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• About this activity

Odyssey Boston Premier Elegant Dinner Cruise

• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Delicious 3-course plated meal & attentive tableside service
• Exquisitely decorated interiors
• Live guitarist playing background music
• Breathtaking views from outdoor deck of luxurious vessel
• Spacious, climate-controlled glass atrium dining rooms

Activity location

• 60 Rowes Wharf
• 02110, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Sat, Apr 27 $217
• Sun, Apr 28 -
• Mon, Apr 29 -
• Tue, Apr 30 -
• Wed, May 1 -
• Thu, May 2 -
• Fri, May 3 -
• Sat, May 4 $217
• Sun, May 5 -
• Mon, May 6 -
• Tue, May 7 -
• Wed, May 8 -
• Thu, May 9 -
• Fri, May 10 -
• Sat, May 11 $195

Dinner Cruise

• Activity duration is 3 hours 3h 3h

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included 3-hour cruise
• What's included What's included 3-course plated dinner
• What's included What's included Coffee, hot tea, and iced tea
• What's included What's included Background music curated by live guitarist
• What's included What's included Live tour commentary provided in English
• What's included What's included Taxes, fees, and service charges
• What's excluded What's excluded Additional beverages and alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
• What's excluded What's excluded Professional photos taken onboard (available for purchase)

Know before you book

• Children 3 and younger are complimentary.
• Seating is pre-assigned; 2–10 people may be seated at 1 table.
• Children's menu available upon request.
• The vessel is wheelchair accessible; however, you must inform the supplier of your specific needs at the time of reservation.
• Check-in and boarding is 30 minutes prior to the booked tour start time.

What you can expect

Create extraordinary memories on the water while enjoying a 3-course dinner on the Boston Odyssey. The dusk and moon-lit views of the harbor islands and the Charlestown Navy Yard are exquisite. Experience a unique and relaxing dinner while cruising the historic Boston Harbor.

Board a vessel specially designed to offer expansive views from your dinner seat. Step outside to feel the wind in your hair and snap photographs. The live guitarist creates a beautiful atmosphere and epitomizes elegance and class

For dinner, take your pick from a wide variety of menu items. See a sample menu below (subject to change):

Choice of one

Caesar Salad Buttermilk Caesar Dressing, Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese, Herb Croutons, Italian Parsley

Lobster Soup Brioche Croutons , Scallions

Jumbo Forest Mushroom Ravioli Spanish Red Lentils & Sage, Arugula, Shallots, Toasted Walnuts, Basil Pesto Oven

Oven Roasted Frenched Chicken Breast with Rosemary & Thyme Warm Yukon Gold Potato Salad with Scallions, Haricot Verts, Creamy Cremini Mushroom Sauce

Broiled Fresh Salmon Filet Roasted Yukon Potatoes, Steamed Bok Choi, Creamy Vegetable & Fresh Herb Sauce

Braised Beef Short Rib Idaho Potato & Horseradish Mash, Baby Carrots, Pearl Onions & English Peas Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce

Pan-Seared Fresh Pacific Cod Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce, Baby Spinach & Potato Mash, Steamed Rock Shrimp

Odyssey Signature Warm Butter Cake Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Blackberry Sauce

New York Style Cheesecake Strawberry Compote

Duo of Sorbet Seasonal Sorbet, Fresh Cut Fruit

Freshly Cut Fruit & Fresh Strawberries Madagascar Vanilla & Orange Custard, Fresh Mint

Triple Chocolate Mud Pie Orange & Ginger Preserves, White Chocolate Covered Strawberry

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures.

• Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants
• High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected
• Vehicles and venues kept vacant between travelers

