9 Dinner Cruises in the USA Worth Booking

1.Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show

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

Enjoy a cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner north of Moab, then join guides such as Izzy or Rory on a calm Colorado River cruise. As night falls, a 40,000-watt light show projects canyon stories onto the cliffs, with music, narration, and bright desert stars.

“We thoroughly enjoyed our time. The food was excellent and the cruise with music and light show was very well put together. Hearing the history narrated along with the music and light show was spectacular and made for an enjoyable experience.”

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2.2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 794 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $92

Spend two hours aboard a traditional Savannah riverboat with a buffet dinner, cash bar, live entertainment, and room to dance. The cruise is unguided, so the main attractions are the Savannah River views, Talmadge Memorial Bridge, River Street, music, and relaxed social atmosphere rather than historical commentary.

“I enjoyed the ride. The food was good but service could have been better. We were told they only had 1 thing for dessert by our waitress. Then we saw others getting something different. Another waitress told us that yes they had the 2nd dessert. Asked for it and was then told later they were out and presented a 3rd options. All options should be presented at the beginning so people can choice what they want, not have something forced on them. Our original waitress disappeared and never showed back up. When serving us she acted like she did not want to be there”

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3.2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 480 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Board the Portland Spirit near downtown Portland for a 2.5-hour evening cruise with a reserved table, three-course Pacific Northwest dinner, live piano music, and city views. Step onto the outer decks for bridge sights and recorded narration. Window tables are not guaranteed, and drinks cost extra.

“Had a great time on the Willamette River. The dinner was very good and the staff were friendly. Got to listen to the history after dinner on the upper deck. Would like to do this cruise but see it during the day too. The city lights at night were amazing.”

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4.2-hour Lunch Cruise on Willamette River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 269 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend two hours aboard Portland Spirit with a reserved table, freshly prepared Northwest entrée, live piano music, and views of Portland’s bridges, parks, homes, and landmarks. Historical narration is available on the outer decks, while gluten-free and vegan choices make the cruise workable for many diners.

“Great lunch, had the Steelhead, wait staff was great. Boone reminded us of our grandson. Very respectful and polite.”

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5.2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 170 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Spend two hours aboard a Portland Spirit lunch cruise with a reserved table, freshly prepared Northwest entrée, live piano, and riverfront narration. You’ll pass downtown bridges and city landmarks from the Willamette River. Bring headphones if you want to hear commentary from your table.

“The trip was a casual and fun experience, the wait staff and crew were friendly and attentive. The food was good with an option for fish, beef, chicken and vegetarians. The star of the show was a chocolate mousse cake that our server recommended, it was an additional cost but worth it. Overall a relaxing and fun trip.”

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6.Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 133 reviews · 2h 30m · from $129

Spend 150 minutes aboard a Portland Spirit Cruises dinner boat, enjoying a locally prepared three-course meal, live piano music, and Portland skyline views from the Willamette River. Choose your entrée, step onto the outer decks for narration, and bring headphones for app-based commentary from your table.

“We were celebrating our anniversary. It was wonderful! Our only complaint was there wasn't any parking.”

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7.Norfolk: City Cruises Elizabeth River Buffet Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 109 reviews · from $69Best value

Cruise Norfolk’s Elizabeth River for two hours aboard City Cruises, with an attended buffet, coffee, tea, DJ entertainment, live narration, and views of Navy vessels. You can buy cocktails onboard and take your drink to the outdoor observation decks. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure.

“The cruise was very nice. It was my first time on the Spirit of Norfolk. The staff was very friendly which you was enter the ship. Once on board, they show my party of seven to our table. Then peg host Showann came to our table and took very good care of everyone. The food and drinks was amazing. All of the staff on the ship made sure you was comfortable. This music was nice and the atmosphere was great. I will be returning soon.”

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8.Knoxville: Sunset Dinner Cruise on Tennessee River

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 44 reviews · 2 hours · from $104

Spend two hours aboard Volunteer Princess Cruises on the Tennessee River, with a private table, three-course dinner, sunset views, and access to an upper-deck bar. Beef tenderloin and oven-roasted chicken are featured, and dietary requests can be made in advance.

“It was great overall, the price was not too bad, views were stunning, the food was fantastic, the boat ride was smooth, and the crew was so welcoming. 10/10 recommend.”

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9.City Cruises Chicago: River Architectural Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $84

Spend about two hours aboard City Cruises’ climate-controlled boat, enjoying a plated lunch while guides point out Tribune Tower, Merchandise Mart, Civic Opera House, Union Station, and Willis Tower. You get assigned seating, outside photo areas, and unlimited coffee, tea, and water.

“I can confirm that the instructions were awful. The pin that is in the reservation is for another parking lot. I recommend you follow the instructions that Viator gives you to start and then heed mine. The directions will take you to a parking lot on North Colombus Drive. If you stop there, you will miss your reservation. Make that right at the light on N Columbus Drive and go uphill. At the top of the hill, the NBC building should be on your right. If see a draw bridge, DO NOT CROSS IT. When you made it to the top of the hill, cross the street and make another…”

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