Boozin’ and Cruisin’: The Ultimate Brunch Cruise in S.F.
Holy brunch! When a friend of mine suggested we try a brunch cruise he had gone on for his birthday, I was skeptical. Then he mentioned that it was a buffet with bottomless mimosas. I was then sold. Hornblower Cruises and Events offers a San Francisco Champagne Brunch cruise that is out of this world amazing. The cruise is two hours long, from 11:30 to 1:30 and my suggestion is to get there on time for boarding which is about 30 minutes before departure, so you can take advantage of the free-flowing champagne. After we boarded and found our table, we were greeted by our waitress who immediately asked if we would like mimosas. (They also have a full bar but you have to pay extra for those drinks, about $12 each.)
Once we departed from the pier, the buffet was open. From fresh fruit to salads, bagels and lox to bacon and eggs, waffles to french toast, and everything in between there were enough 
choices to keep me going back to the buffet line for more. I was afraid that the food would be mediocre but it was not, and the entire time we ate our waitress was very attentive to our mimosa glasses. After finishing our food and topping our glasses off, we made our way outside to the outer deck of the boat and lucky for us our vessel had a super comfortable outside lounge in the bow of the boat. We took incredible pictures in front of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. As the boat made it’s way back to the pier we sailed by Alcatraz, close enough to get really decent pictures.
Now, you will notice that there are a lot of people on the cruise are there for special occasions i.e. birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, etc. but don’t let that deter you from going. My friend and I drank from the time we boarded until the time we left and really made the most of what the cruise had to offer. We were treated to delicious food, great ambiance, and amazing views. If you’re willing to spare a couple of hours on a Saturday or Sunday I highly suggest purchasing tickets beforehand and making the trip out to Pier 3.
Tips/Suggestions:
-Before you board your vessel you can choose to take a picture, the cost is $20 for two photos that come in a paper commemorative frame. It’s just nice to know that there will at least be one good picture if you drink too much and fail at photography.
-The cost of the cruise after taxes, fees, and tip come to $97 a person. If you have a Costco membership, you can buy two $50 giftcards for $70.Once you purchase the giftcards, you need to call the sales line at 1-888-966-9251 to book. Important: You cannot book with a gift card online and you must bring the gift cards you purchased to the cruise to be turned in when you board.
-If you’re wondering how to get to Pier 3, both the BART and MUNI have stops right next to Pier 3.
