Marina Del Rey: Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Traveling during the holidays often means balancing tradition with a bit of adventure. If you’re in Southern California around Thanksgiving and want to celebrate with a twist, this Marina del Rey Thanksgiving cruise could be just what you’re looking for. It offers a chance to enjoy a chef-prepared buffet while soaking in some seriously beautiful views of the coast, all from the comfort of a boat. We’ve looked into this experience to see if it lives up to its promise, and here’s what you need to know.

What we love about this cruise is how it combines festive dining with scenery that’s genuinely impressive. Plus, the inclusion of unlimited drinks like mimosas (for brunch) or a well-stocked bar for dinner adds an extra touch of celebration. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that it’s a non-refundable booking, so you’ll want to be sure about your plans. This cruise is suited for those wanting a classy, scenic way to mark the holiday—perfect for couples, friends, or anyone looking for an elegant twist on Thanksgiving.

Key Points

• Stunning views of Marina del Rey, beaches, and local sights from the boat
• Chef-prepared buffet with traditional holiday dishes and creative options
• Unlimited drinks, including mimosas for brunch and spirits at the bar
• Live entertainment and festive decor enhance the experience
• Two options: a lively brunch or a more substantial dinner cruise
• Accessible and includes a guaranteed table for your party size
• Price point of $143 per person offers a special holiday experience, but not necessarily a bargain
• Non-refundable booking requires some certainty before committing

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What’s the Experience Like?

This cruise offers a leisurely 2.5-hour voyage that’s perfect for a relaxed holiday celebration. Whether you opt for brunch or dinner, you’re in for a well-curated experience that mixes good food with even better views. Imagine starting your day with a seasonal buffet—complete with breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, muffins, danishes, and breakfast meats—then moving on to some hearty mains like oven-roasted turkey or salmon for dinner.

The highlight? The scenery. As the boat glides across the harbor, you’ll see the Marina’s famous skyline, Burton W. Chace Park, and the coastline’s beautiful beaches. The waters are lively with boats, and you may even catch glimpses of local sea life—adding a bit of magic to your holiday. The background music and festive decor set a celebratory mood, making it feel like a special occasion without the fuss of hosting at home.

The Food: What’s on the Menu?

The buffet approach means you get to sample a variety of dishes styled to match the holiday. For brunch, expect assorted muffins, danishes, and French toast—all classic brunch staples—paired with scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and breakfast potatoes. There’s also a selection of salads, like kale quinoa and green goddess pasta, adding some fresh and healthy options.

For dinner, the menu features salads, roasted vegetables, and grains, along with main courses like oven-roasted salmon, turkey, and tri-tip steak. Sides are hearty: garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and turkey gravy to bring all the flavors together. The dessert station should satisfy any sweet tooth, offering apple crisp, seasonal cakes, brownies, and fresh fruit.

The food quality seems to be well-regarded, though keep in mind that, like most buffets, there’s always a chance some dishes will be better than others. The inclusion of pasta al forno and Scottish smoked salmon** adds a touch of variety and sophistication.

Drinks and Entertainment: What’s Included?

If you’re enjoying the brunch option, unlimited mimosas are included, which really enhances the celebratory feel. For dinner, the onboard bar has a good selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, but they’re cash-only, so bring some bills if you want extras. There’s also unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water throughout.

The live entertainment — although not detailed—sounds like it’s part of the festive ambiance, contributing to the cheerful holiday vibe. It’s a nice touch that makes the cruise feel like a proper celebration, not just a meal.

Practical Details: What to Expect

This cruise is located in Marina del Rey, a popular Southern California spot, and is operated by City Cruises California. The duration is 2.5 hours, making it a manageable outing that won’t eat up your whole day. The experience is available in the morning, which makes it a lovely way to start or enjoy a late-morning celebration.

The cost is $143 per person, which might seem steep, but when you factor in the scenic cruise, buffet, and drinks, it’s a value for a special holiday experience. The cruise guarantees a table for your party size, which is helpful for planning. It’s wheelchair accessible and includes some festive decor, enhancing the holiday atmosphere.

One important note: this experience is non-refundable, so be sure about your plans before booking. Also, dress code is holiday cocktail attire, so think dressy casual—something festive but comfortable.

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What Could Be Better?

A key consideration for some travelers might be the non-refundable policy. If your plans are flexible, this could be a concern. Also, although the experience is designed to be family-friendly, there’s no specific mention of children or kids’ pricing, so it’s probably best suited for adults or older children who enjoy a relaxed cruise atmosphere. Lastly, the cost might be a barrier for those looking for a cheaper or more casual holiday outing.

Is This Experience Worth It?

In our view, this cruise offers a special way to celebrate Thanksgiving that combines great food, scenic vistas, and a festive setting. The unlimited drinks, live entertainment, and beautiful harbor views make it feel like a true celebration. It’s especially appealing if you’re someone who enjoys dining with a view and wants to avoid the hassle of hosting or cooking at home.

If you’re after a romantic date, a festive outing with friends, or an elegant family gathering (with older children), this cruise should hit the mark. The price reflects the experience, so it’s not a casual or budget option, but for a memorable holiday, it’s quite a treat.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This experience is best suited for adults or older kids who want to enjoy a refined, scenic holiday meal. It’s ideal for those who appreciate good food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere and don’t mind the upfront cost for a guaranteed, well-organized event. If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic way to give thanks—without the stress of traditional family gatherings—this cruise fits the bill.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more casual holiday, you might find this experience a little on the pricier side. Also, travelers with limited mobility should ensure the cruise’s accessibility features meet their needs.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating Thanksgiving with a harbor cruise in Marina del Rey offers a unique blend of beautiful scenery, festive food, and lively drinks. The experience is thoughtfully curated with a chef-prepared buffet, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to take in the California coast’s stunning views. While the cost is somewhat premium and the non-refundable policy requires commitment, the overall value lies in the special memories you’ll create.

This cruise is perfect for those who want to mark the holiday with something a bit different—combining relaxation, celebration, and scenery all in one package. Whether you’re looking to toast with mimosas during brunch or enjoy a hearty dinner while watching the sunset, the experience has something to offer.

Is the cruise suitable for children? While not explicitly detailed, the cruise’s relaxed atmosphere and buffet setting could work for older children, especially those who enjoy scenery and dining. However, it’s primarily geared toward adults.

What is included in the price? The price covers the harbor cruise, buffet brunch or dinner, unlimited coffee, tea, water, and in the case of brunch, unlimited mimosas. Live entertainment is also part of the experience.

Are drinks included? Unlimited champagne, mimosas (for brunch), and sparkling cider are included in the brunch package. Additional wine, beer, and cocktails are available at the cash bar.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible? Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear? The dress code is holiday cocktail attire, so dress smart-casual with a festive touch.

How long does the cruise last? The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Can I cancel if my plans change? No, this activity is non-refundable, so be sure about your plans before booking.

Are there options for dietary restrictions? The menus are extensive, but gluten-free options are prepared; however, cross-contamination is possible since the kitchen isn’t gluten-free.

Is parking available nearby? While not specified, Marina del Rey typically has parking options, but check local details to plan ahead.

If you’re seeking a festive, scenic, and delicious way to celebrate Thanksgiving, this cruise could be a memorable choice. Just remember, it’s best suited for those who value a well-organized experience with a touch of elegance and don’t mind the upfront cost.

You can check availability for your dates here: