City Cruises Baltimore: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise

Baltimore City Cruises: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise — An Authentic Waterway Experience

Imagine getting a fresh perspective on Baltimore, with its historic landmarks, vibrant skyline, and lively harbor all unfolding before you while you relax on a boat. That’s exactly what the City Cruises Baltimore experience promises. Whether you opt for a brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise, this 2 to 2.5-hour voyage offers a mix of scenic views, tasty food, and fun entertainment. It’s an easy way to add some elegance and excitement to your Baltimore visit.

What really stands out about this cruise is the combination of delicious buffet meals, stunning 360-degree views, and the lively atmosphere created by a onboard DJ. We love how this experience balances sightseeing with entertainment, making it suitable for both couples seeking a romantic outing and groups celebrating special moments. However, one thing to consider is that food portions, particularly the meat servings according to some reviews, can be a bit small, and the menu might not be highly varied. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic cruise with good food, lively music, and a touch of Baltimore’s iconic sights.

Key Points

• Scenic Baltimore views from the Inner Harbor and Patapsco River.
• Buffet meals: brunch, lunch, or dinner options with fresh, creative dishes.
• Entertainment with a live DJ and interactive games.
• Landmarks like Federal Hill, Fort McHenry, and the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
• Affordable price (~$69), offering good value for a 2-hour cruise.
• Accessible for wheelchairs and suitable for all ages, including infants.

A detailed look at the Baltimore Cruise Experience

The Itinerary and Setting

Starting from the Inner Harbor, the Spirit of Baltimore sets out on a smooth ride along the Patapsco River. It’s a familiar launch point for visitors, with a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for any time of day. The cruise typically lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, with flexible start times depending on your booking. You’ll be welcomed aboard, often by friendly staff, and shown to your private table—a nice touch that makes you feel catered to.

As the ship departs, the real magic begins. Right from the deck, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the skyline, including the National Aquarium, Federal Hill, and Fort McHenry. The first thing we noticed is how engaging the sights are—each turn reveals a new backdrop. Some reviews mention an unexpected highlight: an air show with fighter jets overhead as the cruise begins, adding an exciting twist.

Food and Beverage Offerings

The buffet is a major part of the experience. Depending on the option you select—brunch, lunch, or dinner—you’ll find an array of well-prepared, fresh meals. The menus include salads like kale quinoa and the classic field green, and mains such as Honey Sesame Chicken, oven-roasted whitefish, baked ziti, and a hearty braised beef short ribs. The dishes are described as “creative” and “prepared fresh daily,” which adds value considering the cruise’s modest price point.

One of the most appreciated aspects, voiced repeatedly in reviews, is the quality of the food. Guests often comment on how tasty and plentiful the buffet is, with some noting that the staff go above and beyond to serve generous portions despite certain criticisms about meat servings being small. For example, a reviewer mentioned that the meat portions were “pretty small,” but still enjoyed the variety and flavor.

Dessert stations featuring cakes, brownies, and seasonal fruits round out the meal, giving a sweet ending to the dining experience. During brunch hours, you can indulge in pastries, scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and potatoes—a handy option for those starting their day with a relaxed, scenic breakfast.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

What sets this cruise apart is the lively music and entertainment. An onboard DJ provides a soundtrack that ranges from relaxing tunes to danceable hits, keeping the vibe upbeat. Several reviews highlight how the DJ’s playlist and the interactive games add to the enjoyment, especially for groups or families. The music complements the stunning views, making it feel like a floating celebration.

The cruise’s atmosphere is often described as welcoming and fun, with staff and crew earning praise for their professionalism and friendliness. Many reviewers mention helpful staff who go out of their way to ensure a good experience—whether by accommodating special requests or sharing interesting tidbits about the sights passing by.

Landmarks and Sights

Some of the favorite sights include Federal Hill, known for its historic significance and panoramic views of downtown Baltimore; Fort McHenry, famously associated with the Star-Spangled Banner; and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The cruise offers a unique vantage point, making photos much more captivating than those taken from land. Guests also remark on the unobstructed 360-degree views, perfect for snapping pictures or just soaking in the scenery.

One reviewer appreciated the “delightful” experience of seeing the city’s skyline from the water, especially when the weather was clear. Others mentioned that the cruise provides a flexible way to see Baltimore’s top landmarks without the hassle of city traffic or walking long distances.

Practical Details and Value

At $69 per person, the cruise offers a surprisingly good value considering the included buffet meal, live entertainment, and scenic experience. It’s a relaxed way to spend a couple of hours, especially for those who enjoy both food and sightseeing.

Accessibility is a plus; the cruise is wheelchair accessible, and infants can join for free if you select the appropriate ticket. The dress code is dressy casual, so think nice slacks or a blouse—nothing too formal, but avoid jeans, shorts, or flip-flops, which aren’t permitted.

Note: The experience does not include hotel transfers, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board, with unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea included in the ticket price. For brunch, unlimited mimosas are also offered for guests 21+ with valid ID, adding a touch of celebratory flair.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Cruise

• Book ahead to secure your preferred time slot, especially during peak seasons.
• Arrive early to find parking nearby—many reviews mention it’s convenient and reasonably priced.
• Dress appropriately, keeping in mind that it can get breezy and cooler on the water.
• Inform your server if you have any food allergies or dietary preferences—menu items are subject to change.
• Consider bringing warm layers even in summer, as it can be windier on the deck.
• For the best photos, try to sit on the top deck where views are panoramic and unobstructed.

What Reviewers Say

Guests consistently praise the delicious food, with many describing it as “tasty” and “well prepared.” The music and friendly staff also score high, with comments highlighting their professionalism and helpful attitude. Several reviews mention that children and families enjoy the experience, especially because infants can join for free, and the atmosphere is lively but relaxed.

Some noted small shortcomings like limited meat portions or the need for a better menu description. One reviewer, Jeremy, even mentioned catching an air show with fighter jets as the cruise waited to depart, which added a surprising thrill.

Final Thoughts: Is the Baltimore Cruise Worth It?

This cruise offers a relaxed, scenic escape with a good balance of sights, food, and fun. It’s best suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a lively social setting—perfect for birthday celebrations, romantic outings, or family fun. The value for money is solid, especially given the buffet meal, entertainment, and the unique perspective on Baltimore’s skyline.

While it might not satisfy those seeking a formal or highly exclusive experience, it’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting to see Baltimore from the water in a casual, enjoyable way. Just remember to dress smart-casual and bring your camera—you’re going to want to capture those views.

FAQ

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the cruise on the Spirit of Baltimore, a buffet meal (brunch, lunch, or dinner depending on your booking), unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, plus live music from a DJ. For brunch, unlimited mimosas are also included for guests 21+ with valid ID.

Can I bring infants or children?
Yes, infants can join for free when you select the correct ticket option. Children of all ages are welcome, and the cruise is suitable for families.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, with specific start times depending on your reservation.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for guests with mobility needs to enjoy the experience.

Where do we meet for the cruise?
The meeting point varies depending on the option booked but generally starts at the Inner Harbor. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is dressy casual required?
Yes, a dressy casual attire is recommended—think nice slacks, skirts, blouses, or collared shirts. Avoid jeans, shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops.

Can I purchase alcohol onboard?
Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, but they are not included in the ticket price. You can enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea, and for brunch, unlimited mimosas if you’re of drinking age.

The Baltimore Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise offers a charming, fun way to see the city from a new angle, with plenty of tasty bites and lively entertainment to keep you engaged. Whether you’re celebrating or simply sightseeing, it’s a memorable way to spend a couple of hours on the water.