Christmas lights look better from a boat. This Marina del Rey Christmas Eve buffet cruise pairs a 2–2.5 hour harbor sail with a holiday meal, music, and places to watch the water from inside or on the open-air rooftop deck. It is an easy way to turn the evening into an event without hopping between parties.

I especially like two things: the holiday buffet setup that gives you real variety (breakfast-style favorites on brunch, plus carving-style mains on dinner), and the way the cruise leans into scenery, with port views plus the look toward Burton Chace Park and sea life. It feels festive in a practical way, not staged and stiff.

One thing to think about: this is a fixed 2–2.5 hour experience and the ticket is non-refundable, so it is not the kind of plan you can flex at the last minute.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• 2–2.5 hour harbor cruise with both climate-controlled seating and an open-air rooftop deck
• Brunch or dinner holiday buffet with chef-prepared hot items and a dessert station
• Unlimited mimosas on brunch, plus champagne and sparkling cider
• Music entertainment onboard while you eat and watch the harbor
• Scenic Marina del Rey views including Burton Chace Park and sea life
• Dietary options with cautions (V/VG items and items marked G, but the kitchen is not gluten-free)

The menu labels include V (vegetarian), VG (vegan), and G items. That is helpful. But the important caveat is also stated: the kitchen is not gluten-free, and there’s a small risk of cross-contamination. If you have a serious gluten sensitivity, plan accordingly and talk to the staff on board.

Drinks and Entertainment: The Holiday Mood Engine

On Christmas Eve brunch, the drink plan is a big part of the value. You get unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water included with both brunch and dinner. But brunch adds the party drinks.

For brunch, it includes free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider. That means you’re not doing the math mid-meal or wondering where the next drink comes from. It also matches the holiday vibe: a celebratory toast at the start, then you can keep things going while you eat.

For dinner, the included drinks are the non-alcohol options mentioned above, and beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase. So if you want alcohol included, lean toward the brunch option.

Entertainment is also part of the deal. There is music entertainment onboard, which matters more than you’d think on a short cruise. It keeps the vibe light while you work through the buffet and watch the harbor.

The Best Part: Harbor Views, Port Lights, and Sea Life

This cruise earns its keep with scenery. You’re not just eating while the boat moves. The experience is built around the idea that the Marina del Rey waterfront is worth your attention.

From the water, you get views that include Burton Chace Park and the general glow of the harbor. One of the strongest impressions from recent feedback is the welcome champagne and the view of port lights paired with a friendly, relaxed holiday mood.

And then there’s the sea-life factor. The description highlights delightful sea life, which is the kind of small detail you remember later. Even when you cannot predict what you’ll see, the fact that the cruise is aimed at looking out (not just sitting still) makes it more than a meal on a moving platform.

A practical tip for the rooftop deck

Since the rooftop deck is open-air, you’ll likely want to dress for cooler air if you go at night. You can do a quick rotation: enjoy the view outside, then return inside to warm up while the buffet resets around you.

Comfort, Seating, and What It Feels Like to Be on Board

You get two comfort modes: an indoor, climate-controlled area and an open-air rooftop deck for fresh views. That setup is ideal for a holiday meal because people can do different things at the same time. Want to talk and eat? Stay inside. Want the best angles for photos or just the ocean breeze? Step out.

Seating-wise, the experience includes a guaranteed table for your party size. That is a relief on a holiday, when reservations elsewhere can be chaotic. You are not hunting for a place to sit once you’re on board.

Wheelchair accessibility is noted, which means you should be able to plan confidently if someone in your group uses a wheelchair. (As always, if you have specific needs, it’s smart to confirm what access looks like for your particular departure.)

Price and Value: Is $143 Worth It?

At $143 per person, this is not a bargain meal. But it can be good value for Christmas Eve because you are paying for several things together:

• a 2–2.5 hour harbor cruise (transport on the water)
• a holiday-themed buffet with multiple stations and carving-style mains
• music entertainment
• included non-alcohol drinks (and brunch includes alcohol)

The value equation changes depending on whether you choose brunch or dinner. Brunch is where the price feels easiest to justify because the deal includes unlimited mimosas and champagne-style drinks alongside the full buffet. If you were paying for drinks at an onshore holiday restaurant, the cost usually adds up fast.

Also, you avoid the typical Christmas Eve problem: figuring out a meal plan while simultaneously trying to find parking, restaurant availability, and a place to settle for the evening. Here, everything is packaged into one setting with a set time window.

One more thing: the buffet menus include both classic holiday comfort and more “cruise-appropriate” variety, so you are not forced into a single style of food. That matters if you have mixed tastes in your group.

Who Should Book This Marina del Rey Christmas Eve Cruise?

This cruise works best if you want a holiday experience that is more about atmosphere and togetherness than micromanaging logistics.

You’ll probably be happiest if:

• you want a Christmas Eve meal with views and music, without switching venues
• your group likes a buffet format, where everyone can pick their own plate
• you’re looking at brunch and want unlimited mimosas paired with a full brunch-and-dinner style menu
• at least a couple people in your party enjoy stepping onto the rooftop deck for the harbor light show

It might be less ideal if:

• you hate the buffet style and want a fully plated, course-by-course meal
• you want lots of downtime. The experience is 2–2.5 hours, so it’s not a long, linger-all-night event
• you need strict dietary control and can’t risk cross-contamination. The menu labels help, but the kitchen is not gluten-free

Should You Book This Christmas Eve Cruise?

Here’s my honest take: if you are aiming for a festive, simple holiday with a scenic setting, this is a strong option. The combo of a harbor cruise, holiday buffet, and music keeps it from feeling like just another meal out. If you pick the brunch departure, the included mimosas/champagne makes the price feel much more reasonable.

Book it if you want an easy Christmas Eve plan where the meal and the setting are tied together. Skip it if you need a flexible, refundable plan or you strongly prefer plated dining over a buffet.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Marina del Rey Christmas Eve buffet cruise?

The cruise lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the specific departure.

Is this cruise offered as brunch or dinner?

Yes. You can choose either a Christmas Eve buffet brunch or a winter holiday dinner buffet, depending on the time slot you select.

What drinks are included?

Coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included. For brunch, champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider are included as well. Beer, wine, and cocktails can be purchased separately.

Is there live music on board?

Yes. The experience includes music entertainment while you’re onboard.

Do I need a tour guide?

Yes. There is a live tour guide in English.

Do I need ID or a passport?

Yes. You should bring a passport or ID card.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Are there vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free items?

The menu includes items labeled vegetarian (V), vegan (VG), and gluten-free indicated with G*. However, the kitchen is not gluten-free, so there is a small risk of cross-contamination.

What’s the most kid-friendly option on the brunch menu?

The brunch buffet includes a kid’s station with chicken tenders and French fries.

Is the ticket refundable?

No. This activity is non-refundable.

What’s included on the buffet?

You’ll get freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, plus holiday decor. Brunch also includes the free-flowing champagne/mimosas/sparkling cider, while both options include the included non-alcohol drinks.