ON THE WATER · USA DINNER CRUISES

The 15 Best Dinner Cruises in the USA

89 tours  ·  from $44 a head

Paddlewheelers on the Mississippi, gourmet boats off Manhattan, sunset sailings out of San Diego and Maui. These 15 are compared on the menu, the music and what the fare leaves out.

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option - Exploring a traditional paddlewheel boat
Dinner Cruises, New Orleans Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

1.New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7,533 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $58Our pick

Board Steamboat Natchez at Toulouse Street Wharf for a three-hour evening on the Mississippi. You’ll hear the Dukes of Dixieland, explore the paddlewheel boat, enjoy narration and a calliope concert, and add a Louisiana buffet with gumbo, crawfish étouffée, fried chicken, and bread pudding.

“The ticket and listing say 6pm start time but it actually is 7pm and you can board between 6pm and 7pm. It would have been extremely helpful had this been clearly written somewhere. The music was ok, not great. Review said the meal was mediocre so we did the tour without dinner. The snack bar had a very small selection. Visibility was terrible due to inclement weather and I tried to cancel reservation when I saw lightening but was refused. Would not recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New Orleans: Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Lunch Option - Boarding from the French Quarter
Dinner Cruises, Lunch Cruises, Lunch Cruises in the USA, New Orleans Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

New Orleans: Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Lunch Option

2.Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Lunch Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,576 reviews · from $44

Spend two hours aboard New Orleans’ authentic Sternwheeler Steamboat Natchez, listening to live jazz, hearing river narration, and touring the steam engine room. Add a fresh Creole lunch with coffee and iced tea. The boat leaves from the French Quarter, with the Riverboat City of New Orleans filling in during annual maintenance.

“Great experience and very relaxing. The music was fun and the tire guide was very informative”

Check availability →Read our full review

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans - Dinner in the Victorian-Style Dining Room
Dinner Cruises, New Orleans Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans

3.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans

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

Cruise the Mississippi aboard the Creole Queen from 7 to 9 p.m. with live jazz, city lights, and optional Creole buffet dining. Expect a Victorian-style dining room, promenade-deck views, a cash bar, and a strict boarding schedule. Bring a jacket for the river breeze.

“If you do the night cruise, make sure to bring a sweater or jacket. The jazz music is wonderful . The food smells amazing. We didn’t book with the dinner , but wished we had.”

Check availability →Read our full review

City Cruises New York: Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise - The Hudson River brings the city into view
City Tours, Dinner Cruises, New York City Dinner Cruises, Seine River Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

City Cruises New York: Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

4.City Cruises New York: Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,371 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $180

Board Bateaux New York at Pier 61 for a three-hour dinner cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers. Enjoy a fresh starter, entrée, dessert, live band, and views of One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Vessel. Drinks are extra, and semi-formal dress is required.

“Wonderful way to celebrate an Anniversary. Free champagne, rose, band was wonderful, staff amazing. I had the short ribs and it was just a huge piece of fat. All other food was delicious.”

Check availability →Read our full review

General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville - The Cumberland River views and the downtown skyline
Dinner Cruises, Lunch Cruises, Lunch Cruises in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville

5.General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,362 reviews · from $111

Board the General Jackson Showboat for a roughly four-hour Nashville cruise with hotel pickup from select downtown hotels. Choose lunch or dinner, enjoy a Southern meal in the Victorian theater, then watch live music, comedy, and dancers. Daylight lunch cruises suit sightseeing, while dinner adds an orchestra and evening atmosphere.

“The show was very good. The food was a good buffet and there was a lot, Waiter for drinks but there were several bars for drinks. Of course the views of downtown from the General Jackson.”

Check availability →Read our full review

City Cruises New York: Signature Dinner Cruise - The skyline route, from Hudson Yards to the harbor
City Tours, Dinner Cruises, Luxury Dinner Cruises, Luxury Dinner Cruises in the USA, New York City Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

City Cruises New York: Signature Dinner Cruise

6.City Cruises New York: Signature Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,362 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Spend about two and a half hours aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of New York, leaving Pier 61 for a buffet dinner, DJ music, and views of Lady Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and Manhattan at night. You get an assigned table, indoor dining, and access to outdoor decks.

“The vibe and the food was definitely a winner . I recommend this to Others . The sights and night life was awesome .”

Check availability →Read our full review

Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show - Boarding the flat-bottomed boat
Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises with a Show, Dinner Cruises with a Show in the USA, River Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show

7.Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show

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

Spend three hours north of Moab with a cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner, then board a flat-bottomed boat for a calm Colorado River cruise. Guides such as Izzy, Rory, and Michael add stories and humor before a 40,000-watt canyon light show presents Moab’s history with music and narration.

“We had explored Arches National Park in the morning and got to experience the sun rising through the arches, it was truly spectacular. To witness the sandstone popping with color as the sun set while floating down the Colorado River was just as spectacular. We enjoyed learning about the history of the area, our guides were both knowledgeable and entertaining. The light show was great and it was incredible to see the stars shine so brightly in Colorado’s night sky. We would definitely recommend this activity!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay - The return trip, music, and sunset
Dinner Cruises, Historical Tours, Island Cruises with Lunch, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

8.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

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

Board a catamaran at Kailua Pier for a three-hour cruise to Kealakekua Bay. A local historian shares Hawaiian stories and landmarks, while you enjoy pupus, dinner, live music, a sunset, and one complimentary cocktail. Bring a light wrap, since the open boat can turn windy and cool.