Social distancing

• Contactless ticket redemption

• United States

Greater Boston

Odyssey Cruises Boston

• Good for groups
• Great for scenic views
• Good for special occasions

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Additional information

• Dining style Casual Elegant
• Price $50 and over
• Cuisines Dinner Cruise, American
• Hours of operation Brunch: Sunday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 2:00pm Saturday: 1:00pm - 4:00pm Dinner: Monday - Friday: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Saturday: 7:00pm - 11:00pm Sunday: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
• Phone number (866) 307-2469
• Website http://www.odysseycruises.com/boston
• Payment options AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
• Dress code Smart Casual
• Private party facilities Nothing compares to the dynamic, unique experience of a group event on the water. Delicious food and drinks, top entertainment and stunning views combine for an experience your guests won’t forget. From business meetings to special occasion celebrations, enjoy Boston's skyline as your backdrop.
• Private party contact Professional Event Planner: (844) 811-9182
• Location 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 2110
• Neighborhood Waterfront
• Cross street Atlantic Avenue
• Parking details Please allow ample time for parking before your Odyssey cruise boarding time. Discounted parking available at Rowes Wharf Garage located directly under Boston Harbor Hotel 30 Rowes Wharf on Atlantic Ave. Garage entrance easily missed. Make immediate right after archway into entryway at Boston Harbor Hotel. Validation at the Odyssey ticket booth.
• Entertainment From boarding and cocktails to dinner service and dancing after, guests will enjoy live entertainment throughout the cruise.
• Additional Banquet, Beer, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

available for an additional price

Shrimp Cocktail

Sriracha Cocktail Sauce

Seafood Tower

Maine Lobster | Alaskan King Crab | Jumbo Shrimp | Bay Scallop Ceviche | Sriracha Cocktail Sauce | Parsley Aioli

First Course

Wedge salad.

Applewood Smoked Bacon | Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Chives & Italian Parsley | Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Lobster Soup

Brioche Croutons | Chives

Smoked Moulard Duck Breast

Cranberry, Cherry & Caramelized Shallot Compote | Pickled Cornichons & Pearl Onions

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

Sweet Corn, Red Bell Pepper & Thyme Succotash | Cajun Cream Sauce

Oven Baked Atlantic Salmon Filet

Lemon Orzo with Red Onions & Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Citrus Dill Sauce

Maple & Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast

Fingerling Potatoes & Chives | Haricot Verts | Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce

Braised Beef Short Rib

Idaho Potato & Horseradish Mash | Baby Carrots | Pearl Onions & English Peas | Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce

Greek Zucchini Fritters

Lemon Orzo with Red Onions & Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Spring Onion & Cucumber Tzatziki

Filet Mignon & Lobster Tail

Truffle Potatoes | Glazed Baby Carrots | Herb Butter; available for an additional price

Duo of Sorbet

Seasonal Sorbet | Fresh Fruit

Granny Smith Apple Parfait

Cinnamon Spiced Apples | Almond & Oat Crumble | Candied Chili Bacon

Salted Caramel Cake

Dark Chocolate Ganache | Raspberry Sauce

Odyssey Signature Warm Butter Cake

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream | Blackberry Sauce

What people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews.

• 4.2 Service
• 4.6 Ambience

Noise • Energetic

Dined on May 20, 2017

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Dined on August 22, 2016

1 person found this helpful

Dined on August 16, 2016

Dined on March 10, 2016

Dined on February 1, 2015

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How is Odyssey Cruises Boston restaurant rated?

Odyssey Cruises Boston is rated 4.4 stars by 5 OpenTable diners.

60 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 2110

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Boston Harbor Dinner Cruise with Buffet

Boston signature dinner cruise packages, boston signature dinner cruise + freedom trail private tour with paul revere house.

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise + Hotel Package

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise + Go Boston Explorer Pass

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise + Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise + View Boston Observatory

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise + Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise + Freedom Trail & North End Tour

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise + Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise + Freedom Trail Private Tour Combo

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise + Harvard and MIT Tour Combo

Sail away on a Spirit of Boston dinner cruise with family, friends or colleagues. Enjoy the sunset and stunning city skyline while dining on a delicious meal aboard a multi-level luxury yacht on Boston Harbor. Dance the night away on the indoor dance floor, lounge on the rooftop deck, and sip refreshing cocktails from the onboard bar for an added fee. up to 3 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

• Departs from Commonwealth Pier at 200 Seaport Boulevard. Parking is available near the Seaport World Trade Center.
• Boarding starts at 6:00 PM and cruise departs at 7:00 PM, so make sure to arrive early. Dress code is business casual.
• Family friendly and children ages 2 and under cruise for free.
• The cruise lasts for approximately 2–3 hours and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner featuring freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts.
• Gaze upon the Boston skyline and waterfront landmarks such as Bunker Hill Monument, World Trade Center Boston, USS Constitution warship, and more.
• Includes unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water. Creative cocktails, wine and beer are available for purchase from the onboard cash bar.
• Access to onboard entertainment with DJ music, dance floor, lounge and interactive games.
• The dinner cruise will sail rain or shine except otherwise advised by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Description

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor Reviews

Boston Signature Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor is located at City Experiences by Hornblower • Commonwealth Pier • Boston , MA 02210

Nearby Things to Do

• Signature Spirit of Boston Lunch Cruise
• Boston Premier Brunch Cruise on Odyssey
• Odyssey Boston Premier Dinner Cruise
• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
• Boston Historic Harbor Cruise

Nearby Hotels & Lodging

• Club Quarters Hotel, Boston, Faneuil Hall
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Downtown
• Four Seasons Hotel Boston
• Hilton Boston Park Plaza
• Sheraton Boston Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions about Boston Signature Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor

Where does the boston signature dinner cruise depart.

The Boston Signature Dinner Cruise departs from Commonwealth Pier, located at 200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210.

Is there parking nearby?

Local parking for Spirit of Boston is available at Seaport Hotel Parking Garage.

Is there a dress code?

The dress code is casual attire: khakis, nice jeans, dresses, button-up shirts, and blouses.

Are children allowed onboard?

Yes, definitely! Children ages two (2) and under can join the cruise for free. Please select a free ticket for them, as they need to be accounted for on the yacht.

Are there highchairs or booster seats available?

Yes, there are high chairs and booster seats available.

Can I bring a cake from outside?

Unfortunately, no. Cakes brought from outside are not allowed onboard.

What happens if it rains or snows?

The Boston dinner cruise sails rain or shine. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the advice of the U.S. Coast Guard, the vessel will remain dockside and still provide the full dining service.

Are pets allowed?

Unfortunately, no. Only service animals are allowed onboard.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the yacht.

Is the yacht regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard?

City Cruises' boats are subject to inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard and have licensed crew members onboard. They also follow Maritime Security (MARSEC) guidelines.

What should I bring?

Please bring a valid photo ID. The U.S. Coast Guard requires all passengers over 18 years old to have valid photo identification.

Is seating assigned onboard?

The captain and crew will direct you to your deck and the hostess will seat you. Seats are assigned based on the needs and capacity for each cruise.

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Boston Signature Dinner Cruise

⭐ Boston Signature Dinner Cruise offers a special evening at sea with entertainment and an all-you-can-eat buffet included.

Ticket types 🎫 Dinner Saturday (3+)

Highlights 👀 Explore iconic sites such as the Bunker Hill landmark and the USS Constitution 🌅 Enjoy ocean views, dance to lively beats, and participate in interactive activities 🍽️ Indulge in a lavish, unlimited buffet that includes a carving station General Info 📅 Date and time: various dates and times are available. Choose upon purchase ⏳ Duration: 3 hours 📍 Location: World Trade Center West ♿ Accessibility: suitable for wheelchair users 👤 Age requirement: 3+. An adult must accompany children under 16 ❗ For this event, all sales are final and tickets can’t be refunded, changed, or modified. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs

Description Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey aboard the Boston Signature Dinner Cruise! Set sail and embark on a sea-bound adventure that promises unforgettable moments. Indulge in a sumptuous all-you-can-eat buffet, dance to the lively tunes of a live DJ, and be captivated by the breathtaking views of the Boston skyline. Whether you're celebrating with friends or seeking a romantic escape, this is an experience not to be overlooked. Let the anticipation build as the excitement unfolds!

Getting there

World Trade Center West

155 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, 02110

Select date and session

No booking fees

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Dinner Cruises in Boston, MA

• October 20, 2022
• Boston , Lunch & Dinner , Charles River

Are you looking for a dinner experience on the Boston Harbor or Charles River? Charles Riverboat Company offers incredible sunset & cocktail cruises, as well as the option to host your own private charter! Keep reading to learn more about how you can get started!

Sunset & Cocktail Cruise

Come cruise the calm waters of the Charles River, take in the spectacular scenery of Boston and Cambridge for 90 minutes. We offer a full-service bar where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and watch the sun set over Cambridge.

Group Cruise & Lunch Package

You can combine your cruise with lunch at the Cheesecake Factory located at the CambridgeSide Mall! The lunch menu includes an entree and cheesecake, as well as a non-alcoholic beverage.

Hosting Your Private Dinner Cruise

Create your own private event on one of five unique vessels. Charles River and Boston Harbor cruises are relaxing and entertaining, so regardless of your dinner cruise occasion, you will have a wonderful time. We’ve hosted corporate events, birthday parties, anniversaries, wedding rehearsal dinners, and more! Be sure to check out our website for additional information.

Contact the Charles Riverboat Company Today

If you’re interested in one of the cruising options, please contact our team here at the Charles Riverboat Company today. We will help you book your next cruise with us so that you can get on the water as soon as possible! To get in touch with us, please give us a call at  (617) 621-3001 or email us at [email protected] . 

Ticketed Tours & Cruises

Events & charters.

3 of the best Boston dinner & sunset cruises

Boston Harbor is a veritable conveyor belt of cruise trips – including several that invite you to enjoy a sumptuous dinner onboard.

(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)

A gateway to some of the east coast’s most enchanting waters, Boston offers a huge variety of boating adventures, ranging from small fishing excursions to all-singing, all-dancing cruises. If you like the idea of exploring the Massachusetts Bay and beyond while tucking into some delectable food and drink, we’ve picked out three of the best Boston dinner cruises currently available to book online.

Buffet Dinner Cruise

Cruise around Boston Harbor while admiring the city’s most famous sights, such as the Seaport District and the USS Constitution warship, before settling down for an extensive buffet dinner during this 3-hour boat trip aboard the Spirit of Boston. During the meal you’ll be treated to live music, courtesy of the onboard DJ who will be pumping out sounds from the upper-deck rooftop lounge. Later, venture out to the observation deck to soak up the panoramic views. The meal, along with unlimited teas and coffees are included, in the tour price. From $78 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide

Boston Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet

Take in one of Boston’s magical sunsets during this dinner cruise expedition along the city’s waterfront. Featuring a lavish all-you-can-eat buffet meal with live entertainment and dancing, guests can watch the sunset, then take a stroll under the stars, enjoying the view of the illuminated Boston skyline from their ship’s outdoor areas. Alternatively, head to the dance floor for music and fun inside the onboard nightclub. Later, when you’re all danced out, grab a restorative cocktail at the floating rooftop lounge to bring your trip to a fitting close. From $174 per person.

Book at Viator

Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship

Experience Boston Harbor on a memorable 2-hour sunset cruise aboard a historic tall ship. After departing from Central Wharf on either the 67-foot Liberty Star or 125-foot Liberty Clipper, you’ll get to enjoy superb views of the outer harbor, as well as other notable Boston landmarks including Fort Independence, East Boston, the Charlestown Navy Yard, and more. During the tour you can relax and let the crew handle the sails, or more intrepid types may wish to jump in the action and lend a hand by grabbing a line themselves. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase onboard. From $65 per person.

By Paul Joseph

Spirit of Boston

Designed for fun, comfort and incredible harbor views, Spirit of Boston is ready to show you the city. Spirit offers lunch, dinner, cocktail and holiday cruises, plus dozens of themed cruises. With great food, drinks, DJ entertainment and a variety of onboard activities to choose from, you’ll love Spirit’s Panoramic skyline views.

• [email protected]
• (617) 542-8000

Boston Harbor Tours, Cruises and Private Charters

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Then contact us by filling out the Contact form, or call us at 617-542-8000 and one of our representatives will happily help you!

Contact Us!

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• 60 Rowes Wharf Boston MA 02110

Book Direct Online

Tickets may also be bought at the Wharf, Ferry Terminal Center.

Non-refundable, can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice. Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded. You may reschedule your tickets (subject to availability) only if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Activity takes place rain or shine. The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).

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Boston Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey

• Duration 2-3 hours
• Onboard DJ entertainment
• Freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts
• Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water
• Guaranteed table for your party size
• Stunning views of Boston's skyline and landmarks
• Alcoholic Beverages
• 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA Boarding: Rowes Wharf. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at Rowes Wharf Parking for Odyssey Boston.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate
• Full-bar available
• Dress code: semi-formal attire
• Our decks are climate-controlled to cruise year-round in all weather conditions
• Children are welcome and infants under three cruise free
• We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please let your server know if you have any serious food allergies
• Please note: only credit cards will be accepted for onboard purchases
• Boarding time begins one hour prior to departure time
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 60 Rowes Wharf 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA Boarding: Rowes Wharf. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at Rowes Wharf Parking for Odyssey Boston. See address & details
• Pass by George's Island Boston Light Charlestown Navy Yard Little Brewster Island and Lighthouse Waterfront Castle Island Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge
• You'll return to the starting point

