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Showboat Branson Belle: Authentic Paddlewheeler, Elegant Dining and Live Talking Dogs

by Special Release to Branson Courier
published: Apr 25, 2006

Where can you find the nation's largest ship cruising a landlocked lake, with elegant dining and a spectacular show inside a 700-seat atrium-style dining theater - along with live talking dogs? In Branson, Missouri, the magnificent Showboat Branson Belle takes guests on two-hour lunch and dinner cruises on beautiful Table Rock Lake, March through December.

 

The three-story Showboat is Branson's grandest lake experience, with 2006 décor enhancements including antique mirrors, trim and special Victorian seating. From exploring the huge paddlewheeler's four decks to dining on a three-course meal, the experience of being aboard a massive ship is as unique as the entertainment, which features nationally-acclaimed comedian Todd Oliver and his trio of talking dogs.

 

"Guests rank the Showboat as one of the most entertaining experiences in Branson," said Showboat Branson Belle General Manager Jim Moeskau. "The quality of the production with a cast of talented performers, adagio dancers and comedians, coupled with movable staging, impressive costuming and lighting, makes it far different from ship excursions in other destinations that feature bands or single acts - this is an all-out, full production show."

 

The show Showstoppers! presents showstopping hits in the ship's dining theater. The cast of singers and dancers performs music from Broadway to the big screen, from "Phantom of the Opera" to "Old Time Rock 'N' Roll."  Featured comedian and ventriloquist Todd Oliver, named Branson's best variety act three years in a row, performs with his famous wise-cracking talking dog Irving, who has been showcased with Oliver on national television shows and specials including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Sharing the stage with Irving are canine co-stars Lucy, the first female talking dog, and a

talking basset named Elvis. Lunch and Sunday cruises present comedic magician Christopher Greenamyer.

 

All meals aboard the Showboat are freshly prepared onboard in the ship's galley. The dinner menu includes a main course of Admiral's Choice Braised Beef in demi-glace sauce and Chicken Kiev, with a dessert of lemon berry torte.

 

For special occasions or small groups, the Showboat Branson Belle presents a premium dining experience in the Paddle Wheel Club Room, perched just above the turning paddlewheels, where guests who select this option dine more privately with views of the lake and shoreline. Paddle Wheel guests may select from an array of entrées including a Captain's special-cut rib-eye steak, pan-seared salmon, Caribbean stuffed chicken, and a choice of desserts. After the meal, diners are escorted to viewing boxes in the main theater area for the show.

 

The Captain's Row, the first row of the balcony, is a new option for guests who prefer to choose from the menu options of the Paddle Wheel Club Room but want to remain in the dining theater. "Responding to the trend of more families taking cruises, new menu choices for kids in the Paddle Wheel Club Room and Captain's Row are available this year," Moeskau said. 

 

The Showboat Branson Belle, Silver Dollar City and White Water, all Silver Dollar City Attractions, were the first properties in Missouri to achieve the prestigious honor of being designated as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries by Audubon International, for preserving wildlife habitats and conserving natural resources.

 

Cruises sail through New Year's Eve. All cruises run approximately two hours and 15 minutes, and begin at noon, 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Popular Sunday cruises are offered throughout the year at noon and 4:00 p.m. The Showboat is located one-half mile south of Table Rock Dam on Mo. 165. For ticket information, schedules, complete menus and reservations, call 1-800-775-BOAT. Information and ticketing are also available at www.silverdollarcity.com.