San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

If you’re seeking a unique way to celebrate Christmas in San Diego, this Christmas Day cruise promises a festive blend of delicious food, scenic vistas, and holiday cheer on the water. Aboard a sleek vessel, you’ll glide past iconic sights like the USS Midway and the Coronado Bridge, all while enjoying a chef-prepared buffet and unlimited drinks. Whether you prefer a leisurely brunch or a cozy dinner, this experience offers a memorable twist on holiday traditions.

One of the highlights we love is the open-air rooftop deck, which gives you that perfect holiday postcard shot along with fresh sea air. The fact that it’s a family-friendly, all-ages experience makes it especially appealing for visitors wanting to combine sightseeing with a festive meal. That said, a potential consideration is the price point—at $141 per person, it’s a splurge, but for many, the holiday atmosphere and scenic setting can justify the cost. This cruise is best suited for those who enjoy scenic water views, good food, and a relaxed, celebratory vibe on Christmas Day.

Key Points

• Scenic views of San Diego’s skyline, USS Midway, and Coronado Bridge provide a stunning holiday backdrop
• Delicious, chef-prepared buffets for brunch or dinner that cater to various tastes
• Open-air rooftop deck offers the freshest air and great photo opportunities
• Unlimited drinks, including mimosas if you choose the brunch option, coffee, iced tea, and water
• Holiday decor and live music help create a festive, joyful atmosphere
• Boarding photos with Santa add a fun, memorable touch for families and kids

What to Expect from the Experience

The Christmas cruise is a carefully curated experience, blending scenic cruising with culinary delights and holiday ambiance. You’ll meet at Pier 1 at the Hornblower Landing, where the crew welcomes you aboard a vessel that offers both indoor comfort and outdoor fun. The cruise lasts about 2 to 3 hours, giving plenty of time to relax, eat, and soak in the views.

The itinerary is straightforward but thoughtfully designed. After boarding, the boat departs on time, and the festivities begin. You can choose between the brunch or dinner buffet, both crafted by a chef to ensure freshness and quality. The buffet menu features a wide range of options, from breakfast classics like pastries, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and breakfast meats to salads, pastas, roasted salmon, and carved meats like tri-tip steak and turkey—perfect for satisfying different tastes.

While the menu details vary slightly between the brunch and dinner options, both offer hearty, well-balanced choices with seasonal desserts and a signature dessert station. The kid’s station with chicken tenders and fries makes it family-friendly, while the adults will appreciate the unlimited drinks—mimosas for brunch, plus coffee, tea, and iced tea.

As you cruise past notable sights such as the USS Midway, you’ll marvel at its size and historical significance. The boat’s large windows and open decks give you excellent viewing opportunities, whether indoors or on the open rooftop. The music adds to the cheerful atmosphere, although some reviews note a desire for more holiday-themed background music.

The Scenic Highlights and Sightseeing

One of the main attractions of this cruise is the awe-inspiring scenery. Gliding past the USS Midway offers a sense of history and scale, especially if you’re a military history enthusiast or just love impressive ships. The Coronado Bridge’s elegant arc punctuates the skyline, and the sparkling waters of San Diego Bay set a perfect holiday scene.

The open-air rooftop deck is a real treat, especially if you’re keen on snapping photos or feeling the cool sea breeze on your face. During the cruise, the views of the city skyline lighting up at sunset or under evening lights create a magical setting that elevates the entire experience.

Food and Beverage Offerings

The buffet is clearly a highlight, with a wide array of freshly prepared entrees and salads. The breakfast buffet features comforting staples like muffins, danishes, smoked salmon, eggs, bacon, and potatoes, making it a hearty start to your holiday morning. For dinner, the menu shifts towards classic holiday dishes—roasted turkey, tri-tip steak, seafood, baked pasta, and seasonal vegetables—all served with generous sides like garlic mashed potatoes and stuffing.

The dessert stations are another highlight, featuring seasonal cakes, brownies, pastries, and fresh fruit, topped off with a cinnamon apple crisp that’s a crowd favorite. The signature dessert station offers a sweet end to the meal with a variety of individual desserts and seasonal treats.

