Baltimore: Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise

For those seeking a memorable way to celebrate Thanksgiving, this scenic lunch cruise along Baltimore’s Patapsco River offers a relaxed yet festive experience. For $86 per person, you get about two hours of dining, sightseeing, and lively music aboard the Spirit of Baltimore. It’s a great chance to enjoy Baltimore’s spectacular skyline, historic waterfront, and a delicious chef-prepared buffet—all without leaving the water.

Two things we really appreciate about this cruise are the diverse buffet that caters to many tastes and the stunning views of Baltimore’s architecture and waterfront. The cruise also keeps the atmosphere lively with a live DJ and open-air decks, giving it a festive, celebratory feel.

A potential consideration is that hotel transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to and from the dock. It’s best suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a blend of good food, scenic views, and a relaxed holiday vibe.

If you enjoy waterfront scenery combined with festive dining and don’t mind a casual atmosphere, this cruise is a solid choice. It’s especially good for those who appreciate beautiful city skylines and want a unique way to give thanks.

• Scenic Baltimore Views: Marvel at the skyline and historic waterfront from the comfort of the ship’s interior and open decks.
• Gourmet Buffet: Enjoy a chef-prepared holiday buffet featuring entrees, salads, and desserts, perfect for a festive meal.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Casual attire and flat shoes recommended, making it easy for everyone to unwind.
• Entertainment & Atmosphere: A live DJ and open-air decks add a lively, celebratory touch to the experience.
• Good Value: For $86, you get a two-hour cruise with guaranteed seating and unlimited coffee and tea.
• Limited Flexibility: No hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation accordingly.

When we think about celebrating Thanksgiving, it’s often centered around a big dinner at home. But for a change of scenery with the same spirit of gratitude, a scenic cruise along Baltimore’s waterfront might just be the perfect alternative. The Baltimore Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise is a two-hour voyage on the Spirit of Baltimore, offering a blend of great food, city views, and festive vibes.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $86 per person, your ticket covers a 2-hour cruise, a chef-prepared buffet, unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, live DJ entertainment, and guaranteed seating for your party. Drinks beyond coffee and tea are available for purchase, adding a touch of holiday cocktails to the occasion. Importantly, local taxes and fees are included, so there are no surprises on the bill.

The cruise does not include hotel transportation, so you’ll need to plan how to get to the dock. This could be a plus or a minus depending on your plans—if you prefer a self-contained experience, be sure to arrange parking or public transit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and Atmosphere

The cruise generally departs in the afternoon, a perfect time to enjoy Baltimore’s spectacular skyline and the historic waterfront in the golden fall light. Once onboard, you’ll find a climate-controlled interior for comfort and open-air decks to soak up the views. Expect to see Baltimore’s iconic landmarks, from the Harborplace area to the Fells Point skyline, all while enjoying a buffet of freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts.

Guests consistently mention how much they appreciated the beautiful scenery—”the views of Baltimore’s skyline and the skyline’s reflection on the water were magnificent,” one reviewer noted. The open decks are especially valued for allowing unobstructed vistas and a chance to breathe in the crisp fall air.

Food and Drinks

The buffet is a highlight, offering chef-prepared dishes that change seasonally but typically include a variety of entrees and salads. Desserts round out the meal, providing a satisfying end to the dining experience. Reviewers rave about the quality and freshness of the food, with some calling it “delicious” and “a perfect way to give thanks.”

The fully stocked bar offers cocktails, beer, and wine for purchase, which the cruise staff say keeps the spirits high. Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included—perfect for warming up after a brisk deck walk or enjoying with your meal.

Entertainment and Overall Experience

Music sets the tone, with a live DJ spinning lively tunes that encourage mingling and celebration. The atmosphere is casual—”we loved the laid-back vibe and the chance to catch up with friends while enjoying the view,” one guest shared. The ship guarantees table seating for your party size, making it easy to settle in and relax.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Many travelers note that the views are the star of this cruise. One reviewer mentioned, “The skyline views from the open decks were absolutely stunning, especially at sunset.” Others praised the quality of the buffet, describing it as “more than just typical cruise fare,” and appreciated the lively music that kept the mood festive.

A few pointed out that since the cruise lasts only two hours, it’s a brief window—but that’s often enough to enjoy the scenery and meal without feeling overwhelmed. Some suggest arriving early to find parking or to explore the waterfront beforehand.

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Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This experience is ideal for families, friends, or couples looking for a relaxed, scenic way to celebrate Thanksgiving. It works well if you want to combine dining, sightseeing, and a bit of fun all in one package. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy urban views and don’t mind a casual, lively atmosphere.

The Baltimore Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise offers a unique blend of scenic views, delicious food, and lively atmosphere. The two-hour journey on the Spirit of Baltimore is perfect for those seeking a memorable holiday experience without the fuss of a traditional sit-down dinner. The stunning skyline, open decks, and chef-prepared buffet make this cruise a practical and enjoyable way to give thanks.

While it doesn’t include transportation, the experience itself offers excellent value for the price, especially considering the quality of the food and the spectacular vistas. If you love Baltimore’s waterfront and skyline, enjoy a relaxed yet festive setting, and want to combine sightseeing with good eats, this cruise is well worth exploring.

Overall, it’s a great choice for those who appreciate authentic, scenic experiences combined with the comfort of a buffet and lively music—a memorable way to celebrate Thanksgiving, Baltimore style.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the dock.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, usually in the afternoon.

Are children allowed?
Yes, infants (0-2) are free but require a free infant ticket reservation. The experience is suitable for families.

What should I wear?
Casual attire is recommended, and flat, closed-toe shoes are suggested for safety and comfort.

Can I bring food or drinks on board?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Drinks beyond those purchased at the bar are also not allowed.

Is the menu fixed?
The menu is subject to change, so inform your server if anyone has food allergies.

Are interior areas non-smoking?
Yes, all interior spaces are non-smoking; smoking is only permitted on outdoor decks.

Will I get a guaranteed table?
Yes, your reservation guarantees a table for your party size.

Are there any hidden costs?
Local taxes and fees are included; additional drinks are available for purchase.

What makes this experience special?
The combination of Baltimore’s spectacular skyline, a chef-prepared buffet, and lively music creates a festive and scenic holiday celebration.

This Thanksgiving, consider celebrating aboard the Spirit of Baltimore for a tastefully memorable holiday with stunning views, delicious food, and fun atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here: