💡 Reviews are calculated using the weighted average and aggregate review count from GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor, and Viator. I also include listings that I consider "arbitrary duplicates" of the original ones (e.g. the same cruise during the day vs night).
Paris Dinner Cruise Itinerary
Every dinner cruise in Paris follows the same itinerary, which runs between the Statue of Liberty and Pont de Sully. The route passes nearly 20 landmarks, including:
- The Eiffel Tower
- Pont Alexandre III
- Musée d'Orsay
- Grand Palais
- Petit Palais
- Institut de France
- Île de la Cité
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Hotel de Ville
- Louvre Museum
- Place de la Concorde
- The Statue of Liberty
Video: 5 Best Dinner Cruises in Paris
Is It Worth Trying A Dinner Cruise in Paris?
Yes, absolutely!
Don’t listen to those who say the food on dinner cruises in Paris is not gourmet enough or that you cannot enjoy the sightseeing while having dinner.
The food is generally excellent, and going on a dinner cruise at least once is a must.
Of course, not all dinner cruises are the same, but you can find the perfect one for you below.
1. 🏆 Best Dinner Cruise Overall, 4-Courses, Live Music, Generous Amount of Drinks (Bateaux Mouches)
Pros:
✔️ Best Value for Money
✔️ Generous Amounts of Drinks Included (Wine, Water, Coffee or Tea)
✔️ Elegant & Luxurious Atmosphere
✔️ Open-Air Rooftop Deck
✔️ Lightning Fast Service
✔️ Classical Piano & Violin Music Duo
✔️ Exceptionally Friendly Staff
✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food
✔️ Delicious Nibbles (Scones)
✔️ Tasty Starter (Beef Carpaccio)
✔️ Tasty Main Course (Sea Bream)
✔️ Incredible Dessert (Profiteroles)
Cons:
❌ Wifi Not Available
Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect?
💡 Tip: All cruises have a generous cancellation policy, allowing a full refund if canceled 24 hours before the activity. Additionally, they offer a reserve now, pay later flexible payment scheme.
Even though Bateaux Mouches' online presence needs improvement, their dinner cruise does not.
They orchestrated the best dinner cruise in Paris.
I'm not exaggerating. Their attention to detail is impeccable. I truly felt like they wanted to make my night special.
They excel at everything that matters - standout friendly service, fair price, generous drinks package, excellent food, and flawless ship amenities.
I recommend Bateaux Mouches without hesitation if you want to have the best dinner cruise experience in Paris.
Apologies for the hard sell, but they've earned it. The reasons are explained below in detail.
Video Review: Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise
Take a look at this short video I made to get an accurate feel of the cruise:
Detailed Breakdown
Quick Overview
- 4 Courses
- Free Bottle of Wine
- Free Bottle of Water
- Free Coffee or Tea
- Live Piano & Violin Duet
- Excellent Gourmet Food
- Great Ambiance
- Open-Air Rooftop Deck
The Ship 🚢
- The ship is flawless in every aspect - huge (500-person capacity), elegant, luxurious, spacious, and high-end. I felt excited on this cruise, which is a big thing after trying out four other dinner cruises.
- Note that Bateaux Mouches has 5 dinner cruise boats in its fleet, so you might get a slightly different ship than I did.
- The ship features large windows that offer magnificent views of the Parisian cityscape.
- The interior is tastefully decorated and has a lot of space.
Rooftop Deck
- The ship has a massive rooftop terrace where you can ascend any time you want to enjoy the view and snap some photos.
Vibe ✨
- Sophisticated, romantic, and high-end — they nailed the perfect energy and feel of the evening.
Live Music 🎵
- There is a live piano and violin duo playing on the boat, which adds to the "Romantic Parisian dinner on the Seine" ambiance without being overwhelming, like on Le Diamant Bleu.
Staff & Service 🧑
- The staff is unusually friendly and chatty, not to mention fast, making you feel like a cherished guest. This is rare in Europe, like a white raven, so when you experience it, it leaves a lasting impression.
Food and Drinks 🍴 🍷
- The freshly made food was delicious and wasn't just gourmet in name but in reality.
- You get 3 or 4 courses depending on your ticket (nibbles, starter, main course, and dessert and/or cheese).
- The ticket includes a generous amount of drinks - a 1L bottle of water (per 2 people), a bottle of wine (per 2 people), and a glass of champagne on the Prestige ticket.
- You get an extra bottle of champagne and a welcome drink on the Excellence ticket.
Tickets & Prices 🎟️
- There are two ticket tiers: Prestige and Excellence.
- Prestige tier (115€): 3 courses, gourmet food and drinks.
- Excellence tier (155€): 4 courses, better quality food, and more/better drinks.
- The price is middle-of-the-road in the dinner cruise category, and you get the most bang for your buck out of all the cruises I tested.
Seating 🪑
- Seat reservations are not available. In other words, seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If the ship is not at full capacity, all passengers will receive a window seat (subject to availability).
Dinner Cruise Menu 🍽️
Prestige Menu (115€ Ticket)
💡 Bateaux Mouches has two different menus depending on the ticket tier. The more expensive "Excellence" menu includes an extra cheese course, higher quality dishes, and extra drinks. The menu is subject to change.
Welcome Drink:
- Glass of Castel Mouche (12.5 cl) or Crodino Virgin Spritz (non-alcoholic)
Nibbles
💡 Special diets: Bateaux Mouches offers a vegetarian option that can be made vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free, and nut-free. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.
Starter(s)
- Prawn tartare with sesame sauce, cucumbers, mesclun, and pineapple
- Smoked beef carpaccio, cream of gorgonzola, lamb's lettuce, argan oil
- Beet hummus, raw vegetables, crunchy vegetables, citrusy tofu
Main(s)
- Canon of lamb, herb crust, vegetable millefeuille, fondant berry sauce
- Fillet of veal, beetroot and bigarade mousse, crunchy vegetables
- Fillet of sea bream, sweet potato with parmesan, chickpeas falafels, pepper ratatouille, basil jus
Cheese or Dessert(s)
- Assorted seasonal PDO Cheeses
- Chocolate and raspberry delight
- Lemon millefeuille and praline creme
- Chou pastry profiterole
Drinks
- Mouton Cadet (white wine) or Bordeaux Agneau (red wine) 1 bottle per 2 persons or 1 soft drink (25/33 cl) for 1 person
- 1 bottle of Evian water (1L) for 2 persons
- Tea or coffee
Children’s Menu
- Sweet potato soup
- Supreme of chicken, potatoes in all their forms
- Royal chocolate with praline
- Soft drink
Excellence Menu (155€ Ticket)
Aperitif
- Glass of Champagne (12.5 cl) or Crodino Virgin Spritz
- Amuse-Bouches
Starter(s)
- Whole duck foie gras, mango and Espelette pepper chutney
- Heart of semi-smoked salmon in a Nori crust, creamy horseradish and pickles
- Snail fricassee with mushrooms
- Butternut squash soup with hazelnuts and a perfect organic soft-boiled egg *
Main(s)
- Châteaubriand steak with morels, Élysée potatoes
- Supreme of chicken with truffle
- Back of line-caught cod, duo of carrots, vegetable sauce vierge
- Roasted leek with baby vegetables, cream of carrot soup with cumin *
Cheese
- Comté aged 24 months, quince jelly
Dessert(s)
- Chocolate tartlet, praline crisp
- Verbena and stewed lemon dessert
- Coffee cream in a chocolate shell, vanilla mascarpone
- Meringue cloud, pear and tonka bean sorbet
Drinks
- Champagne Moët & Chandon
- AOP Crozes Hermitage, Chablis La Sereine, or La Chablisienne (1/2 bottle per person) or 1 soft drink (25/33 cl) for 1 person
- A bottle of Evian water (1L) for 2 people
- Tea or coffee
Children’s Menu
- Sweet potato soup
- Supreme of chicken, potatoes in all their forms
- Royal chocolate with praline
- Soft drink
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: Every day at 20:30
- 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
- 🧥 Dress code: Formal
- 🌐 Wifi: Not available ❌
- 💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
- ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
- 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
- 🚬 Smoking: Not allowed ❌
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Accessible ✔️
- 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
- 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible (️infant seats also available) ✔️
- % Children discounts: free for infants age 0-3 (no food served, but children's menu is available), 34€ ticket (age 4-12) ✔️
- 🚗 Parking: Free parking is available during the cruise ✔️
Meeting Point
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, France
2. 🥈 Runner-Up Dinner Cruise, 3 to 4-Courses and Live Music with Singer (Bateaux Parisiens)
Pros:
✔️ Elegant/High-end Ambiance
✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food
✔️ Tasty Nibbles
✔️ Tasty Starter (Fish Scallops)
✔️ Tasty Dessert (Chocolate Tart)
✔️ Good Amount of Drinks
✔️ Great Boat and Interior
✔️ Open-Air Section (Small)
Cons:
❌ Singer/Music Not Memorable
❌ Slow Service
❌ No Rooftop Deck
❌ Not Ideal for Sightseeing
❌ Tasteless Main Course (Duckling Fillet)
Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect?
❓ Should I dinner cruise tickets in advance? Is it worth it?
💡 Yes — It's worth reserving your ticket in advance to ensure your place on the ship, although you can purchase tickets in person.
Bateaux Parisien's dinner cruise is the cruise the everyone recommends in Paris - so I've put the name to the test!
Verdict? Second best to Bateaux Mouches. Here's why:
- Price: Bateaux Mouches' most expensive 4-course ticket costs 155€, while Bateaux Parisiens' middle tier tickets cost 139€ and 179€, while the highest tier ticket is 215€.
- Value: Bateaux Mouches' highest tier ticket offers more value, including a 4-course meal, a bottle of champagne (per 2 person), and a bottle of wine (per 2 person). Bateaux Parisiens' top-tier ticket (215€) offers a 4-course meal, a glass of champagne and a bottle of wine per 3-4 people. The 4th course consists of cheese on both cruises.
- Open-air areas: Bateaux Mouches' boat has an entire open-air rooftop deck, while Bateaux Parisiens' boat only has a small terrace at the rear end of the ship.
- Ship / Atmosphere / Staff: Bateaux Mouches' boat is more spacious, and the atmosphere is more elegant. Additionally, the staff is way friendlier and more accommodating than Bateaux Parisiens'.
- Food: The food at Bateaux Mouches is better and more unique, but you get the same amount of courses. There are 3-course and 4-course options on both ships.
Verdict - Bateaux Mouches or Bateaux Parisiens?
Now, this may sound one-sided. Am I saying you shouldn't book a Bateux Parisiens cruise?
Hell no!
They offer excellent cruises in both the sightseeing and dinner categories. They have the most reviews, too.
But as good as it is, I strongly felt that Bateaux Mouches to be better. I may be the only person in the world who has been a guest on all 5 major dinner cruises in Paris, so that's my credibility. And I'm in the business of ranking cruises, after all.
Even by objective standards (price, value, staff, ship, food), it's easy to see that you simply get more and better quality at Bateaux Mouches.
But I understand that not everything is so black and white, and you may have your own preferences and criteria. You will find everything here to help you make your choice.
Overall, Bateaux Parisiens secures a solid second place on my list.
Video Review: Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise
Take a look at this short video I made to get an accurate feel of the cruise:
Detailed Breakdown
Quick Overview
- 3 or 4 Courses
- Free Bottle of Wine
- Free Bottle of Water
- Free Coffee or Tea
- Okay Live Music
- Gourmet Food
- Great Ambiance
- Small Open-Air Section
The Ship 🚢
- Sophisticated, modern decor captures the essence of a chic Parisian dinner cruise. Intimate two-person window tables and spacious group seating are available (with both center and window seating).
- There are clean, large restrooms on the lower deck and an open-air section in the rear.
- Note that Bateaux Parisiens also has several dinner cruise boats in their fleet, so you might get a slightly different ship than I did.
Views 🔭
- The cruise ship is not the best option for sightseeing (due to the lack of a rooftop deck), but there is a small open-air section at the back of the boat for photo shoots (for perfect shots of the Eiffel Tower).
- The windows provide a decent view of the city but can fog up, especially in colder seasons.
Vibe ✨
- The cruise offers a film-worthy experience: a fusion of elegance, romance, and culture, accentuated by a stylish crowd and a tastefully decorated interior. A more outstanding musical performance could have made it even more memorable.
Live Music 🎵
- While there was a live singer, the music barely registered and faded into the background. Paris City Vision offered the best musical experience among all the dinner cruises I've tried.
- On the positive side, if loud music disturbs you and you prefer to talk and be able to hear each other, this cruise will be to your liking.
Staff & Service 🧑
- The staff was cordial, polite, and helpful. However, I experienced some service delays (e.g., slow to take orders), and they almost forgot my dessert.
- However, these are common potential issues on all dinner cruises (which go along with servicing hundreds of guests in such a short time) and vary from server to server.
Food and Drinks 🍴 🍷
- The quality of the food here is generally high. While the starter and dessert (scallops, tart) were excellent, my main (duckling fillet) was underwhelming (bland). You also get a nibble (1 x scone).
- A la carte menu for drinks: glasses range from 8-15 euros, and bottles can go up to 40 euros, but the ticket already includes enough drinks, in my opinion.
Tickets & Prices 🎟️
- 3-course dinner, a bottle of water, a glass of champagne and wine, and coffee are included, even in the least expensive etoile service ticket.
- The privilege and premium tickets include a 4-course meal, complete with a cheese course.
Seating 🪑
- Etoile and Decouverte: Center seats (you may still get window seats with etoile service like I did).
- Privilege: Window seats guaranteed.
- Premium (best place): Mostly window seats at the front of the ship.
Dinner Cruise Menu 🍽️
💡 Bateaux Parisiens food and drinks menu available in French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Chinese. Dishes are freshly prepared aboard the ship's kitchen. The food is gourmet.
Starter:
- Scallops, citrus gremolata, leeks, Chardonnay sauce
- French duck foie gras, mild-spiced pear chutney
- Thin-crust snail tart, spinach and mushroom fondue, Bordelaise sauce, sweet garlic emulsion
- Beluga lentils and tofu, beetroot condiment, red onion pickles (vegetarian)
Main course:
💡 Special diets: Bateaux Parisiens offers vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, residue-free, fibre-free and diabetic options. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.
- Pan-fried veal and foie gras, mashed potatoes, Périgueux sauce
- Pan-fried sea bass, fondant einkorn, butternut squash and celery, shellfish coulis with tarragon
- Spiced duckling fillet, a variation on carrots, citrus sauces
- Toasted buckwheat, confit seasonal vegetables and spiced bouillon (vegetarian)
Dessert:
- Iced pear and almond dessert, pear coulis (vegetarian)
- Chocolate tart, crisp and creamy
- Honey-roasted pineapple, soft Valencia almond biscuit, vanilla whipped cream
- Coffee with a twist, coffee-soaked brioche and a light mousse
Cheese:
- Etoile and Découverte Service: Get a cheese instead of dessert (or pay €8)
Drinks:
- All tickets include a generous amount of non-alcoholic (bottle of water, coffee) and alcoholic drinks (glass of champagne and wine per person), so you won't need to order. The exact amounts depend on the ticket.
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: Every day at 20:30
- 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
- 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual (cloakroom available)
- 🌐 Wifi: Available ✔️
- 💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
- ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
- 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
- 🚬 Smoking: Not allowed ❌
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Accessible (except for top deck and toilets) ✔️
- 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
- 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible (️infant seats also available) ✔️
- % Children discounts: 66% off Etoile service ticket (children age 0-11) ✔️
- 🚗 Parking: Free parking available near meeting point for guests ✔️
Meeting Point
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France
3. Great Dinner Cruise with 3-Courses, Best Live Music with Singer (Paris City Vision)
Pros:
✔️ Best Live Music of All Cruises
✔️ Quintessential Parisian Vibes
✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food
✔️ Tasty Main Course (Bass Fillet)
✔️ Incredible Dessert (Flan)
✔️ Elegant & Luxurious Atmosphere
Cons:
❌ Lack of Open-Air Section
❌ Slow Service
❌ Not Ideal for Sightseeing
❌ Low Amount of Drinks Included (Only Water, No Alcholol)
❌ Merely Passable Starter (Foie Gras)
Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect? 📝
💡❓ Is it possible to reserve seats on dinner cruises? Seats on most river cruises are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. But some dinner cruises might let you reserve a specific spot.
Paris City Vision's cruise is in the same pay grade as Bateux Mouches and Parisiens - but does it stack up against them head by head?
It's not a bad cruise by any means, but the previous two choices are objectively better. The food is excellent, and the live music is the best I have experienced, but it packs less value for the price, and the absence of open-air sections is a serious downside.
Video Review: Paris City Vision Dinner Cruise
Take a look at this short video I made to get an accurate feel of the cruise:
Detailed Breakdown
Quick Overview
- 3 Courses Dinner
- Alcohol Not Included
- Free Bottle of Water
- Free Coffee or Tea
- Exceptional Singer & Music
- Good, but Not Mind-Blowing Food
- Great Ambiance
- No Open-Air Section
The Ship 🚢
- Modern and elegant interior fitting the smart casual-elegant Parisian dinner cruise vibe.
- Medium-sized and on par with our two top cruises look-and-feel-wise.
Vibe ✨
- An experience straight out of the movies — elegant, cultured, and giving off high society vibes. Quintessential French background music sets the mood, punctuated by live performances.
Views 🔭
- The situation isn't rosy in this area. The otherwise great big windows were prone to fogging up, and there was no open-air area or rooftop deck available, which made taking a great selfie or photo of the Eiffel Tower impossible.
Live Music 🎵
- Their female singer was a shining diamond. She had an outstanding stage presence, charisma, and voice. She frequently delivered classics such as Besame Mucho and other romantic Parisian vibes-inducing music.
- She often included the audience in her acts. In between her performances, tasteful French background music was playing. They nailed this live music and vibe aspect the best of all cruises, I got to give it to them.
Staff & Service 🧑
- The service was polite and helpful but could have been warmer and friendlier. They were helpful in answering my menu questions.
- They took my order quite late, which was the norm with most cruises except Bateaux Mouches.
Food and Drinks 🍴 🍷
- For starters, I chose foie gras. It was impeccably prepared, but it was a strange mix with a sweet pastry, and I wasn't a big fan. But I had to try it.
- The main course was a bass fillet, which I found tasty but anything to write home about.
- Finally, I had flan for dessert. I found this to be incredible. The French are truly masters of desserts - it's always mind-blowingly good.
- A la carte menu for drinks: glasses range from 8-15 euros and bottles can go up to 40 euros.
