Paris: Seine River Cruise with 3-Course Dinner & Live Music

If you’re visiting Paris and looking for a memorable evening that combines breathtaking scenery with fine food and entertainment, this cruise offers a great option. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and details provide a solid picture of what to expect.

Two aspects we really like about this experience are the guaranteed window seats — ensuring you get those postcard-worthy views — and the high-quality, gourmet meal that adds a touch of luxury to your night. The live jazz music also helps create an authentic, romantic Parisian atmosphere.

One possible drawback is that the cruise duration can sometimes feel a bit rushed, with some reviews mentioning it ends sooner than expected. Also, the boat’s interior is a bit dated, which might lessen the sense of modern elegance.

This experience tends to suit couples and anyone looking to enjoy an elegant, relaxed evening with stellar views and good entertainment. It’s less ideal if you’re after a longer cruise or a more energetic vibe, but perfect if you value intimacy and classic Paris charm.

Key Points

• Elegant ambiance with live jazz and romantic lighting
• Guaranteed window seats for optimal views of Paris landmarks
• Gourmet 3-course meal with drinks included, offering excellent value
• Ideal for couples seeking a romantic night, but also suitable for small groups
• Shorter cruise options available, so check your preferred timing
• Not suitable for children under 10, making it more adult-focused

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Seine River Dinner Cruise

This cruise is designed to give you an evening of indulgence and visual delight. You’ll start at the port near the Seine, where you’ll be greeted and shown to your window seat—these are guaranteed, so you won’t be squeezed into a corner with no view. As the boat sets off, you’ll glide past some of the most famous sights in Paris, all lit up at night, which adds a magical touch.

The Scenic Route and Landmark Views

The itinerary includes some of Paris’s most iconic monuments: the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ile de la Cité, and the Eiffel Tower. The cruise typically lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, with timing options starting earlier or later in the evening, depending on your preference.

Reviews consistently highlight how stunning the views are. One guest from the UK noted, “drifting by the Eiffel Tower while it sparkled was the cherry on top,” showing how well this experience captures that classic Parisian magic. The boat’s route also offers scenic views of Notre Dame and the Louvre, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

The Meal: Quality and Presentation

The main appeal for many is the gourmet 3-course menu. For the earlier cruise, the starters include options like creamy burrata with leek and asparagus. For the later cruise, there’s a broader selection, including lobster ravioli in Thai broth, risotto with black truffle chips, and vegan options. The main courses range from sea bass and beef filet to seasonal vegetable casseroles.

Desserts are equally tempting, with options like molten chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream. The meal is served with included drinks, such as a glass of wine, water, and coffee or tea, which help to elevate the dining experience.

Many reviewers mention that the food quality is high, with presentation earning compliments. One guest remarked, “The food was high quality and interesting, but a little bit too strange for our taste,” indicating some variety that might surprise or delight different palates.

Live Music and Atmosphere

A key feature of this cruise is live jazz music. The performances contribute greatly to the romantic, intimate mood. One reviewer said, “The music was awesome,” and others enjoyed the singer and pianist, describing the ambiance as “perfect” and “spectacular.” The small size of the boat, with guaranteed window seats, makes it more personal and cozy.

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The Itinerary and Stops

The cruise’s route is carefully curated to showcase the city’s highlights. It begins at the starting point near the Seine, then moves past the Louvre, with scenic views lasting about 20 minutes, followed by the Notre Dame for around 10 minutes, then the Ile de la Cité for another 20 minutes. The Eiffel Tower is the final major highlight, with around 30 minutes of close-up views, giving ample time for photos.

Guests love how the boat glides smoothly past these landmarks, giving a sense of being part of the city’s night-time life. Some reviews note that the boat’s interior is a bit dated, but this doesn’t seem to detract much from the overall experience, especially considering the stunning views outside.

The Experience: What We Found Out from Reviews

Guests consistently praise the professional and friendly staff. Multiple reviews mention attentive service, with some adding that staff went above and beyond, especially those traveling with mobility aids. For example, one review from an 80-year-old traveler expressed gratitude for the warm, helpful crew.

The small size of the boat (with only around 22 guests in some cases) seems to be a big plus. It creates a more exclusive, relaxed environment, compared to larger, more crowded cruises.

What About the Duration?

Most reviews note the cruise lasts closer to 1 hour 10 minutes rather than the full 1.5 hours advertised, which can leave some feeling a little shortchanged. If you’re expecting a leisurely, 1.5-hour experience, it might feel rushed, especially when it concludes just as the Eiffel Tower begins to sparkle fully.

Is It Pricey?

At $181 per person, this cruise is on the higher end for dinner cruises, but many feel the quality of the meal, the views, and the live music justify the cost. Several reviewers emphasize that they found it to be good value for money, especially considering the premium seating and included drinks.

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness

The tour specifically states it’s not suitable for children under 10, focusing more on an adult, romantic vibe. The dress code is smart casual, and shorts or sportswear are discouraged, which adds to the more refined atmosphere.

Who Would Love This Experience?

If you’re after a classic, romantic evening with stunning views, good food, and live jazz, this cruise hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for couples celebrating special occasions or anyone wanting to enjoy Paris’s illuminated landmarks from the water.

It might also appeal to those who appreciate a more intimate setting, thanks to the small group size and guaranteed window seats. However, if you’re looking for a longer or more energetic cruise, or traveling with very young children, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

This Seine River dinner cruise offers a polished, romantic snapshot of Paris by night. The guaranteed window seats and quality cuisine stand out as major draws, providing a memorable setting to admire the city’s iconic landmarks while enjoying good music and fine dining. The experience is quite well-reviewed overall, with many guests highlighting the excellent service, stunning views, and high-quality food.

While it might feel a little rushed at times and the boat’s interior is somewhat dated, these are minor points in an otherwise charming experience. It’s best suited for adults, especially couples, looking for a sophisticated and intimate dinner cruise.

For those wanting a relaxed, elegant evening with a lovely ambiance and picture-perfect scenery, this cruise could become a highlight of your trip. Just be sure to arrive on time, dress smart casual, and prepare to indulge in a truly Parisian evening.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 10 years old, as it’s geared more towards adults seeking a romantic or quiet experience.

How long does the cruise last?
The duration is typically between 1.5 and 2.5 hours; however, some reviews mention it can be shorter, around 1 hour 10 minutes, which might feel a bit rushed.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, a glass of champagne, wine, water, and coffee or tea are included with your meal, making it convenient to enjoy without extra charges.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll pass major sights like the Louvre, Notre Dame, Ile de la Cité, and the Eiffel Tower, with plenty of scenic viewing opportunities.

Is the boat interior modern?
No, some guests mention the interior is a bit dated, but this doesn’t usually detract from the overall experience, especially given the outside views.

Do I need to dress up?
The recommended dress code is smart casual, so avoid shorts and sportswear for a more fitting, elegant atmosphere.

This dinner cruise offers a lovely way to see Paris glow at night, enjoy delicious food, and relax to live jazz. If your goal is a relaxed, romantic evening with top-notch views, you’ll find plenty here to enjoy.

You can check availability for your dates here: