San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Experience the Charm of a Christmas Day Cruise in San Diego
Imagine spending Christmas Day on the water, where the ocean breeze mingles with holiday cheer. For $95 per person, you can choose either a brunch or dinner buffet aboard a scenic cruise lasting 2 to 3 hours. Departing from Pier 1 at Hornblower Landing, this experience is designed to provide a memorable way to celebrate the season, with views of iconic sights like the USS Midway and the Coronado Bridge. The cruise features holiday decor, live music, and a chef-prepared menu, making it a festive alternative to the traditional holiday meal at home.

Two things we particularly like are the rooftop decks that offer unobstructed views of San Diego’s skyline and bay—perfect for holiday photos—and the comprehensive buffet, which includes fresh salads, hearty mains, and decadent desserts. These elements help make the experience both visually and gastronomically satisfying.

One potential drawback is that the food menu can sometimes differ from what is advertised online, as some reviews mention disappointment with the actual offerings. Plus, the entertainment could be more lively, according to some guests, which might matter if you’re looking for a more dynamic holiday celebration.

This cruise is best suited for those wanting to combine scenic sightseeing with a leisurely holiday meal, especially if you appreciate a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with beautiful water views and festive decor. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a touch of elegance and scenic charm with their holiday celebrations.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: Cruise past San Diego’s most recognizable landmarks, including the USS Midway and Coronado Bridge.
• Holiday Atmosphere: Enjoy holiday decor, festive music, and a cheerful ambiance perfect for celebrating Christmas.
• Gourmet Buffet: Savor chef-prepared entrees, salads, and seasonal desserts, with options for both brunch and dinner.
• Relaxing Experience: The cruise’s open-air rooftop decks offer fresh air and stunning vistas, ideal for photos and enjoying the sea breeze.
• Family Friendly: With a kid’s station and guaranteed tables, this cruise suits families and groups.
• Value for Money: At $95, it provides a three-hour scenic outing combined with a full meal and drinks—good value for a special holiday event.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Christmas Day Cruise Experience in San Diego

Setting the Scene: Departing from Pier 1 at Hornblower Landing

Your journey begins at Pier 1, a familiar spot in San Diego’s Harbor. The logistics are straightforward—just arrive on time, as the cruise generally lasts 2 to 3 hours. The boarding process is smooth, with friendly staff guiding you onto the vessel. The cruise is wheelchair accessible on the main deck, though guests should be aware stairs are needed to access the outer decks.

First Impressions: Holiday Decor and Atmosphere

As soon as you step aboard, the seasonal decorations set the tone. Think twinkling lights, greenery, and festive ornaments, turning the boat into a holiday wonderland. The music, if present, is intended to enhance the mood, although some reviews suggest that the background music could be more lively or holiday-themed. Still, the overall ambiance is warm and inviting, making it easy to start feeling the holiday spirit.

The Food: Buffet Highlights and Considerations

One of the main reasons to choose this cruise is the chef-prepared buffet. The menu includes a variety of options catering to different tastes, from breakfast pastries and smoked salmon to hearty mains like herb-crusted tri-tip, roasted salmon, and carved turkey. The brunch menu features items like Scottish smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and a kid’s station with chicken tenders and fries—great for families.

For dinner, the menu shifts to include salads, roasted vegetables, pasta, and mains such as salmon and turkey, with seasonal desserts like apple crisp and assorted cakes. Guests can enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, water, and mimosas (if brunch is chosen), which help to keep the mood festive and relaxed.

A few reviews indicate that the food served may not exactly match the website’s images or descriptions. One traveler noted their disappointment with the food selection, highlighting that the menu “shared on the website did not reflect what was served.” This is something to keep in mind if culinary expectations are high—most guests, however, find the offerings satisfying and well-prepared.

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Sightseeing on the Water: Iconic San Diego Views

While cruising, you’ll pass some of San Diego’s most recognizable landmarks. The USS Midway, with its impressive size and historical significance, provides a striking backdrop and excellent photo opportunities. The Coronado Bridge offers sweeping views of the city skyline and bay, perfect for capturing holiday memories.

Guests often love the way the water movement, combined with the city lights and decorations, creates a magical setting. We loved the way the open-air rooftop decks allow for panoramic views and fresh air, making it more than just a meal—it’s an experience.

Entertainment and Extras

The cruise includes live music and holiday decor, but some reviewers suggest that the entertainment could be more lively. A few mention that there could be more music or festive activities to enhance the holiday feeling. Boarding photos with Santa add a fun, memorable touch, especially for children.

The Overall Experience: Who Will Appreciate It?

This cruise is perfect for those wanting a relaxed, scenic holiday that combines good food with beautiful views. Families, couples, and groups who enjoy a leisurely pace and scenic photo opportunities will likely find it appealing. However, if you’re seeking high-energy entertainment or a dinner that closely matches online descriptions, you might feel some disappointment.

Practical Tips for Your Christmas Cruise

• Reserve early to ensure your preferred dining time and seating arrangement.
• Make one reservation for your entire party to guarantee seating together.
• Dress in upscale casual or business casual attire—it’s a festive yet comfortable look.
• Bring your passport or ID for check-in, and consider your mobility needs since the outer decks require stairs.
• Remember, smoking is only permitted on the outer decks.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This cruise appeals most to travelers looking for a special holiday experience that blends scenic views with a relaxed dining atmosphere. Families with children will appreciate the kid’s station and holiday photos with Santa, while couples will enjoy the romantic skyline views.

It’s also a good choice if you want to avoid the hassle of holiday cooking and still celebrate in style, especially since the chef-prepared buffet and full bar service make it feel more upscale than a typical boat cruise.

However, those expecting a high-energy party or an exact replica of promotional images might want to manage their expectations, as some reviews suggest that entertainment and menu consistencies could improve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and there’s a dedicated kids’ station with chicken tenders and fries, making it family-friendly.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers a round-trip cruise, chef-prepared entrees, salads, desserts, and unlimited drinks including coffee, tea, and mimosas if you choose the brunch option.

Can I book just the dinner or brunch?
Yes, both options are available, and prices are per person. The cruise duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours regardless of the meal choice.

Are there any special holiday activities onboard?
While the cruise features holiday decor and photos with Santa, live entertainment could be more lively according to some guests.

Is the cruise accessible?
The main boarding deck is wheelchair accessible, but outer decks require stairs, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.

What should I wear?
Upscale casual to business casual attire is recommended, especially for a festive holiday atmosphere.

Are drinks included?
Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, water, and mimosas (if brunch) are included. Additional bar drinks are available for purchase.

What landmarks will we see?
You’ll cruise past the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, and enjoy views of San Diego’s skyline, offering classic photo opportunities.

Is there a dress code or specific boarding time I should know?
Dress is upscale casual; arrive on time for a smooth boarding process. Check your reservation for specific timing details.

Can I expect a lively holiday atmosphere?
Most guests find the decor and ambiance pleasant, but some suggest that more lively music or entertainment would elevate the vibe.

Wrapping Up
This Christmas Day buffet cruise in San Diego offers a peaceful, scenic way to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. Its highlights—stunning views, festive decor, and a tasty buffet—make it a charming alternative to the usual holiday meal. While not perfect in every detail, it provides good value and a relaxed atmosphere that’s especially suited for families and couples seeking a memorable water-based outing.

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to enjoy holiday sights, indulge in delicious food, and soak up the sunshine, this cruise is well worth considering. Just keep your expectations in check regarding entertainment and menu consistency, and you’ll likely come away with holiday memories that last long after the boat docks.

You can check availability for your dates here: