Paris New Year Eve Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Mouches

Paris New Year Eve Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Mouches: A Detailed Review

Imagine ringing in the New Year floating along the Seine, with the illuminated landmarks of Paris shimmering around you. For many travelers, this is a dream come true, and the Paris New Year Eve Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Mouches offers just that. For around $530 per person, you’ll spend approximately five hours aboard a classic Bateaux Mouches boat, savoring a superb four-course dinner, swaying to live music, and drinking Champagne as the clock strikes midnight.

Two things we particularly love about this experience: first, the spectacular views of Paris’s most iconic sights from the comfort of a glass-covered boat—so much better than fighting through crowds on land. Second, the quality of the French cuisine, with dishes like foie gras, filet mignon, and cheese, paired with wine and Champagne, makes it a genuinely indulgent evening.

One possible drawback to keep in mind is the mixed length and timing of entertainment — some reviews mention that the music and performances conclude early, leaving late-night revelers feeling a bit let down. This experience suits those looking for a luxurious, scenic way to celebrate New Year’s in Paris, especially if you appreciate good food, stunning vistas, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: See Paris’s landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and historic bridges from the comfort of a glass-covered boat.
• Gourmet Dining: Enjoy a thoughtfully curated four-course meal with French specialties, with vegetarian options available.
• Celebratory Atmosphere: Celebrate the New Year with Champagne, wine, live music, and dancing.
• Group Size & Setting: Limited to 200 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate and elegant experience.
• Timing & Duration: A 5-hour cruise starting at 9:00 pm, perfect to ring in midnight with style.
• Cost & Value: Price reflects a premium experience but offers memorable views, gourmet food, and festive ambiance.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Start: Easy & Convenient Meeting in Central Paris

Your evening begins at Port de la Conférence in the 8th arrondissement—an easily accessible spot near public transportation. Arriving 30 minutes early ensures smooth boarding. Since there’s no hotel pickup, plan your evening to arrive promptly—this is a detail that helps keep the evening relaxed rather than hurried.

Embarking on the Cruise: First Impressions

As you step aboard, you’ll be greeted by the crew and shown to your table, which is assigned upon arrival. The boat’s covered main deck guarantees you a panoramic view no matter the weather, and you can step outside at any time to feel the cool night air and take photos. The boat’s atmosphere is festive yet elegant—think of it as a floating dinner party with the added bonus of spectacular city views.

The Pre-Departure Toast: Sparkling Start

Once underway, you’ll kick off with a glass of Champagne and amuse-bouches—bite-sized appetizers that set the tone for the evening. The reviews highlight that the views of Paris—the illuminated Eiffel Tower, the bridges, and the cityscape—are a main highlight during this early stage. We loved the way the lights sparkled on the water, making it feel like the city was celebrating just as much as you.

The Main Course: French Flavors & Fine Dishes

The four-course dinner offers a selection of French culinary classics, including foie gras, filet mignon, and cheese. The menu (subject to slight variations) features dishes like capon suprême with mushroom sauce and a French vanilla dessert with wild strawberries and Champagne. Vegetarian options are available if you specify in advance.

Several reviews praise the quality of the food, noting it’s delicious and well-presented. However, some mention that the meat dishes and certain starters may not meet expectations for a high-end culinary experience, with some feeling that the food was only “very good” rather than exceptional. Still, the pairing of wine and Champagne adds a celebratory touch, and the service is generally friendly and attentive.

Celebrating the New Year: Live Music & Dancing

As the meal concludes, the boat’s ambiance shifts to lively with live music and dancing. This part of the cruise is designed to be fun, and many reviews mention the violinist and musicians as charming and enjoyable. However, some reviewers felt that the entertainment ended early—around 1 am, which was disappointing if you’re expecting a full night of celebration.

For many, the highlight was watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at midnight, with the city’s lights dancing around you—a truly magical moment. Yet, a few critics pointed out that the music became less engaging later into the night, and the party felt somewhat cut short.

Ending the Night: Smooth Return & Reflection

The cruise concludes back at the initial dock, providing a convenient and stress-free way to end your evening in the heart of Paris. No hassle with transportation, just a beautiful cruise with memories to cherish.

