Los Angeles Dining Cruises
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Overview
- Cruise options: Choose from brunch, lunch, or dinner cruises in Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, and Long Beach. Options include Premier cruises with plated meals or buffet spreads, and Signature dinner cruises with buffet dining.
- Menu format: Brunch cruises feature buffet spreads with breakfast dishes, mains, salads, and desserts, alongside unlimited mimosas. Lunch and Premier dinner cruises offer plated, chef-prepared meals, while Signature dinner cruises serve buffet dinners with entrees, salads, and desserts.
- Boats & seating: All cruises offer reserved seating for your party. Premier dinner cruises in Marina del Rey guarantee window tables, while other cruises guarantee a table for your group. Onboard entertainment ranges from live performances and background music to DJ sets, depending on the cruise.
- Boarding points: Boarding locations vary by destination. Marina del Rey cruises depart from the local harbor, Newport Beach cruises from the Newport Beach waterfront, and Long Beach cruises from Rainbow Harbor. Check your ticket for the exact pier and boarding instructions.
- When to book: Reserve at least 2-3 weeks in advance for weekend brunches, evening dinner cruises, holidays, and special occasions. Arrive at the designated boarding point with enough time to check in before departure.
- Good to know: Dress codes vary: Marina del Rey's Premier Dinner Cruise requires semi-formal attire, while its brunch and Signature Dinner cruises allow casual attire.
Your Los Angeles dining cruise options explained
| Cruise | Meal type | Duration | Additional inclusions | Why choose this |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Marina del Rey Premier Brunch Cruise with Bottomless Mimosas | Brunch buffet | 2 hours | Unlimited mimosas and champagne, sparkling cider, coffee, tea, water, live entertainment, guaranteed table | Enjoy a relaxed harbor brunch with bottomless drinks and live entertainment |
Marina del Rey Premier Dinner Cruise with Plated Dinner | Plated dinner | 2.5 hours | Unlimited coffee, tea, water, DJ entertainment, guaranteed window table | Choose a sit-down dinner with window seating and evening harbor views |
Marina del Rey Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet Dinner | Dinner buffet | 2.5 hours | Unlimited coffee and tea, DJ entertainment, reserved table | Enjoy a casual buffet dinner with seasonal dishes and music on the water |
Newport Beach Premier Brunch Cruise with Bottomless Mimosas | Brunch buffet | 2 hours | Unlimited mimosas, champagne, sparkling cider, coffee, tea, water, live entertainment, guaranteed table | Pair a sightseeing cruise with a buffet brunch and unlimited mimosas |
Newport Beach Premier Dinner Cruise with Plated Dinner | Plated dinner | 2.5 hours | Unlimited coffee, tea, water, DJ entertainment, guaranteed table | Enjoy a plated dinner, music, and views of Newport Beach |
Newport Beach Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet Dinner | Dinner buffet | 2.5 hours | Unlimited coffee, tea, water, DJ entertainment, guaranteed table | Opt for a buffet-style evening cruise with a choice of dishes |
Newport Beach Premier Lunch Cruise with Plated Lunch | Plated lunch | 2 hours | Unlimited coffee, tea, water, background music and entertainment, guaranteed table | Take in waterfront views over a sit-down lunch without committing to an evening cruise |
Long Beach Premier Brunch Cruise with Bottomless Mimosas | Brunch buffet | 2 hours | Unlimited mimosas, champagne, sparkling cider, coffee, tea, water, live entertainment, guaranteed table | Combine a harbor brunch with unlimited drinks and views of Long Beach |
Long Beach Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet Dinner | Dinner buffet | 2.5 hours | Unlimited coffee, tea, water, DJ entertainment, guaranteed table | Enjoy a buffet dinner and evening sightseeing around Long Beach |
What to expect on your Los Angeles dining cruise
Cruise through Southern California’s waterfront destinations
Choose a dining cruise in Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, or Long Beach, each offering a different waterfront setting. Take in views of the harbors, marinas, and surrounding coastline as you enjoy your meal from the water.
Choose between brunch, lunch, and dinner
Plan your cruise around the kind of outing you have in mind. Brunch cruises pair daytime sightseeing with buffet dining and mimosas; Newport Beach offers a plated lunch cruise, and dinner cruises let you enjoy the waterfront after dark.
Savor a buffet or a plated meal
Select the dining format that suits your preferences. Buffet cruises feature a spread of entrees, salads, and desserts, with brunch options also including breakfast dishes. Premier lunch and dinner cruises offer chef-prepared plated meals for a more traditional sit-down dining experience.
Make the most of bottomless brunch drinks
Brunch cruises include unlimited mimosas, with champagne and sparkling cider also offered on select packages. Coffee, tea, and water are available too, so you can settle in for a leisurely meal while the boat cruises through the harbor.
Enjoy live entertainment on board
Music adds to the atmosphere throughout your cruise. Depending on your package, you can enjoy live entertainment during brunch, background music on the Newport Beach lunch cruise, or DJ sets on dinner cruises.
Match your cruise to the occasion
Choose a daytime brunch for a relaxed outing, a Newport Beach lunch for a midday break, or an evening dinner cruise for a celebration or date night. With cruise durations of around two hours for brunch and lunch and two and a half hours for dinner, you can plan your experience around the rest of your day.
Things to know before booking your Los Angeles dining cruises
- Choose your meal and dining style: Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, and Long Beach offer brunch and dinner cruises, while Newport Beach also has a lunch option. Choose between buffet spreads with entrees, salads, and desserts or chef-prepared plated meals, depending on the cruise.
- Check what's included with your drinks: Brunch cruises include unlimited mimosas, with champagne and sparkling cider also offered on select packages. Coffee, tea, and water are included across the listed cruises, though beverage selections vary by package. Confirm whether any additional drinks are available for purchase.
- Inform the operator about dietary requirements: Review the menu details before booking if you have dietary restrictions or food allergies. Contact the cruise operator in advance to check whether suitable alternatives can be arranged.
- Check the dress code for your cruise: Marina del Rey's Premier Dinner Cruise requires semi-formal attire, while its Premier Brunch and Signature Dinner cruises specify casual attire. Check your booking details for any dress guidance applicable to other cruises.
- Plan around the cruise duration and departure point: Brunch and lunch cruises last approximately 2 hours, while dinner cruises run for around 2.5 hours. Departures vary by destination: Marina del Rey Harbor, Newport Beach, or Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach. Check your ticket for the exact boarding location and arrival instructions.
- Book ahead for weekends and special occasions: If you're planning a birthday, anniversary, date, or group outing, reserve early to secure your preferred cruise and meal option. Availability may be limited on popular dates, so check schedules and booking conditions before finalizing your plans.
Boarding points for your Los Angeles dining cruises
Address: City Cruises Marina del Rey Water Bus, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, United States | Find on Maps
How to reach
- Public transport: Metro Bus 108 serves Marina del Rey and stops at Fisherman's Village (350 ft)
- Taxi/rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and local taxis can drop you near the harbor, right near your boarding point
- By car: Drive via Lincoln Blvd, Admiralty Way, Fiji Way, or Mindanao Way, depending on your starting point (1 mile)
- Parking charges: Generally $5–$10 for regular parking, depending on lot, day, and season
Address: City Cruises Newport Beach South Boarding, 2431 West Coast Hwy #101, Newport Beach, CA 92663, United States | Find on Maps
How to reach
- Public transport: OCTA buses serve Newport Beach, while the Balboa Peninsula Trolley provides free seasonal service along the peninsula with 22 stops (0.1 miles)
- Taxi/rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are the simplest option if you're staying elsewhere in Newport Beach or arriving with a group, dropping you directly to the pier
- By car: Driving is convenient if you're combining the cruise with a beach or waterfront itinerary. Depending on the departure point, approach via Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Coast Drive, or local Newport Beach roads. (0.1 miles)
- Parking charges: Between $1-$4 per hour, depending on the lot and season
Address: City of Long Beach: Rainbow Harbor, 450 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States | Find on Maps
How to reach
- Public transport: The dining cruises depart from Rainbow Harbor, between Shoreline Village and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Long Beach Transit buses connect the downtown waterfront with other parts of the city (0.4 miles)
- Taxi/rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and taxis can drop you close to the Rainbow Harbor waterfront, making this the easiest option if you're travelling as a group
- By car: Drive toward downtown Long Beach/Rainbow Harbor, using Shoreline Drive and local downtown streets to reach the waterfront (0.2 miles)
- Parking charges: Between $6 and $16; durations and pricing vary based on the lot and seasons
Your Los Angeles dining cruise menus
Premier brunch buffet
Early Risers
- Breakfast pastries
- Scottish smoked salmon display
- Scrambled eggs
- Breakfast meats
- Breakfast potatoes
- French toast
Late Risers
- Greek salad
- Summer berry and farro salad
- Sun-dried tomato pasta salad
- Spring garlic cream pasta
- Birria-style chicken
- Citrus herb roasted salmon
- Kids' Station: Chicken tenders and French fries
- Hand-carved tri-tip steak
Dessert
- Signature dessert station (Individual desserts, seasonal fresh fruit)
Menu items are subject to change based on seasonal availability.
Recommended experiences:
- Long Beach Dining Cruises
- Newport Beach Dining Cruises
- Marina del Rey Dining Cruises
Premier plated lunch
Starter (Choice of one)
- Newport Harbor strawberry and arugula salad
- Marina Del Rey roasted red pepper bisque
Mains (Choice of one)
- Marina citrus-chile chicken breast
- Balboa Peninsula lemon herb roasted Atlantic salmon
- Abbott Kinney summer potato gnocchi
Dessert (Choice of one)
- Dockside chocolate toffee crunch cake
- Harbor Lights Basque cheesecake
- Coastal breeze seasonal fruit and pineapple (Fresh berries and garden mint lime spritz)
Menu items are subject to change based on seasonal availability.
Recommended experience:
- Newport Beach Dining Cruises
Signature dinner buffet
Salads (All salads accompanied by fresh breads and butter)
- Greek salad
- Summer berry and farro salad
- Chickpea and tomato salad
Mains
- Citrus herb roasted salmon
- Spring garlic cream pasta
- Birria-style chicken
- Caribbean jerk braised pork
- Hand-carved tri-tip steak
Complements
- Mexican elote-style corn
- Roasted tri-color potatoes
- Roasted summer vegetables
Dessert
- Baked peach berry crisp
- Signature dessert station (Individual desserts and seasonal fruit)
Menu items are subject to change based on seasonal availability.
Recommended experiences:
- Long Beach Dining Cruises
- Newport Beach Dining Cruises
- Marina del Rey Dining Cruises
Premier plated dinner
Starter (Choice of one)
- Newport Harbor strawberry and arugula salad
- Marina Del Rey roasted red pepper bisque
- Coastal Market cheese and charcuterie
Mains (Choice of one)
- Marina citrus-chile chicken breast
- Balboa Peninsula lemon herb roasted Atlantic salmon
- Newport Coast achiote flat iron steak
- Abbott Kinney summer potato gnocchi
Dessert (Choice of one)
- Dockside chocolate toffee crunch cake
- Harbor Lights Basque cheesecake
- Sunset Pier pineapple upside-down cake
- Coastal breeze seasonal fruit and pineapple (Fresh berries and garden mint lime spritz)
Menu items are subject to change based on seasonal availability.
Recommended experiences:
- Newport Beach Dining Cruises
- Marina del Rey Dining Cruises
Sights you will see on your Los Angeles dining cruises
Newport Harbor
Cruise past Newport Beach’s yacht-filled harbor, waterfront homes, and bustling marinas while you dine and take in the coastal scenery.
Plan your visit
- Marina del Rey Premier Brunch Cruise with Bottomless Mimosas: 2 hours, Saturdays & Sundays, from 11am–1pm
- Marina del Rey Premier Dinner Cruise with Plated Dinner: 2.5 hours, Fridays & Saturdays, from 7pm–9:30pm
- Marina del Rey Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet Dinner: 2.5 hours, Saturdays in Jan–Mar; Fridays & Saturdays in Apr–Nov, from 7pm–9:30pm
- Newport Beach Premier Brunch Cruise with Bottomless Mimosas: 2 hours, Saturdays & Sundays, from 11am–1pm
- Newport Beach Premier Dinner Cruise with Plated Dinner: 2.5 hours, Fridays & Saturdays, from 7pm–9:30pm
- Newport Beach Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet Dinner: 2.5 hours on select dates, from 7pm–9:30pm
- Newport Beach Premier Lunch Cruise with Plated Lunch: 2 hours on select dates, from 12pm–2pm
- Long Beach Premier Brunch Cruise with Bottomless Mimosas: 2 hours, Sundays, June–October, from 11am–1pm
- Long Beach Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet Dinner: 2.5 hours, Saturdays, June–October, from 7pm–9:30pm
Arrive at your departure location at least 30-45 minutes to check in and begin boarding.
- Sunset dinner cruises: Ideal if you want an evening meal with changing waterfront views as daylight fades. Choose a dinner sailing for a more celebratory atmosphere with plated or buffet dining and onboard entertainment.
- Brunch cruises: Best for a relaxed daytime outing, with buffet brunch, unlimited mimosas, and live entertainment across the Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, and Long Beach options.
- Newport Beach lunch cruises: A good choice for a midday experience if you want a 2-hour cruise without committing to an evening sailing. The plated lunch also leaves the rest of your day open for other activities.
- Daytime vs evening: Choose brunch or lunch for easier sightseeing in daylight, while dinner cruises suit date nights, celebrations, and evenings when you want music and dining to be the main focus.
- Plan around your waterfront itinerary: Pick the departure area that fits the rest of your day, Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, or Long Beach, so you can explore nearby attractions before or after your cruise without adding unnecessary travel time.
- Brunch Cruise: Casual attire; comfortable daytime clothing is suitable for the relaxed brunch setting.
- Premier Dinner Cruise: Semi-formal attire; opt for a polished evening outfit suitable for a plated dinner and waterfront setting.
- Signature Dinner Cruise: Casual to smart casual attire; comfortable, neat clothing works well for the buffet dinner and onboard entertainment.
- Lunch Cruise: Smart-casual attire; a neat daytime outfit is appropriate for the plated lunch experience
Tip: Bring a light layer for the outdoor decks, as it can feel cooler on the water, particularly during evening cruises.
- Reserved dining tables: Your ticket includes a guaranteed table for your party, so you can dine together without arranging seating onboard. The Marina del Rey Premier Dinner Cruise specifically guarantees a window table.
- Onboard dining service: Depending on your ticket, meals are served as a buffet or as plated, chef-prepared dishes. Buffet cruises include dedicated spreads with entrees, salads, and desserts.
- Complimentary beverages: Coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included across all cruises. Brunch cruises additionally include unlimited mimosas, champagne, and sparkling cider.
- Entertainment onboard: Facilities and programming include live entertainment, background music, or DJ entertainment depending on the cruise. This is part of the onboard experience rather than a separate attraction ticket.
- Indoor dining areas: Dining takes place in dedicated onboard seating areas, allowing you to continue your meal while the vessel cruises the waterfront.
- Waterfront viewing areas: Cruises provide opportunities to view Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, or Long Beach from the water. Access to outdoor viewing areas can vary by vessel and weather conditions.
- Wheelchair accessibility: Accessibility can vary by vessel, including access to boarding areas, dining spaces, and restrooms. Guests using wheelchairs or mobility devices should confirm the specific vessel's accessibility arrangements with the operator before booking.
- Accessible seating requests: If you require accessible seating or assistance during boarding, contact the operator in advance so appropriate arrangements can be confirmed for your selected cruise.
- Restroom facilities: Restrooms are available onboard, although layout and accessibility vary between vessels. Guests with specific accessibility requirements should verify facilities for their cruise before arrival.
- Arrive before boarding: Reach the specified boarding point with enough time for check-in and boarding. Waterfront parking and walking times can vary, especially on weekends.
- Follow the dress code: Dress requirements depend on the cruise. Marina del Rey's Premier Dinner Cruise requires semi-formal attire, while its Premier Brunch and Signature Dinner cruises specify casual attire.
- Bring your booking confirmation: Keep your ticket or booking confirmation readily available at check-in. Check it beforehand for the exact pier, boarding time, and cruise-specific instructions.
- Stay within designated areas: Follow crew instructions and remain in permitted passenger areas while the vessel is underway. Use designated walkways, stairs, and viewing areas when moving around the boat.
- Follow crew safety instructions: Pay attention to onboard announcements and directions from the crew, particularly during boarding, departure, docking, and in the event of changing weather or sea conditions.
- Supervise children: Adults should keep children with their group and supervise them around stairs, railings, decks, and other areas where the vessel is moving or changing course.
- Inform the operator about dietary needs: If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, contact the operator before sailing. Buffet and plated menus differ by cruise, and accommodations should be confirmed in advance.
Visitor tips
- Choose your departure area based on your plans: Marina del Rey suits a harbor-side outing, Newport Beach works well for a coastal sightseeing day, and Long Beach is convenient if you're exploring the waterfront around Rainbow Harbor. Pick the departure point that fits your itinerary to avoid spending extra time travelling between destinations.
