San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Celebrate the Christmas spirit in San Diego with a festive cruise along the city’s picturesque waterfront. Savor a mouthwatering holiday buffet while taking in panoramic views from the rooftop deck. Soak up the lively atmosphere with live music and refreshing cocktails. Capture boarding photos with a jolly Santa Claus, and relish the inclusive experience with wheelchair-accessible boarding and seating. While the dress code calls for upscale casual attire, the real question is – will you choose the brunch or dinner cruise?

Key Points

Enjoy a festive buffet brunch or dinner cruise along San Diego’s waterfront, featuring a selection of entrees, salads, and desserts.
Take in panoramic views of the city’s iconic sights, including the USS Midway and the vibrant skyline, from the rooftop deck.
Experience live musical entertainment and a full-service bar for a lively and memorable holiday celebration.
Capture boarding photos with a jolly Santa Claus as a keepsake of your cruise experience.
The cruise offers wheelchair-accessible boarding and seating to accommodate guests with mobility needs.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Cruise Along San Diego’s Waterfront

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful cruise along San Diego’s waterfront, where they’ll take in iconic sights like the USS Midway and the city’s vibrant skyline.

The cruise offers a chance to feel the fresh sea breeze and admire the picturesque harbor from the comfort of a luxurious vessel.

As the boat glides smoothly across the water, guests can relax on the rooftop deck and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Whether guests choose the brunch or dinner cruise, they’ll be treated to stunning views that capture the essence of San Diego’s coastal charm.

The cruise provides a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday season.

Festive Holiday Buffet Menu Options

The festive holiday buffet menu offers an array of freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts to delight guests’ palates.

From savory breakfast pastries and smoked salmon to roasted turkey and tri-tip steak, the menu caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

For brunch, diners can indulge in classics like eggs, breakfast meats, and French toast, alongside salads and pasta dishes.

The dinner menu features a selection of hearty mains, including tender salmon and juicy tri-tip, accompanied by roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

To end the meal on a sweet note, the buffet boasts an assortment of irresistible desserts, ensuring a truly festive dining experience on the water.

Rooftop Deck for Panoramic Views

On the rooftop deck, guests can feel the refreshing San Diego breeze and take in panoramic views of the city’s picturesque harbor.

The open-air rooftop provides the perfect vantage point to admire the iconic USS Midway and the sparkling waters of the bay.

Whether enjoying a festive brunch or a delightful dinner, the rooftop deck offers a unique and memorable experience.

Visitors can step outside and breathe in the fresh sea air, taking a moment to appreciate the stunning surroundings.

With the holiday decor and lively entertainment, the rooftop deck sets the stage for a truly enchanting Christmas celebration on the water.

Full-Service Bar and Live Entertainment

Though the rooftop deck offers picturesque views, guests can also enjoy the cruise’s full-service bar and live entertainment on board.

With a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages, the bar caters to all tastes and preferences.

Meanwhile, live musical performers entertain passengers throughout the duration of the cruise, creating a festive and lively atmosphere perfect for celebrating the holiday season.

Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail or want to tap your toes to the beat of live music, the cruise’s bar and entertainment options ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

Boarding Photos With Jolly Santa

One of the highlights of the San Diego Christmas Day cruise is the opportunity to capture boarding photos with a jolly Santa Claus. As guests arrive at the cruise embarkation point, they can pose for memorable pictures with the festively dressed Santa, creating a cherished keepsake from their holiday celebration on the water. The process is quick and seamless, ensuring guests get their photos taken without disrupting the overall flow of boarding.

Photo Details
Location	At the cruise embarkation point
Duration	Quick and efficient
Attire	Santa in full holiday costume
Inclusion	Complimentary with cruise purchase
Keepsake	Printed and digital photos available

Wheelchair-Accessible Boarding and Seating

The cruise vessel’s boarding deck is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests with mobility needs to embark and disembark the ship seamlessly.

While the outer decks are only accessible via stairs, the main boarding area and designated dining tables accommodate wheelchair users comfortably.

The staff is trained to assist passengers in navigating the ship and ensuring their needs are met. Those with wheelchairs or other mobility aids can feel secure and at ease throughout the Christmas Day cruise experience.

The thoughtful design and attentive service aim to make the buffet brunch or dinner cruise inclusive and enjoyable for all guests, regardless of their physical abilities.

Dress Code and Reservation Requirements

For the San Diego Christmas Day buffet or dinner cruise, guests are expected to adhere to an upscale casual to business casual dress code.

Reservations are required to guarantee group seating and secure the full dining experience. The cruise line wants all guests to look their best for the holiday celebration on the water.

By making a reservation in advance, you can ensure your party is seated together and that you don’t miss out on any of the festive offerings.

The cruise line recommends booking early, as seating is limited and fills up quickly during this popular holiday event.

Smoking Permitted on Outer Decks

Guests are permitted to smoke on the outer decks of the San Diego Christmas Day buffet or dinner cruise, though smoking is prohibited inside the main cabin areas. This allows those who wish to smoke the opportunity to do so while enjoying the fresh air and scenic views of the San Diego harbor.

Cruise operators ask that guests be respectful of others and dispose of cigarette butts properly in the designated receptacles provided. For the comfort and safety of all passengers, the no-smoking policy is strictly enforced within the enclosed spaces of the vessel.

Guests are encouraged to step outside to the outer decks if they need to smoke during the cruise.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on the cruise. The cruise package includes a freshly prepared buffet and unlimited beverages. Outside food and drinks are not permitted to maintain the quality of the onboard dining experience.

Is There a Dress Code for Children Attending the Event?

There’s typically a business casual dress code for adults attending the event, but children may wear more casual attire. They should be dressed appropriately for the occasion and weather conditions.

Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Menu Options Available?

Yes, the buffet offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. The menu includes salads, pasta, and roasted vegetables to accommodate dietary needs. Guests should inquire about specific offerings when making their reservation.

Can I Request a Specific Seating Location on the Cruise?

Yes, you can request a specific seating location on the cruise. The cruise line will do its best to accommodate your request, though it can’t guarantee availability. It’s recommended to make your seating preference known when booking your reservation.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Large Groups?

For large groups, some venues offer discounted packages or group rates. It’s best to inquire about any special offers or discounts when booking to get the best value for your group.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby