What Starlight Cruises offers and who runs it

Starlight Cruises is a dinner cruise operator that runs evening voyages, typically along coastal routes or rivers depending on location. The company operates its own fleet of ships and handles booking, boarding, catering, and entertainment directly — you book with Starlight, not through a travel agent or third party, though some travel agents can book on your behalf.

The cruise typically lasts three to four hours and includes a multi-course dinner, live entertainment (often a band or DJ), and access to deck areas. The ship departs from a fixed port — usually a downtown waterfront or marina — at a set time each evening, returns to the same port, and operates year-round in most locations, though schedules vary by season and weather.

Starlight operates in multiple U.S. cities including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, and others. Each location has its own ship, departure times, menu, and pricing. The company is privately owned and not affiliated with larger cruise lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

Key Takeaways

  • Starlight Cruises books directly through its website or by phone; you select your departure city, date, and dining package before paying.
  • Dinner cruises run three to four hours, include a plated meal and entertainment, and return to the same port you depart from.
  • Pricing varies by location, date, and package tier; weekend and holiday cruises cost more than weekday sailings.
  • You must arrive 30 to 60 minutes before departure for check-in, and cancellation policies vary by how far in advance you cancel.
  • Starlight does not include alcoholic beverages in the base ticket price; drinks are purchased separately on board.

How to book a Starlight Cruises dinner voyage

Visit the Starlight Cruises website and select your city from the list of available ports. The site shows a calendar of upcoming dates; click the date you want to sail. You will see available dining packages — typically a standard dinner package and an upgraded package with premium seating or a better menu — along with the per-person price for each.

Enter the number of guests, select your package, and add any add-ons (such as a champagne package or special occasion upgrade). Review the total cost, enter your payment information, and complete the booking. You will receive a confirmation email with your booking reference number, the departure time, and check-in instructions. Most bookings are confirmed when ready; some require phone verification.

You can also call Starlight's booking line directly to reserve by phone. A representative will walk you through the same choices and take payment over the phone. Phone booking is useful if you have questions about seating, dietary restrictions, or package differences before you commit.

Pricing and what is included in each package

Starlight offers two or three dining tiers depending on the location. A standard dinner package typically costs between $75 and $120 per person on a weekday and $95 to $150 on a weekend or holiday. A premium or deluxe package costs $30 to $50 more per person and usually includes better seating (closer to the dance floor or with a water view), a more elaborate menu, or both.

The base price always includes the three- to four-hour cruise, a multi-course dinner (usually appetizer, entrée, and dessert), non-alcoholic beverages (water, coffee, tea, soft drinks), and live entertainment. It does not include alcoholic drinks, gratuity, or parking at the port.

Alcoholic beverages — beer, wine, cocktails — are sold on board at standard bar prices, which vary by location but typically range from $6 to $14 per drink. Some locations offer a wine package or cocktail package that you can add at booking; these usually cost $25 to $45 per person and include a set number of drinks. Gratuity (tip) is not automatically added; you pay it at the end of the evening, usually 15 to 20 percent of your food and drink total.

Pricing changes by season and demand. Summer weekends and holiday dates (New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day) are the most expensive. Weekday sailings in the off-season are the least expensive. Booking further in advance sometimes offers a small discount, though Starlight does not advertise a formal early-bird rate.

What happens on the day of your cruise

Arrive at the port 30 to 60 minutes before your departure time. Check in at the Starlight desk with your confirmation number and photo ID. You will receive a boarding pass and be directed to the security checkpoint. Security is minimal — a walk-through metal detector and a bag check — but it adds 10 to 15 minutes to the process.

Once aboard, a crew member will direct you to your table. Seating is assigned based on your package tier and party size. Standard packages are seated in the main dining room; premium packages may be seated closer to the stage or on an upper deck. Dinner service begins about 20 minutes after departure. You will receive a menu and place your order with your server, or in some locations, the menu is fixed and the same meal is served to all guests.

Entertainment typically runs throughout the cruise — a live band or DJ plays during dinner and after-dinner dancing. Some cruises feature a themed night (1970s, Latin, etc.) or a special performer. You are free to move around the ship, visit the bar, or step outside to the deck. The ship returns to port at the scheduled time; you disembark and exit through the terminal.

Cancellation and refund policies

Starlight's cancellation policy depends on how far in advance you cancel. If you cancel more than 14 days before your cruise, you receive a full refund. If you cancel 7 to 14 days before, you receive a 50 percent refund. If you cancel fewer than 7 days before, your payment is forfeited and no refund is issued.

If Starlight cancels the cruise due to weather or mechanical issues, you receive a full refund or the option to rebook on a future date at no additional cost. Starlight does not offer refunds if you do not show up for your reservation; the ticket is non-transferable and cannot be used on a different date without rebooking and paying the difference in price.

Some travel insurance policies cover cruise cancellations. If you are concerned about losing your payment, you can purchase travel insurance at the time of booking through a third-party provider; Starlight does not sell insurance directly.

Dietary restrictions and special requests

When you book, you can note dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) in the special requests field. Starlight's kitchen can accommodate most common restrictions, but you should note them at booking rather than waiting until you arrive. If you have a severe allergy, call Starlight directly after booking to confirm the kitchen can safely prepare your meal.

Special occasions — birthdays, anniversaries, proposals — can be noted at booking. Starlight will often provide a small complimentary upgrade (such as a champagne toast or a special dessert) if you mention the occasion. This is not may provide, but it is worth noting when you reserve.

Parking, transportation, and arrival logistics

Parking at the port varies by location. Some ports have on-site parking lots run by Starlight or the port authority; cost is typically $10 to $20 for the evening. Other ports are in downtown areas with street parking or nearby parking garages; cost varies widely. Check the Starlight website for your specific port to see parking options and pricing.

Public transportation is available to most Starlight ports. Many are located near subway, bus, or commuter rail stations. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) can drop you at the terminal entrance. If you are using rideshare, allow extra time for pickup after the cruise ends, as the port area can be busy when multiple ships disembark.

Arrive early enough to account for parking, walking to the terminal, and check-in. Missing your departure time means you forfeit your ticket; Starlight does not hold the ship or offer refunds for late arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own alcohol on board?

No. Outside alcohol is not permitted on Starlight ships. All beverages must be purchased from the on-board bar. This policy applies to beer, wine, and spirits.

What if I have a severe food allergy?

Call Starlight directly after you book to speak with the kitchen manager. Provide details of your allergy and ask what precautions the kitchen takes to prevent cross-contamination. The kitchen can usually accommodate allergies, but you need to confirm before boarding rather than discovering a problem on the ship.

Is there a dress code?

Starlight recommends "smart casual" attire — no beachwear, tank tops, or athletic wear. Most guests wear slacks or a dress with a button-up shirt or blouse. Formal wear (suits, dresses) is not required but is common on weekend and holiday cruises. Check the Starlight website for your specific location, as some ports have slightly different expectations.

Can I rebook if I miss my departure?

No. If you miss your departure time, your ticket is forfeited. You can purchase a new ticket for a future date at the current price for that date, but you will not receive a refund or credit for the missed cruise.

Do children sail on Starlight Cruises?

Yes, children are permitted on most Starlight cruises. Some special event cruises (such as New Year's Eve) are adults-only; check the event details at booking. Children typically pay a reduced rate (usually 50 percent of the adult price) and receive the same dinner and entertainment as adults.