City Cruises Boston: Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise

Enjoy Boston Harbor with a Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit of Boston

The City Cruises Boston: Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise offers an inviting way to explore Boston’s skyline and historic harbor in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. For $89 per person, travelers get a 2-3 hour cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston, departing from Commonwealth Pier in the Seaport area. This cruise includes a chef-curated buffet, live DJ entertainment, and panoramic views of Boston’s iconic landmarks.

The buffet menu features a variety of fresh, creative dishes, with options including salads, roasted vegetables, fresh seafood, and carved meats. Guests can enjoy their meal seated at a private table, or unwind on the upper-deck rooftop lounge, which offers 360-degree views of the city. The live DJ keeps energy high with music and dancing, making this experience ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a lively, scenic cruise.

While the cruise is generally praised for its friendly staff, delicious food, and breathtaking views, it’s worth noting that outside areas lack shade, so sun protection during the daytime is recommended. The boarding process begins one hour before departure, and most guests find the casual attire perfectly suits the relaxed yet festive atmosphere. This tour is suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a memorable way to experience Boston from the water.

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Key Points

• Duration: 2-3 hours, usually in the afternoon or evening
• Price: $89 per person, includes buffet, entertainment, and scenic views
• Includes: Buffet lunch or dinner, live DJ, dancing, unlimited hot/iced tea, coffee
• Departure point: Commonwealth Pier in Boston’s Seaport
• Highlights: Breathtaking views of Boston skyline, Seaport District, USS Constitution, Zakim Bridge, with outdoor rooftop lounge access
• Food quality: Creative, freshly prepared buffet with salads, seafood, carved meats, and desserts
• Reviews: Consistently high ratings around 4.4/5 with praise for friendly staff and spectacular scenery

Boarding the Spirit of Boston at Commonwealth Pier

The cruise departs from Commonwealth Pier, located adjacent to Boston’s World Trade Center. Boarding starts one hour prior to the scheduled departure, giving plenty of time to explore the ship’s climate-controlled interiors and outdoor decks. The crew welcomes guests warmly and guides them to their private tables where they can relax and prepare for the scenic journey.

The ship’s interior spaces are designed for comfort, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the spectacular views of Boston’s coastline. The outdoor decks provide unobstructed perspectives, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the sights of Boston’s historic waterfront. The upstairs rooftop lounge offers 360-degree views, making it an ideal spot for those wanting to take in the skyline as the city glides by.

Savoring the Buffet: Creative Dishes and Fresh Flavors

The buffet menu is designed to satisfy a variety of tastes, with creative selections made fresh daily. Guests start with salads, including Greek salad with feta and zaatar dressing, chickpea and tomato salad, and a summer berry and farro salad. These are served with fresh breads and butter, enhancing the casual dining experience.

Main courses feature spring garlic cream pasta with vegetables, citrus herb roasted salmon with sautéed spinach and artichokes, birria-style chicken with fire-roasted peppers, and Caribbean jerk braised pork with plantains and black beans. For those craving classic meats, hand-carved tri-tip sirloin comes with a rosemary marinade and balsamic demi-glace.

The dessert station offers individual sweet treats and seasonal fruit, including a baked peach berry crisp with cinnamon and gluten-free crumble topping. Guests often praise the tastiness and freshness of the food, noting that meats and seafood are served hot and replenished regularly during the cruise.

Live DJ and Dancing: Setting the Festive Atmosphere

A live DJ energizes the cruise, playing a mix of music genres to appeal to diverse tastes. Guests are encouraged to dance the afternoon or evening away, with plenty of space on the upper decks for movement and fun. The music selection often includes Haitian hits, Spanish tunes, 90s classics, and other popular genres, which keeps the mood lively.

Several reviews highlight the DJ’s ability to engage guests, creating a relaxed yet energetic vibe. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to socialize and dance while enjoying stunning views of Boston’s skyline. The festive ambiance makes this cruise an excellent choice for celebrations or casual outings.

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Exploring Boston’s Landmarks from the Decks

As the cruise glides through Boston Harbor, passengers can admire famous sights like the Seaport District, Zakim Bridge, and the North End. The USS Constitution is also visible, adding a historical touch to the scenic views. The outdoor decks allow for unobstructed vistas, perfect for photo opportunities and taking in the city’s beauty.

