San Diego: Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

If you’re looking for a different way to mark Easter in San Diego, this harbor cruise might just be what you need. It’s a festive experience offering a 2-hour sail on San Diego Bay, complete with delicious food, live entertainment, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. It’s not your typical family brunch — this is more about enjoying the stunning waterfront views with good company, a glass of bubbly, and some lively tunes.

What really stands out about this cruise are two things: first, the beautiful scenery of San Diego from the water, which is always impressive; second, the quality of the food and drinks, especially the buffet brunch. However, be aware that the ticket price — $149 per person — might feel steep if you’re on a budget, especially considering extras like additional drinks. This experience is ideal for couples, groups of friends, or families wanting a special, scenic outing with a holiday twist.

In this review, we’ll walk through what makes this cruise special, the practical details, and what you should know before booking. Whether you’re a local or visitor, this event could be a memorable way to enjoy Easter, especially if you love water views, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: Cruise from Coronado Bridge to Cabrillo National Monument with some of San Diego’s best scenery.
• Festive Atmosphere: A visit from the Easter Bunny and live entertainment bring holiday cheer.
• Tasty Food: Choose between a buffet brunch or plated dinner, both featuring fresh, seasonal dishes.
• Drinks Included: Brunch guests enjoy free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider.
• Relaxing Experience: The 2-hour cruise offers a laid-back way to celebrate, with climate-controlled interiors and open decks.
• Accessibility & Comfort: The boarding area is wheelchair accessible, but stairs are needed for open-air decks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Cruise

This Easter cruise is designed to combine scenic beauty with a festive, relaxed vibe. You’ll board a climate-controlled vessel, ensuring comfort regardless of the spring weather, and have the option to enjoy the views from the open-air decks or the cozy indoors. The route takes you across San Diego Bay, offering iconic sights like the Coronado Bridge and the Cabrillo National Monument, which makes for excellent photo opportunities.

The Food: Brunch or Dinner

Your choice of a brunch buffet or plated dinner is a highlight. The brunch menu includes breakfast pastries, Scottish smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and French toast, making it perfect for early risers. For later in the day, the dinner menu offers options like pan-seared chicken, Atlantic salmon, flat iron steak, and seasonal pasta. Both menus feature dessert selections, such as chocolate toffee crunch cake or pineapple upside down cake.

Guests have praised the quality and freshness of the food, with one reviewer mentioning the signature dessert station as a delightful finishing touch. The menu items are created fresh daily, and you can inform staff of any food allergies before ordering. It’s a thoughtfully curated menu that aims to satisfy a variety of tastes.

Beverages & Entertainment

The brunch option includes unlimited champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider, which add a celebratory note to your meal. Hot and iced tea, along with coffee, are also available throughout the cruise. Live entertainment makes the time pass quickly, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for celebrating the holiday.

Special Holiday Touches

A visit from the Easter Bunny is a fun extra, especially for families traveling with children. Keep in mind that the focus is on creating a festive feel rather than a full-on family event. For adults, the combination of scenic views and drinks makes for a sophisticated outing, but families with very young children might want to consider if this is the right fit.

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Practical Details & Tips

Duration & Timing

The cruise lasts about 2 hours, with specific start times depending on availability. It’s advisable to check the schedule in advance and arrive a bit early for smooth boarding.

Price & Value

At $149 per person, this experience is priced higher than a typical brunch or dinner, but the value lies in the combination of spectacular views, quality food, drinks, and holiday entertainment. It’s a special occasion choice rather than a casual outing, so if you’re after a memorable experience, it might be worth the splurge.

Booking & Accessibility

This cruise is non-refundable once booked, so plan accordingly. The boarding area is wheelchair accessible, though some stairs are needed to reach outside decks, so consider this if mobility is a concern. Remember to bring your ID or passport, as Coast Guard regulations require photo ID for boarding.

What to Wear & Bring

Opt for semi-formal attire—think slacks and a collared shirt—since jeans, shorts, and flip-flops aren’t allowed. Bring your ID and any food allergies you need to inform staff about. While smoking is only permitted outside on the decks, the enclosed areas are non-smoking.

Additional Considerations

Infants can attend free of charge, but make sure to select a free infant ticket when booking so they’re admitted. If you’re hoping to enjoy a quiet, scenic cruise with some holiday festivity, this experience hits the mark. However, if you’re looking for a longer or more casual water outing, there are other options to consider.

What Reviewers Say

Multiple travelers rave about the friendly and knowledgeable staff, who make the experience enjoyable and smooth. The stunning views get frequent mention — one reviewer noted that the scenery from the water beats any photo — and the food consistently receives high praise for being fresh and well-prepared.

Some reviews mention the live entertainment as a lively addition, and the visit from the Easter Bunny as a fun highlight for kids. A few note that the ticket price is on the higher side, but most agree that the overall experience justifies it.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This Easter harbor cruise in San Diego offers a beautiful blend of scenic vistas, festive cheer, and delicious food. It’s a good choice if you’re wanting to mark the holiday with something memorable that isn’t a traditional church service or family brunch at home. It’s especially suited to couples or groups of friends who appreciate a relaxed, scenic outing with a touch of celebration.

While the price might seem steep for some, you’re paying for the views, quality of food, and the festive atmosphere. If you love the idea of celebrating Easter on the water with a bit of sparkle in your glass and a visit from the Easter Bunny, this cruise will deliver.

However, if your priority is a quick, budget-friendly meal or a family-focused event, you might prefer a different outing. This cruise is about creating an experience — one of scenic beauty and holiday fun — that’s best enjoyed with a sense of leisure and appreciation for San Diego’s waterfront.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, infants are welcome for free if you select the free infant ticket, and the event includes a visit from the Easter Bunny, making it family-friendly to a degree.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, a perfect length for a relaxed holiday outing without feeling rushed.

What does the food include?
You can choose between a buffet brunch or a plated dinner, with menus offering a variety of seasonal dishes, starters, main courses, and desserts.

Are drinks included?
Brunch guests enjoy unlimited champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider, with hot and iced tea available as well.

Is there accessibility for wheelchairs?
Yes, the boarding deck is wheelchair accessible, though stairs are needed to access the outer decks.

What should I wear?
Semi-formal attire is recommended — think nice slacks and a collared shirt — and avoid jeans, shorts, or flip-flops.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
No, the activity is non-refundable, so please plan accordingly.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your ID or passport, and if you have food allergies, inform the staff before ordering.

In all, this Easter cruise combines beautiful scenery, good eats, and holiday fun in a way that’s likely to leave you with some great memories — especially if you’re into water views and a festive atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here: