Paris: Dinner Cruise on the Seine and Eiffel Tower 2nd floor

If you’re dreaming of a romantic evening or just want to see Paris from a different perspective, this dinner cruise combined with Eiffel Tower access might catch your attention. While some travelers find it a lovely way to enjoy the city’s iconic sights, others feel it comes with a few hiccups that are worth knowing upfront.

What we really like about this experience is how it offers a relaxed way to see Paris’s stunning architecture from the comfort of your table on the boat, along with the chance to ascend the Eiffel Tower’s second level for iconic views. Plus, the combination of a river cruise and Eiffel Tower visit is a pretty efficient way to tick two major Parisian highlights off your list in one evening.

On the flip side, the price tag set at around $187 per person might seem steep for some, especially considering the mixed reviews about food quality and service. So, if you’re looking for a gourmet dinner or flawless experience, this might not be your top pick. But if you’re after beautiful sights and a memorable night out, it could be worth considering.

This tour works best for travelers who enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with a view, appreciate iconic landmarks, and don’t mind a bit of variability in service or meal quality. It’s ideal if you want a convenient, all-in-one experience rather than a highly curated fine dining affair.

Key Points

• Stunning views of Paris from both the river and the Eiffel Tower’s second floor
• Relaxed, no-hassle experience with a private table on the cruise
• Includes skip-the-line access to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor
• Price reflects a bundled experience, but food quality may vary
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage
• Timing and duration are around 5 hours, with options starting at different times

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This experience is designed as a combination of a relaxing dinner cruise and an Eiffel Tower visit, offering travelers a chance to enjoy two of Paris’s most famous sights in one evening. The journey begins onboard the Paris Seine boat, where you’ll glide along the river for roughly 1 hour 15 minutes, taking in the city’s illuminated landmarks.

The River Seine Cruise – A View of Paris’s Landmarks

As you settle into your private table on the boat, you’ll be treated to an assorted menu (though drinks are not included). The cruise is a great way to see notable sights like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Cité Island, Saint-Louis Island, the Louvre, and of course, the Eiffel Tower itself. You’ll also pass many bridges, including the ornate Alexandre III, which are often quite photogenic.

The reviews indicate that the cruise is generally a pleasant, though sometimes rushed experience. Some mention that the cruise lasts around an hour and fifteen minutes, which is enough time to appreciate the scenery but might feel a bit hurried when combined with the Eiffel Tower visit. One reviewer pointed out that the dinner onboard was “nice but lackluster in flavor,” so don’t expect a gourmet meal—think more casual dining with good views.

The Eiffel Tower—A View from the 2nd Floor

After the cruise, your host will escort you to the Eiffel Tower, where you’ll skip the line to ascend to the second level. From here, you’ll get a breathtaking view of Paris, especially as the city lights come on. This part of the tour is particularly appealing for those wanting that classic, postcard-worthy shot of the city.

However, some reviews mention that the experience at the Eiffel Tower can feel a bit rushed or underwhelming, especially if you’re expecting a full tour or benefits like detailed commentary. Keep in mind, access is limited to the second floor, so if you’re after panoramic 360-degree views from the very top, this isn’t included.

What’s Included — And What’s Not

The tour’s price covers the dinner cruise, the Eiffel Tower second-floor ticket, and the services of a multilingual hostess/interpreter. Drinks aren’t included during the cruise, so you’ll want to budget extra if you plan to indulge. Also, note that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not part of the package, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point yourself.

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The Practicalities

Meeting at Paris Seine La Marina, Port de Solférino, is straightforward, but be sure to arrive on time. The guide will be holding a sign, making it easy to spot. The experience lasts about 5 hours, which makes it a good choice for an evening activity, especially if you’re starting in the late afternoon or early evening.

There are some restrictions to keep in mind: pets, smoking, large luggage, and non-folding strollers are not permitted. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which could be a consideration if mobility is an issue.

Why the Price Matters

At $187 per person, this experience isn’t cheap, especially considering some reviews mention the food was just “nice” but not memorable and service was sometimes perceived as unfriendly. However, the value lies in the combination of sights you’ll see—both from the boat and the Eiffel Tower—and the convenience of having a pre-arranged, skip-the-line access to two major landmarks.

Real Traveler Insights

A couple of reviews stand out. One traveler from Italy rated the experience just 1 star, citing the activity was canceled without warning—reminding us to check cancellation policies and confirmations. Another from the US expressed disappointment, mentioning that the dinner was hurried, and the drink charges were confusing, with staff seeming curt about what was included.

On the other hand, many agreed that the views of Paris from the boat and Eiffel Tower are unforgettable. Even if the service or food isn’t top-tier, the visual impact can make the night special—especially when the city is glowing at night.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a convenient way to see some of Paris’s most iconic sights in one evening, this tour offers a mix of scenic river views and the Eiffel Tower — both classic must-sees. The private table on the boat makes for a comfortable experience, and the skip-the-line Eiffel Tower access is a definite plus.

That said, it’s not a gourmet dinner or a meticulously curated tour. The food quality might leave some wanting more, and the overall service can vary. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize breathtaking sights and a relaxed atmosphere over fine dining or detailed commentary.

This experience can be a worthwhile addition to your Paris trip if you’re happy with a somewhat casual, scenic, and convenient evening. Just keep your expectations in check regarding food and service, and you’ll likely come away with some stunning memories—and plenty of photos.

FAQ

Is drinks included during the dinner cruise?
No, drinks are not included, so you’ll need to purchase them separately if you wish to have alcohol or additional beverages onboard.

Where do I meet the guide for this tour?
You’ll meet at Paris Seine La Marina, Port de Solférino. The guide will be holding a sign with the local partner’s logo and will wait at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Seine River.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour takes about 5 hours in total, including the cruise, Eiffel Tower visit, and transfer time.

Can I skip the line at the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, your ticket for the second floor of the Eiffel Tower is included and allows you to bypass the usual queues.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The information doesn’t specify if children are welcome, but since the tour includes a boat cruise and elevator access, consider whether children can manage the duration and restrictions involved.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Are large bags or luggage allowed?
No, large luggage or non-folding strollers are not permitted. There’s no left-luggage facility at the Eiffel Tower.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

Does the tour include a detailed commentary?
The services include a multilingual hostess/interpreter, but the description doesn’t specify detailed commentary—expect a general overview rather than an in-depth narration.

This experience offers a good mix of sights, relaxation, and convenience, but just keep your expectations in check regarding food and service quality. It’s a solid way to add a touch of magic to your Paris night, especially if you’re keen on capturing those iconic views.

You can check availability for your dates here: