Marina Del Rey: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Marina Del Rey: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Hosting a Christmas celebration on a boat might not be your first thought, but this Marina del Rey holiday cruise offers a charming, laid-back way to enjoy the holiday with stunning views, delicious food, and festive cheer. With options for a brunch or dinner buffet, unlimited mimosas during brunch, and lively entertainment, it’s a unique way to make Christmas memorable in Southern California.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it combines spectacular scenery with comfort and festivity. The cruise’s climate-controlled interior and open-air decks mean you get the best of both worlds—cozy protection from the elements and fresh marina air. However, one possible consideration is the price point of $143 per person, which might seem steep for some, but the quality of food and the scenic value make it worthwhile. This experience suits those looking for an elegant yet relaxed holiday outing—ideal for couples, families, or groups seeking a festive day with a view.

Key Points

• Scenic views of Marina del Rey and Southern California beaches create a festive backdrop.
• Chef-prepared buffet offers a wide selection of delicious entrees, salads, and desserts.
• Unlimited mimosas and beverages enhance the celebration, especially at brunch.
• Live entertainment and holiday décor set a joyful, seasonal mood.
• Flexible duration (2 to 2.5 hours) fits well into a holiday schedule.
• Wheelchair accessibility and a guaranteed table for your party make it practical and comfortable.

A Festive Cruise with Scenic Highlights

Imagine celebrating Christmas on a boat gently bobbing in the harbor, with views of Burton Chace Park, sea life, and the surrounding marina. That’s exactly what this cruise offers. The 2 to 2.5-hour journey whisks you around Marina del Rey’s calm waters, giving a fresh perspective on its iconic beauty. Whether you choose the brunch with unlimited mimosas or the elegant dinner, you’ll enjoy the scenery from both climate-controlled interiors and open-air decks, perfect for picture-taking or simply soaking in the holiday atmosphere.

Several reviews highlight how the views are truly impressive. Guests have remarked on the way the boat glides past spots like Burton Chace Park, where holiday lights and decorations add an extra layer of charm. The presence of sea life, such as seals, adds an unexpected delight, giving this cruise a lively, natural touch.

The Culinary Experience: Buffet and Dessert Delights

The star of this cruise is undoubtedly the chef-prepared buffet, which offers a substantial variety of dishes. The brunch menu includes breakfast pastries, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and potatoes, making it a satisfying start to your holiday morning. The buffet also features salads like Caesar and Greek, along with pasta salads and roasted chicken or salmon, ensuring there’s something for all.

The dinner menu shifts slightly, with options like oven-roasted salmon, carved turkey, tri-tip steak, and hearty sides like gnocchi, mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. The dessert station is a tempting finale, with apple crisp, assorted cakes, pastries, and seasonal fruit—a sweet treat to round off your holiday meal.

Guests, including those with dietary preferences, will appreciate the variety and quality. The reviews praise the delicious food and the attention to presentation. One guest mentioned the “wonderful way the food was served with so many choices,” while another highlighted the seasonal desserts as a perfect ending.

Drinks and Entertainment: Adding to the Festive Mood

A notable perk for brunch diners is the free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider, which instantly elevates the celebration. During dinner, beverages aren’t included, but the festive ambiance remains lively with music and holiday décor. Live entertainment provides a cheerful soundtrack, helping to create a warm, joyful atmosphere.

Guests have shared that the music sets the mood perfectly, blending holiday tunes with light, upbeat tracks. The holiday décor adds to the festive spirit, transforming the boat into a cheerful Christmas setting. Many find this combination of good food, drinks, and entertainment to be a great value for the holiday experience.

Practical Details: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The cruise departs from Marina del Rey, with check availability to see specific starting times. The duration is roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a manageable event that fits neatly into a holiday schedule. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and a guaranteed table ensures your party won’t be split up, which is especially important during busy holiday times.

Since hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the marina. The cruise is designed for English-speaking guests, and while the experience is family-friendly, the focus on decor, entertainment, and dining makes it particularly suitable for adults and older children.

The price of $143 per person reflects a premium experience, but considering the quality of food, scenic views, and festive atmosphere, many find it a reasonable investment for a special holiday outing. Remember, the price includes all-you-can-eat buffet, unlimited beverages during brunch, holiday décor, and entertainment.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Insights

One reviewer, Susan, summed up her experience as “relaxing and delicious,” emphasizing the quality of the food and the enjoyable atmosphere. She appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the peaceful cruise, which provided a perfect holiday escape. The live music and festive décor have also been praised for creating a warm, celebratory environment.

Many reviewers mention the choices offered at the buffet—from smoked salmon to carved turkey and hearty pastas, all served with care. The dessert station particularly wins points, with guests loving the seasonal cakes and fresh fruit.

Who Would Enjoy This Experience?

This cruise is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic way to celebrate Christmas. It appeals to those who appreciate good food, beverages, and a festive atmosphere in a beautiful setting. Families with older children, couples, and groups of friends will find it a charming way to mark the holiday.

If you’re after a more formal, sit-down dinner, this might not be the best fit, but if you want a fun, lively, and scenic holiday experience, it’s a solid choice. Be prepared for the price point, and plan your transport accordingly, since the cruise departs from the marina.

The Sum Up

The Marina Del Rey Christmas Day Buffet Cruise offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, delicious food, and holiday cheer. It provides a relaxed, enjoyable way to enjoy California’s stunning coast while celebrating the season. The chef-prepared buffet, unlimited drinks during brunch, live entertainment, and festive décor make it a memorable holiday outing that balances comfort with celebration.

While the cost might give some pause, the value lies in the quality of the experience—beautiful views, hearty food, and a joyful atmosphere. It’s especially perfect for those looking to combine scenic sightseeing with a festive meal, creating lasting memories without the hassle of traditional holiday traveling.

This cruise caters well to families, couples, and groups wanting a fun, scenic, and delicious holiday event. If you’re seeking a festive way to spend Christmas in Marina del Rey, this experience definitely warrants consideration.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the cruise package? No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Marina del Rey.

How long is the cruise? The cruise lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, with specific departure times available based on the day.

Is the cruise accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.

What does the buffet include? The buffet features a variety of breakfast pastries, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, salads, pasta, carved meats, and desserts.

Are beverages included? During brunch, unlimited champagne, mimosas, sparkling cider, coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included. Dinner does not include drinks.

Can I choose between brunch and dinner? Yes, you can select either the buffet brunch with unlimited mimosas or the dinner buffet, depending on your preference and schedule.

What should I bring? It’s recommended to bring passport or ID for check-in, and dress comfortably for the weather, especially if you plan to enjoy the open-air decks.

Is this experience suitable for children? While family-friendly, the focus on dining, drinks, and entertainment makes it particularly enjoyable for older children and adults.

What about timing and availability? Check the specific availability and starting times for your preferred date, as these can vary.

Is this a good value for the price? Considering the scenic views, quality food, drinks, entertainment, and festive décor, many guests find the experience to be worth the $143 per person price point, especially during the holiday season.

The Marina Del Rey Christmas Buffet Cruise offers an inviting, scenic, and delicious way to celebrate the holiday in Southern California. For those seeking a relaxed, festive atmosphere with a view, it’s a holiday highlight worth considering.