How Long Is a Dinner Cruise?

The average dinner cruise usually lasts about 2 to 3 hours, though it can vary depending on the operator and the style of the cruise. Some are on the shorter, more casual side, while others are designed to give you a full evening out on the water, complete with dinner, music, and enough time to sit back and enjoy the view.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how long a dinner cruise usually runs, what’s included during that time, and give you an idea of how much it all costs.

Why Dinner Cruises Are Usually a Few Hours Long

Even though dinner cruise lengths can vary, many operators design them to last at least a few hours so you can make a night out of it. Enjoying a meal on the water is really just part of the experience.

Here at Collingwood Charters, for example, our dinner cruises typically run around 2.5 to 3 hours. That way, you can have a little time to settle in before dinner, and really just enjoy the laid-back pace of cruising instead of rushing from one moment to the next.

Of course, shorter timeframes can work, but they tend to feel…well…short, especially when a full meal is involved. Having a few hours on the water makes the whole evening feel more relaxed, which is usually what people are hoping for when they book a dinner cruise.

What Happens During a Dinner Cruise

What happens on one dinner cruise isn’t necessarily going to be the same as what happens on another. You can count on some kind of food being served, of course, but food type and even time of day can change the experience.

Take Collingwood Charters, for example. Since we partner with a few local restaurants and caterers, our dinner cruise menu changes depending on the day you book. If you enjoy Greek food, you may want to sign up for a night when Fig & Feta is serving. Or if you prefer more food-truck-style food, a Big Mouth Catering dinner may be the better fit.

Then there’s the general atmosphere. Not only can you enjoy live music during your cruise, but we tend to set sail around 7 pm, which is perfect for taking in the sunset. So it’s a dinner, show, and a sunset all for the price of one.

How Much Does a Dinner Cruise Usually Cost?

Cost is yet another aspect of dinner cruises that can vary, but you’re typically looking at around $100 per adult. It’s comparable to having a dinner date at a nice restaurant, but with a much nicer view.

That said, note that some dates may be for special occasions or more kid-friendly and come with different pricing, which is why it’s always a good idea to check the specific cruise date you’re interested in. 

Dinner cruises aren’t meant to be a budget meal replacement, but when you look at everything that’s included, the cost usually makes sense for what ends up being a full night out.

Planning a Dinner Cruise in Collingwood?

In many cases, a dinner cruise is something you plan your evening around, not something you squeeze in between other plans. If you choose one with Collingwood Charters, you’re setting aside a few hours to be on the water, have dinner, listen to some music, and enjoy the fact that you don’t really need to be anywhere else for the night.

Ready to book? Check out the Collingwood Charters events calendar for our dinner cruise schedule and tickets today.