Marina Del Rey: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Planning how to celebrate Christmas in California can be quite the puzzle—but a harbor cruise in Marina del Rey offers a blend of relaxation, scenic views, and festive cheer all in one. This particular experience, offered by City Cruises California, promises a 2 to 2.5-hour holiday cruise that combines a chef-prepared buffet, live music, and stunning ocean vistas.

It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a different kind of holiday outing—something more than a dinner at home or a crowded mall visit.

What we really like about this cruise is its balance: it’s not just about the views, but also about the quality of food and entertainment. The buffet offers a variety of options, from breakfast pastries to hearty mains, and the live music sets a lively, festive tone. Plus, the unlimited mimosas on brunch add that extra touch of celebration.

On the flip side, the ticket price of $101 per person isn’t the cheapest way to spend Christmas, but considering the scenic setting, delicious food, and entertainment, it seems like a good value for a special occasion.

This experience would suit families, couples, or groups of friends looking to enjoy Christmas in a relaxed yet elegant setting. It’s especially good if you’re after an outdoor experience with panoramic views, but still want the comfort of a climate-controlled interior and a guaranteed table. Just keep in mind that hotel transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own ride or parking.

This experience made our article of 4 Best Buffet Experiences In Los Angeles (With Prices).

Key Points

• Scenic views of Marina del Rey provide a beautiful holiday backdrop.
• Flexible options for brunch or dinner catering to different tastes.
• Unlimited mimosas and hot beverages add to the festive mood (brunch option).
• The cruise includes live entertainment to enhance the holiday atmosphere.
• A balanced blend of scenic, culinary, and entertainment experiences.
• Ideal for those seeking a memorable, relaxed Christmas celebration on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Marina del Rey Christmas Cruise

This cruise offers a two to two-and-a-half-hour journey through one of Southern California’s most picturesque harbors, making it an ideal way to enjoy Christmas without the hustle and bustle of land-based festivities. Whether you’re joining for brunch or dinner, the experience revolves around delicious food, holiday ambiance, and spectacular scenery.

The Itinerary

The cruise departs from Marina del Rey, a well-known boating hub with a vibrant marina environment. You’ll board a climate-controlled vessel with both indoor and open-air decks, giving you flexibility to enjoy the fresh sea air or stay cozy inside.

Brunch cruises typically start in the late morning, with a chef-prepared buffet featuring a variety of breakfast and lunch options. The menu includes assorted muffins, danishes, smoked salmon, eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, and French toast. The inclusion of unlimited mimosas and sparkling cider makes it a lively, celebratory affair.

If dining in the evening, the dinner buffet includes main courses like oven-roasted salmon, carved turkey, and tri-tip steak, along with salads, sides, and seasonal desserts. The dessert station offers a selection of cakes, pastries, seasonal fruit, and apple crisp, ensuring sweet endings to the meal.

Food and Beverage

The buffet menus are carefully curated to offer diverse options for different dietary preferences. The brunch menu, with its emphasis on breakfast favorites and lighter fare, is suitable for those wanting a relaxed start to Christmas Day, while the dinner menu leans into heartier, traditional holiday fare.

A standout feature is the unlimited drinks during brunch, which includes champagne, mimosas, sparkling cider, coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water. This makes the brunch feel especially festive and relaxed. For dinner, beverage options are typically available for purchase onboard, though specifics aren’t detailed.

Scenic Views and Atmosphere

As you cruise along, you’ll enjoy sights like Burton Chace Park, sealife, and the general vibrancy of the marina. The large windows and open-air decks ensure unobstructed views, perfect for holiday photos or simply soaking in the festive surroundings. The decorations and holiday ambiance add a special touch, transforming the cruise into a floating Christmas party.

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Entertainment and Atmosphere

Music is a key part of the experience, setting a warm, cheerful mood. The live entertainment, combined with holiday decor, makes for an upbeat, festive environment. You might find yourself singing along to holiday tunes or relaxing with a drink in hand, enjoying the company of your group.

Comfort and Accessibility

The vessel’s climate-controlled interior provides comfort regardless of weather, and wheelchair accessibility ensures that most guests can enjoy the cruise. The guaranteed table for your party size means you won’t have to scramble for seats, making it easier to relax and focus on the scenery and company.

The Value: Is It Worth the Price?

At $101 per person, the cruise is priced to reflect its all-inclusive food, live entertainment, and scenic experience. While it’s not a cheap outing, the value lies in the combination of a special meal, festive drinks, and beautiful views — all in a comfortable, relaxed setting.

For many, this is a unique way to mark Christmas—a memorable event that combines the joy of good food, scenic beauty, and holiday cheer. It’s a good deal if you value high-quality food and entertainment in a stunning location.

What the Reviews Say

One guest summed it up perfectly: “Great plan for vacation holiday. Relaxing and delicious.” This highlights the overall satisfaction with both the food quality and the laid-back atmosphere. While only one review is available, its glowing feedback suggests that most guests leave feeling they’ve experienced something special.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This cruise is best suited for families, couples, or groups celebrating Christmas in California who want to do something different. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic water views, good food, and live music. The festive decor and holiday spirit make it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed, intimate Christmas experience away from crowded land-based events.

However, it’s not for those on a strict budget, as $101 per person can add up for larger groups. It’s also important to note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so transportation planning is essential.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a Christmas cruise in Marina del Rey offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday. The combination of scenic vistas, delicious buffet, and festive ambiance makes it a compelling choice for those looking for a memorable holiday outing. Whether you opt for the brunch with unlimited mimosas or a cozy dinner, you’ll likely find this cruise a delightful way to enjoy Christmas in California.

This experience shines brightest for travelers who appreciate a celebratory atmosphere with scenic beauty and are looking for an authentic, well-organized event. It’s an opportunity to enjoy both the marina’s charm and the joy of holiday dining—all aboard a comfortable vessel drifting through one of LA’s most iconic waters.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this cruise?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You will need to arrange your own transportation to the departure point.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, offering enough time to enjoy the food, scenery, and entertainment without feeling rushed.

Can I choose between brunch and dinner?
Yes, the experience offers options for both a buffet brunch or dinner, so you can pick based on your preferred time of day and dining style.

Is there alcohol served on the cruise?
Yes, during the brunch, there are free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider, adding to the holiday celebration.

Is the cruise accessible for guests with mobility issues?
Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible, and the climate-controlled interior provides a comfortable environment for all guests.

What kind of food is served?
The buffet features a variety of breakfast and lunch items for brunch, including pastries, smoked salmon, eggs, breakfast meats, and French toast. The dinner menu includes main courses like salmon, turkey, and steak, along with salads, sides, and desserts.

Do reviews support the overall quality of this experience?
While there’s only one review available, it describes the experience as “relaxing and delicious,” indicating positive guest satisfaction with the food and atmosphere.

Whether you’re after a scenic, delicious, and festive Christmas celebration or simply looking to see Marina del Rey from a new perspective, this cruise offers a well-rounded holiday outing. It’s a chance to combine spectacular views, great food, and holiday cheer—all on the water.

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