Tickets & Prices 🎟️
- The basic ticket (100€) doesn't quite pack much value - 3 courses, tea or coffee, but no drinks. I had to order a bottle of water and cocktail separately for 6 and 12 euros.
- Their highest tier ticket (155€) ticket includes a bottle of champagne per 2 people, but it doesn't come close to what the latter two companies offer in value for the same price.
Seating 🪑
- There were two-person tables with window views available.
- Groups were seated in the center at larger tables and near the windows in the back of the ship.
- Tickets with guaranteed window seats are available.
Dinner Cruise Menu 📋
💡 Paris City Vision menu is available in different languages on GetYourGuide et al. Access it by switching the Getyourguide language switcher to your desired language. The menu is subject to change. Note: The food is freshly made in the ship's kitchen.
Starter:
- Mozzarella di Buffala, tartar, focaccia with Italian flavours
- Lightly cooked foie gras, red fruit financier with honey from our beehives
- Gazpacho prima verde with tomato brunoise (vegetarian)
Main course:
💡 Special diets: Paris City Vision caters to guests with special diet requirements. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.
- Bass fillet, creamy risotto with green asparagus, squid ink tuile
- Yellow poultry fillet, courgette flan, feta cheese, thyme sauce
- Grilled beef, potato soufflé, yellow carrot mousseline (+9€)
- Casserole of sunny vegetables with Provençal herbs (vegetarian)
Dessert:
- Crème brulee tart, caramel sauce
- Our Eiffel Tower all chocolate, red fruit nectar
- Strawberry soup, pistachio crumble (vegetarian)
Cheese:
- Cheese platter (for 8€ extra)
Drinks:
- Coffee or black/green tea included
- "A la carte" drinks, cocktails, wines, beers, soft drinks available for purchase (8-15€)
Children's menu:
- Starter: Salmon mille-feuille with leek compote
- Main Course: Suprême of poultry, mashed potatoes
- Dessert: Chocolate finger cake
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: Every day at 21:15 (shorter & cheaper cruise also available at 18:45)
- 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
- 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual
- 🌐 Wifi: Available ✔️
- 💨 Open air section: Not available ❌
- ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
- 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
- 🚬 Smoking: Not allowed ❌
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Not accessible ❌
- 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
- 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible Accessible (️infant seats also available) ✔️
- % Children discounts: free for infants age 0-2 (no food served, but children's menu is available), 40€ ticket (age 4-12) ✔️
- 🚗 Parking: Paid parking options available nearby. ✔️
Meeting Point
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Port Solferino, 75007 Paris, France
- Note that the nearby Jardin de Tuileries is closed at night by the start of the 9:15 pm cruise, so you have to go around it.
4. Best Budget Dinner Cruise With 3-Courses and Panoramic Seating (Paris En Scene)
Pros:
✔️ Most Affordable Dinner Cruise
✔️ Most Panoramic
✔️ Tasty Starter (Pumpkin Soup)
✔️ Tasty Dessert (Mousse)
✔️ Rooftop Deck
✔️ 0.5L Water Included
Cons:
❌ Catered/Not Freshly Prepared
❌ Average Service
❌ Bland Main Course (Guinea Fowl)
❌ Generic Background Music
❌ Alcoholic Drinks Not Included
Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect?
If you're looking for an affordable and panoramic dinner cruise, Paris en Scène is the perfect choice.
However, if you're looking for a fancy fine dining experience, you may want to look elsewhere. Their main course meals are a bit bland (not the soup and the dessert, though!), and the cruise has a more budget cruise vibe, but it's still a great value and offers a unique, enjoyable experience.
Video Review: Paris En Scene Dinner Cruise
Take a look at this short video I made to get an accurate feel of the cruise:
Detailed Breakdown
Quick Overview
- 3-Course Dinner
- Budget Friendly
- Free Bottle of Water
- Alcohol Not Included
- Panoramic Seating
- Excellent Views
- Loudspeaker Music (Contemporary/Generic)
- High Quality and Tasty Food
The Ship 🚢
- Spacious, cozy and large, although it may not be as elegant as previous options on our list. Also features a rooftop deck.
Rooftop Deck
- During the cruise, you can access to a top-notch rooftop deck with stunning views.
Panoramic Views 🔭
- The views are the strongest feature of this cruise. You can enjoy a delicious dinner while facing the windows and enjoying the stunning scenery.
- There is a small open-air terrace available at the front of the ship, as well as an entire rooftop deck at your disposal.
Vibe ✨
- Although not as high-end as our top 3 contenders, the boat offers a decent atmosphere for a busy dinner night with seats oriented to the sides, providing splendid views.
Music 🎵
- There's generic background music playing in the background. The guests usually crowded it out.
Staff & Service 🧑
- Like on most dinner cruises, the service was so-so.
- The staff were polite and helpful, but they were not very warm or friendly. It took them quite some time to take my order, and the waiting time for my food was long. The food is catered and not prepared fresh on board.
Food and Drinks 🍴 🍷
- The pumpkin soup was delicious. The guinea fowl was bland, but the portion was good. The same goes for the fish fillet option, so the main courses aren't award winners. Finally, the mousse (dessert) was delicious.
- Alcoholic drinks are between 8-15 euros (bottles are up to 40€).
Tickets & Prices 🎟️
- For 59€, you can enjoy a 3-course meal including soup, main course, and dessert alongside a bottle of water.
- Alcoholic drinks are available to order separately. The price is reasonable for the quality of the food and service.
- Only one ticket tier is available, but you can choose between two starting times: 7:15 pm and 9:45 pm.
Seating 🪑
- On this ship, there are pairs of comfortable tub chairs with foldable mini tables attached. These chairs face the windows, providing a panoramic view. For groups of four, regular tables with standard orientation are available in the center and front.
Dinner Cruise Menu 🍽️
Appetizer
- Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Hazelnut Pieces and Parsley Oil
Main
- Guinea Fowl with Cider Cream, Spelt and Apples, Dill Oil
- Sebastes Bream Fillet with Artichoke Barigoule, Fennel with Aioli Sauce and Flat-leaf Parsley
Dessert
- Harlequin Chocolate Mousse with Sweet Almond Cream
- Stewed Plums with Rosemary Creamy and with Cottage Cheese
Plant-Based Menu
Available on reservation only. Suitable for those who do not eat meat, fish, or animal products.
- Pumpkin Cream Soup with Hazelnut Pieces and Parsley Oil
- Vegetable Lasagna with Coconut Milk
- Stewed Plums with Rosemary
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: Every day at 19:15 and 21:45
- 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
- 🧥 Dress code: None
- 🌐 Wifi: ???
- 💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
- ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
- 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
- 🚬 Smoking: Allowed at designated smoking area ✔️
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Not accessible ❌
- 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
- 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible ✔️
- % Children discounts: 28€ ticket (age 4-12) ✔️
- 🚗 Parking: ???
Meeting Point
- 🗺️ Meeting point: L'île aux Cygnes, Escale de, Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris, France
5. Decent Dinner Cruise with 3- Courses, Live Music / Singer (Le Diamant Bleu)
Pros:
✔️ Freshly Prepared Gourmet Food
✔️ Tasty Main Course (Veal)
✔️ Excellent Dessert (Rhubarb Pavlova)
✔️ Rooftop Deck
✔️ Friendly Waiter
Cons:
❌ No Nibbles
❌ Slow Service
❌ Unfriendly Welcome
❌ Passable Starter (Scallops)
❌ Not Good Value for Money
❌ Gloomy Live Music
❌ Decor Feels Cheap
❌ Wobbly Tables
❌ Lack of Energy
❌ Sketchy Meeting Point Area
Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect?
In the final place, we have Le Diamant Blue.
Unfortunately, their place here is a formality since their dinner cruise is below average. The reasons are explained below in detail.
In short, all other cruises in the same weight-class are better, so there's no reason to choose this cruise.
It's a pity, as I always try to find something unique in each cruise, but unfortunately, I could not find anything noteworthy about this one.
If Le Diamant Bleu wants to remain competitive, they need to improve their services and address certain issues outlined below.
Video Review: Le Diamant Bleu Dinner Cruise
Take a look at this short video I made to get an accurate feel of the cruise:
Detailed Breakdown
Quick Overview
- 3 Course Dinner
- Free Bottle of Water (Alcohol No Included)
- Live Music (Low Energy/Gloomy/Contemporary)
- Great Gourmet Food
- Low Energy Ambiance
- Open-Air Rooftop Deck
The Ship 🚢
- It was massive, wide, and spacious, with great lighting and audio technology.
- The windows are tall and wide and offer splendid views. However, the decor, including the chairs, tables, and tablecloths, felt cheap and low-quality, giving a faux luxurious feel. It was not up to the standard of the elegant high-end decor of most other dinner cruises.
Rooftop Deck
- The ship also had a flawless open-air rooftop deck. In theory, they only allowed you to go up once you had finished your main course. In practice, people did sneak up. They said they don't want you to complain if the food goes cold. I found this patronizing as if adults couldn't decide whether to go up or not and return in time for their meal.
Vibe ✨
- Even though the ship looks amazing in the pictures, the vibe was a bit dull. The meals arrived too slowly, the music wasn't uplifting, and the atmosphere lacked energy. All in all, the night ended with a dud instead of a blaze of glory.
Live Music 🎵
- Our singer was a talented guitarist, but his vocals were too loud and did not fit the vibe. The tunes were gloomy, which didn't give off the quintessential romantic French vibe that many people were expecting. The low energy of the cruise wasn't solely due to the music, but the singer didn't quite hit the mark, and the night wasn't memorable as a result.
