By: Robin Holbrook

I recently had the opportunity to experience Volunteer Princess’ new Murder Mystery Cruise, an interactive dinner show, with nine of my family members.

“Murder at Cafe Noir” is a mystery story paying homage to old Bogart-style detective movies. Private Eye Rick Archer and characters are quite at home with cheesy detective jargon from the 1940’s.

The Volunteer Princess staff barely gets you escorted to the table when the Private Eye approaches with a picture of the “dame” he’s looking for.

It’s soon explained that Café Noir is a place where “the dishonest can be honest about it.”

We went with an open mind and a spirit to engage. The production’s likable cast fed off audience participation, so the more you engage the more animated they become! The cast and crew did a wonderful job of adapting the story to the space of th

e yacht rather than a theatre.

Our three-course meal was delicious, the service was great, and entertainment was unique and exciting. Not to mention the views of Knoxville by night were spectacular. Our only regret is that we didn’t know it was a ‘40’s themed mystery before we went, or we would have dressed for the period—but then again, that’s the kind of whacky family we are!

My family had been eager for quite some time to attend one of the events on this locally-renowned yacht. While we thoroughly enjoyed the interactive mystery show, Volunteer Princess also specializes in private events and offers a weekly Sunset Dinner Cruise if you’re simply looking for an elegant dining experience on a luxury yacht.

For more information about the Volunteer Princess Luxury Yacht, visit www.volunteerprincess.com.