San Francisco: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay

Discover the enchanting sights of San Francisco Bay with a delightful buffet cruise. Whether you choose a leisurely lunch or a lively dinner, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. With a diverse menu, live entertainment, and unparalleled scenery, this cruise promises an unforgettable experience. But the true magic lies in the moments you’ll create, as you savor the flavors and learn about the Bay’s captivating beauty.

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

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Key Points

Scenic and relaxing cruise experience on the San Francisco Bay, offering stunning views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline.
Buffet lunch or dinner cruise options available, ranging from $86.51 per person and lasting 2 to 2.5 hours.
Lunch buffet features a diverse selection of salads, entrees, sides, and desserts, while the dinner buffet offers comfort food and international favorites.
Evening dinner cruises include live music and dancing, with unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks included in the price.
Non-refundable activity accessible via a short walk from the Embarcadero BART station, providing a memorable experience on the tranquil waters of the bay.

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Overview of the Cruise Experience

The San Francisco Bay Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise offers a scenic and relaxing experience for visitors. Cruising along the bay, guests can take in stunning views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline.

The cruise comes in two options – an afternoon lunch or an evening dinner. Evening cruises feature music and dancing, while both include unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

With a non-refundable cancellation policy, guests should plan their trip carefully. The cruise is accessible via a short walk from the Embarcadero BART station and discounted public parking is available.

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Pricing and Duration

A buffet lunch or dinner cruise on the San Francisco Bay is priced from $86.51 per person.

The cruise experience lasts 2 to 2.5 hours. This non-refundable activity offers:

The cruise experience lasts 2 to 2.5 hours. This non-refundable activity offers scenic views of iconic landmarks like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Scenic views of iconic landmarks like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline.
Options for either an afternoon lunch or evening dinner cruise.
Unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks included.

The cruise provides an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the beautiful sights of the bay.

Scenic Views and Cruise Offerings

Cruising along the San Francisco Bay, passengers on this buffet lunch or dinner experience are treated to stunning vistas of iconic landmarks.

The cruise offers panoramic views of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city’s picturesque skyline. Guests can choose between an afternoon lunch cruise or an evening dinner cruise, with the latter featuring live music and dancing opportunities.

Whether sipping coffee, tea, or soft drinks, diners can sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery as the ship glides across the tranquil waters of the bay.

Lunch Buffet Menu

While the lunch buffet offers a diverse selection, it maintains a focus on familiar and comforting flavors.

Guests can expect a variety of salads, including a classic Caesar, a summer berry and farro blend, and a sun-dried tomato pasta salad.

The main course offerings feature crowd-pleasers like honey sesame chicken, oven-roasted flounder, baked ziti, and a root vegetable fricassee.

Complementing the entrees are roasted broccoli and creamy mashed potatoes.

For dessert, the signature dessert station features an assortment of cakes, brownies, and seasonal fruit.

Salads: Caesar, Summer Berry and Farro, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Main Courses: Honey sesame chicken, Oven-roasted flounder, Baked ziti, Root vegetable fricassee
Desserts: Signature dessert station with cakes, brownies, seasonal fruit

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Dinner Buffet Menu

The dinner buffet menu offers a delectable array of comfort food and international favorites.

Theres some good a baked potato bar, mac & cheese bar, and BBQ pulled pork sliders, as well as fried plantains and chicken cacciatore.

For seafood lovers, the menu includes a Seafood Newburg dish.

To satisfy a sweet tooth, the dessert selection features assorted sweet treats and fresh fruit.

The dinner cruise provides a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a special evening on the San Francisco Bay.

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Meeting Point and Accessibility

The San Francisco buffet lunch or dinner cruise boards at Pier 3 on the Embarcadero at Washington Street.

The boarding location is the South Gate on the right side of the pier. The cruise is easily accessible, with a 10-minute walk from the Embarcadero BART station and discounted rates for nearby public parking.

The cruise offers:

Convenient location near public transportation
Nearby paid parking at discounted rates
Short 10-minute walk from the Embarcadero BART station

Guests can arrive at the pier and board the cruise with ease, allowing them to fully enjoy the scenic views and dining experience on the San Francisco Bay.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to reviews, customers have provided an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars for the San Francisco buffet lunch or dinner cruise based on 14 reviews.

Guests have shared positive experiences, particularly for family celebrations. Children under 3 are admitted for free, and group reservations are recommended to ensure seating together.

Customers should note that the menu is subject to change. The cruise offers scenic views, unlimited coffee/tea/soft drinks, and a variety of buffet options for both lunch and dinner.

Important Information and Considerations

Customers should note that the buffet menu is subject to change, so the exact offerings may vary from the descriptions provided.

Plus, there are a few other important considerations to keep in mind:

Children under 3 years old receive free admission, with the option to select a free child ticket.
For group reservations, it’s recommended to make a single reservation to ensure your party is seated together.
Dress code for the cruise is upscale casual to business casual, so guests should plan their attire accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

No, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the cruise. The cruise offers an all-inclusive buffet with unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the provided menu and amenities during the 2 to 2.5 hour excursion.

Is There an Open Bar or Alcohol Available for Purchase?

The cruise offers unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks, but alcohol is available for purchase. There is no open bar, though passengers can buy beer, wine, and cocktails throughout the cruise.

Are Vegetarian or Dietary Restriction Options Available?

The buffet offers some vegetarian options like a root vegetable fricassee and sun-dried tomato pasta. Plus, they accommodate dietary restrictions if customers notify them in advance. Guests can speak with staff about any special needs.

Do I Need to Make Advance Reservations or Can I Purchase Tickets at the Pier?

Advance reservations are recommended as tickets may sell out, especially on popular weekend cruises. Purchasing tickets at the pier on the day of the cruise is possible but not guaranteed, as availability can be limited.

Is There Live Entertainment or Music During the Cruise?

The evening dinner cruises feature live music and dancing, while the afternoon lunch cruises do not. The cruise experience includes scenic views and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, but live entertainment is only available on the dinner option.

The Sum Up

The San Francisco Bay buffet cruise offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks. Guests can enjoy a delectable meal, live entertainment, and stunning views, all while cruising the scenic waters. Whether opting for a lunchtime or evening excursion, this cruise is a must-do activity for those seeking to enjoy the beauty of the Bay Area.