San Diego’s dinner cruises pack impressive value, combining hearty meals with postcard-perfect harbor views. These 2.5-hour excursions glide past 25 miles of illuminated coastline, offering both plated and buffet options featuring prime rib and fresh seafood. We’re especially fond of the Hornblower and Flagship cruises – they consistently deliver excellent service and high-quality food while passing under the magnificent Coronado Bay Bridge.
The seasonal offerings stand out, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas when the bay sparkles with holiday lights. Most vessels accommodate wheelchairs, making these experiences accessible to all travelers.
Let’s explore the best dinner cruise options in San Diego’s harbor.
Key Points
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San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise offers a 2.5-hour cruise with gourmet meals, live entertainment, and a scenic 25-mile coastline view for an intimate setting.
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Seasonal special cruises like Mother’s Day, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving provide unique dining experiences on the water, with non-refundable cancellation policies.
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Dinner cruises feature a variety of plated and buffet-style options, including highlights like oven-roasted chicken, salmon, and New York-style cheesecake.
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The cruises are wheelchair accessible, offer scenic views of San Diego’s landmarks, and have climate-controlled interiors for a comfortable experience.
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Customer reviews generally praise the value and service, with some mixed feedback on food quality, though the certified experiences ensure overall satisfaction.
San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise
The San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise offers a delightful evening of dining and sightseeing aboard the ‘Spirit of San Diego.’ Guests can embark on a 2.5-hour cruise that covers 25 miles of California’s picturesque coastline, providing stunning views of the San Diego skyline.
The experience includes a gourmet meal with options like prime rib, steak, and seafood, accompanied by a complimentary welcome drink and live entertainment.
Reviewers praise the attentive staff and special celebrations, though some note concerns about food quality and high drink prices.
With a maximum capacity of 80 travelers, this dinner cruise provides an intimate and memorable way to explore the San Diego waterfront.
Read our full review: San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise Review
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San Diego: Mothers Day Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
On Mother’s Day, visitors can treat their loved ones to a stunning San Diego harbor cruise that offers either a delectable brunch or a mouthwatering dinner.
Priced from $154.85 per person, the 2-2.5 hour cruise features a chef-inspired buffet or plated meal, free-flowing champagne and mimosas, and live entertainment.
Guests can savor breakfast favorites, salads, entrees, and decadent desserts while taking in scenic views of the Coronado Bridge and Cabrillo National Monument.
With a non-refundable cancellation policy, this unique Mother’s Day experience is perfect for creating cherished memories on the water.
Read our full review: San Diego: Mothers Day Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
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San Diego Dinner Cruise
Aboard a luxurious yacht, the San Diego Dinner Cruise offers guests a gourmet meal and captivating views of the city’s starlit skyline.
With 286 reviews and a 4.0 rating, the cruise is a popular choice for celebrating special occasions. The 2.5-hour experience (3 hours on Fridays and Saturdays) includes a plated three-course dinner, DJ entertainment, and private table seating.
Highlights from the menu feature salads, mains like oven-roasted chicken and coriander-crusted salmon, and a New York-style cheesecake for dessert.
Though the service and meal quality have received mixed reviews, the cruise’s panoramic views of the Coronado Bay Bridge and USS Midway make it a unique way to enjoy San Diego’s waterfront.
Read our full review: San Diego Dinner Cruise Review
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San Diego: Buffet Fall-Themed Dinner Cruise With Drinks
Although the San Diego: Buffet Fall-Themed Dinner Cruise With Drinks is a seasonal offering, it’s a popular choice for those looking to celebrate the holiday season on the water.
Lasting 3 hours, the cruise features a buffet dinner with seasonal ingredients like salads, roast potatoes, salmon, and apple crumble. Unlimited coffee, tea, and water are included, while additional drinks are available for purchase.
Guests can enjoy live DJ entertainment and stunning views of the San Diego skyline.
While the cruise is wheelchair accessible on the boarding deck, stairs are required for the outer decks.
With a non-refundable cancellation policy, this experience is likely to sell out quickly at $109.07 per person.
Read our full review: San Diego: Buffet Fall-Themed Dinner Cruise With Drinks Review
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San Diego Christmas Day Dinner Buffet Cruise
This Christmas Day dinner cruise in San Diego provides a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season on the water.
The 2.5-hour cruise features a winter holiday dinner buffet, live DJ entertainment, and festive decor. Guests can enjoy unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water, while cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase.
The cruise accommodates up to 200 travelers and has a 5.0 rating based on a single review. The cruise departs and returns to a meeting point near Grape Street, with pay-to-park options available.
The cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infant seats are provided.
Read our full review: San Diego Christmas Day Dinner Buffet Cruise Review
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San Diego: New Years Eve Early Buffet Dinner Cruise
The New Year’s Eve Early Buffet Dinner Cruise on San Diego Bay provides a festive way to welcome the new year.
Priced from $154.85 per person, the 2.5-hour yacht cruise features a holiday dinner buffet with scenic views of San Diego and live entertainment.
The menu includes salads, roasted vegetables, and main courses like oven-roasted salmon and carved tri-tip steak.
Children under 3 cruise for free, and the cruise is wheelchair accessible.
Guests should adhere to the upscale casual to business casual dress code and note the non-refundable cancellation policy.
