What City Cruises offers for dinner cruises

City Cruises operates dinner cruises in several major U.S. cities, with the largest presence in New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. The company runs its own vessels rather than chartering space on other ships, which means the boat layout, dining setup, and entertainment are controlled by City Cruises itself. On a dinner cruise, you board at a city dock, eat a meal while the boat moves along the waterfront, and return to the same dock a few hours later.

The experience is different from a multi-day cruise ship. You stay in one city, the voyage lasts three to four hours typically, and the focus is on the meal and the view rather than onboard activities or cabins. City Cruises markets these cruises as date nights, special occasions, or ways to see the city from the water while dining.

Key Takeaways

  • City Cruises operates dinner cruises in New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and a few other cities, with boats that depart and return to the same dock the same evening.
  • Dinner cruises typically last three to four hours and include a meal, entertainment, and views of the waterfront; pricing and menu options vary by location and season.
  • You book directly through the City Cruises website or by phone, and you must arrive at the dock 30 to 45 minutes before departure to board.
  • The dress code is usually business casual or smart casual, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in addition to what is included with your ticket.
  • Cancellation policies and refund terms depend on how far in advance you booked and what type of ticket you purchased; City Cruises publishes these on its website by location.

Pricing and what is included in your ticket

City Cruises prices dinner cruises based on the day of the week, the season, and the city. Weekend cruises cost more than weekday ones. Summer and holiday periods are more expensive than off-season dates. The company publishes prices on its website for each location, and you can see the exact cost before you book.

What is included varies by the specific cruise package. Most dinner cruises include a plated meal (usually a choice of entrées), non-alcoholic beverages, and live entertainment such as a DJ or band. Some packages include wine or beer; others do not. Gratuity (tip) is sometimes added automatically to the bill, and sometimes left to your choice. Check the package description on the City Cruises website for your location to see what is and is not included before you pay.

Alcoholic drinks beyond what is included in your package are available for purchase at a bar onboard. Pricing for these drinks is set by City Cruises and is typically higher than land-based restaurants in the same city.

How to book a City Cruises dinner cruise

You book through the City Cruises website by selecting your city, choosing a date and time, picking a ticket type or package, and entering your payment information. The website shows available dates and times for the next several months. You can also call City Cruises directly to book by phone; the phone number is on the website for each location.

When you book, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking reference number, the departure time, and the dock address. Save this email or take a screenshot — you will need the reference number to check in at the dock. City Cruises does not mail physical tickets; your confirmation is your ticket.

Payment is by credit card or debit card. City Cruises charges the full price of your cruise at the time you book, not when you board. If you are booking a group of eight or more people, City Cruises offers group rates; contact the group sales team through the website to request a quote.

Arrival, boarding, and what to bring

You must arrive at the dock 30 to 45 minutes before your departure time. The exact dock location is in your confirmation email. Arrive early enough to find parking or arrange transportation, because the dock may be in a busy part of the city and parking can be limited. On busy nights, the check-in line can be long.

When you arrive, go to the check-in desk and give your name or booking reference number. A staff member will check you in and direct you to the boarding area. Bring a photo ID — City Cruises may ask to see it, especially if you are purchasing alcohol onboard. You do not need to bring your confirmation email printed out, but having it on your phone makes check-in faster.

Dress code is usually business casual or smart casual — no beachwear, tank tops, or athletic wear. Some cruises or special events may have a stricter dress code; check your confirmation email or the cruise description on the website. The boat is climate-controlled, but you may want to bring a light jacket or sweater because the upper deck can be breezy, especially in the evening.

The cruise itself: dining, entertainment, and views

Once you board, a staff member will seat you at a table. Most dinner cruises have assigned seating, though some may allow you to choose. Tables typically seat four to eight people. If you are dining alone or as a couple, you may be seated with other guests, or you may request a private table when you book (this may incur an additional charge).

The meal is served as the boat departs and travels along the waterfront. You will have views of landmarks, bridges, and the skyline depending on your city. The entertainment — usually a DJ, live band, or both — plays during and after dinner. Some cruises include a dance floor; others focus on the meal and conversation. The boat returns to the same dock where you boarded, and you disembark after the cruise ends.

The pace of the evening is set by City Cruises, not by you. You cannot leave the boat early or stay longer. The entire experience, from boarding to disembarking, takes about four hours on most dinner cruises.

Cancellation, refunds, and what happens if weather is bad

City Cruises' cancellation and refund policy varies by location and by how far in advance you booked. Generally, if you cancel more than a certain number of days before your cruise (often 7 to 14 days), you receive a full refund. If you cancel closer to the date, you may receive a credit toward a future cruise instead of a refund, or you may forfeit the payment entirely. The exact policy is on the City Cruises website for your location; read it before you book.

If City Cruises cancels the cruise due to bad weather or mechanical issues, you will receive a full refund or a credit toward a future cruise. The company monitors weather and makes cancellation decisions on the day of the cruise, usually a few hours before departure. If your cruise is cancelled, City Cruises will contact you by phone or email using the information you provided when you booked.

If the weather is poor but the cruise is not cancelled, the boat will still depart. You may spend less time on the upper deck if it is raining or very windy, but the meal and entertainment continue indoors.

Accessibility and special needs

City Cruises boats have wheelchair accessibility on some decks, but not all areas of every boat are accessible. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns, contact City Cruises before you book to confirm that the specific boat for your cruise can accommodate you. The phone number and email for accessibility questions are on the website.

If you have dietary restrictions — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies — you can request a modified meal when you book. Some cruises may have limited options for certain diets, so request your accommodation as early as possible. City Cruises will confirm whether your dietary need can be met before your cruise date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own alcohol on the boat?

No. City Cruises does not allow outside alcohol. Beverages included in your ticket and drinks purchased at the onboard bar are the only alcohol permitted. This policy is standard for dinner cruises and is enforced at boarding.

What if I am late and miss the departure?

The boat departs at the scheduled time regardless of whether all passengers have boarded. If you arrive after departure, you will not be allowed on the boat. You will not receive a refund; instead, you may be offered a credit toward a future cruise depending on City Cruises' policy for your location. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes early to avoid this.

Are children allowed on dinner cruises?

Yes, children are allowed on most City Cruises dinner cruises, though some special-event cruises may be adults-only. Check the cruise description on the website to see if children are permitted. If they are, children typically pay a reduced ticket price. Menus for children may be different from adult menus.

Can I take photos or videos during the cruise?

Yes, you can take personal photos and videos for your own use. However, commercial photography or recording is not permitted without permission from City Cruises. If you plan to use photos or video for business or publication, contact City Cruises in advance to request permission.

What is the weather like on the water, and should I be concerned about seasickness?

City Cruises operates in rivers and harbors, not open ocean, so the water is usually calm. Seasickness is uncommon on these cruises. However, if you are sensitive to motion, you may want to take a motion-sickness remedy before boarding, eat a light meal before the cruise, and stay in the middle of the boat rather than the bow or stern, where motion is more noticeable.