The timing of the cruise generally aligns with sunset views or early evening, offering a chance to see the city’s illuminated skyline. Some reviews mention that the sunsets viewed from the water are particularly magical, making this cruise a great way to capture the city’s essence from a new perspective.

Practical Details: Logistics and Accessibility

Guests board the Spirit of Boston at Commonwealth Pier in the Seaport, a location accessible by public transportation and car. The boarding process begins one hour before departure, so arriving early ensures ample time to explore and settle in.

This tour is wheelchair accessible, and most guests find the casual, comfortable attire suitable. Flat, closed-toed shoes are recommended for safety, especially on outdoor decks. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase onboard, with unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea included in the ticket price.

Guests should bring passport or ID for identification purposes. The menu is subject to change, but the quality and variety of food generally meet high standards, with special dietary needs accommodated if communicated to the staff.

The Experience: What Makes It Stand Out

The combination of scenic views, a tasty buffet, lively music, and friendly staff distinguishes this cruise from other water-based activities in Boston. Guests consistently praise the professional crew and the well-organized boarding process, which helps create a smooth experience.

The public areas are designed for comfort, with ample indoor seating and outdoor decks. The upstairs rooftop lounge is particularly popular for its 360-degree vistas, making it a highlight of the cruise.

While some reviews mention sun exposure as a minor concern, overall, the experience is highly rated for value and entertainment quality. The price of $89 is considered reasonable for the length, food, and entertainment provided, especially given the spectacular views and live music.

Who Will Enjoy This Boston Harbor Cruise?

This cruise appeals to families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone celebrating a special occasion in Boston. The casual attire and relaxed atmosphere make it accessible for most travelers. It’s particularly suitable for those who want to combine scenic sightseeing with good food and lively entertainment.

Travelers who appreciate delicious, freshly prepared food and excellent skyline views from the water will find this tour rewarding. However, those seeking a more extensive sightseeing tour or more shaded outdoor areas might prefer other options.

Boston Harbor Views and Photo Opportunities

The cruise offers unmatched views of Boston’s skyline against the water, especially during sunset or early evening hours. The panoramic outdoor decks provide perfect vantage points for photos of the Seaport District, USS Constitution, and Zakim Bridge.

Guests often find the viewing experience both relaxing and inspiring, with the city’s lights shimmering on the water’s surface. The photo opportunities are plentiful, making this cruise a favorite for social media enthusiasts and scenic lovers alike.

Benefits and Limitations of the Harbor Buffet Cruise

The main advantages include spectacular views, delicious buffet, and lively entertainment. The friendly crew and well-organized boarding contribute to a smooth experience. The upstairs rooftop lounge adds a special touch, offering 360-degree vistas.

However, outdoor spaces do not have shade, so sun protection is advisable. Some guests note that the menu can change, and desserts may run out quickly during busy times. The cost of alcoholic beverages is additional, which could impact overall spending. Despite these points, the overall value remains high given the experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love the Boston Harbor Buffet Cruise?

This tour shines as a fun, scenic way to enjoy Boston from the water, combining great food, live DJ, and stunning skyline views. It suits travelers looking for a relaxed yet festive atmosphere, especially if celebrating a special occasion or seeking an entertaining afternoon or evening activity.

The $89 price point offers good value, considering the length of the cruise and the quality of food and entertainment. The friendly staff and spectacular scenery make it a memorable experience for many.

While the lack of shade and menu variability are minor considerations, the overall experience remains highly recommended for those wanting to see Boston from a unique perspective with delicious food and lively music as added highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, infants are free, and the casual atmosphere makes it suitable for families.

What should I wear?
Most guests wear comfortable, casually stylish attire. Flat, closed-toed shoes are recommended for safety.

Are drinks included?
Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase onboard.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Commonwealth Pier next to the World Trade Center in Boston’s Seaport district.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts 2 to 3 hours, typically in the afternoon or evening.

Can I access the outdoor decks easily?
Yes, the outdoor decks are accessible, but no shade is provided, so plan accordingly.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
Please inform your server before ordering to accommodate food allergies or dietary needs.

Is the menu fixed?
The menu is subject to change, but generally includes a variety of salads, main courses, and desserts.

Can I take photos during the cruise?
Absolutely! The viewpoints and scenic backdrop make for excellent photos.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this cruise a good value?
Yes, considering the scenic views, food, entertainment, and overall experience for $89, it is regarded as a worthwhile activity in Boston.

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