Read our full review: San Diego: New Years Eve Early Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
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San Diego New Years Eve Plated Dinner Cruise
For those seeking a sophisticated way to usher in the new year, the San Diego New Year’s Eve Plated Dinner Cruise offers an unforgettable experience.
Lasting 4 hours, the cruise features stunning skyline views, a seated 4-course dinner, live DJ entertainment, an open bar, and a spectacular fireworks show at midnight.
The cruise departs from 1800 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, with parking available nearby. Guests can expect upscale to business casual attire, and the cruise is accessible for wheelchair users.
With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, this cruise promises an intimate and exclusive celebration to welcome the new year in style.
Read our full review: San Diego New Years Eve Plated Dinner Cruise Review
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San Diego: New Years Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
San Diego’s New Year’s Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise offers revelers an unforgettable way to welcome the new year.
This 2-hour cruise features a delectable menu, live music, and stunning views of the city’s skyline. Theres some good a four-course plated dinner or a lavish buffet brunch, both showcasing imaginative culinary creations.
The dinner cruise also includes an open bar and bottomless Champagne, while the brunch offers a sparkling wine toast.
With its elegant decor, climate-controlled interior, and wheelchair accessibility, this cruise provides a premier dining experience.
Rated 4/5 by past guests, it’s a must-try for those seeking a memorable New Year’s celebration in San Diego.
Read our full review: San Diego: New Years Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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Mothers Day Plated Dinner Cruise San Diego
On Mother’s Day, revelers can indulge in a delectable plated dinner cruise along the scenic San Diego coastline.
The 3-hour cruise departs at 6 pm, offering a maximum capacity of 200 passengers. Guests will savor a freshly prepared dinner, accompanied by unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
The onboard DJ entertains with lively music, while the stunning views of the city skyline and local landmarks create an unforgettable ambiance.
The cruise departs and returns to the meeting point at 1800 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101.
Though non-refundable, the experience costs $176.39 per person and is wheelchair accessible, with infant seats available.
Read our full review: Mothers Day Plated Dinner Cruise San Diego Review
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San Diego: Gourmet Dinner Cruise
Guests seeking an elegant evening on the water can indulge in San Diego’s Gourmet Dinner Cruise, a 2.5 to 3-hour excursion along the scenic bay.
Priced from $138.69 per person, the cruise offers a seasonal menu of freshly prepared dishes, a full bar, and DJ entertainment.
Highlights include views of landmarks like the Coronado Bay Bridge and USS Midway, as well as a selection of starters, entrees, and desserts.
While the menu is subject to change, options range from grilled peach salad to pan-seared chicken.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5, the cruise receives praise for its great value, service, and organization.
Read our full review: San Diego: Gourmet Dinner Cruise Review
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San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrate the holiday season in style by embarking on a Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise along San Diego’s scenic bay.
Priced from $134.52 per person, this 2-3 hour experience offers a festive buffet, full bar service, and iconic views of the USS Midway and Coronado Bridge.
The brunch menu features breakfast favorites, while the dinner menu includes Greek salad, roasted vegetables, and seasonal desserts.
Guests can relax on the rooftop deck, enjoy live music, and capture boarding photos with Santa.
While customer feedback is generally positive, some noted discrepancies between advertised and actual cruise ships, as well as a lack of holiday music.
Read our full review: San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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San Diego: Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Visitors to San Diego can savor the flavors of Thanksgiving on a festive buffet brunch or dinner cruise along the scenic bay.
The Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise offers a unique experience, with a 2-hour cruise showcasing the city’s waterfront landmarks. Theres some good a bountiful spread of traditional Thanksgiving dishes, including roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
The cruise also features live music, creating a lively atmosphere. Prices start at $99.64 per person, and the tour is certified by GetYourGuide, ensuring a high-quality experience.
This is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends while taking in the stunning views of San Diego’s picturesque harbor.
Read our full review: San Diego: Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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San Diego: Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
Why not enjoy a delightful Easter celebration on the waters of San Diego Bay?
The Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise offers a unique experience with stunning views of the bay, from the Coronado Bridge to Cabrillo National Monument. The 2-2.5 hour cruise features an onboard visit from the Easter Bunny, live entertainment, and a climate-controlled interior with open-air decks.
Theres some good a buffet brunch or plated dinner, complete with free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and other beverages.
While the $154.85 per person price tag is non-refundable, the experience promises a memorable Easter celebration on the water.
Read our full review: San Diego: Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
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San Diego: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
For an unforgettable Christmas Eve celebration, the San Diego Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise provides a festive experience on the waters of the bay.
Priced from $107.72 per person, this 2-3 hour cruise features a lavish brunch or dinner buffet, unlimited mimosas during brunch, and stunning views of the San Diego skyline.
The brunch menu includes breakfast classics and lunch favorites, while the dinner menu offers a selection of salads, main dishes, and seasonal desserts.
With live music, holiday carolers, and climate-controlled interior decks, this cruise is a unique way to enjoy the holidays in San Diego.
Read our full review: San Diego: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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Recap
San Diego offers a variety of dinner cruises that provide stunning harbor views and festive dining experiences. From holiday-themed cruises to regular dinner tours, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a fun group activity, these dinner cruises are a great way to explore the city’s maritime heritage and enjoy delicious cuisine.