Christmas All Inclusive Dinner River Cruise with DJ on Board

Imagine cruising along the Douro River beneath the glow of Porto’s Christmas lights. For about four hours, you’ll be floating past the city’s illuminated bridges and historic skyline, all while enjoying an all-inclusive festive dinner and lively DJ music. This Christmas All-Inclusive Dinner River Cruise offers a blend of scenic beauty and holiday cheer, making it a memorable way to celebrate the season. Priced at around $68.36 per person, it’s a surprisingly good deal considering the full meal, drinks, and entertainment included.

What do we love about this experience? First, the stunning night-time views of Porto and Gaia from the water are hard to beat. Second, the full festive menu, which features welcome drinks, appetizers, main courses, and desserts, means you won’t need to worry about food — just sit back and enjoy. A third highlight is the DJ onboard, which keeps the atmosphere lively and upbeat, perfect for celebrating the holiday in style.

A potential consideration? The cruise starts at 7:30 pm, so if you’re not a night owl or have early plans the next day, this might be a late evening for you. Also, since drinks are only for adults, families with younger children may want to consider how the timing and adult-only drinks fit into their holiday plans.

This cruise suits travelers who love scenic views, festive atmospheres, and a blend of good food and music. It’s ideal for couples celebrating anniversaries, groups of friends, or anyone looking to enjoy Porto’s holiday lights from a unique vantage point.

This experience made our article of Our Picks For The 15 Best Dining Experiences In Porto.

Key Points

• Stunning night views of Porto and Gaia from the Douro River.
• All-inclusive Christmas menu with drinks, appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
• Lively DJ entertainment to keep the party atmosphere alive.
• Crosses 6 bridges on a scenic boat journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks.
• Approximately 4 hours long, offering a relaxed, festive experience.
• Adults only for alcoholic beverages, making it ideal for mature groups or couples.

An In-Depth Look at the Christmas Dinner River Cruise

The Experience and Itinerary

This cruise begins at Cais da Estiva in Porto, a central location near public transportation, making it easy to reach without hassle. Boarding is scheduled for 7:30 pm, giving you enough time to settle in as the city begins to sparkle under the evening sky. The boat departs promptly at 8:00 pm, kicking off a journey that lasts approximately 4 hours—a sizable chunk of your holiday evening for enjoying Porto from a different perspective.

Once underway, you’ll cross the 6 bridges that span the Douro River. These include some of Porto’s most famous landmarks, like the Dom Luís I Bridge, with its distinctive arch, and the Arrábida Bridge, which lights up beautifully at night. Watching the city’s lights reflect on the water while cruising past the illuminated bridges is truly a highlight.

About an hour into the cruise, the onboard dinner service begins. The full Christmas menu includes welcome drinks, appetizers, a choice of fish or meat dishes, followed by a dessert. This is not just a quick snack — it’s a thoughtfully prepared meal, served in a relaxed, festive setting. You’ll also have access to coffee, tea, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages, though just for those aged 18 and over.

The party heats up with the live DJ, who spins upbeat tunes to keep the energy high. Whether you’re tapping your feet or dancing along, the music adds a fun, celebratory touch that’s perfect for the holiday season. The cruise concludes back at Cais da Estiva around 11:45 pm, giving you plenty of time to continue your evening plans or simply soak in the holiday magic.

The Food and Drinks

The all-inclusive aspect of this cruise means no surprises—your full menu is served directly on board, removing the need to hunt for restaurants or worry about extra costs. The menu is a typical holiday spread with welcome drinks to set the mood, appetizers to tease your palate, and vegetables and proteins in the main courses, with choices of fish or meat. The desserts cap off the meal nicely, offering a sweet ending to your evening.

Drinks include bottled water, coffee, and alcoholic beverages—for adults only. This makes the cruise feel like a true celebration, especially with the lively music pushing the festive atmosphere. The beverage options are perfect for toasting the season or simply enjoying the scenery with a glass in hand.

