I paid over $550 for a family of 3 to go on the dinner cruise to to see the fireworks show in the San Diego harbor. For those of outside of San Diego, it is called the Big Bay Boom and is extremely popular. My experienced was mixed.
The Good: The staff was extremely polite and helpful. The cruise itself was fun and the views were great. There wasn't much narration, but this was a dinner cruise to see fireworks. The play the simulcast from a location radio station synchronized to the show. There were 4 or 5 locations where the fireworks were launched and everybody had a good view.
The bad: We were told to be in line at 8:15 p.m. to board for an 8:45 p.m. departure time. Boarding started after 8:45 p.m. and was a bit rushed. Fortunately, we were able to depart and get into position in time to see the show.
The ugly: For prior dinner cruises on this company, I've had assigned seating. IN this case, it was first come, first served. Okay, no big deal. However, they only had 1 food station to serve 2-3 decks of passengers. The "gourmet" sliders were overcooked meat patties, hard dinner roles and a few condiments. The mac & chases was tasteless and truly would have tasted better if it were from a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese. Water was available for free, but the dispenser ran out and was never refilled.
I had a great time because I was wish family on saw a great fireworks show. However, I strongly urge caution when booking a cruise with this company where good is involved.
8
893maggies
April 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Don't let the people at the booth scare you away.
Don't let the people at the booth scare you away! I almost made that mistake. They were so rude we almost didn't go. Then from the moment we got in line to on the ship and throughout the cruise everything and everyone was WONDERFUL! We got the unlimited drinks and our waiters were around regularly and it was worth it!
M
mjinkins
February 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great cruise; lousy dinner main and service!
Compliments to the captain; beautiful cruise - the food, mine a filet, was not a good cut, but salad and dessert good - the poor cut ruined the more than $150 per person fee for the cruise. Lauren the DJ did a great job. I don't have enough fingers to count the number of times my server said "sorry" though I cannot remember her name. One example was ordered coffee when they brough nt desert - I saw my serve; standing in the fore ust gabbing with other crew member - at least 15 minutes later she brought the cup - most other diners had finished and left their table by then, Another apology, SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG"; the coffee was far from hot, etc. - no excuse for the poor service.holding my cup full of coffee, but but talking
5
580christim
December 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Unfortunate
Absolutely wish I did not purchase this cruise for my family. The food was absolutely terrible. For the cost of the cruise you would think the food would be edible. The steak was like a shoe, the shrimp was undercooked. Overall very disappointed. Would not recommend.
C
Compass63019796046
December 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Overpriced and poor quality
Very expensive for the quality of the food. Disappointed in the parade of lights. Boats were off in the distance and not as many as I had thought there would be. The food - meat and potatoes was good. Shrimp rubbery, no flavor. Red velvet cake was good. Server did a fair job.
There were 3 toilets in the women's bathroom - NONE of them were working. All the doors were locked. I had a 3 yr. old with me. You could do better than that people. Kept saying they let "someone" know but it was never fixed.
Definitely would not recommend the cruise nor go again.
E
Escape255649
December 10, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Not worth the ticket price.
It was too expensive for what it was. The line for the bar was long the entire duration of the cruise, we had a table right near it and were basically blocked in. The boat smelled as if the bathrooms had overflowed. To be on the upper deck was a mission due to the bar line as well as finding any open room to really enjoy the holiday boat light parade. I wouldn’t go again.