Paris: Seine River Cruise with 3-Course Dinner & Live Music

Key Points

• Elegant dinner cruise on the Seine offering prime window seating with views of Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
• Includes a 3-course gourmet meal with drinks, such as champagne, wine, water, coffee, or tea.
• Live jazz music sets a romantic and lively atmosphere throughout the cruise.
• Tour duration ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours with options for shorter or longer cruises.
• Departures happen from Paris Seine, near the Louvre, with no hotel pickup included.
• Ideal for couples or groups seeking a refined evening with beautiful sights and good food.

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Discover the Charm of Maxim’s de Paris Dinner Cruise

The Paris: Seine River Cruise with 3-Course Dinner & Live Music provides a memorable way to experience the City of Light after sunset. For $181 per person, travelers enjoy approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours of scenic beauty, gourmet dining, and live jazz performances. This tour departs from Port de Solférino, at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Seine, just a short walk from the Louvre Museum.

What makes this experience stand out is the refined cuisine served aboard the vessel, directly from the historic Maxim’s restaurant. The guaranteed window seats ensure everyone gets a spectacular view of Paris’s illuminated monuments, including the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. During the cruise, guests are immersed in the romantic ambiance created by live jazz music, making it a perfect choice for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a magical evening.

While the boat’s size is small and intimate, which enhances the experience, it’s worth noting that the cruise duration may vary—some cruises last around 1.5 hours, while others extend to about 2.5 hours. It’s a good idea to plan accordingly if you want the full experience, especially considering the no hotel pickup policy.

The Route and Key Landmarks Along the Seine

The cruise begins at Paris Seine, with notable sights along the route including the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. Guests see scenic views of these historic landmarks during the 20-minute and 10-minute passing segments respectively.

The journey continues through Ile de la Cité, where the Notre Dame Cathedral sits, offering lovely views of the medieval cathedral’s exterior. The highlight of the cruise is the 30-minute pass by the Eiffel Tower, which sparkles beautifully at night, providing incredible photo opportunities. The boat glides past other famous Parisian sights, all while guests relax and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.

This route provides a comprehensive look at Paris’s most celebrated monuments from a unique perspective on the water. The scenic views are complemented by the gentle movement of the boat and the soft background of live music, making every moment feel special.

Gourmet 3-Course Meal with Drinks

A standout feature is the gourmet 3-course menu served during the cruise, with options tailored for different preferences. For the shorter cruise, starters include creamy burrata with leek and asparagus, followed by one of four main courses such as sea bass, beef fillet, poultry, or a seasonal vegetable casserole. Desserts include molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.

The longer cruise offers a more diverse menu, including appetizers like lobster ravioli in Thai broth and risotto with black truffle chips (with vegan options). Main courses are similarly upscale, with sea bass, beef, poultry, or seasonal vegetables available.

Guests receive beverage service during the meal, with options like a glass of wine, water, and coffee or tea. The champagne aperitif at the start adds a touch of celebration, setting the tone for an elegant evening.

The Music, Atmosphere, and Comfort

The live jazz music enhances the romantic and lively vibe of the evening. The musicians provide a fantastic soundtrack to the illuminated cityscape, with one review praising the pianist and singer for their spectacular performance.

Every seat on the boat is by a window, offering unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower’s sparkle and other iconic sights. The small size of the boat helps maintain an intimate environment, where servers are attentive, providing friendly and professional service throughout the cruise.

Guests appreciate that the boat’s decor feels a bit dated, but the comfortable seating and excellent views compensate. The atmosphere is described as romantic and perfect for special occasions, especially with the live music and beautiful scenery.

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Logistics and Meeting Details

The tour starts at Paris Seine, near the Port de Solférino. The meeting point is at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Seine, making it easy to find for those familiar with the area. Since hotel pickup is not included, travelers should plan to arrive at the meeting point on time.

The experience is available in English, and cancelation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve and pay later, providing flexibility in planning. Dress code is smart casual, and shorts or sportswear are not permitted. The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This cruise is notable for its guaranteed window seating, ensuring everyone has a great view. The quality of the food, served from Maxim’s restaurant, receives high praise, along with excellent service. The live jazz entertainment distinguishes it from more standard dinner cruises, creating a vibrant yet romantic atmosphere.

The smaller boat size fosters a cozier environment, with less crowded conditions than some larger cruises. The route’s focus on Paris’s most famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre makes it especially appealing for first-time visitors or those wanting a refined experience.

While some reviews note that the boat’s decor appears a bit dated and the cruise duration may be shorter than expected, these are minor considerations compared to the overall quality of food, views, and ambiance.

Final Thoughts on the Seine Dinner Cruise

The Paris: Seine River Cruise with 3-Course Dinner & Live Music offers a refined, romantic way to see Paris at night. With spectacular views of illuminated monuments, a delicious gourmet meal, and live jazz, it appeals to those seeking an elegant evening in the city.

The guaranteed window seats and small boat size are major advantages, ensuring all guests enjoy the best possible views. The quality of food and attentive service consistently receive high marks, making it a worthwhile experience for celebrating special occasions or simply savoring a peaceful night in Paris.

However, the lack of hotel pickup and décor that feels a bit dated are worth considering. This cruise presents a well-rounded experience that balances fine dining, scenic beauty, and a lively musical atmosphere—perfect for travelers wanting a memorable night on the Seine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Seine River dinner cruise?
The cruise lasts between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, with options for shorter or longer experiences.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Paris Seine at Port de Solférino, near the Louvre Museum.

Is hotel transportation included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included; guests need to arrive at the meeting point themselves.

What is the menu like?
The menu features a 3-course gourmet meal with options including sea bass, beef fillet, poultry, or seasonal vegetables, plus desserts like molten chocolate cake.

Are drinks included?
Yes, a champagne aperitif, wine, water, and coffee or tea are served during the meal.

Is live music provided?
Yes, live jazz performances are a key part of the experience, contributing to the romantic atmosphere.

What is the dress code?
Guests are advised to wear smart casual attire; shorts and sportswear are not allowed.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
The experience is not suitable for children under 10 years.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancelation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I know about tipping?
Tipping is at your discretion; some reviews note that additional tips are expected despite gratuities being included, so plan accordingly.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
There is no specific information on accessibility, but the small size suggests that mobility considerations should be checked prior to booking.

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