Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour

Experience the magic of Christmas Day on Sydney Harbour with a lunch cruise that combines spectacular views, tasty food, and holiday spirit. This cruise offers a relaxing way to celebrate the holiday, with a modern catamaran, a hearty buffet, and a festive atmosphere that feels both luxurious and laid-back.

We love the way this experience captures the essence of a Sydney Christmas, providing a unique perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks. The delicious buffet, friendly staff, and stunning scenery make it a worthwhile splurge. However, since alcoholic drinks are not included in the price, you might want to budget for those extra beverages. This cruise suits families, couples, or groups looking for a memorable holiday outing on the water without the hassle of land-based festivities.

Key Points

• Scenic Harbour Views: Enjoy breathtaking sights of Sydney’s skyline, Harbour Bridge, and Opera House from the deck.
• Delicious Buffet: Feast on a variety of seafood, traditional roasts, salads, and Christmas pudding.
• Festive Atmosphere: Holiday tunes, Christmas bon-bons, and a visit from Santa add to the cheerful mood.
• All-Inclusive Food: Main meals and desserts are included; drinks are available for purchase.
• Comfort and Convenience: Modern vessel with outdoor viewing decks suited for photos and family moments.
• Ideal for Families: Children are welcome and often enjoy the holiday surprises onboard.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on the Christmas Lunch Cruise

Imagine celebrating Christmas with Sydney’s sparkling skyline as your backdrop—a scene that’s hard to beat. This cruise takes place aboard the MV Vagabond Spirit, a sleek, contemporary catamaran that combines comfort with style. It departs from Walsh Bay, a convenient downtown location close to public transportation, making your start seamless.

The cruise lasts approximately three hours, providing ample time to relax, eat, and soak in the sights. You’ll be part of a festive crowd, with the vessel’s capacity capped at 200 guests, ensuring a lively yet intimate atmosphere. From the moment you step onboard, the staff sets a friendly, welcoming tone, eager to make your holiday special.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start Point: Walsh Bay, at Unit 1/18 Hickson Road, Dawes Point—this prime waterside spot offers quick access for those arriving by train, bus, or walking. The cruise kicks off at 12:00 pm, giving you plenty of daylight hours to enjoy the city views.

Harbor Exploration: As the boat slowly cruises around Sydney Harbour, you’ll witness the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in all their glory. Reviewers have highlighted how the outdoor decks are perfect for family portraits and selfies, capturing the holiday moments against a backdrop of shimmering water and iconic architecture.

Lunch Service: The highlight is undoubtedly the buffet meal, served directly to your table. The food features seafood, such as prawns and other fresh catches, along with traditional Christmas roasts like ham and turkey. One reviewer noted the “great variety of seafood and the normal Christmas fare,” emphasizing that the meal holds good value for an all-in price of $102.50 per person.

Desserts and Festivities: After the main course, indulge in Christmas pudding with warm custard—a sweet finish to your meal. The cruise also includes Christmas bon-bons, adding a playful touch, and music to enhance the holiday mood. Expect some lively tunes, along with the chance for a surprise visit from Santa, who hands out small gifts, delighting children and adults alike.

Relaxing and Socializing: The vessel’s outdoor viewing decks are ideal for relaxing with a drink or chatting with fellow travelers. Many reviewers pointed out the well-stocked bar, where you can purchase alcoholic beverages—a nice way to toast the season, especially after the hearty meal.

End of the Cruise: The cruise gently loops back to the starting point, wrapping up around 3:00 pm. This timing allows you to enjoy the festive atmosphere without feeling rushed, and leaves you with the rest of the day to continue your holiday celebrations.

Food and Beverage Experience

The buffet is regarded as delicious and plentiful, with seafood, roasts, salads, and desserts all part of the package. Reviewers have called the food “yummy” and “great value,” noting that the seafood and Christmas fare satisfy diverse tastes.

Drinks are not included in the ticket price, but there’s a fully licensed bar onboard. Expect to pay extra if you’d like to enjoy wine, beer, or spirits, which many guests find adds to the relaxed, holiday vibe. The option to purchase drinks allows you to choose what suits your budget and preferences.

