City Cruises Boston: Premier Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

Imagine gliding across Boston Harbor on a sleek, elegant vessel, with the city’s skyline shimmering around you. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking a special occasion, or simply craving a memorable night out, the City Cruises Boston offering—a two-hour harbor cruise featuring gourmet dining and lively entertainment—deserves a good look.

We’re here to give you a balanced picture of this experience. What makes it stand out? For us, it’s the stunning views of Boston’s landmarks from the water and the delicious food options, whether a buffet brunch or a three-course dinner. That said, it’s worth noting that the menu and service might not always hit gourmet perfection, as some reviews suggest. Still, if you love dining with a view and a touch of city glamour, this cruise could be just right.

This cruise is especially suited to those celebrating special moments, couples seeking a romantic evening, or anyone craving a different perspective on Boston’s sights. Just remember, it’s more upscale casual—so dress smart, and consider jackets or cocktail attire for dinner. If you’re looking for an all-out party or a very casual outing, this might not be the best fit.

• Spectacular Views: See Boston’s landmarks, like USS Constitution and the Zakim Bridge, from open decks or inside.
• Delicious Dining: Choose between buffet brunch or a refined 3-course dinner, with options for every palate.
• Entertaining Atmosphere: Enjoy a live DJ and space to dance, making it a lively, festive experience.
• Convenient & Flexible: Boarding an hour before departure, with options to cancel 24 hours in advance without penalty.
• Upscale Casual: Dress smart-casual; jackets or cocktail attire recommended for dinner.
• Authentic Experience: Offers a glimpse of Boston’s skyline and waterfront beyond typical land tours.

The main event is the cruise itself on the Odyssey, a vessel designed to maximize the sightseeing and dining experience. You’ll arrive behind the Boston Harbor Hotel about an hour before the ship departs, giving you ample time to explore the ship, snap photos, and settle in with a drink if you wish. The boarding process is straightforward, and the crew is generally friendly and professional.

Once aboard, you’ll find your private table, which means no fighting for a good spot—something many travelers appreciate. Expect to start your cruise with unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase if you want a glass of wine or a cocktail with your meal.

The Dining Experience

The highlight for most is the dining. You can opt for a buffet brunch or a 3-course dinner, with a menu that combines local ingredients and classic dishes. For dinner, the menu features options like smoked chili-rubbed Atlantic salmon, seared chicken breast, or a flavorful zaatar flat iron steak, complemented by seasonal salads, roasted vegetables, and decadent desserts like cheesecake or chocolate cake.

The brunch includes assorted muffins, danishes, and French toast, along with healthier choices like smoked salmon and fruit salads. The menus are designed to satisfy a range of tastes, though some reviews note that the food quality can vary—a reminder that this is a cruise experience more than a fine dining restaurant.

The Views and Atmosphere

As the boat glides across the harbor, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Boston’s skyline, Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, and the Zakim Bridge. The observation decks are open-air, perfect for photos, or you can stay inside in climate-controlled comfort if the weather isn’t cooperating.

The live DJ adds a lively vibe, especially if you’re in the mood to dance. For those celebrating a special occasion, the combination of music, views, and excellent service can turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.

Reviews paint a mixed but generally positive picture. Many travelers appreciate the stunning scenery, describing it as a “romantic” experience and praising the friendly staff. One reviewer shared, “It was our first dinner cruise in the city, and even with the supermoon shining, it made the evening more perfect,” highlighting the romance and unique atmosphere.

Food critiques are more mixed. Some find the menu delicious and satisfying, while others mention dry chicken or slow service—not uncommon on large cruise ships. One traveler noted, “The food did not meet our definition of ‘Gourmet,’ and water was refilled only after the second course,” indicating that service can sometimes be inconsistent.

Value-wise, at $243 per person, this cruise is definitely on the pricier side. Consider it an investment in a memorable experience rather than a bargain meal. If you’re looking for a special occasion or an elegant way to see the city, many find it worth the splurge. For those on a tighter budget, other Boston water outings or land tours might be more economical but less glamorous.

The cruise is straightforward: you begin with a one-hour pre-departure period at the dock. This is your chance to explore the vessel, take photos, and settle in. Once underway, the boat takes a route around Boston Harbor, providing 360-degree views of key landmarks.

Expect to cruise past famous sights like the USS Constitution, the historic ship floating nearby, and the Zakim Bridge, a modern icon of the city’s skyline. The open-air decks are ideal for photos and taking in the breeze, while the indoor spaces keep you comfortable if you prefer to stay out of the weather.

During the cruise, the live DJ sets the tone for dancing, and the dining service runs smoothly, with staff bringing out meals and refilling drinks as needed. The two-hour duration makes it a perfect short break from sightseeing or a relaxing evening activity.

If you’re seeking a romantic date night with skyline views, this cruise hits the mark. The delicious food, combined with the stunning scenery, makes it perfect for couples or celebrating a special occasion. It’s also great for group celebrations—like a birthday or anniversary—especially with the lively atmosphere and music.

Travelers who appreciate upscale casual settings will find this experience suits them well. The smart-casual dress code and optional jackets for dinner add to the sense of occasion without feeling overly formal.

However, if your priority is gourmet dining or you dislike large, commercial cruise experiences, you might find the service inconsistent or the menu slightly underwhelming. Also, for those on a strict budget, the price might feel steep, though many see it as a worthwhile splurge for the memories created.

What is included in the cruise?
The cruise includes boarding and exploring the ship for an hour before departure, a buffet brunch or 3-course dinner, a private table, live DJ and dance floor, observation decks, and unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
Meet behind the Boston Harbor Hotel. It’s best to arrive one hour before departure to allow time for check-in and exploration.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity to fit into your day or evening.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What should I wear?
Smart-casual is recommended; jackets and cocktail attire are suggested for the dinner cruise. It’s wise to bring a jacket for the open decks.

Are infants allowed?
Yes, infants are free but must be marked as such during booking to be admitted.

Is food served throughout the cruise?
Yes, depending on your choice of brunch or dinner, the food will be served during the cruise—though staff may refill drinks and check on your table periodically.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Outside alcohol is not permitted; beverages are available for purchase onboard.

What landmarks will I see?
Expect views of Bunker Hill, USS Constitution, the Zakim Bridge, and the North End waterfront, all from the comfort of the ship’s decks.

The City Cruises Boston harbor cruise offers a blend of spectacular views, delicious dining, and a lively atmosphere that makes it stand out from typical land-based tours. It’s ideal for those wanting to combine the beauty of Boston’s skyline with a relaxing meal and entertainment.

While the menu and service quality may vary, the overall experience is usually memorable—especially when the skies are clear and the city lights sparkle. Its upscale casual vibe makes it suitable for special celebrations, romantic evenings, or a fun night with friends.

If you value stunning vistas, good food, and a touch of luxury on the water, this cruise should definitely be on your Boston itinerary. Just remember to dress accordingly and enjoy every minute of this unique city perspective.