Staff & Service 🧑
- Upon my arrival, I wasn't greeted with a particularly warm welcome. It was awkward as I had to wait until someone finally acknowledged me and led me to my table. However, despite the shaky start, my waiter was above and beyond attentive and friendly.
Food and Drinks 🍴 🍷
- The guests didn't get any nibbles, which would have been nice since the service was a bit slow, and we had to wait a long time for our otherwise freshly prepared food to arrive. The starter scallops, which were combined with pomegranate, had a strange taste. Although it was acceptable, it wasn't a crowd-pleaser. I recommend choosing the soup instead.
- I enjoyed the main course of veal, which was impeccably prepared, delicious, and served in a decent portion size.
- The dessert was amazing and truly stood out. As I always say, the French are experts in dessert-making.
Tickets & Prices 🎟️
- There are 2 ticket tiers, and both are available with guaranteed window seating ("VIP").
- Although their pricing is in the low-to-middle range (89-144€), the cheaper ticket only includes three courses and a bottle of water.
- The higher-priced ticket includes alcoholic drinks (one bottle of champagne per two people), which makes them okay but still not great value for money compared to other cruises.
Seating 🪑
- The dinner event took place in a vast and continuous main area, which had around a hundred tables arranged in four long rows.
- There was a gap in the center where a live singer performed, and some tables were located in the VIP area at the front of the ship. Two of the four rows were adjacent to the windows, while the rest were in the center.
- Guaranteed window seats are available.
Issues
- Meeting point in dodgy area: The cruise is far from the Eiffel Tower, which may be fine depending on where you're staying. However, before I arrived, I had to pass through a very sketchy area along the Seine River. Passing by dozens of homeless people in tents and areas with minimal lighting left a bad impression on me.
- Wobbly tables: My small two-person table was wobbly. Most two-person tables may have this issue. The window tables appeared to be more stable.
Dinner Cruise Menu 🍽️
Starter(s)
💡 Special diets: Le Diamant Bleu caters to guests with special diet requirements. You can inform them of your requirements when booking.
💡 Mismatch between menu vs. photos: Like on all cruises, the menu is subject to change. The menu below is what I found online, but I had a different menu on the boat,ests with special diet requirements. You can inform them of your requirem which I unfortunately didn't photograph.
- Pumpkin soup with hazelnuts, forest mix and ceps, tortellini, bread tuile, chestnut shavings
- Egg parfait and its vegetable garden with artichoke puree, carrots, radishes, chioggia beetroot, truffle carpaccio
Main(s)
- Candied lamb shoulder with caramelized onions, baby carrots, and roasted baby beans, oriental flavour, spicy juice
- Fillet of cod with fennel sauce, lightly spiced pepper coulis, herb salad with basil, bergamot, sumac, and mashed potatoes
Dessert(s)
- Chocolate tart with a warm flowing heart
- Italian-style Chiboust
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule:
- 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
- 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual
- 🌐 Wifi: Available ✔️
- 💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
- ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
- 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
- 🚬 Smoking: ???
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Accessible ✔️
- 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
- 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible Accessible (️infant seats NOT available) ✔️
- % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-2), but no food served (children's menu is NOT available)
- 🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near meeting point ✔️
Meeting Point
- 🗺️ Meeting point: 36 Quai d'Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France
6. Also Great Elegant Italian Style Dinner Cruise (Le Diamant Bleu)
Summary & Review — What to Expect?
Trattoria en Seine combines Italian dining with a scenic 2-hour cruise through Paris.
Guests can enjoy a three-course Italian meal featuring seasonal dishes like lasagna, truffle rigatoni, and signature tiramisu. The menu accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
The boat has a panoramic terrace for open-air views of iconic landmarks along the Seine.
Designed for families, friends, or couples, it offers an elegant and intimate setting with soft music.
Window seating is available for VIP bookings.
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: Usually starts at 6 p.m.
- 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
- 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual
- 🌐 Wifi: Available ✔️
- 💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
- ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
- 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
- 🚬 Smoking: N/a
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Accessible ✔️
- 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
- 👶 Baby stroller accessible: N/A
- % Children discounts: Offers discounts to children (age 8 and younger) but not suitable for babies under 1 year
- 🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near meeting point ✔️
Meeting Point
- 🗺️ Meeting point: 2 Rue du Ranelagh, 75016 Paris, France
7. 3-Course Dinner Cruise on a Luxury Boat (Capitaine Fracasse)
Summary & Review — What to Expect?
The Capitaine Fracasse dinner cruise provides a unique way to explore Paris, combining a scenic journey along the Seine with a three-course dinner prepared by an onboard chef.
Starting at Île aux Cygnes, the route passes iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, and the Louvre, all illuminated under the city lights.
