Patio season? Never heard of her! This summer in Toronto, it’s all about sipping drinks and eating delicious food right on the deck of a gorgeous cruise ship.
I have to admit, I never really considered myself to be a cruise person. But after being invited to join City Cruises’ Summer Kick Off Cruise — which celebrated their first dinner cruise of the season — I’m getting myself a pair of boat shoes and will be setting sail more frequently!
A sailor’s welcome
I started the night by boarding the ship and being greeted by the entire crew. Arriving a bit early for boarding, I waited for the rest of my group by sipping a cocktail on the boat’s open-air deck on the top floor — one of three levels on my vessel, the Toronto Odyssey.
A Blue Hawaiian as crisp and refreshing as the waters.
The furniture was comfy and offered some cute photo ops with a large decorative lifebuoy. I was also serenaded by the live DJ and saxophonist combo!
While the air by the water offered a refreshing reprieve from the extreme heat, the climate-controlled interiors provided a luxurious and comfortable space to cool off when it got too hot.
Dinner at sea
Once everyone was aboard and the vessel took to the waters, we were served our three-course, chef-inspired meal — including the option of one of two appetizers, four entrees, and a dessert bar.
As the golden-hour glow of the water provided a blissful ambience for our dinner, the quality of the food was quite a surprise. Learning that all the food is made fresh in City Cruise’s onboard kitchen, my meal was even more enjoyable!
Check out those place settings!
For the appetizer, I opted for the vibrant and fresh garden salad, while others at my table went with the rich Vichyssoise soup of potato and leek. As my main course, I ordered the braised beef short rib, but there were also delicious options for honey-sesame chicken, seared Atlantic salmon, and a vegetable coconut curry.
Delicious braised beef short rib.
My table got an order of each main, and while every dish was a hit, the short rib was so tender it practically fell off the bone as it hit the table. Combined with a radiant jus, creamy potatoes, and hearty roast vegetables, I was more than satisfied with my choice.
Dinner was capped off with the well-stocked dessert bar with moist cakes, decadent brownies, cookies, and fresh fruit. I’m not afraid to say I went back for seconds.
Gorgeous Toronto skyline views
After dinner, our group went up to the open-air rooftop to snap a few more pics of the Toronto skyline as the sun was setting — along with a few more cocktails to top off the evening.
The bustling rooftop, paired with the superb views, made for a unique vibe I have yet to find at any restaurant in Toronto. It’s hard to compete with the majesty of an evening on the water.
Can’t get this view on King St.
You might be thinking this luxurious experience comes with a hefty price tag, but the affordable $85 starting price for the dinner cruises is on par, if not a little cheaper, than some equally delicious meals I’ve had in the city.
While this might be the perfect “something special” for a festive occasion like a birthday or anniversary, the overall atmosphere on a City Cruise ship is very chill and casual. There’s no formal dress code to come aboard, which also makes it a great spur-of-the-moment night out.
If you’re not feeling dinner, City Cruise also offers premium buffet brunches and lavish three-course lunch cruises, giving you more options to enjoy out on the water.
Interested in your own majestic Toronto dinner cruise? Don your captain’s cap and reserve your spot on a City Cruise vessel today.
