Is Pirates Voyage in Pigeon Forge Worth It? A Local’s Honest Review

A local’s honest review of Pirates Voyage in Pigeon Forge

There are certain obligations that come with writing about Dolly Parton’s pirate-themed dinner and show, located just a cannon blast or two away from Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The obligations are:  

• Dad jokes are a must. If you don’t have pirate puns, get ready to walk the plank 
• Pirate lingo. If the words avast, swab or matey do not appear in your story, you have failed as a writer
• Sea chanteys are also a must. Don’t know any good sea chanteys? Honestly, what are you doing with your life?
• You’ve got to talk about pirate food. You’ll be eating more than hard tack and limes to avoid the scurvy, landlubber

So, with those rules out of the way, let’s get down to business, shall we? 

When did Pirates Voyage open?

Avast ye landlubbers, Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show in Pigeon Forge opened in May of 2019, and if ye be a fan of dinner shows, there are certainly less entertaining ones around. That’s right, I’m looking at you, lumberjacks. 

The show, featuring the world’s most famous pirate, Blackbeard, and his quartermaster, Calico Jack (who I assumed was a blatant rip-off of Disney’s Jack Sparrow but is actually named after a real pirate), divides the crowd into two teams, Crimson and Sapphire.

The crews then battle on behalf of their respective sides on land, on deck, in water, and high above full-sized pirate ships in an indoor hideaway lagoon. 

There are appearances by beautiful mermaids, tropical birds, and more. The show features music by Dolly Parton and Mark Brymer. If you’re into such things, it’s a Jolly Roger of a good time. 

What food is served at Pirates Voyage?

While taking in the show, you get a four-course meal. There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available as well, but remember to mention your preference at the time of reservation. 

The basic Me Hearties Feast includes the Cracklin’ Pan Fried Chicken, a Buccaneer Biscuit, Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup, sugar-cured ham, an herb-basted potato, corn on the cob, a Walk the Plank Peach Turnover, and unlimited Coke products, tea, or coffee.

You definitely won’t leave hungry. Click here to view the full menu.

Is Pirates Voyage worth it?

Honestly, it’s a little easy to be cynical about a pirate-themed dinner show, but if you can set that aside, it can be quite a bit of fun, especially if you bring some kids along and live through their enjoyment.

The animal acts are entertaining, and the crews of singers, divers, dancers, and aerialists are talented. 

The best assessment I can give is this: You know yourself and your family. If you enjoy this kind of thing, it’s really well done, and you’ll have a great time.

If this isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other things to do and places to eat in and around Pigeon Forge. 

Or to put it another way, the only rules that really matter are these: what a man can do and what a man can’t do. Savvy? 

Do you tip at Pirates Voyage?

Tips are recommended for good service. A 15% tip is generally recommended.

Is Pirates Voyage affiliated with Pirates of the Caribbean?

No. But whoever designed the Pirates Voyage website isn’t afraid to play a little fast and loose with copyright infringement and let you think some Jack Sparrow-esque action is in store. 

How much are Pirates Voyage tickets?

At the time of this writing, tickets start at around $60 and up. The prices include your dinner. Ticket information is available at piratesvoyage.com or by calling 865-505-AHOY (2469).

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. It is generally not recommended to show up more than 45 minutes prior to showtime. And if you have any special needs or a wheelchair, advise a member of the team for guidance. Visit their website to learn more. Pirates Voyage is located at 2713 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

Have you seen Pirates Voyage? Let us know in the comments and on the socials!