Portland Spirit Christmas Day Buffet Cruise
Guests cruise along the Willamette River taking in views of downtown Portland and the historic Milwaukie Waterfront from their reserved tables. The dining experience includes a holiday buffet featuring a turkey and striploin carving station, diverse sides, and seasonal desserts. Cruisers can enjoy live piano music throughout the journey, with coffee and tea provided alongside a full-service cash bar.
What to Expect
Willamette River holiday cruise with a carving station buffet and live piano.
Event Details
Duration
The cruise lasts two hours.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Portland
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Portland Spirit
Food & Drink
The buffet includes carved turkey and Pacific New York striploin, sides, salads, charcuterie and seafood displays, and two seasonal desserts; vegan and gluten-free options are available by request, coffee and tea are included, and bar drinks are available for purchase.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families seeking a festive holiday meal and river cruise
Vibe
Festive and relaxed
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Afternoon: boarding 11:30 am; cruising 12:00 pm–2:00 pm. Evening: boarding 4:00 pm; cruising 4:30 pm–6:30 pm.
- Parking: Free street parking downtown is included all day on the holiday.
- Accessibility: The first-level Willamette Deck and restroom are wheelchair-accessible via ramp for chairs up to 32 inches wide, while the bow and observation deck require stairs.
Tips & Advice
- Book early, because prices change with demand and early bookings get the best price.
- Request vegan or gluten-free dishes when you book so the galley can prepare them for your cruise.
- Add wheelchair details to the online booking notes, and ask for seating near an outlet if you use a power chair.
- Save room for dessert, because the two seasonal desserts come out about halfway through the cruise.
- Use the free downtown street parking on Christmas Day to get to Salmon Springs Dock.
Special Events & Promotions
- Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more.
- Ticket Assurance lets you reschedule or get a refund up to 24 hours before your cruise.
- A souvenir photo is available for purchase on board.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's on the buffet?
There's a carving station with turkey and gravy and Pacific New York striploin with chimichurri, plus BBQ chicken thighs. You'll also find fresh bread, charcuterie, a seafood display, salads, stuffing, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, yams and two seasonal desserts.
Are there vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes, by request. Several buffet dishes are also marked vegan or gluten-free on the menu.
What should I wear?
Dressy to upscale casual. Holiday attire is encouraged.
Are drinks included?
Coffee and tea are included. A full bar is available for purchases.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Yes, on the enclosed Willamette Deck (first level), which has an accessible restroom. It fits most manual wheelchairs and some power chairs up to 32 inches wide. The bow and observation deck are reached only by stairs.
More Christmas Events near Portland
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.