What We Think: The Pros and Cons

Advantages:
– The visual spectacle of Paris’s landmarks illuminated at night is unparalleled.
– The gourmet four-course meal offers genuine French flavors, paired with wine and Champagne, adding to the festive spirit.
– The inclusive nature of drinks and the live music make the evening feel lively and special.

Drawbacks:
– Some reviews mention the entertainment ending early, which can leave late-night party-goers feeling underwhelmed.
– The price point is quite high, and some feel the food quality does not fully justify the cost.
– No hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to organize your own transport.

This cruise suits travelers who are after a romantic, scenic, and celebratory experience. It’s ideal for those wanting a luxurious way to ring in the New Year with excellent views, quality food, and a lively atmosphere—though expect some variability in entertainment.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary & Highlights

The Departure Point & Timing

Starting at Port de la Conférence at 9:00 pm guarantees you ample time to settle in, enjoy the lights, and toast before midnight. The cruise lasts around five hours, so you should comfortably reach midnight and even a bit beyond.

The Main Stops & Sights

• The Eiffel Tower: Watching it sparkle at midnight is unforgettable, especially when seen from the boat’s deck.
• Pont Alexandre III & Other Bridges: Their illumination adds a fairy-tale quality to the experience.
• Notre Dame & Conciergerie: While the boat doesn’t dock there, the views from the Seine are stunning and evocative of the city’s history.

Food & Drink Details

Guests rave about some dishes like the lobster tail duo and foie gras, but a few felt some starters and mains didn’t quite meet expectations. The wine from Menetou Salon is a fine touch, and the Champagne toast at midnight is a classic Parisian way to celebrate.

Live Music & Entertainment

The violinist and musicians get positive remarks for their charm, but some mention that the music stops early, which may affect the nocturnal revelry. The karaoke singer reading lyrics was a rare negative, but most reviews praise the overall musical ambiance.

Overall Atmosphere

The cruise manages to feel both festive and elegant, a delicate balance for a New Year’s celebration. The lighting, décor, and music combine to create a memorable, picture-perfect setting.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This experience is a luxurious way to see Paris at night while enjoying a special meal and ringing in the New Year with a glass of Champagne in hand. It’s especially suited for romantics, food lovers, and those seeking a memorable celebration in an elegant setting.

While the cost is significant, many find the views, food, and overall atmosphere justify the expense. However, if you’re hoping for an extended party or top-tier cuisine, you might find some elements fall slightly short of expectations.

This cruise offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and festive cheer—a perfect way to celebrate New Year’s in the City of Light.

FAQs

Is there free seating on the boat?
No, when you arrive, you’ll be escorted to your designated table, with priority seating for those who booked the Excellence menu in front of the windows.

Can I be seated with friends I booked separately?
Yes, but you’ll need to contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance to ensure you’re seated together, especially if you want to avoid splitting among different tables.

Is the boat covered?
Yes, all main decks are covered, so you can enjoy the sights and stay dry regardless of weather. You’re free to step outside on the upper deck whenever you wish.

Can I smoke on the boat?
Smoking is only permitted on the upper deck, so plan accordingly if you need a smoke break.

Are there options for children or babies?
While there are special menus for children over 4, babies must bring their own food, as the cruise does not cater to infants. Highchairs are available on request.

What if I miss the cruise?
This experience is non-refundable and can’t be rescheduled, so punctuality is key to enjoying your evening.

Is there alcohol available for purchase?
Included are wine and Champagne, but additional drinks are not specified, so if you want more, it’s best to bring cash or check if extra beverages can be purchased.

Does the experience include hotel transportation?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to and from the departure point.

To sum it up, the Paris New Year Eve Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Mouches offers a memorable way to welcome the New Year with spectacular views, delicious food, and lively celebration. It’s best suited for those seeking a romantic, festive, and luxurious experience, willing to accept some variability in entertainment and a premium price tag. If your goal is to celebrate in style with an enchanting view of Paris’s skyline, this cruise is well worth considering.