The Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise in Montreal

The Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise in Montreal promises a unique dining experience on the St. Lawrence River, with a gourmet picnic box featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Departing from the historic Vieux-Port, the cruise offers stunning views of the city skyline. However, the low ratings and mixed reviews suggest that the reality may not live up to the promise, leaving travelers to wonder whether this is a hidden gem or an underwhelming outing.

Good To Know

• The Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise offers a gourmet lunch with stunning riverside views of Montreal’s Vieux-Port, departing at 11:00 am for approximately 1.5 hours.
• Guests can explore the historic Vieux-Port area, admiring iconic landmarks like the clock tower and marina while enjoying a lively promenade with cafes and street performers.
• The picnic box menu features high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh salad, main dish, and dessert, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
• Beverages such as chilled wines, craft beers, and non-alcoholic options can be enjoyed alongside the gourmet picnic lunch.
• The cruise has a non-refundable cancellation policy and an overall rating of 1.5 stars, with concerns reported about the quality and value of the experience.

Overview of the Bateau-Mouche Cruise

The Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise offers an enchanting experience of exploring Montreal’s Old Port from the water.

Operated by Le Bateau-Mouche au Vieux-Port de Montreal this cruise allows visitors to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch while taking in the city’s stunning riverside views.

The cruise departs at 11:00 am and is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.

While it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals, the tour is non-refundable.

With an overall rating of 1.5 stars based on customer reviews, the Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise provides an air-conditioned vessel with onboard restrooms and alcoholic beverages for a cost starting from $66.16.

Exploring the Montreal Vieux-Port

Anchoring at the heart of Montreal’s vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port) area, the Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise offers passengers a delightful way to explore the city’s riverside attractions.

As the boat glides along the St. Lawrence River, guests can admire the:

• Historic buildings and cobblestone streets of the Vieux-Port
• Iconic clock tower and marina, both landmarks of the riverfront
• Lively promenade bustling with cafes, shops, and street performers

With its picturesque setting and convenient access to the city’s cultural hub, the Bateau-Mouche cruise provides a unique vantage point to appreciate Montreal’s rich heritage and modern charm.

The Gourmet Picnic Box Menu

The Bateau-Mouche’s gourmet picnic box menu offers passengers a delightful culinary experience to complement their sightseeing cruise.

The menu features a selection of high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, expertly crafted into a well-balanced meal. Passengers can expect to find a fresh salad, a main dish such as a quiche or sandwich, and a dessert, all neatly packed in a reusable box.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. The menu changes periodically to showcase the seasonal flavors of Montreal.

Passengers can enjoy their picnic meal while taking in the stunning views of the city from the boat’s open-air deck or climate-controlled indoor seating areas.

Beverages and Refreshments Onboard

On the Bateau-Mouche, passengers can quench their thirst with a variety of refreshing beverages.

The cruise offers a selection of:

• Chilled white and red wines
• Craft beers from local Montreal breweries
• Assorted non-alcoholic options, including soft drinks, juices, and sparkling water

These delightful beverages can be enjoyed as part of the gourmet picnic box lunch or throughout the serene cruise along the Saint Lawrence River, providing a perfect accompaniment to the stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding landscapes.

Accessibility and Transportation Options

Accessibility and transportation to the Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise in Montreal is straightforward.

The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Service animals are permitted. The location is near public transportation, making it easily accessible for most visitors.

The tour starts at 11:00 am, and confirmation is received upon booking. While the vessel itself may not be fully accessible, the cruise offers a unique dining experience on the St. Lawrence River, providing stunning views of the city skyline.

Start Time and Duration

Commencing at 11:00 am, the Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise in Montreal offers a delightful afternoon experience on the St. Lawrence River.

The tour lasts for approximately 1.5 hours, allowing ample time for guests to savor the gourmet picnic box and sip on alcoholic beverages while taking in the stunning views of the city’s skyline.

The cruise’s schedule is designed to accommodate most travelers, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable outing.

Key highlights of the experience include:

• Sailing along the serene St. Lawrence River
• Indulging in a delectable gourmet picnic
• Admiring the picturesque Montreal cityscape from the water

Cancellation and Refund Policy

This cruise package has a non-refundable cancellation policy.

Once booked, customers can’t receive a refund for the Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise in Montreal. The company doesn’t offer any opportunities to change or cancel the reservation without penalty.

This strict policy is in place to ensure the company can properly plan and staff the cruises. Guests should be aware of this policy before making their purchase, as there are no exceptions or flexibility once the booking is confirmed.

While the cruise may provide an enjoyable experience, the lack of a refund option could be a concern for some travelers.

Customer Ratings and Reviews

According to customer reviews, the Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise in Montreal has received an overall rating of 1.5 stars out of 5 on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Based on the limited reviews, the cruise experience seems to have disappointed some visitors:

• Guests have reported issues with the quality and quantity of the provided picnic lunch.
• The overall value for the price has been criticized, with some feeling the cruise was overpriced.
• There have been concerns about the boat’s maintenance and cleanliness, impacting the experience.

While the cruise offers a unique sightseeing opportunity, the low ratings suggest it may not be meeting the expectations of all customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Languages Are Used During the Cruise?

The languages used during the cruise are not explicitly stated in the overview provided. However, as the cruise is located in Montreal, Canada, it’s likely that the primary languages used are English and French.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

Passengers are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks onboard. The cruise includes a gourmet picnic box lunch and alcoholic beverages as part of the experience.

Is There an Onboard Dress Code?

There doesn’t appear to be a strict onboard dress code. Passengers can wear casual, comfortable clothing. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines before the cruise.

Are Children’s Menus or Special Dietary Options Available?

The cruise offers a gourmet picnic box for lunch, but it doesn’t seem to have specific children’s menus or special dietary options. Passengers should check with the company directly about any accommodations for dietary restrictions or preferences.

Can I Customize the Picnic Box Menu?

According to the information provided, it’s unclear if customers can customize the picnic box menu. The details don’t mention any options for special dietary requirements or customization. Guests will receive a pre-set gourmet picnic box during the cruise.

The Sum Up

The Bateau-Mouche Picnic Cruise in Montreal offers a unique dining experience on the St. Lawrence River, but it has received low ratings due to concerns over the quality of food, perceived value, and boat maintenance. While the cruise provides stunning views of the city skyline and the historic Vieux-Port area, the mixed reviews suggest that customers may not feel they’re getting their money’s worth.