Paris: Luxury New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise along the Seine

Celebrating New Year’s in Paris is undeniably special, and doing so from a glass-encased boat floating along the Seine promises an unforgettable experience. This dinner cruise combines fine dining, spectacular city views, lively entertainment, and a dash of romance, making it a tempting option for those seeking a glamorous way to ring in the new year.

From gourmet French cuisine to panoramic vistas of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, this cruise offers a taste of Parisian elegance. We love the all-inclusive packages that include Champagne and wine, the opportunity to dance into the early morning hours, and the chance to see the city’s lights sparkle from the water. However, some travelers have expressed concerns about the high price point and occasional service hiccups.

This experience suits couples, groups celebrating together, or anyone wanting a memorable, photo-worthy way to start the year. If you’re after elegance, superb views, and well-curated entertainment, this cruise could be the highlight of your Paris visit.

Good To Know

• Elegant setting: Glass-encased boat with panoramic views.
• Gourmet cuisine: 5-course French meal cooked on board.
• Celebratory toast: Champagne and French wines included.
• Iconic sights: Pass by Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, and more.
• Nighttime magic: Sparkling Eiffel Tower at midnight.
• Extended celebration: Dance until dawn ashore post-cruise.

The Paris Luxury New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise is designed as a seamless blend of fine dining, sightseeing, and celebration. The cruise departs from a prime location—Pontoon 5 or 7 at the Port de la Bourdonnais, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. This means your night begins with a stunning view even before setting sail, setting an elegant tone for the evening.

The boat itself is a modern glass canopy vessel, providing unobstructed, panoramic views of Paris’s most famous landmarks. The design ensures that as you glide along the Seine, every glance outside offers a postcard-worthy backdrop. You’ll pass notable sites such as Pont Neuf, Notre Dame Cathedral, Le Marais, and the Conciergerie, each illuminated beautifully in the night.

The itinerary spans approximately 3.5 hours of cruising, with key sights passing by in a leisurely fashion. The vessel is spacious enough to accommodate guests comfortably, with a focus on providing an intimate yet lively atmosphere.

What makes this cruise stand out?

The combination of luxury and convenience is key. Guests are greeted onboard with a festive 5-course menu that showcases classic French dishes, crafted by talented onboard chefs. The meal begins with appetizers and moves through to a main course, cheese, and decadent desserts, including macarons and chocolates.

You’ll enjoy your meal paired with Champagne Jacquart and selections of French wines, all included in the price. This helps elevate the experience, turning dinner into a celebration rather than just sustenance. Some reviews mention that drinks are limited — generally one glass of alcohol per person — which might feel restrictive for those expecting unlimited pours.

Throughout the cruise, live music adds to the festive atmosphere, with a singer providing entertainment that complements the elegant setting. As you enjoy the meal, the boat slowly passes by Paris’s illuminated monuments, creating a mesmerizing backdrop.

The highlight: Midnight in Paris

When the clock strikes 12, the boat pauses to let guests admire the sparkling Eiffel Tower, a truly breathtaking moment. Many reviews emphasize the visual impact of this scene, especially with the tower’s glittering lights reflecting on the river. It’s a picture-perfect way to welcome the new year.

Post-midnight, guests are encouraged to disembark and continue the celebration ashore. The party extends along the quaysides, where many continue dancing until dawn beneath the Eiffel Tower’s glow.

Starting point: The cruise begins at the Pontoon 5 or 7, positioned at the Port de la Bourdonnais, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. This prime location means you’ll start your evening with a view of the iconic landmark from the moment you arrive.

Seine River passage: You’ll cruise along the Seine for about 3.5 hours, passing by Paris’s most celebrated sights. The route offers a slow, scenic glide past:

• Pont Neuf: the oldest standing bridge in Paris, often beautifully lit at night.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: an awe-inspiring sight, especially with its illuminated facade.
• Ile de la Cité: the historic heart of Paris.
• Le Marais: a historic district known for its medieval streets and vibrant atmosphere.
• Conciergerie: a historic former royal palace and prison.

Eiffel Tower: The cruise spends about three hours passing by and circling the Eiffel Tower, giving plenty of time to take photos and appreciate the view. As many reviewers note, the tower’s glittering lights at midnight is a highlight, creating a truly magical moment.

Return: The cruise concludes around 12:30 a.m., docking back at the initial departure point.

The 5-course meal is a major selling point. Guests can expect a traditional French starter, a main course featuring seasonal ingredients, and a cheese plate, all prepared onboard. Desserts are decadent, with macarons and chocolates adding a sweet finale.

Reviews suggest the quality of the food varies. Some find the dishes delicious and well-presented, while others mention that the food sometimes arrives cold or that the menu lacks beef options, with chicken and sea bass being the main choices. For a high-priced experience (~$573 per person), this inconsistency can be disappointing.

Champagne and wine are included but in limited quantities, often just enough for a toast or two. If you’re hoping for an open bar experience, this might fall short.

Throughout the night, live music—performed by a singer—keeps the mood lively. Some guests mention that the volume can be high, making conversation difficult, but it adds to the festive atmosphere.

Once you dock, the celebration continues along the Eiffel Tower quays. Guests are encouraged to dance until dawn, often under the glow of Paris’s most famous monument. This is a big plus for those wanting to extend their night and keep the party going.

At $573 per person, this cruise sits at the higher end of similar experiences. The price includes a gourmet dinner, drinks, live entertainment, and the unforgettable sights of Paris at night. For many, the value comes from the overall experience, the convenience of a combined dinner and sightseeing, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Paris’s landmarks illuminated from the water.

However, some reviews mention that the food quality can be hit or miss, and the limited drinks might feel restrictive, especially considering the price.

This cruise appeals most to those who value luxury, stunning visuals, and a memorable celebration. It’s ideal for couples on a romantic getaway, groups of friends celebrating, or anyone wanting a special way to start the year in Paris. If you’re looking for a lively, elegant evening with beautiful views, this cruise ticks those boxes well.

On the other hand, if you’re budget-conscious or prefer a more casual experience, this might feel a bit overpriced. Also, if you’re a foodie expecting gourmet perfection, be aware that the menu might not meet high expectations across the board.

This Paris New Year’s Eve dinner cruise provides a beautiful, celebratory way to welcome 2024. The vessel’s design ensures you have panoramic views of the city’s most famous monuments, with the Eiffel Tower’s midnight sparkle standing out as a highlight. The gourmet meal, champagne toast, and live music create a festive, elegant atmosphere that’s hard to match elsewhere.

While the price might seem steep, the overall package—combining sightseeing, fine dining, and celebration—offers good value for travelers seeking a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s best suited for those who appreciate luxury and spectacle and don’t mind splurging for an iconic New Year’s celebration.

To sum it up, this cruise is a solid choice if you want to combine luxury, spectacular views, and festive fun in one unforgettable night. Just be prepared for the possibility that the food might vary and that drinks are limited. For most, the overall experience will be a highlight of their Paris trip, leaving them with incredible photos and stories of ringing in the new year along the Seine.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for guests with mobility needs.

What is the dress code?
The recommended dress code is smart casual, so think elegant but comfortable attire.

Does the price include all drinks?
No, drinks are included but limited to Champagne, wine, mineral water, and coffee. Extra drinks are available for purchase.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, but the entire experience, including check-in and post-cruise celebrations, spans about 8 hours.

What time should I arrive?
Check-in is at 8 p.m. with departure at 9 p.m. The cruise returns around 12:30 a.m..

Is there entertainment during the cruise?
Yes, a live singer provides musical entertainment throughout the evening.

Are children allowed?
While not explicitly stated, the experience is geared toward adults celebrating the New Year, and the dress code as well as the ambiance suggests an adult audience.

Can I bring large luggage or pets?
Large luggage or big bags are not allowed. Assistance dogs are permitted, but pets are generally not allowed.

What should I do if I want a window seat?
Guests can request window seating, and sometimes the staff may accommodate this based on availability, sometimes at an extra cost.

This detailed review aims to give you everything needed to decide if this luxury Parisian New Year’s Eve cruise matches your expectations. It’s a celebration of sights, tastes, and the magic of ringing in a new year in one of the world’s most romantic cities.