San Francisco’s best buffet experiences float right on the bay. Holiday brunch and dinner cruises offer excellent value, especially during Easter and Christmas celebrations. We love these yacht tours because they combine great food with million-dollar views of the city skyline.
For about $100, you’ll get a 2-3 hour cruise featuring plenty of food choices – from breakfast classics to fresh seafood and carved meats. All cruises include unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. While most areas are wheelchair-friendly, some outdoor decks require climbing stairs.
These floating feasts are our top pick for special occasions, with live music adding to the festive mood. Let’s look at our favorite buffet cruises in the Bay Area.
Key Points
- Experience a scenic 2-hour Easter Buffet Cruise on the San Francisco Bay with a brunch spread of breakfast staples, salads, seafood, and desserts.
- Enjoy a festive Christmas Day Cruise with a 3-course plated menu, free-flowing champagne, and stunning views of the city skyline.
- Partake in a Christmas Eve Buffet Cruise with a chef-prepared dinner spread and early riser items like smoked salmon.
- Indulge in a Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise along the Bay, offering a variety of salads, entrees, and desserts with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Explore various buffet cruise options in San Francisco that provide additional amenities like live entertainment, unlimited beverages, and accessibility for groups and families.
San Francisco: Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Bay Cruise
Overlooking the stunning San Francisco Bay, the Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise offers a delightful dining experience for visitors. Priced from Kč 3,552 per person, the 2-hour cruise features scenic views of the city skyline and a menu filled with seasonal dishes.
The brunch menu includes an “Early Riser” selection with breakfast staples and a “Late Riser” option with salads, seafood, carved meats, and a dessert station.
The dinner menu offers a starter, main course options like broiled salmon and braised beef, and a dessert station. Both include champagne and juices for brunch or unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea.
The cruise is wheelchair accessible, though outer decks require stairs. Guests should dress semi-formally and bring a valid ID. Infants can attend for free.
With live entertainment and climate-controlled interiors, this Easter buffet cruise provides a memorable way to celebrate the holiday in San Francisco.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Bay Cruise Review
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San Francisco: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
On Christmas Day, visitors can indulge in a festive buffet brunch or dinner aboard a luxurious yacht cruising along the picturesque San Francisco Bay. Priced from Kč 2,907 per person, this 2-2.5 hour experience offers a 3-course, plated menu prepared by a chef, along with unlimited coffee, tea, and water.
Guests can enjoy scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island, accompanied by live entertainment and festive décor.
The brunch includes free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider, while a full bar is available for those seeking wine, beer, or cocktails. The buffet features a variety of freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts.
The cruise is wheelchair accessible, with a guaranteed table for your party size. Based on 4 reviews, it has an impressive 5/5 rating, with positive feedback on the food quality, organization, and staff friendliness.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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San Francisco: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Although Christmas Eve in San Francisco is a magical time, visitors can still enjoy a festive buffet brunch or dinner cruise on the bay. Priced from $107.02 per person, this 2-3 hour experience offers a unique dining opportunity with live entertainment and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.
The brunch menu includes early riser items like smoked salmon and French toast, as well as late riser options such as Caesar salad and oven-roasted salmon. The dinner cruise features a chef-prepared buffet with hand-carved tri-tip steak and a dessert station.
Unlimited coffee, tea, and water are included, with free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider for brunch. Guests can book with a guaranteed table for their party size and take advantage of optional hotel pickup and drop-off.
Wheelchair accessibility and a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund are also available. Passport or ID is required, and the menu offers options for those with dietary restrictions.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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San Francisco: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay
Visitors to San Francisco can embark on a memorable buffet lunch or dinner cruise along the picturesque Bay. The activity is priced from $106.79 per person, with a non-refundable cancellation policy, and lasts 2-2.5 hours. The cruise offers scenic views of iconic sights, including Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline.
For lunch, guests can indulge in a spread of salads, entrees like honey sesame chicken and oven-roasted flounder, and a signature dessert station. The dinner menu features comfort foods, international favorites, and an assortment of sweet treats.
Onboard amenities include unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks, as well as music and dancing in the evening.
The cruise departs from Pier 3 on the Embarcadero, with a 10-minute walk from the Embarcadero BART station. Parking is available at the pier, though limited on weekdays.
With a 4.6/5 customer rating, the buffet cruise is an ideal option for groups looking to enjoy the Bay’s stunning vistas.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Dress Code Requirements for the Buffet Cruises?
Buffet cruises generally have a casual dress code. Passengers are typically encouraged to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire. While formal wear isn’t required, it’s best to avoid overly casual or beachwear to maintain an appropriate atmosphere on the cruise.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Buffet Cruises?
Most buffet cruises don’t have a minimum age requirement, allowing families to enjoy the experience together. However, it’s always best to check with the specific cruise operator for their policies on minors.
Are the Buffet Cruises Wheelchair Accessible?
The buffet cruises in San Francisco are generally wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. However, it’s best to check with the specific cruise operator for details on accessibility features and policies.
What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted on the Buffet Cruises?
The buffet cruises typically accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Passengers can expect to be able to pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards, as well as cash.
Do the Buffet Cruises Offer Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Menu Options?
Many buffet cruises in San Francisco offer vegetarian and gluten-free options to accommodate diverse dietary needs. Passengers should check with the cruise line in advance to confirm the availability of these menu choices.
The Sum Up
San Francisco offers a range of delightful buffet experiences on the bay. From Easter and Christmas brunches and dinners to daily lunch and dinner cruises, diners can savor delicious cuisine while enjoying stunning views of the city skyline and landmarks. These buffet experiences provide a memorable and convenient way to indulge in the best of San Francisco’s culinary offerings.