Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Singer by VIP Yacht de Paris

If you’re considering a night out in Paris that combines sightseeing, good food, and a touch of entertainment, the Seine River dinner cruise offered by VIP Yacht de Paris might be worth a look. It’s a popular choice, with over 590 reviews, and offers a chance to see the city’s most iconic landmarks while enjoying a relaxed evening on the water.

What caught our attention? Firstly, the pre-booked seating on the upper deck promises panoramic views of Paris’s illuminated monuments, which is a bonus for lovers of cityscapes. Secondly, the live singer onboard adds a lively, charming touch that elevates the experience beyond just a dinner cruise.

On the flip side, one potential snag is that some guests found the food options limited and the service uneven, so it might not satisfy everyone’s expectations for a gourmet meal. Still, for many, the overall atmosphere and views outweigh these minor imperfections.

This tour tends to suit couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a romantic, scenic evening in Paris without the hustle and bustle of land-based restaurants. It might not be ideal for those with very high culinary expectations or young children, given the tour’s timing and atmosphere.

Key Points

• Secure upper deck seating for the best views of Paris’s landmarks.
• Enjoy live jazz or singer performances that add a musical vibe to your evening.
• Options for dinner with or without drinks cater to different preferences and budgets.
• Spectacular views of Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Grand Palais and more during the cruise.
• No guide commentary during the cruise—it’s about the scenery and ambiance.
• Moderate price point offers good value for a scenic dinner experience.
• Some reviews mention service inconsistencies—it’s worth being patient if things are slow.
• A romantic and relaxed atmosphere that appeals to those looking for a memorable night out.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Arrival and Meeting Point

The experience kicks off at the Port de la Rapee, a centrally located spot along the Seine. We appreciate how easy it is to find, especially if you’re familiar with Paris’s public transport or have a cab in hand. The tour starts promptly at 7:00 pm, so arriving a little early helps you settle in comfortably.

Boarding the Yacht

Once on board, you’ll find the boat to be comfortable and well-maintained, with a classic, elegant vibe. The maximum capacity is around 80 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere intimate yet lively. Some reviews mention that the boat is a bit vintage in style, adding a charming, old-world feel. The seating arrangement depends on your booking, but the most coveted spot is definitely the upper deck, where you can enjoy unobstructed views.

The Cruising Itinerary

The cruise itself is about four hours long, offering a relaxed pace to enjoy Paris’s nighttime skyline. As you glide along the river, you’ll pass by some of the city’s most photographed sights: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, the Grand Palais, and the Orsay Museum.

From the water, these landmarks look breathtakingly beautiful when lit up at night. Many reviews highlight the “spectacular views,” especially from the upper deck, where the Eiffel Tower sparkles above you. You’re also treated to the sight of notable sites like the Palais de la Justice and the Cité de la Mode et du Design.

What You’ll See and Experience

Our sample review mentions that there’s no guided commentary during the cruise—it’s purely about the scenery. That can be a plus if you prefer to soak in the views quietly or spend time chatting. However, some guests might miss expert insights about the landmarks, which is worth considering.

Dining and Entertainment

Here’s where it gets interesting. You have the choice between a dinner with or without drinks. The 3-course meal is generally well-received, with many mentioning the delicious food and attentive service, especially when the cruise is less crowded. The main dishes like veal and fish are highlighted as being tasty, although a few guests reported uneven quality or issues like undercooked portions.

The live singer onboard is described as adding a special touch, with some reviews praising the “Smokey jazz sound,” while others felt the entertainment was less impressive. It’s a subjective element—if you love live music, it’s likely to enhance your evening, but if you’re expecting a big show, you might be a little disappointed.

The Views and Atmosphere

Many reviews rave about the spectacular city views, especially from the upper deck, as the Eiffel Tower’s lights shimmer and the Seine’s bridges glow. The relaxed, mellow vibe makes it suitable for romantic dates, special celebrations, or just a peaceful way to see Paris from a different perspective.

The boat’s vintage charm and the soft lighting contribute to a cozy, intimate ambiance, which is perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. Guests have enjoyed the chance to take photos and just soak in the magic of Paris by night.