• Scenic39908874717 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Creepy snd rude Extremely rude staff. Security guard made a sexual comment about my girlfriend and when confronted about it threatened to not let me on the boat. Would not recommend. Read more Written April 17, 2024
• zephyro2020 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Wonderful Evening This was a nice relaxing evening that wrapped up my 1 week getaway. The dinner and desert bar was yummy. I will suggest this to friends visiting in the future. Read more Written February 26, 2024
• jessicawK7751XA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience! Company holiday party What an amazing experience! I booked a private yacht for our annual holiday party. In my ten years planning this event, City Experiences was not only the most seamless on the planning side - but the quality of the event was off the charts! I have never gotten so much positive feedback from my team on a holiday party. The food was fantastic and the service was perfection. Cannot recommend booking with them highly enough! Read more Written December 11, 2023
• Daydream01989304795 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Boston Thanksgiving lunch cruise great experience! Was there for thanksgiving and we had a wonderful experience, thinking coming back again for thanksgiving next year, food was amazing, service was great waht can I say, we just loved the whole experience! Read more Written November 29, 2023
• Isabel089 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Comfortable, elegant and delicious cruise We were a family group of six and went on a Sunday afternoon with clear crisp autumn weather. We all really enjoyed our time. The spacious dining room was elegantly laid out with white tablecloths and attractive table settings; our server was friendly and efficient; the plentiful buffet offerings - which included both brunch and luncheon dishes - were delicious, as were the cocktails and mocktails. After our meal, we went to the outdoor decks and had wonderful views as we cruised around the harbor. It was an excellent treat, especially for two of our group who were visiting Boston from overseas. Yes, it was expensive - but for a special occasion with special people, it felt just right. Read more Written October 16, 2023
• 971ferng 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Very disappointed. We have been on this cruise 2x before, but this time was a major disappointment. We were on the bottom deck, windows were filthy and couldn’t get to top deck because my friend couldn’t climb stairs. There was a private party on main deck, and they must have received all the good food. Only bright side was the staff was great! Read more Written September 8, 2023
• kathygE5179JG 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles LOUD, LOUD, LOUD The views were ruined for us by the bland food and the extremely loud music. If you want a nice relaxing cruise, DONT DO IT! Also misleading, the boat in the picture was not the boat we were on. Skip this! Read more Written August 30, 2023
• 344marilyng 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Perfect Birthday Celebration! Family gathering to celebrate my husband's 75th birthday. Got special VIP service from staff. Highly recommend! Read more Written August 16, 2023
• 9pattiep 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly Recommend! Highly recommend. Whether you are visiting Boston or live in Massachusetts - make a date & go with friends and family! I would recommend booking directly through City Experiences, you will get that extra touch-where to park, suggestions of the ship, a meet/greet with the Restaurant Manager - courtesy & professionalism above the top than booking on your own. Read more Written August 15, 2023
• zezelal 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great evening with friends We went as 2 couples and did the "Dine out" one and everything went very well. Boat left on time, crew was attentive and friendly, food was nice, good drinks selection. We were lucky with good weather and spent the whole time on the upper deck outside. It was very nice seeing the Boston skyline during a beautiful sunset and later with the lights on in the tall buildings. We all enjoyed it and would try a different one in the future. Read more Written August 11, 2023
• nikkitaparker0 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Girls Cruise The best part of this cruise was traveling with friends and meeting new ones The food was delicious the DJ was fantastic and so were the drinks Read more Written August 7, 2023
• 37briannak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles AMAZING This was a delightful experience for my husbands birthday! Even though it was raining the party continued !!! The experience was very welcoming and the food buffet was DELICIOUS !!! I'd book this event over & over again . Read more Written August 7, 2023
• HighSpeedLowDrag 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Not bad but know what you're getting. The "starting at" price is artificially low as those are oddball dates vs the dates you're actually looking at so pay attention to that. Popular nights are likely 2x as much $. Food was OK, but not commiserate to what you'd expect you're paying for. The desert was completely different than advertised, and the fruit offered tasted like it was starting to ferment. The cruise basically just goes back and forth in the harbor, so it's basically the same thing for a few hours. That's alright, just not what we were expecting. For $200/head, we expected more/better. The music was pretty loud, which is fine, but more of a club vibe vs intimate or able to carry on a conversation. Read more Written August 5, 2023
• hlsl1019 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles overall good I booked a lunch cruise on the boston elite for my wedding reception. the cruise itself - the captain , the staff - was absolutely amazing! The restaurant manager kiana (i think that was her name) was truly a gift as well as the server and bartender. The day went off perfectly. As for the coordination before … it was not as great. I had to reach out a month in advance to pay the bill and go over the details on my own. I was told the event coordinator would reach out 8 weeks in advance. Upon reaching out i was scheduled to talk to an event coordinator and we went through everything and i felt great about it! Until my questions and the promised email attachments were not sent or answered for 2/2.5 weeks. The week of my wedding reception i still had not gotten an answer. I had to email the senior coordinator who did what he could to help and after multiple attempts my assigned coordinator finally reached out. She did everything i asked at the last possible moment. I also was under the impression an event coordinator would be there as well.. no one showed up. So if you’re planning on doing any type of party here - just make sure you’re working with someone who answers (: Read more Written July 31, 2023
• Trail664786 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Way overpriced with lousy, cheap food. 2 stars for the Boston skyline. First of all, Trip Advisor needs to stop hijacking people when they are trying to go to Boston Signature Dinner Cruise website. Since I could not get to them without going through your website, I thought this must be how to make the reservation. I was wrong. Because it took so long to confirm, I located the number and called the company. They said I should have just called because I paid "a lot more" than it would have been through them. This trip cost us over $350.00 for 2 people. For that price, they should have been serving prime rib. Instead there was what I presume was supposed to be Mexican: corn, black beans, chicken thighs, pork, & under-cooked salmon (according to my husband since I hate seafood). It was atrocious, The music was directed at only one group celebrating a birthday, so everyone else went up top. That was the only part of the evening we enjoyed. This was our 5th Anniversary and I wanted something elegant and romantic. This was neither. Wish we had gone to Red Sox game for hot dogs and a beer. So if you want to know how to improve, don’t charge more than the company you are booking for. The rest is on them. No photo because we were so disappointed that we didn't take any and people kept asking if we had fun. Read more Written July 30, 2023