The ship is spacious and features a glass-enclosed design with a terrace, ensuring clear views of the city throughout the journey.
Drinks can be ordered at the bar, and the onboard facilities ensure a comfortable and elegant experience.
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: Every day at 6 p.m.
- 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
- 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual
- 🌐 Wifi: Available ✔️
- 💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
- ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
- 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
- 🚬 Smoking: Allowed (outdoors)
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Not accessible ❌
- 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
- 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible (️infant seats NOT available) ✔️
- % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-3) and offers 50% discount to children (age 4-11)
- 🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near meeting point ✔️
Meeting Point
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Meet at Île aux Cygnes, 75015 Paris, France
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Meet at Escale de, L'île aux Cygnes, Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris, France
8. Romantic Dinner Cruise with 3-Course Meal & Live Music (Maxim de Paris)
Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect?
This Seine River dinner cruise offers a smooth, well-organized experience with excellent service.
Window seating ensures unobstructed views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, especially stunning when illuminated at night.
The 3-course menu accommodates dietary needs, including a vegetarian option, and features high-quality dishes such as burrata, beef filet, or black truffle risotto, depending on the selected time slot.
Desserts are rich and satisfying, with molten chocolate cake being a standout. Live music enhances the atmosphere without being intrusive.
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: Every day at 6:45 PM
- 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
- 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual
- 🌐 Wifi: N/a
- 💨 Open air section: Not available ❌
- ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
- 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
- 🚬 Smoking: N/a
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Not accessible ❌
- 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
- 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Not accessible ❌
- % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-2), but no food served (children's menu is NOT available)
- 🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near meeting point ✔️
Meeting Point
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Port Solferino, at the foot of the Orsay Museum, 75007 Paris, France
9. Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Seine River with Live Music (Ducasse Sur Seine)
Summary & Review — What to Expect?
This dinner cruise offers an excellent way to experience Paris at night, with stunning views of famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre.
Guests enjoy a quiet and smooth ride on a 100% electric boat, which ensures a peaceful journey along the Seine.
The evening features a gourmet four- or five-course meal prepared by Chef Pierre Marty, served with guaranteed window seating for the best views.
Live guides in English and French share stories about the city as you pass by its most iconic spots.
The cruise ends at the foot of the glowing Eiffel Tower, making it an unforgettable night. The experience is designed for small groups, ensuring a personal and intimate atmosphere.
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: Every day at 7:30 PM
- 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
- 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual
- 🌐 Wifi: N/a
- 💨 Open air section: Available ✔️
- ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
- 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
- 🚬 Smoking: N/a
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Not accessible ❌
- 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
- 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible ✔️
- % Children discounts: None
- 🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near meeting point ✔️
Meeting Point
- 🗺️ Meeting point: 19 Port Debilly, 75116 Paris, France
10. Early Evening Dinner Cruise on the River Seine (Paris City Vision)
Summary & Review — How Was It and What to Expect?
This dinner cruise along the Seine offers an excellent way to experience Paris at night, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame illuminated against the evening sky.
You’ll enjoy a 3-course menu featuring expertly crafted French dishes such as seared salmon, guinea hen, or polenta. Vegetarian options are also available to accommodate dietary needs.
Desserts like cheesecake or crumble, along with coffee or tea, complete the meal, and additional drinks can be purchased on board.
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: Every day at 6:45 PM
- 🎟️ Ticket type: Mobile/printed
- 🧥 Dress code: Smart casual
- 🌐 Wifi: Not available ❌
- 💨 Open air section: Not Available ❌
- ❄️/🌡️ Aircon: Available ✔️
- 🐶 Animals: Not allowed (except service animals) ❌
- 🚬 Smoking: N/a
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible: Accessible ✔️
- 🚻 Restroom: Yes ✔️
- 👶 Baby stroller accessible: Accessible (️infant seats NOT available) ✔️
- % Children discounts: free for infants (age 0-2) and offers 58% discount to children (age 3-11)
- 🚗 Parking: Paid parking available near meeting point ✔️
Meeting Point
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Port Solferino, at the foot of the Orsay Museum, 75007 Paris, Frace
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Quai Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
FAQ: Photo Service 📷
- Every cruise offers a professional photography service to capture the evening. Pricy, but could be worth it for high-quality family or couple photos as souvenirs. You can always inspect both the digital and physical photos before deciding to buy.
- The photo service is most affordable at 15€ per photo on Bateaux Mouches compared to other cruises, which charge 20-25€ per photo.
FAQ: Birthday Celebrations 🎂
- Every cruise I have tried has been accommodating for birthday celebrations. These take place by the end of the cruise, with a birthday musical cue, clapping, and a piece(s) of cake/dessert with firework candles.
- Marriage proposals are also possible on certain cruises, just ask the company if they offer them.