Hornblower Cruises & Events

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1. AG

   AlexanderG

   Los Angeles

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on August 12, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   I proposed to my now fiancée here and the experience was amazing! Great view, good food, and friendly staff who made the night truly memorable.
   

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2. MR

   MaraR

   San Francisco

   9 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on February 24, 2017

   overall2food2service3ambience3

   We did this with my in-laws. I would never do it without guests who are unfamiliar with SF but it was a nice time for them. The music was too loud after dinner.
   

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3. TB

   TomB

   San Francisco

   10 reviews

   4.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on May 11, 2014

   overall4food3service5ambience4

   Hornblower for mother's day was very nice. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. Food was not exceptional but fine, everything was clean and well organized. The only complaint I have is that they made us feel a little like second class citizens when we checked in...she looked at our reservation and "Oh they made it from Open Table" it was even documented on the card they gave us with our table number. There was obviously a 'Mother's Day Package" as most tables had flowers and bottles of champagne but not ours! The was never even offered to us when the Hornblower called to confirm our reservation. Next time we know, call them direct!
   

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4. M

   Mrhungry

   Sacramento

   96 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   96 reviews

   Dined on December 31, 2013

   overall5food4service4ambience5

   Wonderful cruise out under the Golden Gate and then positioned perfectly by the Bay Bridge for a fabulous view of the San Francisco New Years Fireworks. Excellent decision to do this. Nice Buffet Dinner. Great party energy with 1000 other guests dining on one of 3 levels each with their own dance floor and DJ. Fun party hats and noisemakers included. Wine and Champaign complementary.
   

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5. LC

   LisaCM

   Austin

   15 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on October 27, 2013

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The staff was on top of their game and made our special occasion even more special. Thanks Hornblower Cruises!
   

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6. LM

   LoveMyFood

   San Francisco

   122 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   122 reviews

   Dined on October 24, 2013

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Wonderful, romantic, incredible way to see the city, dance and eat wonderful food,
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on April 28, 2013

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   I had a reservation for a party of eight on a Hornblower Cruise (celebration of my twin daughters birthday). We traveled more than fifty miles to attend this event, but we were told that this brunch cruise was over booked even though we had a confirmed reservation (Confirmation Number: 2665807). They said that it was a problem with the way the reservation was made by OpenTable. To say that this was a very underwhelming experience is an understatement! We have had many past great experiences including chartering the "San Francisco Spirit" for my wife's 50th birthday...
   

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8. MS

   MikeSi120

   San Francisco

   8 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on October 13, 2012

   overall3food3service3ambience4

   Finding the dock and figuring out what to do prior to boarding was a bit challenging. There's no official check-in area off the boat as you make your way through Pier 4. But once we were on, it was a delight! The service was prompt and courteous, the 4-course meal was thoughtful and prepared with care, and the live band performing didn't miss a beat. If you're looking for a cost efficient dinner adventure though, this is not for you. With tickets, meal upgrades and a few drinks with 20% tip, we were at $400! Hindsight, I would have optioned for another venue at half the cost, but if you do decide to cruise - make sure that's your final answer, because there's NO refunds.
   

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on September 22, 2012

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Beautiful views of the SF Bay, very romantic! I was on the Dinner Cruise - lower level - with the live band -- loved the atmosphere! I was with my fiance - there were mostly other couples around -- upper level of the boat was a DJ and more of a party atmosphere. Outside on the desk was very nice - great date night!
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2012

    overall3food2service4ambience4

    Taking the dinner cruise is not about dinner, but about the incredible views. Go for the views and you won't regret it. If you go hoping for a good meal, all bets are off.
    

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11. TO

    TonyO

    San Francisco

    56 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2011

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Looking a little warn and dated, but was very fun!
    

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12. P

    Pinkjackie

    London

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2011

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    This booking, although confirmed by you was not confirmed by Hornblower, as full payment was required before the the event. Fortunately, I rang prior to confirm & was able to pay over the phone. They said that they had not received our contact details from Open Table & were unable to contact us. It is possibly a shame, that we managed to go to the dinner, as it was so poor & a complete waste of money. Embarkation was slow & badly organised, service was inefficient. Food quality & choice below average. Over priced for service & meal received. Fireworks mistimed, so that the main course had just been served when the fireworks were on.Never again!
    

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13. C

    Chris

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2011

    overall4food2service5ambience2

    Overall, we had a great time because our waitress was super nice. She even got us the chocolate dessert for my bf's bday even though we didn't order it. Then she got the singers on stage to sing happy birthday to him. That was special. But otherwise, the ship itself looks older and run down, the food was not as bad as other people think (perhaps my expectation was lowered because of all the negative food review). The experience of sailing around the bay, alcatraz, bay bridge, att park and under the GG bridge was what we paid for. We went during the dine about town specials so I got DAT but my bf got the regular menu. The difference in both was night and day. Mine was $35 but his was almost $100
    

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14. l

    lettol

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2011

    overall3food4service1ambience4

    Really enjoyed trying something different, beautiful views and good music entertainment. The food was tasty but the service was not very good. Staff was friendly, but bottle of wine was not brought to table until after the first course was finished although we ordered wine and food at the same time.
    

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15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2011

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    To guarantee reservation, recommend to also go to Hornblower main website to do online reservation and pay. Without pay, they don't hold reservation. I had issue trying to do online pay with their website but got help clearing it up once call/email them. Check weather on the days you go, Brunch really requires a nice sunny day to fully enjoy the scenery. Great time and kind service and food. Great for special occasion. Outside of ship will be windy so a jacket is good. Bring own camera is recommended.
    

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16. d

    diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2011

    overall4food2service4ambience5

    Great ambiance, nice scenic view of the san francisco bay. Great live band and dance floor. Though the food can be better. The prix fixed menu was not memorable.
    

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17. G

    Gina

    San Francisco

    36 reviews

    2.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2011

    overall2food3service4ambience2

    I went here for Dine About Town and paid $103. Dine about Town specials are regularly $34.95, but for Hornblower, it was a bit more. $15 each person was the charge for gratuities before boarding the ship. The food was good, service was very good, but I would not pay the regular $119 per person for a Saturday night Dinner/Dance cruise.
    

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18. u

    unsatisfied

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2011

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful time on the Hornblower which did a loop around Alcatraz, Angel Island, and even under the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. It was wonderful, and the food was surprisingly really delicious.
    

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2011

    overall4food3service4ambience5

    A wonderful way to see the Bay Area from a different point of view, especially at night. I rated "ambiance" as outstanding as there is nothing more romantic that the SF Cityscape as your backdrop. Every couple needs to go on at least one Hornblower Date. Just make sure to take a Dramamine before hand as it is shaky leaving port!
    

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20. y

    yum123

    San Francisco

    44 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2010

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Nothing compares to the view from the water. The food was ok and service so so.
    

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2010

    overall4food3service4ambience5

    it was a great experience. i was so excited when the golden gate bridge was just above us.
    

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22. T

    Tracy

    New York Area

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2010

    overall4food3service3ambience5

    Like being at a wedding without a bride & groom.
    

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2010

    overall4food3service3ambience4

    The weather was spectacular and the band was good and the views were amazing. The food was ok - nothing special, but who cares! One thing that was pleasantly surprising was how well everyone dressed! Its nice to see people dress like they care. I recommend that you brush off that nice dress and go out and enjoy a dinner and dancing cruise on the bay. PS - don't forget to dance~!
    

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    26 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2010

    overall2food4service3ambience4

    My boyfriend proposed to me on this trip. It was very special and the weather turned out to be very nice. It was a bit crowded and our server was not used to a full section. But we enjoyed ourselves. On the down side. We were called 1 hour b4 we were leaving to be canceled. They said they overbooked. My fiance booked the Monday b4 so we were very upset. He had made special arrangements for the proposal.We were offered a discount dinner but we really could not do it on a sunday night.I was also alergic to the food they serverd for dinner. After about 20 tense minutes on the phone we were told we could go and left right away. What started out a very bad day turned into a very memorable from begining to end.
    

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25. NC

    NoviceCook

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2010

    overall3food3service2ambience4

    It was definitely a great evening! We went there for my husband's birthday using Dine About Town. I would suggest either the brunch cruise or a dinner cruise in the summer. The scenic views of the bay disappear in the darkness near Angel Island. Food is OK, service is a little slow other than that we had a good time.
    

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2010

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    We enjoyed our Hornblower cruise on San Francisco Bay. A very nice meal selected as a part of Dine about Town. And the view was amazing!
    

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2010

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Was a little disappointed since our last experience several years ago was outstanding, elegant and lively. This time it was very lack-lustre with a smaller crowd. The food was okay, but did not match the grandeur of the gorgeous scenery around the bay. They need to kick it up a notch in the food presentation. Also, the live music failed to get people into the mood of dancing and romancing. The only redeeming feature of the whole experience was the fantastic view of the bay while cruising around it.
    

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2010

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Enjoyable meal on the water with a beautiful view of the bay at night. The food is well prepared and delicious.
    

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2009

    overall1food2service1ambience4

    I booked a cruise well over a month ago. I received 2 confirmation emails prior to the event. However, my name was not on their service list when I got there. It was truly embarrassing standing there pulling up my confirmation on the iPhone where other people were checking in. Finally, my fiance and I were seated near the band, we couldn't hear each other. I thought it was a deal to get Dine About Town rate, only to find out later they have charged full amount. Now, I will spend more time disputing. What a terrible service!!! I would like to give a zero for the service if I could. The nice romantic scenic view has been overpowered by their unethical service. I was thinking about a wedding rehearsal with them. Now, definitely no
    

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2009

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    On a clear day, the view is unbeatable. Considering that the venue is a boat, I was a little apprehensive about how the food would taste but it was very good! The entertainment was mid-age appropriate. Although I think it would be too cliche for a romantic occasion, the musicians do announce any special occasions that are being celebrated so that's a nice touch. If you're looking for a unique experience and a unique way to view the bay area give it a try.
    

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2009

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    While service was good and the food was tasty, by far the best part of the evening were the views. The views were spectacular! I've never seen the back of Alcatraz and Angel Island or the southern section of Tiberon. Also, standing on the deck while going under the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge were breath-taking. I'm not sure I would dine for the regular price ($125 per person) but for the Dine About San Francisco price of $35 per...it was a steal. I wish I brought more friends and spent more time out side.
    

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32. P

    Paris

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2009

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    Why not have a covered area for folks to wait under prior to boarding the boat? I waited an hour in the cold and it was freezing. Better yet how about not having to work with Hornblower directly to complete the reservation - card and time were booked online. Speaking to Hornblower reservations was less than stellar. They don't tell you you have an assigned table, they don't answer questions clearly and frankly they seem very clerical in nature, not very fun or even pleasant. This is the hospitality business afterall I would prefer not to feel like I am ordering a pizza.
    

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33. s

    saucey

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2009

    overall3food3service2ambience4

    I was celebrating my anniversary and I said it as I made reservations and they did nothing to make it a better experience. The dine about town menu was fine, nothign special. I do not like that they charge a gratuity before hand, my service was not worth that honestly. Anice set up and boat, and the route was nice, especially going under the two bridges :). Food took forever!
    

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 31, 2009

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    overall dining experience was very very poor. we were served 3 courses for the dine about town menu which was very sloppily presented, chicken breast was tough and tasted bland, not anywhere in the neighborhood of the "chipotle" flavor it was advertised to be. they seated us in a section specifically for the dine about town promo and that was what we got - poor service, bad food, bad ambiance. it didn't mean that we availed of a special promo that we get "discounted" service. i have been on this cruise for 5-6x now, trying to bring different friends to experience the magical time we had in the past. the 12 other people with me left completely dissastisfied with the experience and very disappointed. will never recommend this again.
    

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35. PG

    PatG

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2009

    overall4food3service4ambience5

    The best thing about this experience is the cruise around the bay. Spectacular views! It would be great if Hornblower would mention that there is an additional $11 service charge per person at the time the reservation is made. Food was OK.
    

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2009

    overall1food1service2ambience3

    If you want a scenic view of san francisco with your high school cafeteria food you found your hot spot. I'm glad I came for dine about town where the rates were only 35$ a person plus a 30% additional charge for tax and service(mainly because the service you get you would be reluctant to even give a tip) But by all means don't come for the food. Presentation is sloppy, making it look like it came off of a buffet line. Taste is bland, and boring. Without the salt and pepper on the table it would have been hard to eat. One of the entrees we received was a crab cake and tilapia. It tasted like a frozen food dinner that they just zapped in the microwave yet they wanted an additional $12 to have this "premier" entree. Avoid this place!
    

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2009

    overall5food2service4ambience4

    Food was just okay/pretty good, but the event was really fun and the view of the skyline at night including Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate was fabulous. Good service and a fun band for dancing. The boat was only half-filled, though, which made for a strange ambiance. I think they should invest in chairs that don't look like they were borrowed from a conference room.
    

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38. SB

    SBay

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2009

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    We've been going on the Hornblower Cruise with the Dine About Town program for a few years and this year was the first time we sat on the lower floor. We definitely missed the lady who played the piano and sang and gave information about the sites on the upper level. She was a great entertainer. She recognized all the groups who were celebrating events. We had a piano player, but he did not speak too much. The captain of the ship did a great job; no one in my party got sea sick. The waters were pretty rough that day. Food was average, but we can not expect too much more with the price we paid.
    

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 25, 2009

    overall3food2service1ambience2

    The food was okay. Maybe it was because we had Dine About Town. I wouldn't pay full price for it though. The service was pretty bad though. The waitress that we had, she knew a couple at the same section as us, so she was always there chatting. When we first sat down, she did not ask if we wanted tea or coffee (where we see others around us got those). I never got my water refilled. The only time she came over to us was to tell us that we can go get the food, and to get the dishes off our table.
    

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 18, 2009

    overall3food2service5ambience3

    This year the food was not as good as in years past. I booked a large party for the Dine About Town discount promotion and they tacked on an 18% gratuity based on the original price of a lunch and then we had to pay an additional 18% tip on each drink. For a buffet, a tip over $120 is just ridiculous.
    

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