This Christmas Eve on the water feels extra special, fast. You get a Marina del Rey harbor cruise plus a festive holiday buffet in a setup that balances comfort (climate-controlled interior) with those big outside views.

I especially like the welcome vibe and the “port lights” feel you get as the boat moves. The second big win is the food spread, which is more than filler: brunch includes carving-style mains and dinner brings in big-comfort classics like turkey and tri tip.

One thing to think about is timing. It runs about 2 to 2.5 hours, and it’s non-refundable, so pick your slot carefully if you’re juggling family schedules.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Rooftop + interior comfort: You can swap between indoor comfort and outdoor views.
• Brunch vs dinner menus: Different buffet spreads, including Scottish smoked salmon for brunch and turkey for dinner.
• On-brunch drink perk: Unlimited mimosas, champagne, and sparkling cider during brunch.
• Carving-style mains: Tri tip shows up in both menus, plus oven-roasted salmon and more.
• Holiday atmosphere that feels social: Festive décor, music, and a friendly crowd energy.
• Gluten-free labels aren’t foolproof: Items marked gluten-free have risk of cross contamination.

A Christmas Eve Harbor Cruise with Indoor Comfort and Rooftop Views

Marina del Rey looks great in daylight, but on Christmas Eve it turns into a “lights and harbor” kind of scene. This cruise keeps it easy: you’re out on the water for a short but satisfying ride while the boat’s holiday décor and music set the mood.

What I like is the flexibility. You’re not stuck inside for the whole thing. You can enjoy the views from the open-air rooftop decks, then retreat back to the climate-controlled interior when the weather shifts. That matters on the coast, where “pleasant” can change quickly once you’re moving and you’re dressed for holiday photos.

The route focuses on the marina area and nearby waterfront highlights. You’ll take in sights around Burton Chace Park and get a chance to spot sea life when conditions are right. It’s not a long sightseeing voyage, but it’s the perfect length for people who want holiday fun without needing a full day plan.

The Buffet Layout: What’s Different Between Christmas Eve Brunch and Dinner

This is a buffet cruise, so the best mindset is “strategic grazing.” You’ll get a table and food is served buffet-style, with chef-prepared items and a setup that’s built for groups and holiday crowds.

Brunch highlights (the menu that makes brunch worth it)

Brunch leans into breakfast favorites and then keeps going with savory mains. Early on, you’ll see Scottish smoked salmon with cream cheese, red onion, capers, roma tomatoes, and bagels. Nearby, scrambled eggs get the cheddar treatment, and there are breakfast meats like applewood smoked bacon and pork sausage links.

From the warm-starch side, there’s French toast with whipped cream and maple syrup, plus breakfast potatoes with caramelized onions and sweet bell peppers. Veggie-friendly options show up too, including a Greek salad and a sun-dried tomato pasta salad with olives, crispy bacon, garlic aioli, and fresh herbs.

Then comes the “holiday brunch, done right” part: mains and carving-style items. You’ll find birria style chicken, oven roasted salmon with miso citrus soy sauce, and a hand carved tri tip steak with rosemary marinade and balsamic demi-glace. There’s also a kid’s station with chicken tenders and French fries, which makes this more family-friendly than you might expect.

Dessert is a signature dessert station with individual desserts plus seasonal fruit. If you like having a predictable landing at the end of a meal, this helps.

Dinner highlights (more classic comfort on the water)

The dinner spread moves from breakfast energy to comfort-food satisfaction. Salads include a Greek salad with feta, arugula, cucumbers, and za’atar dressing. There’s also roasted vegetables and grains with watercress, quinoa, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, mixed seeds, and sumac vinaigrette—good if you want something lighter before the main stations.

Main items include three-cheese baked macaroni, oven roasted Atlantic salmon with the same miso citrus soy sauce theme, and a hand carved oven roasted turkey with cranberry sauce. If you’re a tri tip fan, that shows up again with caramelized onions and balsamic demi-glace.

There are also potato gnocchi with roasted squash medley, parmesan, arugula, and pistachio pesto. And yes, you’ll have the classic sides: garlic mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potato, haricot verts, traditional stuffing, and turkey gravy.

Dessert for dinner is pre-selected apple crisp plus a seasonal dessert display with cakes, brownies, pastries, and fruit. It’s a lot of variety without forcing you to guess what you’ll like.

A note on dietary labels (important, plain talk)

Some items are marked with gluten-free indicators, but the kitchen isn’t gluten-free. That means there is always a small cross-contamination risk. If you’re highly sensitive to gluten, you’ll want to be cautious and consider talking with the staff during your meal.

Also, some dishes contain nuts, so if that’s part of your planning, keep it in mind.

