Paris : Christmas Special Lunch Cruise on the Seine River

Explore Paris in Style on a Christmas Lunch Cruise on the Seine

The Paris Christmas Special Lunch Cruise on the Seine River offers a festive way to see the city’s most famous sights while enjoying a delicious three-course meal. Priced at $146 per person and lasting 2 hours, this tour combines sightseeing with fine dining, making it a perfect choice for those celebrating the holiday season in the French capital.

Departing from a well-located pier in the heart of Paris, the cruise provides easy access by public transportation or free parking. The experience is suitable for a variety of guests, offering a romantic and family-friendly atmosphere. While the meal options include vegetarian choices, some reviews suggest the vegetarian entrée can be limited, so planning ahead for dietary preferences might enhance the experience.

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Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours of scenic cruising along the Seine River
• Price: $146 per person, including a full three-course meal and half a bottle of French wine
• Location: Near Pont de l’Alma, accessible by public transport or with free parking
• Highlights: Views of iconic Paris landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, bridges, and quays
• Additional Perks: Photos on the upper deck, a friendly team, and an aperitif as the cruise begins
• Special Occasions: Staff can help make celebrations extra memorable

Convenient Location Near Alma Bridge and Major Hotels

The cruise departs from a large building on the Seine near the Alma Bridge, making it straightforward to find. The Bateaux Mouches boat hall features a clear entrance marked with the company’s name. Travelers are advised to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure they don’t miss the departure.

This central location means the tour is easily reachable via public transportation, and free parking is available for those driving. The ease of access makes it appealing for both visitors staying in the city and locals looking for a special festive outing.

What You Can Expect on the Seine During the Cruise

Once aboard, guests are greeted by the Maître d’Hôtel, who guides them to their tables. An aperitif is served as the boat leaves the quay, setting a festive mood from the start. The cruise heads towards Ile de la Cité, giving everyone a view of Paris’s monuments and its bridges.

Throughout the trip, the boat’s bay windows offer clear views of the cityscape, and guests can also go onto the upper deck for panoramic photos. The crew provides the dishes as the boat glides past the sights, giving ample time to enjoy the scenery, chat, or capture photos of the Eiffel Tower shining as it passes by.

The Dining Experience: French Cuisine and Wine

A three-course à la carte meal features dishes showcasing fine French cuisine. The menu includes vegetarian options, with some reviews noting that the vegetarian entrée may be limited and less appealing than the other courses. Dessert and coffee conclude the meal, adding a sweet finish to the afternoon.

Included in the price is half a bottle of French wine per person, which complements the meal and adds to the celebratory atmosphere. The helpful service staff on board ensure the dining experience runs smoothly, making it easy to relax and enjoy the festive setting.

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Viewing Paris Landmarks from a Unique Perspective

The cruise offers unstoppable views of Paris’s most famous sights, such as the Eiffel Tower, which shines brilliantly as the boat passes. The passage in front of the Eiffel Tower is a highlight, especially if timed when the tower is illuminated, making for excellent photo opportunities.

Other sights include the bridges spanning the Seine, the historic quays, and the lovely houses lining the waterway. This vantage point allows for a romantic and memorable way to see Paris during its holiday sparkle.

The Upper Deck: Perfect Spot for Photos and Moments

One of the tour’s biggest highlights is the upper deck, which offers unforgettable photo opportunities. Travelers enjoy capturing the Eiffel Tower, city lights, and river views from this elevated vantage point. It’s an ideal spot to take pictures or simply enjoy the fresh air while watching the scenic surroundings pass by.

The upper deck enhances the overall experience, especially for those celebrating special occasions or wanting a more intimate view of Paris’s nighttime glow.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere and Special Occasions

This cruise is a wonderful choice for festive family gatherings or special celebrations. The staff are happy to assist in making occasions more memorable, whether it’s a holiday treat or a birthday surprise. Since the cruise is wheelchair accessible, it caters to guests with mobility needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

While the cruise is suitable for all ages, families may appreciate the relaxed and festive environment combined with the beautiful scenery and delicious food.

Practical Details: Booking, Group Sizes, and Flexibility

Booking can be done with flexible payment terms, including a “Reserve now & pay later” option, with full refunds available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. The group size can be larger than 14 people, but a menu choice should be made in advance for larger parties.

The tour is hosted in French and English, and wheelchair accessibility is available, making it inclusive for many guests. The duration of 2 hours means it fits well into a festive afternoon or early evening schedule.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

While the food on the cruise is generally praised, some reviews note that the vegetarian entrée can be quite limited and not as appetizing as the other courses. Guests with specific dietary needs should communicate this in advance to ensure a satisfying meal.

Plus, the meal options are fixed, and no mention is made of an extensive vegetarian menu, which could be a consideration for some guests. Despite this, the overall service quality and spectacular views make this cruise a worthwhile experience, especially during the holiday season.

Final Thoughts: A Festive Parisian Experience on the Water

The Paris Christmas Special Lunch Cruise on the Seine combines scenic beauty, excellent food, and a festive atmosphere in a compact 2-hour package. The central location, accessible facilities, and memorable views of the Eiffel Tower make it a top choice for celebrating Christmas in Paris.

While the vegetarian meal options could be more varied, the overall quality, friendly service, and stunning sights ensure this tour remains popular. It’s particularly suited to families, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy a festive meal with a unique view of the City of Light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a dress code for the cruise?
The provided information does not specify a dress code, but generally, a smart casual style is appropriate for the occasion.

Can I bring children on the cruise?
While not explicitly stated, the cruise is described as family-friendly, making it suitable for children.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are included, but some reviews suggest the vegetarian entrée may be limited and less appetizing than other courses.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a full three-course meal, half a bottle of French wine, an aperitif, and unlimited views from the boat.

Do I need to arrive early?
Yes, arriving 30 minutes early is recommended to ensure timely boarding.

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

Can I take photos from the upper deck?
Absolutely, the upper deck offers the best opportunities for photos, especially of the Eiffel Tower.

Is parking available at the departure point?
Yes, free parking is available near the pier.

What happens if I need to cancel?
Full refunds are offered for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is alcohol included?
A half bottle of French wine is included per person; additional drinks are available for purchase onboard.

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