New Year’s Eve Seine Cruise and Dinner in Paris

New Year’s Eve Seine Cruise and Dinner in Paris: An Honest Review

Imagine ringing in the new year while drifting down the Seine, with the Eiffel Tower twinkling just meters away and the Parisian skyline illuminated by festive lights. This New Year’s Eve Seine cruise promises a blend of sightseeing, fine dining, and lively dancing—perfect for those seeking a memorable way to welcome 2024 in Paris.

What we love about this experience is its combination of elegant cuisine and stunning vistas, giving you a front-row seat to Paris’s iconic monuments as they glow against the night sky. The lively atmosphere, complete with a DJ, makes it more than just a dinner—it’s a celebration.

However, a few considerations are worth noting. Some reviews mention the limited visibility due to fogged-up windows, and the perceived value for the price can vary depending on expectations around food quality and overall comfort.

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a special, festive experience in Paris, especially those who appreciate scenic views, good wine, and a lively party atmosphere. It may not suit someone looking for a quiet, intimate dinner or expecting top-tier gourmet cuisine.

Key Points

• Scenic views of Paris’s most famous landmarks from the Seine.
• Inclusive dinner and drinks that offer good value, with a menu featuring fine French dishes.
• Festive atmosphere with a live DJ and music, perfect for celebrating New Year’s.
• Comfortable setting with individual tables, linen covers, and bay windows (subject to availability).
• Some reviews highlight fogged-up windows and shorter cruise durations than advertised.
• A romantic yet lively way to experience Paris on New Year’s Eve.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

We start with the location—meeting at the Quai de Bercy next to the Tolbiac Bridge, where you’ll find the “La Marina” boats ready to set sail. The embarkation is smooth, with crew members attentive to seating arrangements and ensuring everyone is comfortably settled. The setting is warm and inviting, with individual tables covered in linen, offering a sense of intimacy despite the likely number of guests.

The Cruise Itinerary: What to Expect

Once on board, your first glimpse of Paris’s illuminated skyline makes for a striking start. The boat glides smoothly along the Seine, passing by the most beautiful and iconic monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre. The window views are a highlight, allowing you to see Paris’s sparkling lights and festive decorations, which many reviews praise as especially magical during the holiday season.

Dining on the boat is a notable aspect. The menu includes champagne and appetizers to set the mood, followed by dishes like Mi-cuit of foie gras with seasonal chutney, seared scallops with saffron risotto, and a beef tenderloin with truffle jus. There’s also a cheese platter and a decadent chocolate dessert at midnight, accompanied by a half-bottle of wine per person—either a crisp Chardonnay or a rich Puisseguin Saint-Emilion.

Travelers should note that the food presentation and quality are generally appreciated, though some reviewers found the meal “only average,” which might be acceptable given the setting and price point. You’re also treated to live music from a singer, adding to the festive mood, while the DJ energizes the crowd for dancing as midnight approaches.

The Atmosphere and Entertainment

The dance floor comes alive as the DJ spins upbeat tracks, making this cruise feel more like a party than a formal dinner. People of all ages participate, and the lively ambiance is described as “lovely” by some guests. The midnight countdown at the Eiffel Tower is a special moment, with many describing it as “magical,” especially with the city’s fireworks and lights adding to the celebration.

Duration and Pacing

The advertised duration is 4.5 hours, but some reviews mention it was closer to 3 hours, with others noting the trip started late or didn’t quite match expectations. The return trip ends around 1 a.m., giving you a late-night option to continue the celebrations elsewhere. However, the shorter cruise time might be disappointing if you’re expecting a longer, more relaxed experience.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in your ticket are the cruise, crew, food menu, drinks, a live singer, and individual linen-covered tables with bay windows (if available). The price of $527 per person reflects a combination of the scenic experience, gourmet dishes, and lively entertainment.

Not included are hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to arrive at the meeting point on your own. The meeting point is straightforward—Cour Saint Emilion next to the Tolbiac Bridge—and is accessible by public transportation, making logistics simple for most travelers.

What the Reviews Say

One traveler from the US called it a “well-organized evening with good food,” but others found the food mediocre and the windows fogged, which affected visibility. A German reviewer expressed disappointment, citing the tight seating and shorter duration as negatives, but still appreciated the friendly service. Conversely, a Brazilian guest described the cruise as “fantastic,” highlighting the stop at the Eiffel Tower at midnight as a highlight.

The mixed reviews suggest that while the experience offers stunning views and lively entertainment, it may not be perfect for those expecting gourmet cuisine or a perfectly smooth journey. Still, for many, the atmosphere, the festive spirit, and the spectacular scenery outweigh the drawbacks.

Is This Experience Worth It?

Considering the price of $527, this cruise delivers a combination of scenic beauty, festive atmosphere, and fine dining that justifies the cost for many. The value lies in the unique experience of celebrating New Year’s Eve on the Seine, with prime seats to the city’s fireworks, lights, and landmarks. The included drinks and live entertainment boost the overall experience, making it feel like a proper celebration.

However, if you are a foodie looking for Michelin-star quality or prefer a longer, more relaxed cruise, you might find this offering somewhat limited. The shorter cruise duration and average food might not fully match your expectations for the price.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits celebrators at heart—people who want to combine spectacular sights with dancing and drinks on New Year’s Eve. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or groups eager for a lively, memorable night in Paris. If you’re looking for a romantic, intimate dinner or a quiet viewing experience, this cruise might not be your best choice.

Travelers who appreciate an authentic holiday atmosphere, with festive lights and city views, will find this a worthwhile option. It’s also an excellent way to avoid the cold outside while still enjoying all the sights.

Final Thoughts

The New Year’s Eve Seine Cruise offers an exciting way to ring in 2024, combining spectacular Parisian views, delicious food, and a lively party atmosphere. While it isn’t perfect—some may find the food average, and the windows sometimes foggy—the unique setting and festive mood make up for many shortcomings.

If you’re after a fun, vibrant start to your new year in Paris and don’t mind a bit of crowd, this cruise could be a highlight of your trip. Just be sure to arrive prepared for the shorter duration and potential weather issues, and set your expectations accordingly.

This experience is best suited for those wanting a lively, scenic celebration, but perhaps less so for travelers craving a quiet, gourmet evening. Either way, it’s a ** memorable way to welcome 2024** with the City of Light as your backdrop.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to make your way to the meeting point at Cour Saint Emilion.

What is the meeting point?
Next to the Tolbiac Bridge at the bottom of the ramp, next to the Paris Seine pontoon.

How long does the cruise last?
The advertised duration is 4.5 hours, but some guests report it being closer to 3 hours.

Is there a dress code?
The tour description doesn’t specify a dress code, but dress smart casual to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Can I take children?
A child’s menu is available, but check with the provider for age restrictions or specific policies.

Are there vegetarian or specialty meal options?
The reviews mention a child’s menu with poultry, but no specific info on vegetarian options; inquire in advance if needed.

What alcohol is included?
You get a half-bottle of wine per person—either Chardonnay 2024 or Puisseguin Saint-Emilion 2022—plus champagne and additional drinks.

Is there live entertainment?
Yes, a live singer performs, and a DJ plays music to keep the party lively.

What are the cancellation policies?
You can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund; cancellations made 8 days prior incur a 50% fee.

Will I see the fireworks?
Yes, there is a stop at the Eiffel Tower at midnight, making it a perfect spot for the fireworks and celebrations.

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This cruise isn’t perfect, but it offers a lively, festive way to see Paris’s sights while ringing in the new year. For those who love a spirited celebration, it’s a memorable option that captures the magic of Paris at midnight.