Unlimited Mimosas, Coffee Runs, and a Quick Reality Check on Drinks

On Christmas Eve brunch, the drink setup is one of the best perks: unlimited mimosas, along with champagne and sparkling cider. That’s not just a nice extra—it changes the feel of the meal. Instead of treating drinks like an add-on, it turns the whole cruise into a true holiday celebration.

For everyone (brunch or dinner), coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included. That’s a practical inclusion because it keeps the “refreshment lines” simple and helps you pace your meal.

What’s not included: beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase. So if you’re planning on a specific drink plan—like wine with dinner—factor in extra spending.

My advice: don’t try to “complete” every drink. Enjoy the unlimited perk, but use it like a holiday treat, not a task list. You’re on a moving boat in cold coastal air, so you’ll feel it faster than you think.

Service, Guaranteed Seating, and the Holiday Mood on the Water

A big deal on these kinds of events is whether you feel rushed or lost. Here, the setup includes a guaranteed table for your party size, so you can settle in without the scramble. That matters when you’re traveling with family, older relatives, or a mixed-age group who just wants the plan to work.

The vibe is also described as convivial, and it fits with what a holiday buffet cruise is best at. You’re not doing a stiff, formal dinner where people sit in silence. You’re eating, listening to music, and looking out at the harbor.

One detail I’d call out for the atmosphere: you get a champagne reception feel when you arrive on brunch. Add the view of marina lights from the water, plus the festive décor, and the whole thing lands as a true holiday event rather than a standard boat ride with food.

The ride itself is short enough that you don’t get cabin-fever, but long enough to feel like more than a quick “check the box” activity. You get that sweet spot of holiday pacing: cheerful, social, and still manageable.

Who This Christmas Eve Cruise Is Best For (and When to Skip)

This fits best if you want a festive outing that’s easy on logistics. Because it’s 2 to 2.5 hours, it’s a great fit for people who want to be done before late-night chaos. It’s also ideal when you want one plan that covers views, music, and a full meal.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You’re traveling with family and want a kid-friendly option (there’s a kid’s station on brunch).
• You like your holiday meal to be a mix of comfort and “special occasion.”
• You want harbor views without spending the whole day driving around.
• You’d enjoy swapping between interior warmth and rooftop views.

Consider skipping if:

• You want a longer sightseeing cruise with lots of time on deck.
• You’re hoping for hotel pickup; it’s not included.
• You have strict dietary needs and need a gluten-free environment. The kitchen isn’t gluten-free, so cross-contact risk is real.

Also, since it’s non-refundable, make sure your plan is solid before you commit. Christmas Eve schedules shift fast.

Tips to Make Your Marina del Rey Christmas Eve Cruise Feel Effortless

If you want the experience to run smoothly, think like a holiday host: plan small moves so you don’t waste time standing around.

First, dress in layers. Even if you think you’ll stay on the rooftop, you’ll want a warm option for when you circle back inside. Coastal air plus boat motion can feel cooler than you expect.

Second, eat with a quick strategy. Start with salads and lighter items, then hit the carving-style mains while they’re fresh. For brunch, the tri tip and oven roasted salmon are the “don’t miss” anchor items. For dinner, turkey and tri tip are your classic holiday core, with salmon and gnocchi also strong choices if you want variety.

Third, treat the unlimited drink option as part of the fun, not the center of the meal. Enjoy mimosas on brunch if you want that classic holiday punch, but pace yourself so you can still enjoy the views.

Lastly, if you care about dietary restrictions, don’t rely only on labels. The kitchen isn’t gluten-free, and some items contain nuts. If it matters for you, ask staff what you should feel safe eating.

Should You Book This Christmas Eve Cruise?

I’d recommend booking this if you want a straightforward, festive Christmas Eve plan in Marina del Rey that delivers on the big three: harbor views, a real buffet meal, and a holiday atmosphere with music. The value is strongest for brunch because unlimited mimosas, champagne, and sparkling cider are included, which turns the cruise into more of an all-in holiday celebration.

You might skip it if you need hotel pickup, if your schedule requires a very precise ending time, or if you’re highly sensitive to gluten given cross-contamination risk.

If your group is flexible and you want a relaxing holiday event without complicated planning, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Marina del Rey Christmas Eve cruise?

The cruise lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours. Starting times vary based on availability.

Is it a brunch or a dinner?

It runs as a Christmas Eve buffet brunch or a Christmas Eve dinner buffet, depending on the option you choose.

Are mimosas included?

Yes, for the brunch option there are unlimited mimosas, plus champagne and sparkling cider.

What drinks are included and what costs extra?

Coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I need ID?

Yes. You’ll need a passport or ID card.

Is the buffet gluten-free?

Some items are labeled gluten-free, but the kitchen is not gluten-free and there is a small risk of cross contamination.

Is this wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

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