15 Dinner Cruises in the USA That Earn the Road Trip

1.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,469 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $107Our pick

Spend about two hours on the Mississippi aboard the paddlewheel Creole Queen. The evening includes live jazz, a promenade deck, and an optional Creole buffet with gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, seafood pasta, brisket, and bread pudding. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. for a prompt 7 p.m. departure from 1 Poydras Street.

“Very nice, food was good, service good, music good, we enjoyed it very much.. We walked on deck seen many ships /boats, the bridge that crossed the river was lit up with red and green very nice! Good float!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,302 reviews · from $108

Spend three evening hours beside and on the Colorado River, starting with a cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner near Moab. Guides such as Izzy and Rory have entertained passengers with local stories before a 40,000-watt light show projects canyon history onto the rock walls. Bring a jacket and expect firm boat seats.

“Super nice dinner and the many thanks to all of the crew”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail 12 miles down Kona’s coast to Captain Cook Monument while a local historian shares Hawaiian stories and landmarks. You’ll enjoy pupus, one complimentary cocktail, a catered dinner, live Hawaiian music, and sunset views. The 3-hour cruise leaves Kailua Pier at 4 p.m. and returns there after an evening on the water.

“The cruise was very informative about the islands history and culture. The crew was entertaining and joyful. Great music and drinks. Great atmosphere for a birthday.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,234 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

Spend an evening aboard the Spirit of San Diego with a welcome glass of sparkling wine, indoor dinner, live entertainment, and wide views of San Diego Bay. The cruise passes the USS Midway, Coronado Island, the bridge, military base, and cruise terminal. An unlimited bar upgrade costs $40, and boarding begins 30 minutes early.

“This was a wonderful experience! Food, drinks, music, service, vibe! We really had a great time. I only wish we had dressed a bit warmer.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,074 reviews · 3 hours · from $145

You’ll cruise from Pier 36 aboard Louisa of the Seas for skyline views, bridge passes, and a close look at the Statue of Liberty. A plated dinner, live music from New York performers, private-table seating, and drinks are included. Choose regular or VIP seating, and plan your ride home before returning to the pier.

“Classy, staff were very nice. Loved the live music, “The Barnacles” were lovely and did great crowd work. The dinner and experience were well worth the price. Would definitely come back for other occasions/date nights/family outing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 903 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $166Top rated

Board Sea Maui’s 65-foot catamaran from the sand at Ka’anapali Beach for a 2.5-hour sunset sail with a chef-prepared buffet, full open bar, and ocean views. December 15 through April 15 adds seasonal whale watching. Indoor and outdoor seating, parking validation, and live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays make this a polished evening out.

“Beautiful sunset cruise. We ate and drank well, and saw many whales. A few breached. The boat’s driver needs to work on his whale approach instincts, and I wish he would cut the engines when close to them.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.City Cruises Luxury Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 881 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $112

Board at Pier 61 for a 2 to 3-hour brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise aboard a climate-controlled glass vessel. Expect a three-course meal, live piano or band music, harbor narration, outdoor photo decks, and views of the Statue of Liberty, bridges, One World Trade Center, and Manhattan’s skyline. Dinner requires semi-formal dress.

“A very nice experience. Service was great and so was the food. We had window seats and it truly made for an amazing time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 875 reviews · 2 hours · from $92

Board near Olympia Cafe on River Street for a two-hour Savannah River cruise with a Southern buffet, live music, dancing, and upper-deck views. Expect shrimp and grits, carving-station meat, fresh catch, vegetables, and dessert. The boat is wheelchair accessible, sails rain or shine, and returns at 9:00 p.m.

“Brenda was our server. She had spunk and full of energy. It was such a pleasure to have get as our server.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.From Ma’alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 826 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $139

Spend about two hours aboard Quicksilver, a double-decker motorized catamaran from Ma’alaea Harbor. Watch the sun drop behind Lanai, enjoy a three-course dinner, two included alcoholic drinks, live island-style music, and possible winter whale sightings. Check in at Boss Frog’s 30 minutes early and ask about outdoor seating.

“Save your money. The food and boat ride wasn’t worth the $300! The staff was great, but the food wasn’t warm or appealing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 786 reviews · 2h 30m · from $111

Spend 150 minutes aboard Spirit of Carolina with a made-to-order three-course dinner, Charleston Harbor views, live music, and access to enclosed dining decks and an open-air top deck. You’ll pass Fort Sumter, the Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge. Drinks, tips, and parking are extra, and couples usually share tables.

“We decided to celebrate our friend’s milestone birthday by doing this event. She and all who participated were happy with the experience of this dinner cruise. The food was good, the cruise was not crowded and the musician playing was awesome! Very nice experience! The only thing I would change is that you could tell the boat had old finishes and needed some renovations.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 717 reviews · 2 hours · from $62

Spend two hours aboard a Savannah Riverboat with a Southern buffet, live English narration, port views, and a run toward Old Fort Jackson. You’ll hear stories about Savannah, see the modern river port, and may hear the fort’s cannons fire. Boarding begins one hour before departure, and downtown parking takes planning.

“The lunch was VERY good! Waitress was also GREAT...”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 607 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $100

Board the vintage Spirit of Carolina at Patriots Point for a 2.5-hour evening cruise on Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a made-to-order three-course meal, full-service bar, live music, and views of Fort Sumter, the Battery, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Tables seat four to six, so shared dining is part of the plan.

“It was a great experience, the atmosphere to include the music was nice! I would recommend for a nice couples date night.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 524 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $263

Spend about five hours sailing from Port Allen along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast aboard the 50-foot Leila. Expect cliffs, waterfalls, marine life, island history, a fresh buffet dinner, open drinks, and a Champagne toast. Captains and crew vary, with Kevin, Max, and Mike among the names guests have praised. Conditions can change the route.

“Nothing but the best crew. Great views and good fun. Drinks were flowing and the food was amazing. We even had some rough ocean spots but Captain Mike handled it well. Pink Pony Club came on the speakers when we were out at sea and we were just vibing. Thanks for such awesome time. 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.City Cruises Baltimore: Signature Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 502 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $94

Board the Spirit of Baltimore at 561 Light Street for a roughly 2.5-hour evening cruise with an all-you-can-eat buffet, carving station, coffee, tea, live DJ, dancing, and Baltimore skyline views. Indoor dining, climate-controlled decks, and outdoor viewing areas make this a flexible choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and social nights out.

“I love everything from the beginning till the end. The crew was so nice food was great, the music was off the chain 😂 and the view of Baltimore at night is breathtaking. I just wish I stayed in Baltimore I would definitely be going on that dinner cruise again”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Chicago Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 348 reviews · from $89

Set sail from Navy Pier for a 2 to 3 hour Chicago evening cruise with an all-you-can-eat buffet, city views, and a live DJ. You’ll pass the Willis Tower, Adler Planetarium, Navy Pier, and Soldier Field while enjoying coffee, tea, iced tea, and water. Smart casual dress is required, and alcohol costs extra.

“Great experience, I went for my birthday and had the best time ever. The food was ok but the DJ was top tier. Drinks were good.”

Check availability →Read our full review