Views and Scenery

One of the biggest draws of this cruise is the nighttime scenery. Porto’s historic center, lit up with Christmas decorations, reflects softly on the river, providing a beautiful backdrop for your meal and conversation. The bridges themselves, especially the iconic Dom Luís I, are illuminated and add a dramatic flair to the landscape.

Several reviews mention the stunning landscapes and beautiful views, which make this cruise a worthwhile experience even if you’re not a big fan of boat rides. The ambiance created by the lights, the river, and the music turns a simple dinner into a memorable event.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This experience will appeal broadly to those who enjoy scenic views, festive atmospheres, and good food. It’s particularly suited for couples celebrating something special, like an anniversary, or groups of friends looking for a fun holiday outing. It’s less ideal for families with young children — especially since drinks are only for those over 18 — but older teens might enjoy the lively music and stunning sights.

Authentic Feedback and Authentic Experiences

A recent reviewer shared, “Great tour, beautiful landscapes and great interaction with Guide Luciano and driver Arlindo. I recommend the tour.” While this comment appears to refer to a different tour, it highlights how meaningful guided interactions can enhance your experience.

While specific reviews for this cruise are limited, the overall impression is of a well-organized, scenic, and festive event that leaves visitors feeling they’ve enjoyed a unique vantage point of Porto during the holiday season.

Practical Details and Tips

• Pricing: At roughly $68.36 per person, the combination of a full meal, drinks, and entertainment offers good value, especially considering the scenic and festive experience provided.
• Duration: At 4 hours and 15 minutes, it’s a substantial evening outing that fits well into most holiday itineraries.
• Meeting Point: Near public transportation at Cais da Estiva, making access straightforward.
• Weather Considerations: Since the experience is weather-dependent, be prepared for possible adjustments or cancellations if conditions turn poor. Refunds are offered if canceled due to weather.
• Group Size: Up to 300 travelers, so expect a lively, social atmosphere.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

This cruise is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic, and festive way to celebrate Christmas in Porto. Couples, friends, or even small groups will find it charming and lively. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy dinner with a view, live music, and a holiday atmosphere onboard.

If your idea of a holiday cruise involves a focus on beautiful landscapes, good food, and a spirited ambiance, this experience will meet those expectations.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas All-Inclusive Dinner River Cruise in Porto offers a rare chance to see the city illuminated at night from the water — a perspective that’s both romantic and awe-inspiring. The combination of scenic views, a hearty holiday menu, and lively DJ entertainment creates an engaging and festive experience that captures the spirit of the season.

For the price, you’re getting more than just a dinner — it’s an evening of visual delight, good company, and holiday cheer. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to enjoy Porto’s Christmas lights in style, this cruise provides a memorable experience you’re likely to cherish long after the season ends.

FAQs

What time does the cruise start and end?
Boarding begins at 7:30 pm, with the cruise departing at 8:00 pm. It concludes around 11:45 pm, giving you a full four-hour experience.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
The meeting point is Cais da Estiva in Porto, a convenient spot near public transportation.

Is food included?
Yes, a full Christmas menu is served on board, including welcome drinks, appetizers, main courses, desserts, and coffee or tea.

Are drinks included?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are included but only for adults (+18). Soft drinks, water, and coffee are also available.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the cruise. Refunds are processed if canceled within this window.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Since alcohol is only for those 18 and over, it’s mainly geared toward adults. Younger travelers may find the late hour and adult-only drinks less suitable.

What’s the best way to get there?
The meeting point is accessible by public transportation, and the cruise runs from Cais da Estiva, a key central location.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.

What is the view like during the cruise?
Expect breathtaking night views of Porto’s illuminated bridges and skyline reflected on the river, creating an enchanting backdrop.

Who is this tour ideal for?
It’s perfect for couples, groups celebrating holidays, or anyone wanting a festive, scenic, and lively dinner experience on the water during Christmas.

In all, this cruise combines scenic beauty, festive atmosphere, and good value. Whether you’re visiting Porto for the holidays or seeking a special night out, it’s a practical way to enjoy the city’s holiday spirit from a unique angle.