.

Courtesy of Showboat Branson Belle

After dinner — tour the outside of the ship

Following dinner, you have about 30 minutes to check out the deck and enjoy the view before the Made in the USA show begins. If you walk up to the wheelhouse, you can meet the captain and get a picture taken with him.

I didn't realize that until it was too late, but I did get a picture of the wheelhouse from the deck below.

After checking out the ship, we settled back in to watch the show, Made in the USA.

The Acts aboard the Showboat Branson Belle

The show was amazing! The show pays tribute to the USA, through song, dance, acrobat acts, and some good old clean fun, and because it starts right after you’ve had a chance to walk around the boat, everyone is feeling fresh and ready to enjoy the entertainment.

I was having so much fun singing all the songs — I recognized many of them and you will too. You might even find yourself wanting a sparkly outfit or two from the amazing aerial violinist. Her sparkly cowgirl boots are on my wish list for Christmas!

Not only will you enjoy a live band, but there is also a magician, and he was fabulous – funny for the adults and had fun tricks for the audience as well.

The magician, Christopher James, was also the Emcee. He was so funny, and had my teenager's attention with his comedy and magic acts.

He will keep you laughing every time he takes the stage. It helps take off those pounds after dessert 🙂

There were also performances by the live band and a group of vocalists called The Showmen, who performed songs you and your kids will know and love.

But the headliner was mine and my son's favorite!  She made a huge impression on him. Janice Martin (who has appeared on America’s Got Talent) is a violinist, singer, pianist, aerialist, and Army veteran. She wowed the crowds with her amazing acrobatic playing!

After the show ends, you have the chance to go and talk to all the performers. This is the last year for the Made in the USA show. If you have not had a chance to get to Branson and see it, NOW is the time.

The Showboat Branson Belle offers dinner and lunch cruises. Ticket prices start at $25 for kids and $49 for adults. You can book tickets and see the cruise schedules here. 

Have you ever been on the Showboat Branson Belle?

For more fun information about Branson, be sure to check out my Branson travel guide.