Fall flavours and skyline views await on City Cruises’ seasonal sailings

There’s something magical about fall in Toronto — the crisp air, golden sunsets, and cozy comfort foods that make the season feel special. This year, City Cruises is bringing all of that aboard their dinner, lunch, and brunch sailings with a brand new fall menu launching Sept. 18.

Cruising until Dec. 21, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season on the water. Plus, you can use the code BLOGTOFALL20 to save 20 per cent off all fall dining cruises.

A sailor's welcome

Joining City Cruises aboard one of their recent dinner cruises, 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.

The lifebuoy was a hit for picture perfect photo ops along the golden skyline. (Photo by Lauren Barber/City Cruises)

The furniture was comfy and a large decorative lifebuoy offered the perfect photo op alongside the fall crisp air and glowing skies. I was also serenaded by the live DJ and saxophonist combo!

While the cool sea air made the outdoor deck refreshing, the climate-controlled interiors offered a warm and inviting place to settle in for dinner.

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! (Chris Middleton/blogTO)

For the appetizer, I opted for the vibrant and fresh garden salad, while others at my table went with the rich butternut squash soup with cinnamon creme. 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 (Chris Middleton/blogTO)

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. (Chris Middleton/blogTO)

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 Cruises also offers premium buffet brunches and lavish three-course lunch cruises, giving you more options to enjoy out on the water.

And mark your calendars: from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21, the ship transforms into a winter wonderland with festive décor and a holiday-inspired menu, making it the ultimate seasonal celebration on the lake.

Interested in your own majestic Toronto dinner cruise? Don your captain's cap and reserve your spot on a City Cruise vessel today.