San Francisco: Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Planning a special way to mark Thanksgiving? If you’re considering an experience that combines fantastic views, good food, and a relaxing cruise, then this Thanksgiving Buffet Cruise in San Francisco might just be your cup of tea. We’ve looked into it, and while we haven’t done it ourselves, the details suggest it’s a thoughtful option for those wanting to enjoy the holiday on the water with memorable sights and a hearty meal.

What really stands out about this cruise is its focus on great scenery and a celebratory buffet. The chance to sip Champagne or mimosas while taking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz sounds wonderful, especially if you’re after a laid-back, scenic experience. Plus, the food menus—whether brunch or dinner—are designed to satisfy a wide range of tastes, with plenty of options to indulge in.

That said, a key consideration is the absence of hotel pickup and drop-off, which means you’ll need to plan how to get to the cruise dock. It’s also worth noting that the dress code for dinner cruises leans towards business casual or dressy casual, so packing appropriately is a must if you want to make the most of the experience.

This cruise feels like a solid choice for travelers who want a combination of beautiful vistas and good food in a relaxed setting. It’s especially suited to those who enjoy being on the water and want an easy but impressive way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Key Points

• Stunning views of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
• Gourmet buffet options for both brunch and dinner, with dishes to satisfy a variety of tastes.
• Full bar service including champagne, mimosas, cider, and soft drinks.
• Relaxed cruising experience lasting about 2.5 hours, typically in the afternoon.
• Wheelchair accessible yachts are available, though not all decks may be accessible.
• No hotel pickup, so plan your transportation to and from the dock accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Thanksgiving Cruise

We love the idea of celebrating Thanksgiving on the water, and this cruise offers exactly that with a focus on views, food, and a festive vibe. The cruise lasts around 2.5 hours, providing enough time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. It departs in the afternoon, making it a perfect way to combine sightseeing with a hearty meal.

The Views

One of the main draws is the scenery. As your boat glides across San Francisco Bay, you’ll get unparalleled views of the city’s famous landmarks. The Golden Gate Bridge is breathtaking from the water, especially with the possibility of catching it in the soft light of late afternoon. You’ll also see Alcatraz looming nearby, adding a touch of history and intrigue to your trip.

The reviews highlight how impressive these sights are. One traveler raved, “Increíble!!!! El personal muy amables, la comida muy variada y deliciosa,” which suggests the experience is not only visually appealing but also supported by good service and a nice atmosphere.

The Food

The buffet is quite the highlight. For the brunch option, you can expect a variety of breakfast pastries, Scottish smoked salmon, bagels with cream cheese, scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and French toast, complemented by coffee, tea, and sparkling champagne—perfect for a celebratory morning. The dinner buffet offers a mix of salads, pastas, chicken, salmon, and hand-carved steak, topped off with a dessert station that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The food is generally described as delicious and varied. One review mentions, “la comida muy variada y deliciosa,” which indicates satisfaction with the menu. Kids can enjoy simpler fare like chicken tenders and fries.

The Drinks

Unlimited drinks, including champagne, mimosas, cider, water, and soft drinks, are included, enhancing the celebratory mood. This makes the cruise feel more special, especially if you’re celebrating the holiday with friends or family.

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The Atmosphere

Dress code for the dinner cruise is business casual to dressy casual—think slacks, skirts, collared shirts, and dresses. While the experience isn’t strictly formal, dressing up a little makes the occasion feel more festive and aligned with the setting. The cruise’s ambiance is described as relaxed but elegant, ideal for those wanting a touch of class without the fuss.

Price and Value

At $207 per person, the cruise isn’t exactly cheap, but it includes a buffet meal with all the trimmings, unlimited drinks, and scenic views. Considering the cost of a nice dinner out and a sightseeing tour combined, it can be seen as good value—particularly if you’re looking for a hassle-free, all-in-one experience.

It’s worth noting that the cost does not include hotel transportation, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Still, many travelers find that the combination of food, scenery, and the holiday atmosphere makes it a worthwhile splurge.

The Experience for Different Types of Travelers

This cruise is well-suited for those who enjoy relaxed luxury and beautiful views. It’s especially appealing if you love being on the water and want a festive, memorable way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Families with older children might enjoy it, especially if they’re interested in San Francisco’s sights and good food, but younger kids may find the 2.5-hour cruise a bit long—plus, the dress code for dinner might be a consideration.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, it’s an easy way to combine sightseeing and fine dining. For groups or families, it’s a relaxed, all-inclusive option that takes the stress out of holiday planning.

Practical Tips

• Arrive prepared with your passport or ID, especially if you plan to access certain areas or need it for check-in.
• Dress appropriately—business casual or dressy casual, particularly for the dinner cruise.
• Plan your transportation to the dock since hotel pickup isn’t included. Check the location and consider public transit or rideshare options.
• Check accessibility if you require wheelchair access; while the fleet has accessible yachts, not all decks may be accessible.
• Book early as this experience is popular, especially around the holidays.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a unique Thanksgiving experience that combines stunning views, excellent food, and a leisurely cruise, this San Francisco Bay buffet cruise could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a great way to see the city from the water, enjoy a festive meal, and create new holiday memories with loved ones.

However, if your priority is including all-inclusive transportation or a more casual, family-friendly outing, you might want to explore other options. But for those who value scenic elegance with a focus on quality food and drinks, this cruise hits the mark.

Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or your special someone, you’ll likely find this cruise a memorable addition to your Thanksgiving plans.

FAQs

Can I join the dinner cruise with young children?
Yes, children under 3 can join for free on the dinner cruise. Kids can enjoy simpler options like chicken tenders and fries, but keep in mind the dress code and the length of the cruise.

Is there an option for vegetarian meals?
Yes, vegetarian meals are available and can be arranged at the time of booking, making it accessible for different dietary preferences.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?
The provider has wheelchair accessible yachts, but not all decks may be accessible. It’s best to call ahead to confirm accessibility for your specific needs.

What should I wear on the dinner cruise?
The recommended attire is business casual or dressy casual—think slacks, skirts, collared shirts, or dresses. Avoid jeans, shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or athletic shoes.

Does the price include transportation to the dock?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the cruise departure point.

When does the cruise usually depart?
It’s typically available in the afternoon, lasting about 2.5 hours, perfect for a late lunch or early supper during your holiday.

This Thanksgiving cruise offers a relaxing, scenic way to celebrate the holiday, especially if you’re looking for a memorable, all-in-one experience. With great views, a hearty buffet, and a festive atmosphere, it’s worth considering if these elements appeal to you.

You can check availability for your dates here: