Newport Beach: Champagne and Brunch Buffet City Cruise

A Complete Review of the Newport Beach: Champagne and Brunch Buffet City Cruise

If you’re eyeing a relaxing escape that combines stunning harbor views with a delicious brunch and bubbly, the Newport Beach Champagne and Brunch Buffet City Cruise promises just that. This 2-hour voyage offers a blend of scenic sailing, exquisite food, and a lively atmosphere, all set against the backdrop of California’s gorgeous coastline.

What we love most about this cruise is its ability to transform a simple brunch into a memorable experience. The combination of a chef-prepared buffet and unlimited champagne makes it a perfect outing for celebrating a special occasion or just unwinding in style. However, one thing to keep in mind is that some guests have noted the timing can be a bit tight—especially when it comes to enjoying the views after the meal.

This experience is ideally suited for those who value quality scenery, good food, and a touch of luxury. Families, couples, or groups celebrating a milestone will find this cruise offers both relaxation and visual delight. If you’re after a leisurely way to see Newport Harbor while enjoying top-tier brunch fare, this cruise is definitely worth considering.

Key Points

• Beautiful Harbor Views: Experience the sights of Balboa Peninsula, Mariner’s Mile, and Balboa Island from the water.
• Sumptuous Brunch Buffet: Indulge in a chef-prepared spread featuring both savory and sweet options, with a kid-friendly station.
• Unlimited Champagne & Cider: Enjoy bottomless sparkling beverages, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
• Relaxed Two-Hour Duration: Perfect for a quick yet fulfilling escape without taking up a full day.
• Live Entertainment & Open-Air Deck: Capture photos and soak in panoramic views from the open roof deck or cozy interiors.
• Pass by Iconic Landmarks: Cruise past Shirley Temple’s former house, Corona del Mar Beach, The Wedge, and more.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Parking

The tour departs from Mariner’s Mile Marina at 2431 West Coast Highway, a popular spot in Newport Beach. Parking here costs around $10 per car and is cash-only, with limited spaces. Travelers should consider arriving early to secure a spot, especially during busy weekends, or opt for nearby offsite parking options.

The Itinerary and Scenic Highlights

The cruise begins with a gentle departure from the marina, setting the tone for a leisurely two hours. As you glide through the harbor, you’ll pass by some of Newport’s most famous sights. The Shirley Temple former house offers a glimpse into local history, while Corona del Mar State Beach and The Wedge promise spectacular views and the chance to see locals enjoying their beach days.

Cruising past the Balboa Island Ferry and Balboa Fun Zone, you’ll witness the lively waterfront scene that makes Newport Beach so unique. According to reviews, many guests appreciated the smooth boarding process and the friendly staff, with one noting that everything “went very smooth from boarding to departure,” and praising their server Nina for excellent service.

The Brunch Buffet

The real highlight is the chef-prepared buffet, which features a thoughtfully curated menu. Starting with early riser favorites like muffins, danishes, and Scottish smoked salmon, the spread caters to a variety of tastes. The scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and breakfast potatoes make for a hearty start, while the French toast with whipped cream and maple syrup offers a sweet finish.

For those seeking lighter fare, salads like Caesar and Greek are available, along with a sun-dried tomato pasta salad and oven-roasted salmon. The kid’s station with chicken tenders and fries ensures little ones are well-fed, and the carved tri-tip steak adds a touch of indulgence for meat lovers.

Guests have praised the quality of the food, with one reviewer mentioning that their experience “went very smooth,” despite some feeling the service could be a tad quicker. An important note from reviews is that timing can be tight—if you’re among the last to be served, you might find your time to enjoy the views somewhat limited after the meal.

Drinks and Entertainment

Unlimited champagne and sparkling cider are included, adding a festive touch to the experience. The bubbly flows freely, making it ideal for celebrations, anniversaries, or just elevating a casual brunch. While drinks are included, other beverages are available for purchase, which allows for a bit of customization.

Live entertainment helps set the mood, with guests noting that the ambiance is lively yet relaxing. The open-air roof deck offers fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to breathe in the salt air and take panoramic shots of the harbor.

Passing Landmarks and Views

During the cruise, you’ll see some of Newport’s most iconic sights. Many reviews highlight the magnificent harbor views as the main draw. The opportunity to photograph the colorful houses on Balboa Island or the yachts in Mariner’s Mile makes this experience memorable.

One reviewer mentioned that while the scenery was beautiful, they wished the cruise lasted longer—”it could be a 3-hour ride,” they said, because the current 2-hour duration left little time for exploration or photos after the meal. That said, the entire cruise feels well-paced, with enough time to relax, eat, and enjoy the views.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Timing: Check the availability for your preferred start time; the cruise lasts about 2 hours.
• Parking: Arrive early or use nearby offsite parking; cash-only parking is limited.
• Dress Code: Upscale casual to business casual is recommended—think cute sundresses, smart shorts, or linen shirts.
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera for capturing the scenery.
• Children: Kids aged 3 and under are free but must be included in the reservation; make sure to select the free child ticket.
• Group Reservations: To keep everyone seated together, book as one party—separate bookings might split your group.
• Photo Opportunities: The open-air deck is perfect for photos, so bring your camera or smartphone.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Guest feedback paints a picture of a well-organized cruise with excellent service. One guest, Vanessa, praised their waiter Mack, saying, “Our waiter Mack was great!!” and expressed a wish to spend more time at sea. Another, Mark, highlighted how smooth the experience was, singling out their server Nina for top-notch service.

A slightly mixed review from Janet noted that the meal timing was rushed— “by the time we got our food, we were already an hour into the ride,” which limited their sightseeing. This signals that while the cruise is enjoyable overall, timing can be a consideration for those eager to maximize their view time.

The Sum Up

The Newport Beach Champagne and Brunch Buffet City Cruise offers a delightful way to enjoy the harbor without the commitment of a full-day tour. Its blend of beautiful scenery, quality food, and unlimited bubbly makes it ideal for celebrating or relaxing with friends and family. The inclusive brunch menu caters to a variety of tastes, and the open deck provides excellent photo opportunities.

While the experience is generally praised for its smooth operation and friendly staff, some guests note that the timing can be tight—potentially limiting time for exploring the sights after eating. Still, the lively atmosphere, panoramic views, and the chance to indulge in a little luxury make this cruise a worthwhile pick for anyone wanting a memorable seaside outing.

If you enjoy scenic cruises paired with good food and drinks, this experience is definitely worth considering, especially for special occasions or a leisurely day on the water.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, with specific departure times available depending on the day.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Mariner’s Mile Marina at 2431 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach.

Is parking available onsite?
Yes, limited on-site parking is available for around $10 cash only. Alternative nearby parking lots and street parking are also options.

Is food included in the price?
Yes, a chef-prepared brunch buffet is included, along with unlimited champagne and sparkling cider.

Are children allowed on the cruise?
Yes, children 3 and under are free but must be included in your reservation; remember to select the free child ticket.

What should I wear?
Upscale casual to business casual attire is recommended—think nice sundresses, collared shirts, or smart shorts.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Additional drinks are available for purchase; the included drinks are unlimited champagne and cider.

Is there live entertainment?
Yes, live entertainment helps create a lively, enjoyable atmosphere onboard.

In all, the Newport Beach Champagne and Brunch Buffet City Cruise offers a charming, scenic, and indulgent escape that balances comfort, views, and good food. Perfect for those who want to celebrate, relax, or simply enjoy a different perspective of Newport Harbor.