Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard-approved Showboat Branson Belle, the largest vessel built outside a shipyard and the largest ship on a landlocked lake in the U.S., was launched on August 12, 1994, at White River Landing. It was propelled into Table Rock Lake using two tons of bananas as lubrication. After two years of construction, the 240' x 78' vessel began cruises on April 15, 1995. Owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment, the boat offers dinner theater cruises on Table Rock Lake.

The boat’s theater has three main tiers, providing 700 seats with unobstructed views. With a total passenger capacity of 1,000, the Showboat features state-of-the-art audio, video, lighting systems, stage rigging, and special effects provided by Paragon

Theatrical Systems

Noise control and isolation from external sources were crucial in the Showboat Branson Belle's theater design, particularly in isolating engine room noise. The system was designed to meet maritime regulations and overcome challenges presented by the ship's long, parallel metal structure.

The seating plan included opera-style side seating, spaces under balconies, and other areas that required multiple fill speakers for proper sound distribution. The Showboat upgraded to a Yamaha digital console, incorporating theatrical and boat-wide override switches for announcements by the Captain, with a battery backup for emergencies. The lighting system features both conventional and LED units with various positions throughout the boat.

Paragon has upgraded the Showboat's audio, video, and lighting systems over the past 25 years, including new digital consoles, speaker systems, LED lighting, and LED walls.