More to explore in Boston

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

Boston Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey provided by City Experiences

A far cry from the buffets of old: Cruises are catering to foodies

“I’m changing the menu for tomorrow,” Joseph Kalynuik, executive chef of Windstar Star Legend, said as we walked through the Mercato delle Vettovaglie in Livorno, Italy. “I’m looking for local charcuterie, cheeses, truffles, lavender, limoncello. Look at all this!”

We were on the “Market Tour with the Chef,” a popular excursion offered on Windstar cruises. The market is beautiful, located in an historic 19th-century building, designed by the Italian architect Angiolo Badaloni, and modeled after Les Halles, the central market in Paris.

But this was more than a look-see through the historic 1894 market. Chef Kalynuik was on a buying mission, looking for the best local ingredients to include in the ship’s restaurant dishes.

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“Va bene!,” a cheese vendor said to our small group, offering us slivers of pecorino sardo al tartufo. It was aged, firm and salty, laced with the earthy taste of truffles. Kalynuik bought a kilo of the cheese, along with links of local sausages.

We trailed Kalynuik through the market, tasting and buying along the way: disks of creamy camembert, bags of fresh Meyer lemons, a variety of salumi, marinated peppers, olives and anchovies, truffle chips, and honey.

The next day the fruits of our labor were in full view. Lunch at Veranda, one of the restaurants aboard Star Legend, featured a bountiful charcuterie table, filled with the market finds. Also, on the menu were sausages with peppers and onions, truffle risotto, Bolognese fettuccine flavored with local meats and spices, and a shrimp and crab dish in a limoncello-flavored beurre blanc. Later that evening at Windstar’s Amphora restaurant, we enjoyed a warm camembert appetizer, topped with a lemon-flavored fig jam, drizzled with honey.

“Our guests are keen on trying new and adventurous dishes, predominantly local, authentic foods,” Kalynuik said. “It’s about experiencing the local culture through food.”

We’d joined a recent seven-day Barcelona to Rome Mediterranean cruise aboard Windstar’s Star Legend to check out its updated culinary offerings. Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation , and the official cruise line for the National Health Association. On our cruise, we not only went to market with Kalynuik, but also joined his cooking class to learn how to make chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent (“Remember to coddle the cream!” Kalynuik advised) and Italian seafood chowder. We had lunch at the Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, cookbook author, TV host, and founder of Barbecue University, where we dined on bourbon-brined turkey breast, tender smoked pork shoulder, and burnt ends.

Lunch and dinner menus in the main restaurants included dishes from James Beard-winning chefs, like Annie Pettry’s glazed wild shrimp and Spanish chorizo dish, Paul Berglund’s roasted rack of lamb with preserved green and red tomatoes, Duskie Estes’s prosciutto and watermelon salad, Amy Brandwein’s grilled filet of branzino, and Irene Li’s coconut dashi clam chowder. A James Beard award-winning chef was not aboard our cruise, but Windstar has already hosted 48 James Beard award-winning chefs on board, and will host chefs Omar Anani, Tanya Holland, and Loryn Nalic on upcoming 2024 culinary cruises. They’ll conduct on-board cooking demonstrations, lead market tours, host a special multicourse dinner, and provide multiple recipes to be featured on Windstar’s menus on all its cruises.

“Not only will you get to eat their food — you’ll get to know them,” says Windstar president Christopher Prelog. “You may even learn a few tips and tricks for being a better cook yourself, and you’ll definitely have a richer and deeper travel experience because of it.”

If we were on a gluten-free diet or committed to only healthy eating (sadly, we’re not!), there were plenty of options. Windstar, in partnership with the National Health Association, offers whole foods, plant-based, SOS (salt, oil, and sugar free) and gluten-free appetizers, soups, entrees, and desserts in all its main dining venues.

Windstar showcases what’s happening throughout the cruise industry: an across-the-board effort to upgrade culinary offerings.

“Cruise clients, particularly more seasoned and discerning sailors, are seeking a more personalized experience and elevated culinary excellence, delivered in a more comfortable ‘country club’ atmosphere,” says Elizabeth Cincotta, founder and luxury travel designer of Rising Tide Travel, which specializes in luxury cruises.

Kristin Karst, cofounder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways, agrees, “Delving into regional food and wine specialties has become an important part of how travelers experience a destination,” she says. “A heightened culinary focus enables our guests to develop a deeper and more nuanced appreciation for a country, its history, culture, and people.”

Major cruise lines have responded in a big way to the demands of a more discerning and food-wise clientele. Today, it’s not uncommon for cruise lines to offer celebrity chef tie-ins, cooking classes, local market excursions, specialty restaurants, and a variety of healthy options. For example, Silversea has a new culinary program called S.A.L.T. (sea and land tours), that includes food excursions, cooking classes, chef’s tables, and an evolving restaurant that adapts to each port. Oceania, with celebrity chef Jacques Pepin as its executive culinary director, has a state-of-the-art Culinary Center, offering classes from international master chefs, immersive culinary tours (e.g., an Argentine dinner at a local’s residence, traditional Irish bread making in Belfast, or a Paella workshop in Alicante), and a host of specialty restaurants, including Toscana’s serving authentic Italian dishes, Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare, Red Ginger’s Asian flavors, French country cuisine at Jacques, and the Dom Perignon Experience at La Reserve. Regent Seven Seas has introduced its new Epicurean Perfection programming, including specialty restaurants, special tastings, deck-top regional barbecues, on-shore culinary, wine, and spirits tours, hands-on cooking classes in its state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Kitchen, and specially curated Spotlight Voyages designed around specific culinary interests. AmaWaterways, the first river cruise line member of the La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, offers at least one wine or culinary-focused excursion on all its itineraries, while others, like Essence of Burgundy & Provence and Taste of Bordeaux, include six tours designed to showcase the culinary experiences in these regions. In 2024, the cruise line will offer more than 70 wine-focused cruises.

Our winter Mediterranean cruise began in Barcelona. But it wasn’t until the final day onboard, docked in Rome, that we were able to snag a seat at Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, touted as one of the world’s youngest Michelin-starred chefs. It’s an intimate, 40-person-or-so restaurant with an open kitchen and warm, inviting vibe. We enjoyed glasses of house-made sangria and plates of Jamón Ibérico, Cantabrian anchovies and marinated olives, poached cod, and romesco pork belly. It was a far cry from the grand ballroom dinners and buffets of old.

• A kid-friendly trip to Washington, D.C.
• At long last, a cruise ship designed for people who hate cruises

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at [email protected]

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