“The dinner cruise was amazing. The food and entertainment were excellent. I would highly recommend the Body Glove Dinner Cruise. The staff were both friendly and knowledgeable and we saw some dolphins and a manta ray while learning Kona’s history. The music was beautiful and fun. I will use them again if I plan on doing another excursion.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise - San Diego Bay from the upper deck
Dinner Cruises, Harbour Dinner Cruises, San Diego Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise

9.San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise

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

Spend an evening aboard the Spirit of San Diego, starting near the USS Midway. You’ll receive sparkling wine, enjoy dinner indoors, and see the skyline, Coronado, Navy ships, and the bay from open-air decks. Smart casual dress, 30-minute early boarding, and a $40 open-bar upgrade apply.

“Great experience food was excellent service on point loved the view drinks delicious our waitress was perfect”

Check availability →Read our full review

New York City: Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music - What happens after you reach Pier 36
City Tours, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises with a Show, Dinner Cruises with a Show in the USA, Luxury Dinner Cruises, Luxury Dinner Cruises in the USA, New York City Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

New York City: Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music

10.Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music

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

Board the Louisa of the Seas at Pier 36 for a three-hour evening cruise past the bridges, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Lower Manhattan. Enjoy a private table, plated dinner, live music, and drinks. VIP access adds a second-deck area and extra drink tickets.

“I booked the Louisiana dinner cruise for my wife’s birthday, and it was an absolute home run! From start to finish, everything was fantastic. The live music set a perfect vibe, blending classic tunes with a lively energy that kept the night festive. The food was delicious—every course was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made us feel truly special. Cruising along the NY skyline at night was breathtaking, and the whole experience felt magical. It was one of the best birthdays my wife has ever had, and we’re already looking forward to our next cruise! Highly recommend the Louisiana for an unforgettable evening.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu, Hawaii - Dinner from the onboard galley
Dinner Cruises, Oahu Dinner Cruises, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Sunset Dinner Cruises in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu, Hawaii

11.Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,023 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Cruise from Honolulu for about two hours, watching the sunset behind Waikiki and Diamond Head Lighthouse. Dinner is cooked onboard, with beef short ribs, seared mahi-mahi, salad, dessert, and soft drinks. Alcohol is BYOB, and recent cancellations make confirming operations essential.

“The cruise got canceled by the captain a week before it happened but my card was still billed. Not cool”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cincinnati: Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner - Cincinnati lights from the water
Buffet Cruises in the USA, Buffet Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises, River Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

Cincinnati: Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner

12.Cincinnati: Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,014 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

Cruise the Ohio River from Newport for two hours with reserved indoor seating, a buffet dinner, music, and views of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Choose a date-night cruise or Sunday family sailing. Coffee, tea, iced tea, and water are included; drinks from the cash bar cost extra.

“Had a great time on our Anniversary great food and very happy with cruise”

Check availability →Read our full review

Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach - A 2.5-hour sail through Maui’s golden hour
Dinner Cruises, Luxury Dinner Cruises, Luxury Dinner Cruises in the USA, Maui Dinner Cruises, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Sunset Dinner Cruises in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach

13.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. Chef Jai’s buffet, a full open bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and seasonal whale watching are included. Wednesday and Saturday sailings add live music.

“Best whale watching experience and dinner was good!! The Cap and crew were so fun and hospitable. Highly recommend!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans - The Boat Is More Than a Floating Dining Room
Dinner Cruises, Lunch Cruises, Lunch Cruises in the USA, New Orleans Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans

14.Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 889 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $43Best value

Cruise the Mississippi from Toulouse Street aboard a historic paddle-wheel boat for two hours of live jazz, narration, and optional Louisiana brunch. Expect gumbo, shrimp and grits, pain perdu, cinnamon rolls, river views, indoor seating, and drinks for purchase.

“Nice day cruise with informative narration and history. Having the jazz music added to the ride, how could you not be put into a good mood?!?”

Check availability →Read our full review

NYC: City Cruises Luxury Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise - Choosing brunch, lunch, or dinner
City Tours, Dinner Cruises, Lunch Cruises, Lunch Cruises in the USA, Luxury Dinner Cruises, Luxury Dinner Cruises in the USA, New York City Dinner Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA Dinner Cruises

NYC: City Cruises Luxury Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

15.NYC: 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 cruise with a reserved table, three-course meal, live music, narration, and panoramic views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty. Choose brunch, lunch, or semi-formal dinner, with unlimited mimosas available on selected brunch sailings.

“Little pricey but a nice time. Would have been interesting to have someone outside that could be exploring the different areas/landmarks as you passed them (or were upcoming for photo opportunities)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Where to eat afloat

Pick a river, a harbour or a kind of evening.