- Pick brunch for a social daytime celebration: The Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, and Long Beach brunch cruises combine buffet dining with unlimited mimosas. They're worth considering for birthdays, reunions, and group get-togethers where you want drinks, food, and entertainment in one experience.
- Choose Newport Beach for a midday meal: If you'd rather spend your afternoon on the water without booking a brunch or evening dinner, the 2-hour Premier Lunch Cruise offers a plated meal, background music, and sightseeing. It also leaves more flexibility for other daytime activities.
- Decide between plated dining and a buffet before booking: Choose a Premier plated lunch or dinner cruise if you prefer a served meal at your table. Signature dinner cruises offer buffet-style dining, which may suit groups who prefer to choose from the available entrees, salads, and desserts.
- Book Marina del Rey Premier Dinner for guaranteed window seating: This option specifically guarantees a window table for your party, alongside a chef-prepared plated dinner and DJ entertainment. It's a useful distinction if seating by the windows is important for your date night or special occasion.
- Choose a Signature Dinner Cruise for a more casual evening: Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, and Long Beach offer buffet dinner cruises with reserved seating and DJ entertainment. Marina del Rey's Signature Dinner Cruise specifies casual attire, making it a practical option if you prefer a less formal evening.
- Compare the drinks included before paying extra: Brunch packages include unlimited mimosas, champagne, and sparkling cider. Dinner cruises include listed non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee and tea, but alcoholic drinks are not included. They are available for purchase on board, so you can buy them with a valid ID. Check the package details if drinks are a key part of your plans.
- Arrive early enough to find your pier and check in: Don't navigate only to the marina or harbor name; these areas can have multiple docks and boarding points. Check your confirmation for the exact address, pier, and check-in time, and allow extra time to walk from parking or rideshare drop-off areas.
- Check parking options before driving: Look up parking near your specific departure point rather than relying on general marina parking. Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, and Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach have different waterfront layouts, so walking distances, parking rates, and availability can vary. Allow extra time on weekends and during waterfront events.
- Choose your cruise duration around the rest of your itinerary: Brunch and lunch cruises generally last 2 hours, while dinner cruises run for 2.5 hours. Factor in travel to the dock, check-in, and disembarkation when planning restaurant reservations, attractions, or other activities before and after your cruise.
- Dress for the occasion, not just the weather: Marina del Rey's Premier Dinner Cruise specifies semi-formal attire, while its brunch and Signature Dinner cruises specify casual attire. For other packages, check the booking details. If you plan to spend time on deck, bring a light layer for the breeze over the water.
- Tell the operator about dietary needs in advance: Buffet and plated menus differ by cruise, and the listed inclusions don't guarantee specific vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly dishes. Contact the operator before booking to confirm available choices and whether dietary accommodations can be made.
- Choose your cruise based on the atmosphere you want: For a daytime meal with drinks and live entertainment, opt for brunch. For a relaxed midday outing, consider Newport Beach's lunch cruise. For an evening celebration, compare the plated Premier dinners with the buffet-style Signature dinners, taking into account the seating, menu format, and entertainment included.
Frequently asked questions about Los Angeles dining cruises
Yes. The Premier Brunch Cruises in Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, and Long Beach include unlimited mimosas. Champagne and sparkling cider are also included with the brunch.
Premier Dinner Cruises feature plated, chef-prepared meals, while Signature Dinner Cruises use a buffet format. Both include reserved seating, beverages, sightseeing, and onboard entertainment.
The Signature Dinner Cruises in Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, and Long Beach offer buffet dining and DJ entertainment.
Brunch and lunch cruises generally last 2 hours, while the dinner cruises last 2.5 hours. Allow additional time before departure for parking, check-in, and boarding.
The dinner packages include non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee and tea, but they do not offer unlimited alcoholic drinks, though they are available for purchase at the full-service bar onboard, provided you are of legal drinking age and have a valid ID.
Yes. The reserved table setup and onboard entertainment make these cruises suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, dates, and group celebrations. For a more formal setting, consider the Premier Dinner Cruises, which specify semi-formal attire.
Arrive early enough to locate the correct pier, park or complete your rideshare drop-off, and check in before boarding. 30 minutes before boarding is usually recommended. Waterfront areas can be busy on weekends, so allow more time than you would for a regular restaurant reservation.
