Spending Christmas Day in San Diego can be a delightful experience, especially when you embark on a festive buffet brunch or dinner cruise. This 2-3 hour journey offers breathtaking views of the USS Midway and Coronado Bridge, accompanied by a lavish spread of culinary delights and live entertainment. Whether you’re seeking a memorable family celebration or a romantic getaway, this cruise promises to provide a truly magical holiday experience. With wheelchair accessibility, complimentary drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to make the most of the season on the water. But the true wonder lies in what’s yet to be discovered…
This experience made our list of the 14 Best Dinner Tours In San Diego.
Key Points
- Festive Christmas Day buffet brunch or dinner cruise available in San Diego, lasting 2-3 hours with prices starting from Kč3,010 per person.
- Cruise experience includes live tour guide commentary, holiday music entertainment, and boarding photos with Santa for a memorable Christmas celebration.
- Brunch buffet menu features breakfast pastries, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and heartier dishes like Birria-style chicken and carved tri-tip steak.
- Dinner buffet offers classic salads, main course options such as three-cheese baked macaroni and oven-roasted salmon, and decadent desserts.
- Cruise includes round-trip journey, unlimited beverages, and guaranteed seating for a comfortable dining experience, with a business casual dress code required.
Overview and Pricing
On Christmas Day, visitors to San Diego can experience a festive buffet brunch or dinner cruise. Prices start from Kč3,010 per person, and the cruises last 2-3 hours. Guests can’t get a refund if they cancel.
The cruises are wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the holiday celebrations on the water.
The cruises offer a rooftop deck ambiance with views of iconic San Diego sights like the USS Midway and Coronado Bridge. A live tour guide provides commentary in English, and music entertainment is provided throughout the experience.
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Cruise Experience
Guests can celebrate the holiday season on the water with a festive meal aboard the cruise.
They’ll enjoy a rooftop deck ambiance and views of iconic sights like the USS Midway and Coronado Bridge.
The cruise features:
- Live tour guide in English to provide commentary about the sights.
- Music entertainment to set the holiday mood.
- Boarding photos with Santa and holiday decor to capture the experience.
The cruise provides a unique and festive way to experience Christmas Day in San Diego, offering a memorable setting for a holiday celebration.
Brunch Buffet Menu
Featuring a bountiful spread, the brunch buffet showcases a tempting array of breakfast pastries, from flaky croissants to mouthwatering danishes. Theres some good Scottish smoked salmon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and savory breakfast meats. A selection of salads, including classic Caesar and robust Greek, provides fresh and vibrant options. For heartier appetites, the buffet features Birria-style chicken, oven-roasted salmon, and hand-carved tri-tip steak. A dedicated kids’ station with chicken tenders and fries caters to younger palates. To cap off the meal, the signature dessert station tempts with individual treats and seasonal fresh fruit.
Breakfast | Salads | Main Dishes |
---|---|---|
Pastries | Caesar | Birria Chicken |
Smoked Salmon | Greek | Salmon |
Scrambled Eggs | Pasta | Tri-Tip Steak |
Dinner Buffet Menu
The dinner buffet offers an array of tempting selections for the holiday feast.
The menu features a classic Greek salad and a roasted vegetable and grains salad to start. For the main course, guests can enjoy three cheese baked macaroni, oven roasted Atlantic salmon, hand-carved turkey, and hand-carved tri-tip steak.
To complement the entrees, the buffet includes:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Traditional stuffing
The dinner is capped off with a decadent display of apple crisp and seasonal desserts, providing a sweet finish to the festive meal.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyIncluded in the Cruise
The cruise experience includes a round-trip journey, allowing guests to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Included in the price are freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, as well as unlimited coffee, mimosas (brunch only), hot tea, iced tea, and water.
Guests are guaranteed a table for their party size, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed dining experience.
Plus, boarding photos with Santa and holiday decor are provided, capturing the holiday spirit.
With these inclusions, guests can indulge in a comprehensive and memorable Christmas Day celebration on the water.
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Meeting Point and Dress Code
To attend the Christmas Day cruise, guests should make their way to Pier 1, Hornblower Landing, which serves as the meeting point.
The dress code for the event is upscale casual to business casual, allowing guests to feel festive while maintaining a refined appearance.
Attendees should also remember to bring their passport or ID card, as these will be required for the cruise.
The organizers have a non-smoking policy, with smoking permitted only on the outer decks of the vessel, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
- Dress code: Upscale casual to business casual
- Bring: Passport or ID card
- Smoking allowed on outer decks only
Group Seating and Smoking Policy
For group seating, guests are encouraged to make one reservation for their entire party to ensure they’re seated together.
This allows the cruise staff to accommodate everyone in the group at the same table or nearby tables.
Smoking is only permitted on the outer decks, providing a comfortable environment for all guests to enjoy the holiday cruise.
With these policies in place, the San Diego Christmas Day buffet brunch or dinner cruise offers a seamless and enjoyable experience for both individual travelers and groups celebrating the festive season together on the water.
Customer Feedback
Customers have provided mixed feedback on their experiences with the San Diego Christmas Day buffet brunch or dinner cruise. While some have praised the festive atmosphere and views, others have voiced concerns about the service and food selection.
- One reviewer noted that the staff was attentive and the holiday decor added to the overall ambiance.
However, another customer complained about long wait times at the buffet lines and a limited selection of main dishes.
- The quality of the food has also been a point of contention, with some guests enjoying the variety and freshness, while others found the dishes to be underwhelming or lacking in flavor.
Despite these mixed reviews, the cruise continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a unique way to celebrate the holiday season in San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onto the Cruise?
The cruise company does not allow passengers to bring their own food or drinks onboard. All meals and beverages are provided as part of the Christmas Day buffet experience.
Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available for Guests?
The cruise offers dietary accommodations for guests. Guests can request gluten-free, vegetarian, or other special meal options when booking. The staff will work to accommodate any dietary needs or restrictions.
Is There a Designated Children’s Menu or Activities?
The cruise offers a dedicated kids’ station with chicken tenders and fries. While there are no specific children’s activities, the festive atmosphere and views may keep younger guests entertained during the meal.
Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available for This Experience?
While no specific discounts are mentioned, the cruise offers a kids station with chicken tenders and fries for the little ones. Bundling options may be available for larger groups to provide a more affordable experience.
How Far in Advance Do I Need to Make a Reservation?
Customers should book their reservation as early as possible, as spots for this popular holiday experience tend to fill up quickly. Reservations are recommended at least 2-4 weeks in advance to ensure availability.
Recap
Celebrating Christmas Day on the water in San Diego is a magical experience. Guests can enjoy a lavish buffet, live entertainment, and stunning views aboard a festive cruise. With accessibility, a welcoming atmosphere, and reasonable pricing, it’s the perfect way to make the most of the holiday season. Whether you choose brunch or dinner, this cruise promises an unforgettable celebration.
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