Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing

Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: A Flavorful Night on the Saint Lawrence

The Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing offers a memorable evening on the Saint Lawrence River, where gourmet cuisine, breathtaking city views, and lively entertainment come together. Priced at $129.72 per person, this 3-hour 30-minute experience departs from the Old Port and showcases Montreal’s skyline, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, and the Biosphere. It’s ideal for those who enjoy fine dining, scenic waterway views, and dancing under the stars.

While the cruise includes a locally inspired 3 or 5-course meal and DJ entertainment, it’s worth noting that reviews highlight both excellent food and some comfort considerations, such as the indoor dining area’s temperature and noise levels. This experience appeals most to food lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and couples seeking a relaxed yet lively evening on the water.

Key Points

• Gourmet 3- or 5-course dinner with options like Nordic shrimp, braised beef cheek, and chocolate-blueberry dessert.
• Panoramic views of Montreal’s skyline, the Old Port, and notable landmarks like the Biosphere and Olympic Stadium.
• The cruise departs from Conveyor Pier at the Old Port, at 7:00 pm, lasting approximately 3.5 hours.
• Glass-enclosed dining rooms provide scenic views, complemented by outdoor terraces and a dance floor.
• After dinner, guests can dance to a live DJ or relax on the upper deck.
• Includes welcome cocktail, bottle of wine, and digestif with the Red Carpet option.
• Suitable for most travelers, with most activities accessible; parking and hotel transfers are not included.
• The cruise operates in good weather; cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refundable or reschedulable.

The Setting and Departure: From the Old Port to Montreal’s Skyline

The cruise starts at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal, specifically at 200 R. de la Commune O in the Old Port. This lively area hosts over 70 summer activities and boasts a charming mix of historic charm and modern attractions. The meeting point is easily accessible via public transportation, making it convenient to join this evening waterway voyage.

Boarding begins around 7:00 pm, with the Cavalier Maxim, a modern ship featuring three glass-enclosed dining rooms offering spectacular views of Montreal’s illuminated skyline. The vessel also has two outdoor terraces and an interactive dance floor, adding to the lively atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to arrive on time to fully enjoy this well-organized experience.

Inside the Glass-Enclosed Dining Rooms with City Views

Dining on the Cavalier Maxim means soaking in Montreal’s cityscape from every seat. The large picture windows allow for unobstructed views of prominent sights like the Olympic Stadium, La Ronde amusement park, and the Promenade Bellerive. The interior is tastefully decorated to enhance the gourmet dining experience, with comfortable seating surrounding the three or five-course menu.

The menu, which may change seasonally, features appetizers, main courses, and desserts such as salmon fillet, chicken supreme, and braised beef. The onboard wine steward provides pairing suggestions to complement each dish, elevating the culinary experience. The Red Carpet package offers extra options, including welcome cocktails, wine, and a digestif.

Outdoor Terraces and Views at Night

The outdoor terraces serve as ideal spots for taking photos or simply soaking in the night air. These open-air spaces are enhanced with music and provide a panoramic perspective of Montreal’s lights reflecting on the river. At night, the scenery becomes especially stunning as the city’s landmarks glow against the dark sky.

Guests can step outside during the cruise or relax on the upper deck while enjoying music and the breathtaking views. The outside terraces are also perfect for casual mingling or dancing as the DJ plays lively tunes.

Gourmet Cuisine and Beverage Selections

The gourmet menu emphasizes local flavors and chef-inspired dishes, with highlights like Nordic shrimp and braised beef cheek. The desserts are equally tempting, with options such as chocolate-blueberry creations. The onboard wine steward suggests beverage pairings to enhance each course.

The Red Carpet option includes a welcome cocktail, a bottle of wine, and a digestif, adding a touch of luxury to the evening. Guests also receive complimentary coffee and tea to round out the meal. The food is generally praised for being delicious and well-prepared, with some reviews noting unexpectedly good quality for a cruise setting.

Entertainment: DJ & Dancing Under the Stars

Once the dinner service winds down, the music turns lively with a DJ leading the dance floor. Guests are encouraged to dance outside or on the main deck, creating a festive atmosphere. The entertainment is considered energetic and enjoyable, with some reviews noting live performances such as harp and saxophone that elevate the ambiance.

The music and outdoor setting make for a relaxed yet lively environment, perfect for celebrations or simply unwinding after a day of sightseeing. The dancing adds a fun, interactive element that complements the scenic backdrop.

Scenic Landmarks Visible During the Cruise

Throughout the cruise, guests enjoy stunning views of several iconic Montreal landmarks, such as the Montreal Biosphere, a unique environmental museum. The cruise also passes under the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, a five-lane structure linking Montreal with Longueuil, providing great photo opportunities.

Other sights include La Ronde amusement park, the Olympic Stadium, and the Clock Tower in the Old Port. The cruise offers a unique perspective of these landmarks at night, with their lights reflecting on the river and creating an atmosphere of elegance.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise is operated by Croisieres AML. It accepts most travelers and receives positive reviews for service quality and scenic views. The maximum group size is about 150 guests, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.

Booking is flexible with a full refund policy if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather; in case of cancellation due to poor weather, guests are offered a full refund or a reschedule. The price per person is $129.72, which includes dinner, live entertainment, and beverages for the Red Carpet package.

The Sum Up: A Fine Dining Night with a View

The Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing combines gourmet cuisine, spectacular river vistas, and lively entertainment for a memorable evening. The beautiful setting and delicious food stand out as key features, with flexible packages to suit different preferences.

While some reviews mention temperature issues in the dining room and noise levels, overall, the experience offers great value for those seeking a relaxing yet lively night on the water. It’s particularly well-suited for foodies and couples celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a night out in Montreal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the meal?
Guests enjoy a 3- or 5-course gourmet meal, featuring dishes like Nordic shrimp, braised beef, and chocolate-blueberry dessert. Beverages such as wine, coffee, and tea are included, with additional options available in the Red Carpet package.

Where does the cruise depart from?
The departure point is the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal, at 200 R. de la Commune O.

Is there entertainment onboard?
Yes, a live DJ provides music for dancing, and some reviews mention live harp and saxophone performances.

Can I expect outdoor access?
Absolutely, the outdoor terraces offer panoramic views and space for relaxing or dancing under the open sky.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is appropriate, especially since the setting combines elegance with casual waterfront vibes.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?
The menu is standardly prepared with options like salmon and chicken. Specific dietary needs should be confirmed at booking.

Is parking available?
Parking is not included in the package; paid parking options are available near the Old Port.

What if the weather is poor?
The cruise operates in good weather conditions. If canceled due to bad weather, guests are offered a full refund or the chance to reschedule.