Service and Practicalities

While most reviews mention friendly staff, there are mentions of inconsistent service—some guests felt they had to wait long for drinks or faced inattentive waiters. It’s worth being patient or politely flagging down staff if needed. The WiFi on board is a handy perk, especially if you want to share your experience in real-time.

Food and Drink: Value and Options

The dinner option is considered good value, given that it includes a three-course meal, live entertainment, and panoramic views for around $141.14 per person. The option to add drinks—a glass of wine and water—can enhance the experience, making it feel more celebratory, especially if you’re toasting the night with champagne (if you chose that add-on).

Some reviews mention the long wait during the cocktail hour and recommend considering the drink package to avoid unexpected charges. Food quality is generally praised, but a few guests found it lacking freshness or quality, especially if they had specific expectations.

Overall Duration and Group Size

The cruise lasts about four hours, making it a leisurely evening rather than a rushed experience. The group size is capped at 80 travelers, which helps keep the atmosphere more personal and less crowded.

What the Reviews Say: The Good and the Not-So-Good

The Highlights

• “Definitely worth the reservation,” says Robert, enjoying sunset views and excellent service. The live jazz singer added to the charm.
• Many appreciate the spectacular views of Paris’s landmarks, describing them as “breathtaking,” especially from the upper deck.
• Guests like Patricia and Karen also comment on the comfortable seats and mellow vibe, perfect for a relaxed night.
• The good food and helpful staff make many feel they got their money’s worth, especially if they’re after a romantic setting.

The Downsides

• Several reviews mention service inconsistencies, with waiters sometimes inattentive or slow.
• A few guests found the food not as fresh or as varied as expected and the interior decor somewhat dated, suggesting it might need a refresh.
• Some felt the entertainment was dull or the view from inside was limited, especially if seated away from the large windows.
• A few unfortunate guests experienced poor communication or unanticipated weather issues where the cruise had to alter its route or was canceled without timely updates.

Notable Incidents

One review mentions that poor weather (rain) prevented navigation toward the monuments, and the company didn’t inform guests until they were already underway. This underscores the importance of checking the weather forecast and understanding the policy on weather-related changes.

Who Is This Experience Best Suited For?

This cruise is ideal if you’re looking for a romantic, scenic evening with a touch of live entertainment. It’s perfect for visitors who want a relaxed way to see Paris’s iconic landmarks illuminated at night without the chaos of crowded land-based restaurants.

However, if you’re a foodie seeking gourmet cuisine, or a traveler who prefers guided commentary about the sights, this might fall short. It’s also not designed for children, so it’s best suited for adults and couples celebrating a special occasion.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic cruise with great city views, good food, and some live music, this Seine River dinner cruise offers a compelling option. The panoramic upper deck and relaxed ambiance are definite highlights, making it a memorable way to experience Paris by night.

While the service can sometimes be inconsistent and the interior decor might feel a bit dated, many guests find that the overall experience, especially the views and atmosphere, outweigh these minor flaws. It’s a solid choice for a romantic date, anniversary, or just a special night out that combines sightseeing, good food, and music in one package.

If you’re okay with a relaxed pace and a focus on atmosphere over gourmet perfection, this cruise could be a highlight of your Paris trip. Just remember to dress comfortably, arrive a little early, and enjoy the glow of the City of Light from the water.

FAQs

Is the cruise suitable for children?
No, this tour is not recommended for children, likely due to late hours and the adult-oriented atmosphere.

Can I choose to dine without drinks?
Yes, you can book the dinner option without drinks if you prefer, which can help control costs.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?
You’ll see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Grand Palais, Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, and more as you float along the Seine.

Is there commentary during the cruise?
No, the cruise focuses on the scenery and ambiance; there’s no guided narration.

How long does the cruise last?
Approximately four hours, including boarding, cruising, dining, and entertainment.

What’s included in the price?
A 3-course meal (if chosen), live singer, WiFi, and optional drinks like wine and champagne.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there options for special dietary requirements?
Yes, vegetarian options are available; please advise when booking.

Is the route fixed or can it change?
The route is generally fixed, but in case of weather or safety concerns, it can be altered or canceled with a refund or reschedule offered.

This cruise offers a lovely blend of scenery, music, and good food, making it a memorable part of your Paris adventure—just keep your expectations balanced, and you’re likely to enjoy it.