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Cruise Control: Fun Minicruises for Foodies

These relaxing, enjoyable cruises cater to food lovers.
By Sahara Borja
<p>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, Washington, and picturesque Elliot Bay while feasting on a northwestern-inspired buffet. The house band serenades you and your company 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. Fill up your plate and watch the Seattle go by with your sea legs on!</p><p>Argosy Cruises; <a href="http://www.argosycruises.com/royalargosy/dinner.cfm" target="_blank">argosycruises.com</a></p>
Courtesy of Argosy
Want a relaxing, enjoyable way to explore some of the best city sights? Then hop on board. These short cruises in the U.S. (and one across the pond in London) give food lovers a chance to ride and dine.Can't seem to take off your sea legs? No sweat. Keep the spirit alive with one of these fresh and fantastic seafood ideas, or try one of these quick and easy seafood dinners.
1

The Royal Argosy, Seattle, WA

<p>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, Washington, and picturesque Elliot Bay while feasting on a northwestern-inspired buffet. The house band serenades you and your company 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. Fill up your plate and watch the Seattle go by with your sea legs on!</p><p>Argosy Cruises; <a href="http://www.argosycruises.com/royalargosy/dinner.cfm" target="_blank">argosycruises.com</a></p>
Courtesy of Argosy

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

2

Bateaux, New York, NY

<p>Eating a fancy dinner in New York City – classy. Eating an elegant dinner while you take in views of the New York skyline from your seat aboard a glass-windowed cruise ship? Downright E-P-I-C! A dinner cruise aboard Bateaux New York is truly the most glamorous way to see the sights of the Big Apple, but we highly doubt you will be able to tear your eyes away from the seafood manicotti gratinée offered or the decadent chocolate truffle torte that will follow. There is something on this menu for everyone; but if you aren't satisfied, we certainly know a few places to dine when you de-board...</p><p><a href="http://www.bateauxnewyork.com" target="_blank">bateauxnewyork.com</a></p>
Courtesy of Beateaux New York

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

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3

Steamboat Natchez, New Orleans, LA

<p>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: Find yourself drinking and being merry aboard the Natchez, while dining on smoked beef brisket, "Maque Choux," or Louisiana style Fried Fish.</p><p><a href="http://www.steamboatnatchez.com/menu.html" target="_blank">steamboatnatchez.com</a></p>
Courtesy of Steamboat Natchez

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

4

"Gorge"ous Dinner Cruise, Portland, OR

The Columbia River gorge, which flows from the Sandy River in Washington to the Deschutes River in Oregon, is designated as a National Scenic Area. The "Gorge"ous Dinner Cruise in Portland, Oregon allows you to check Columbia River Gorge off your list of must-sees 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 prosciutto and basil stuffed chicken breast with roasted garlic cream sauce – "delish"ous!
Courtesy of Portland Spirit

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

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5

Odyssey Boston Cruise, Boston, MA

<p>Thought the Odyssey was an epic poem written by Homer? Wrong! Well, actually, right. But it's also a cruise line that shows you sides of the Eastern Seaboard you may never have thought so beautiful. The Odyssey Twilight Full Moon Dinner Cruise leaves from Rowes Wharf in time to let you watch the sun set over Boston Harbor, and sails along the coasts of the various historic islands in the harbor, while you listen to music provided by the Mark Greel Band. Dinner specialties include carmelized duck en croute and mushroom braised short ribs – oh la la! If that's not enough, maybe just feast on the New York Cheesecake?</p><p><a href="http://www.odysseycruises.com/Boston/dinner" target="_blank">odysseycruises.com</a></p>
Courtesy of Boston Dinner Cruises

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

6

"Spirit of Carolina" Dinner Cruise, Charleston, SC

<p>Perhaps South Carolina is not the immediate visual that's conjured up when you think of cruises, but Charlston's, South Carolina's Spiritline Cruise will have you thinking twice! Since 1961, Spiritline has been attempting to share the understated beauty of South Carolina's waterways, and their dinner cruise pulls out all the stops! Offering a three-hour dinner cruise complete with a multi-course gourmet meal, live music, and insanely gorgeous views of Charleston Harbor on a deluxe yacht, you might begin to wonder what other kind of treasures the South (if you're not from around there) holds. The dinner menu does not disappoint, and there are vegetarian, vegan, and diabetic options upon request.</p><p><a href="http://www.spiritlinecruises.com/dinner_menu.asp" target="_blank">spiritlinecruises.com</a></p>
Courtesy of The Spiritline South Carolina

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

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7

M.S. Dixie II Emerald Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Lake Tahoe, CA

<p>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 to follow. Ditto dessert. Sounds like the perfect evening, actually.</p><p><a href= "http://www.laketahoetours.net"> laketahoetours.net</a></p>
Courtesy of Lake Tahoe Tours

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

8

Thames Dinner Cruise, London

<p>Not sure who could resist the luxury of seeing London Bridge from aboard a ship on the river Thames – and they don't have to. You'll feel like a British royal aboard a majestic Thames Dinner Cruise – a very well fed British royal! The menu features items such as slow-roasted pork belly, almond crusted sea bass, and blackberry and raspberry millefeuille. If you're feeling even more celebratory, the "elite" cruise dinner includes champagne on arrival, guaranteed window table, and live jazz entertainment! Not sure any pub in London could boast that!</p><p><a href="http://www.thamesdinnercruise.co.uk/dinner.htm" target="_blank">thamesdinnercruise.co.uk/dinner.htm</a></p>
Courtesy of Thames Dinner Cruise

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

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