City Cruises Baltimore: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise

Explore Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on a Spacious Cruise

The City Cruises Baltimore offers an enjoyable way to see the city’s skyline and landmarks from the water. Priced at $78 per person, this 2 to 2.5-hour cruise departs from the Inner Harbor aboard the Spirit of Baltimore. Whether you choose brunch, lunch, or dinner, the experience combines scenic views, fresh meals, and lively entertainment.

This cruise is perfect for those seeking a relaxed afternoon or evening on the water, with the added bonus of unobstructed 360-degree views of Baltimore’s iconic sights. The meals are served as buffets attended by friendly servers, and the onboard atmosphere is lively thanks to a live DJ and interactive games. Keep in mind, the price does not include alcohol, but unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea, and mimosas (for guests 21+) are included with brunch.

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Set out on a Scenic Ride on the “Spirit of Baltimore”

The Spirit of Baltimore sets sail from the Inner Harbor, a lively and easily accessible departure point in Maryland. Once onboard, you’re welcomed into a comfortable setting designed for sightseeing and socializing. The vessel’s large decks and open-top areas provide excellent vantage points to enjoy the city’s skyline and riverside landmarks.

This cruise takes you along the Patapsco River, giving you a chance to observe Baltimore’s most recognizable sights. The boat’s layout ensures unobstructed views, making it ideal for photography and sightseeing. The cruise’s duration allows for a leisurely exploration of the city’s waterfront without feeling rushed.

Tasting the Buffet: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Options

Guests experience a freshly prepared buffet tailored to the time of day chosen for the cruise. The brunch menu features early riser options like pastries, scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and potatoes, alongside late-riser salads and pasta dishes, including Green Goddess pasta and Kale Quinoa Salad.

For lunch and dinner, the buffet offers creative main dishes like Honey Sesame Chicken, oven-roasted whitefish, and baked ziti pasta. The dinner menu also includes braised beef short ribs and additional sides such as roasted broccoli and mashed potatoes. All menus feature the Signature Dessert Station, stocked with cakes, brownies, and seasonal fruit.

The buffet’s quality receives praise, with many noting that the food is delicious and served fresh daily. The variety is broad, although some reviews mention that the buffet selection could be more extensive, especially in the meat options.

Live Music, Interactive Games, and a Fun Atmosphere

An onboard DJ provides musical entertainment throughout the cruise, playing a mix of tunes to complement the relaxed vibe. Guests can dance or enjoy the music from their seats, creating a festive environment. The cruise also includes interactive games that encourage group participation, adding to the lively atmosphere.

The music and entertainment are frequently highlighted as major positives, with many reviews mentioning how the DJ enhances the experience and keeps the mood upbeat. The friendly crew and attentive servers, including notable staff like Unique and Ayelet M, further elevate the enjoyment.

The Landmarks and Views You Will See

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of key Baltimore landmarks such as Federal Hill, Fort McHenry, Domino’s Factory, and the National Aquarium. The boat’s positioning allows for spectacular photo opportunities of these sights, especially with unobstructed vistas from the open decks.

Even in less ideal weather, the views remain impressive, and the deck areas let you enjoy the scenery from outdoors. Reviewers frequently mention the beautiful cityscapes and notable bridges like the Francis Scott Key Bridge as highlights of the cruise.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The cruise departs from the Inner Harbor, a central location offering easy access. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.

For the best experience, travelers are advised to bring warm clothing, especially if the weather is cooler or windy. The cruise is scheduled mostly in the afternoon and evening, with flexible start times to suit different plans.

How to Prepare for Your Baltimore Water Tour

It’s recommended to dress in dressy-casual attire such as slacks and a collared shirt, avoiding jeans, shorts, or flip-flops for comfort and appropriateness. Each menu is subject to change, so it’s helpful to inform staff about any food allergies beforehand.

While the cruise includes unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea, alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased onboard. For those wanting to indulge in mimosas with brunch, valid ID is required for guests 21 and over.

Booking, Cancellation, and Flexibility

Reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility to travelers. You can reserve now and pay later, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment. The entire experience lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a manageable outing for most schedules.

In case of weather concerns or changes, the tour’s flexible cancellation policy ensures peace of mind. Meeting points may vary depending on the specific booking, so it’s best to confirm details before your trip.

What Sets This Cruise Apart from Others

The combination of scenic city views, buffet dining, and lively entertainment distinguishes the City Cruises Baltimore experience. The professional crew and attentive service, highlighted in reviews, ensure a smooth, enjoyable ride. Many appreciate the reasonable price compared to other harbor activities, especially given the included unlimited drinks and live DJ.

Unlike some other tours, this cruise offers a variety of meal options with menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner, accommodating different schedules and tastes. The unobstructed 360-degree views and open decks also enhance the sightseeing experience.

Limitations and Considerations

While generally praised, some reviews mention that the buffet selection could be broader, especially in meat options, and that the first level proximity to the kitchen might lead to less appetizing odors.

Plus, online ticket purchases sometimes led to confusion and extra costs, so arriving at the dock may streamline the process. It’s advisable to dress appropriately for the weather, as outdoor decks are exposed.

Final Thoughts on the Baltimore Water Experience

The City Cruises Baltimore offers a relaxing, scenic, and engaging way to enjoy the city’s waterfront with friends, family, or a partner. The buffet meals, lively music, and beautiful vistas combine to create a memorable outing that captures the essence of Baltimore from the water.

This tour is especially well-suited for those who appreciate good food, scenic views, and a fun atmosphere. While it may not be the best choice for those seeking a very extensive menu or a more formal experience, its friendly service, affordability, and lively vibe make it a popular Maryland activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the cruise price?
The cruise includes a buffet meal (brunch, lunch, or dinner), unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, and live music with a DJ. Unlimited mimosas are available during brunch for guests 21 and over with valid ID.

Are there any dietary restrictions I should inform the staff about?
Yes, it’s recommended to inform servers of any food allergies before ordering, as menus are subject to change.

What should I wear for the cruise?
Dress dressy-casual—such as nice slacks and a collared shirt—is advised. Avoid jeans, shorts, tank tops, gym shoes, or flip-flops for comfort and appropriateness.

Is the cruise accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, allowing more guests to enjoy the experience comfortably.

How do I cancel or reschedule my booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve and pay later option provides flexibility if plans change.

What are the best times to take the cruise?
Most cruises are scheduled in the afternoon or evening, providing ample daylight or evening ambiance for sightseeing and dining.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby