Selma offers riverboat alternative - WSFA.com Montgomery Alabama news.

Captain Randy Thompson and his riverboat, Phoenix, moved from the Capital City to Selma, where Thompson and his crew will give passengers a unique look at their town.

"You've got good viewing, so you can really see the river banks, and we don't fly, we go very slow.  So you get to see everything," Thompson said.

Though city and county leaders came along for the boat's maiden voyage in her new home, these rides aren't just for residents.

Local tourism workers hope Phoenix will fetch visitors.

"We can take a group of 50 out.  We can do specialized tours, field trip tours, and add on to our events we already have existing," explained Candace Johnson, Selma-Dallas County Tourism Director.

With seating for 50, local businesses can also benefit from the boat.

"We'll use our local caterers. We'll get to work with the Saint James Hotel and several local businesses here," Johnson said.

A taste of tourism, history, and economic help that city leaders welcome.

"I just hope this changes the whole vision and perception of our city. Some people think negative and make it positive. Little by little, we hope to change our city's image," said Selma Mayor George Evans.

THE PHOENIX CALLS THE SELMA CITY MARINA HOME NOW.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SCHEDULE A TWO HOUR CRUISE ALONG THE ALABAMA RIVER, GIVE THEM A CALL AT (334) 430-0257.