Christmas Eve gets real when you’re on the water. This Marina del Rey cruise pairs a 2 to 2.5 hour harbor ride with a holiday buffet and music, so the day feels special without feeling too formal. I love that unlimited mimosas on brunch are included, and I also like how the cruise balances comfy interior space with open-air rooftop deck views. One key consideration: there is no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan to get to the dock on your own.

You’ll cruise from an intimate, climate-controlled interior, then step out when you want a better look at the water and the lights around the marina. The ship also has rooftop deck space for fresh air and photos, which matters on a holiday when everyone wants a good view. Expect an onboard entertainment setup that helps the whole thing feel like a celebration, not just a meal.

Food is the star here, and your experience depends on whether you choose the brunch or dinner sailing. Brunch includes free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider, while dinner is a classic holiday buffet with carved meats and sides. If you’re picky about ingredients, note the kitchen can’t guarantee gluten-free safety, even for items labeled as such.

Key Highlights Worth Your Attention

• Brunch or dinner cruise, timed for Christmas Eve.
• 2 to 2.5 hour harbor cruise with water views and time to take photos.
• Music entertainment onboard to keep the mood festive.
• Unlimited mimosas on brunch plus free-flowing holiday drinks.
• Climate-controlled interior and rooftop decks for comfort and views.

Boarding the Holiday Cruise, Marina del Rey Style

This is one of those Christmas Eve plans that feels effortless once you’re there. You show up, you get seated, and then the ship handles the rest. You also get a guaranteed table for your party size, which takes the stress out of holiday dining.

The setting is Marina del Rey, with a harbor that’s designed for looking at boats, water, and the port area activity. Even before the cruise really settles in, you’re in a holiday atmosphere thanks to the holiday decor onboard. It’s a small thing, but it helps you switch into celebration mode right away.

You’ll also want to think about timing. The experience runs 2 to 2.5 hours, and starting times vary, so check availability for your preferred slot. If you like a calmer experience, pick an earlier departure for less crowding and more comfortable deck time.

What the 2 to 2.5 Hour Harbor Cruise Feels Like

The cruise itself is built around views and comfort. You spend the ride inside where it’s more controlled, then you have access to open-air rooftop decks for better sightlines. That mix matters because December weather can shift quickly, and you’ll appreciate options.

From the water, you should be able to enjoy views toward places like Burton Chace Park and the harbor area. The experience also calls out sea life, which is a fun bonus if you happen to spot anything while you’re scanning the water. The point is simple, you’re not stuck staring at walls during your meal.

You’ll likely get a look at the marina’s nighttime feel too, including the sort of “port lights” vibe people love at this time of year. If you’re planning photos, keep in mind that deck conditions can be breezy, so bring a layer even if the inside is warm.

The Buffet Experience, From Brunch Stations to Carved Classics

Let’s talk food, because this is a buffet and it’s meant to be satisfying. You’re served a chef-prepared menu with multiple stations, and you can go back for more. The good part is that you can build your own meal without waiting around for courses.

Christmas Eve Holiday Brunch Buffet Menu (If You Choose Brunch)

Brunch is the higher-energy option because the drinks are part of the fun. Included with brunch is free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider, plus unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water.

On the breakfast side, you’ll see classics like assorted muffins and danishes, scrambled eggs, and breakfast meats such as applewood smoked bacon and pork sausage links. There are also French toast and breakfast potatoes with caramelized onions and sweet bell peppers, so brunch doesn’t feel like a token holiday add-on.

If you want something savory and brighter, keep an eye out for the Scottish smoked salmon display with cream cheese, shaved red onion, capers, and roma tomatoes. You’ll also find a Caesar salad and a Greek salad, plus a sun-dried tomato pasta salad with olives, crispy bacon, garlic aioli, and herbs.

Main dishes on the brunch buffet include baked orecchiette pasta with parsnips, roasted kale, ricotta, and sage. There’s also birria style chicken with fire roasted peppers and caramelized onions. A solid crowd-pleaser is the oven roasted salmon with roasted bok choy and a miso citrus soy sauce.

Then comes the carving and kid-friendly setup. There’s a hand carved tri tip steak station with rosemary marinade, caramelized onions, and a balsamic beef demi-glace. Kids can go to a chicken tenders and French fries station, which is handy if you’re traveling with families.

Desserts are a mix of individual treats and seasonal fruit at the signature dessert station. That’s a smart way to handle a holiday crowd, since you can graze without lining up for one big cake slice.

Christmas Eve Winter Holiday Dinner Buffet Menu (If You Choose Dinner)

Dinner is classic holiday fare, built around more traditional sides and carved proteins. You’ll still have salads and breads and plenty of warm mains, but the vibe leans toward hearty comfort.

For salads, you’ll get Greek salad again, plus roasted vegetable and grains with watercress, quinoa, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, mixed seeds, and sumac vinaigrette. There’s also a setting that’s designed for easy pick-and-choose, so you’re not locked into one course style.

Main dishes include three cheese baked macaroni, plus oven roasted Atlantic salmon with roasted bok choy and miso citrus soy sauce. You’ll also find hand carved oven roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, and hand carved tri tip steak with caramelized onions and a balsamic demi-glace.

Sides look like you’d hope for on Christmas Eve. Expect garlic mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, haricot verts, and traditional stuffing, along with turkey gravy. There’s also potato gnocchi with roasted squash medley, parmesan, arugula, and pistachio pesto.

Dessert is pre-selected, with apple crisp that includes a gluten-free oat crumble and cinnamon, plus a seasonal dessert display with assorted cakes, brownies, pastries, and seasonal fruit. It’s a good mix, even if you want to stop after one sweet bite.

Drinks, Service Style, and What Is Actually Included

This is where you should pay close attention, because your drink plan differs depending on brunch vs dinner.

For brunch, alcohol is part of the package. You get unlimited mimosas, plus free-flowing champagne and sparkling cider. That can be a real value boost if you normally would order multiple drinks over a long meal.

For both brunch and dinner, non-alcohol drinks are included: unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water. That means you can stay refreshed without budgeting for beverages all evening.

Beer, wine, and cocktails are not included and are available for purchase. If you want a specific wine pairing or a cocktail specialty, budget for add-ons.

Service-wise, the experience is set up for smooth movement. You’re guided by the buffet layout and served in a way that keeps the meal moving, while still leaving you time to chat and enjoy the ride.

Best Ways to Get Great Views Without Freezing

The ship has both interior seating and open-air rooftop deck access. I love this setup because you can choose based on weather and what you want to see.

Inside is your “no-stress” option. It’s climate-controlled, which helps if you’re sensitive to cold or if the ride feels brisk. From inside, you’ll still get the harbor view, just through windows.

On the rooftop deck, you get the more direct look at the water and the lights. If you’re photographing the marina, go up early and then again later, because lighting changes as you move through the harbor. Bring a layer, even if you think you’re dressed for a mild day.

Also think about your priorities. If you want a calmer meal, stay mostly inside and use short deck breaks. If you’re all about photos and the holiday glow, plan to spend more time up top between buffet rounds.

Food Allergies and Gluten-Free Labels, What to Know

This is important on a holiday, when people are excited and less careful than they should be. Some items are marked vegetarian or vegan, and some items include gluten-free labeling.

The kitchen does not claim to be gluten-free, and there’s always a risk of cross contamination. So if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy, you should treat gluten-free labeled items as a lower-risk option, not a guarantee.

You also might see notes like contains nuts on certain items such as breakfast pastries. If you’re traveling with someone who has food allergies, I’d do two things. First, plan to ask staff about ingredients. Second, be ready to skip anything you’re unsure of.

Price at $143, and How to Judge the Value

At $143 per person, this can feel steep at first glance. But this price covers a lot of what you usually pay separately.

You get the cruise component, the meal, and onboard holiday entertainment. On the brunch option, you also get free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider, which is a major part of the value if you drink alcohol at meals.

You also get unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water, and a guaranteed table for your group. That matters more on holidays, because seating and pacing are part of what makes the experience feel smooth.

If you do not drink the included alcohol on brunch, the dinner option might feel more “standard value” because it focuses on holiday food and carved mains. But either way, you’re paying for convenience. You’re not just buying a buffet, you’re buying time on the water with a festive package around it.

The biggest value question for you is simple: are you the type who wants Christmas Eve to feel like an event? If yes, the cruise format plus the drink inclusion on brunch makes the price easier to justify.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This is a great match if you want a holiday plan that is social, scenic, and low-effort. It also works well for families, because the brunch menu includes a dedicated kids station with chicken tenders and French fries.

Couples often like it too, because the cruise gives you something to do besides talk over a restaurant table. You also get the option to shift between inside comfort and rooftop deck views.

If your group includes mixed preferences, the buffet format helps. There are breakfast items, salads, multiple main proteins, sides, and desserts, so you can adapt based on appetite and dietary needs.

Where it might not fit is if you prefer a very quiet, slow-paced holiday dinner. This is a celebration with entertainment and buffet action, so expect lively energy.

A Few Practical Tips Before You Go

Bring your passport or ID card, since you’ll need it for the experience. Also plan for self-arranged transportation, because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Check start times before you commit. The experience runs 2 to 2.5 hours, and timing matters for both meal flow and deck conditions. If you’re traveling with kids, pick a time that keeps them comfortable rather than pushing too late into the cold.

Finally, decide in advance whether you’re a mostly-inside diner or a deck-and-photos person. That choice helps you dress properly and avoid spending the whole ride toggling back and forth.

Should You Book the Marina del Rey Christmas Eve Cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, festive Christmas Eve plan that blends scenic harbor views, holiday food, and entertainment in one package. The brunch option is especially worth considering if you like mimosas, because unlimited champagne and mimosas are part of what you pay for.

Skip it or reconsider if you hate buffet-style pacing, or if your group needs hotel pickup or tight scheduling support. Also think about drink preferences, since beer, wine, and cocktails are extra.

If your goal is a holiday memory with minimal planning and a fun group vibe, this cruise is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Marina del Rey Christmas Eve cruise?

The experience runs about 2 to 2.5 hours. Exact start times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the sailing you want.

Is it a brunch or a dinner cruise?

You can choose either a Christmas Eve buffet brunch or a winter holiday dinner buffet cruise, depending on the option available for your date and time.

Are mimosas included?

Yes, for the brunch option you get unlimited mimosas, plus free-flowing champagne and sparkling cider.

What drinks are included besides alcohol?

Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included.

What food is served on the buffet?

You can expect holiday-inspired buffet stations with salads, chef-prepared mains, sides, and desserts. The specific menu differs between the brunch and dinner options.

Is beer, wine, or cocktails included?

No. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase, but they are not included in the price.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the departure location.

What do I need to bring?

You should bring your passport or ID card.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

Is there a live guide?

Yes, there is a live tour guide in English.