Cruise Control: Fun Minicruises for Foodies

Want to see the Space Needle? How about from a boat? Still as good! On the Royal Argosy Dinner Cruise, you can enjoy the views of Seattle and picturesque Elliot Bay while feasting on a Northwestern-inspired buffet. The house band serenades you as you savor whatever you like from their extensive dinner menu. Artisan cheese platter? Pretzel Crusted Dungeness Crab Cakes? Velvety Mac n' Cheese? You got it. Fill up your plate and admire the Seattle skyline as you inhale the fresh night air.

argosycruises.com

Restaurant experiences of every kind are available in New York City. But eating an elegant dinner while taking in views of the city skyline from your seat aboard a glass-windowed cruise ship is downright spectacular! A dinner cruise aboard Bateaux New York is one of the most glamorous ways to take in some of the many sights in the Big Apple. But be warned, you may get distracted from sight-seeing by the menu on this elite ship. You can enjoy seafood manicotti gratiné, bourbon roasted pork, or a vegetable "purse" over baby greens and fennel salad. Don't even ask what's for dessert. There is something on this menu for everyone, though if you aren't satisfied, we certainly know a few places to dine when you disembark...

bateauxnewyork.com

You don't have to wait until Mardi Gras to head down to New Orleans and have a good time. Hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez, take a whirl around the city, and enjoy some of the best cuisine the South has to offer. Run by the New Orleans Steamboat Company, the Steamboat Natchez is the last "authentic" steamboat sailing up and down the great Mississippi River. Drink, be merry, and dine on smoked beef brisket, Maque Choux, or Louisiana-style fried fish.

steamboatnatchez.com

The Columbia River Gorge, which stretches from the Sandy River in Washington to the Deschutes River in Oregon, is a designated National Scenic Area. The "Gorge"ous Dinner Cruise, starting in Portland, allows you to check Columbia River Gorge off your bucket list while you dine comfortably aboard a Portland Spirit cruise ship. Enjoy Northwestern-inspired fare with dishes like balsamic-marinated rack of lamb in sweet hot mustard sauce and prosciutto- and basil-stuffed chicken breast with roasted garlic cream sauce.

portlandspirit.com

Thought the "Odyssey" was an epic poem written by Homer? Wrong! Well, actually, right. But it's also a cruise line that charts a course along the beautiful parts of the Eastern Seaboard. The Odyssey Twilight Full Moon Dinner Cruise leaves from Rowes Wharf in time to let you watch the sun set over Boston Harbor. It sails sails among the historic islands in the harbor while you listen to music provided by the Mark Greel Band. Dinner specialties include caramelized duck en croute and mushroom-braised short ribs. If that's not enough, feast on a luscious slice of New York cheesecake for dessert.

odysseycruises.com

Perhaps South Carolina isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of taking a cruise, but Charleston's SpiritLine Cruise will change that. Since 1961, SpiritLine has shared the understated beauty of South Carolina's coastal waterways, and its dinner cruise pulls out all the stops. This three-hour cruise comes with a multi-course gourmet meal, live music, and insanely gorgeous views of Charleston Harbor on a deluxe yacht. The menu does not disappoint, and there are vegetarian, vegan, and diabetic options upon request.

spiritlinecruises.com

Make no mistake about it: Lake Tahoe is a world class destination; one not to be missed. Imagine sitting on this gorgeous, still lake, enjoying filet mignon or seared tuna steaks with good company and impeccable views. Dancing and drinks follow, as well as dessert. Sounds like the perfect evening.

laketahoetours.net

Who could resist the luxury of seeing London Bridge from aboard a ship on the River Thames? You'll feel like a British royal on the majestic Thames Dinner Cruise — a well-fed British royal. The cruise menu features items like slow-roasted pork belly, almond-crusted sea bass, and blackberry and raspberry mille-feuille. If you're feeling even more celebratory, the "elite" cruise dinner includes champagne on arrival, a guaranteed window table, and live jazz entertainment! Can any pub in London boast that?

thamesdinnercruise.co.uk/dinner.htm