The unlimited drinks—including coffee, iced tea, and water—are included, with mimosas available during brunch, adding a celebratory touch. This all-inclusive approach enhances the value, especially for those who enjoy a drink with their meal.

Service, Atmosphere, and Entertainment

The service aboard the cruise is generally described as friendly and attentive, with reviewers praising their servers—one reviewer specifically mentions having a “great server.” The holiday decor and soft music set a festive mood, although some guests note that more holiday-themed music would boost the holiday spirit.

The cruise offers boarding photos with Santa, a fun addition especially for families with children. The music entertainment typically is background, designed to enhance the experience without overpowering conversation or sightseeing.

Value for Money and Considerations

At $141 per person, this cruise isn’t the cheapest holiday activity, but it does include a full buffet, unlimited drinks, a scenic cruise, and holiday decor. For many, the value lies in the experience of celebrating Christmas on the water—something truly different from typical holiday gatherings. However, some guests mention that the menu on the website didn’t exactly match what was served, and a guest noted disappointment with the lack of holiday music, which could be an area for improvement.

On top of that, the experience duration of 2-3 hours fits well into a holiday schedule, allowing ample time for both dining and sightseeing. The boarding process is straightforward, with accessibility for wheelchairs but stairs required on the outer decks.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is ideal for families, couples, or groups wanting a festive, scenic, and food-focused Christmas experience. It’s a perfect way to combine sightseeing with a special meal, especially if you’ve got guests who appreciate good food and stunning views. The inclusion of holiday decor and Santa photos makes it particularly appealing for those traveling with children.

However, if you’re seeking an evening with more lively entertainment or a more casual vibe, this might feel a bit more refined and subdued. It’s also a good fit for those who want to avoid the hassle of holiday travel and prefer celebrating in a unique, relaxed setting on the water.

Celebrating Christmas on a San Diego bay cruise combines scenic beauty, delicious food, and festive cheer into one memorable package. The chef-crafted buffet and unlimited drinks ensure you’ll be well-fed and relaxed, while the open decks and city views provide a beautiful backdrop for your holiday experience. Whether you opt for brunch or dinner, the cruise offers a charming way to mark the holiday with loved ones.

While some may find the price on the higher side, the value comes from the combination of scenery, good food, and holiday atmosphere. It’s especially suited for those looking for a special Christmas celebration that’s both picturesque and unique, away from the usual holiday hustle.

In essence, this cruise is a practical choice for anyone wanting a festive, scenic, and flavorful Christmas day in San Diego—an experience that promises holiday memories to cherish.

• What is included in the cruise?
  The round-trip cruise fare includes freshly prepared entrees, salads, desserts, unlimited coffee, mimosas (if brunch), hot tea, iced tea, and water, along with holiday decor, music, and boarding photos with Santa.

• How long does the cruise last?
  Expect the experience to last between 2 to 3 hours, with specific starting times available based on the date.

• Where do I meet for the cruise?
  You meet at Pier 1, Hornblower Landing, where the boat staff will welcome you onboard.

• Is the cruise accessible?
  Yes, the boarding deck is wheelchair accessible, though stairs are necessary for some outer decks.

• Can I take kids?
  Absolutely. The cruise is family-friendly, with a kid’s station offering chicken tenders and fries, plus fun photos with Santa.

• What should I wear?
  The recommended dress code is upscale casual to business casual, suitable for a festive occasion but also comfortable for being on a boat.

• Are there vegetarian or special diet options?
  The menu features a variety of options, including vegetarian dishes like salads and pasta, but it’s best to specify dietary preferences when booking.

• Is this activity refundable?
  No, the booking is non-refundable, so be sure of your plans before reserving.

• What if the weather is bad?
  Cruises operate rain or shine, but severe weather may cause delays or cancellations—check weather updates close to your departure date.

• Can I bring my own drinks or snacks?
  No, outside food or drinks are not permitted onboard, but the cruise includes unlimited beverages as part of the package.

This holiday cruise in San Diego offers a blend of scenic views, festive atmosphere, and delicious cuisine—perfect for a Christmas Day that’s both special and memorable.