Dessert, featuring Christmas pudding and warm custard, is described as a perfect seasonal touch. The inclusion of Christmas bon-bons and festive music helps set the mood, making the meal feel like a true celebration.

The Views and Atmosphere

One of the standout features of this cruise is the spectacular scenery. As you glide across the water, you’ll see the city’s most famous landmarks from a unique perspective. Reviewers have praised the spacious outdoor decks for their great views, making it easy to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

The atmosphere onboard is described as friendly, relaxed, and festive. Holiday tunes hum softly in the background, and the staff’s cheerful attitude enhances the experience. Several guests mentioned how the “wonderful service” and “great food” contributed to a memorable day.

Why the Cruise Works Well

• The timing of lunch allows for daylight sightseeing, ideal for those wanting to combine land and water experiences.
• The combination of scenic views, delicious food, and holiday cheer makes it a well-rounded event.
• The family-friendly environment and inclusion of Santa make it especially appealing for those traveling with children.
• The cost is competitive considering the quality of the meals, the setting, and the festive elements.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This cruise is perfect for families wanting a special Christmas outing, couples seeking a romantic yet festive celebration, or groups of friends looking for a fun, relaxed way to enjoy Sydney’s harbor. It’s also a great way for visitors to experience the city from the water during a holiday that’s often celebrated with land-based events alone.

Travelers who appreciate good value for money will find that the included buffet, the relaxed atmosphere, and the stunning views make this experience worthwhile. However, if you’re expecting an all-inclusive bar experience, you should budget for extra drinks.

Practical Details and Tips

• Booking: This experience is often booked about 105 days in advance, so securing your spot early is wise, especially during the busy Christmas period.
• Price: At $102.50 per person, it offers substantial value considering the meal, scenery, and festive extras.
• Duration: The cruise lasts approximately three hours, giving enough time to relax and enjoy the views without feeling overwhelmed.
• Location: The meeting point at Walsh Bay is accessible by public transportation, making logistics easier.
• Children: Kids are welcome, and the visit from Santa adds a magical touch for young guests.
• Weather: Check the forecast — the outdoor decks are best enjoyed in pleasant weather, and the cruise can go ahead in light rain if the vessel remains covered.

The Sum Up

For anyone looking to celebrate Christmas with a blend of scenic beauty and festive fun, this Sydney Harbour lunch cruise offers a delightful escape from traditional land-based festivities. The combination of stunning views, delicious buffet, and warm holiday atmosphere makes it a memorable experience that’s well worth the price.

It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy relaxed, family-friendly celebrations with good food and spectacular sights. While drinks outside the included meal are purchased separately, the overall value and quality of the experience have earned consistent praise from guests.

If you’re after a hassle-free, scenic, and festive way to spend Christmas Day, this cruise is a solid pick for your holiday plans in Sydney.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and the cruise often features a visit from Santa, which kids generally love.

What is included in the ticket price?
The price covers a seafood and carvery buffet, desserts, Christmas bon-bons, music, and a visit from Santa. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, but not included.

How long does the cruise last?
It lasts about three hours, providing enough time for a full meal and sightseeing without being too long.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Walsh Bay, at Unit 1/18 Hickson Road, Dawes Point, which is easily accessible by public transport.

Can I buy drinks onboard?
Yes, a fully licensed bar is available, and you can purchase alcoholic beverages during the cruise.

Is this experience refundable?
No, it is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothes are fine. Bring layers if you tend to get cold outdoors, and don’t forget your camera for photos.

Does the cruise operate in bad weather?
Yes, the cruise generally goes ahead in light rain, but check weather conditions on the day for your comfort.

Is there a maximum group size?
The vessel can host up to 200 travelers, which helps maintain a lively yet manageable atmosphere.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about three to four months early, especially for Christmas Day, to secure their spot.

In summary, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and festive way to celebrate Christmas in Sydney, this cruise ticks all the boxes. It offers a wonderful blend of beautiful views, hearty food, and holiday cheer—a day to remember on your holiday calendar.