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Celebrate Christmas Eve with a two-hour dinner cruise aboard Craft in Tampa. Savor a three-course modern American meal as you glide along the river, taking in the city’s festive lights and signature cocktails from the observation deck.
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a two-hour dinner cruise aboard Craft in Tampa. Savor a three-course modern American meal as you glide along the river, taking in the city’s festive lights and signature cocktails from the observation deck.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Craft · Tampa, Florida
For a distinctive way to celebrate Christmas Eve in Florida’s vibrant Gulf Coast city, Craft offers a holiday experience that blends modern American cuisine with the romance of Tampa’s scenic waterways. Set against the backdrop of downtown Tampa, this river cruise invites guests to savor a carefully curated three-course dinner while drifting past twinkling city landmarks and the illuminated Tampa Riverwalk.
Craft’s dinner cruise stands apart not only for its setting but also for the culinary innovation on board. Featuring the nation’s first open kitchen on a river cruiser, the chef prepares dishes live with professional-grade gas cooking equipment, making the meal part of the evening’s entertainment. This culinary transparency engages diners with the artistry behind each plate, elevating the traditional holiday dinner into a sensory experience anchored in quality and authenticity.
The journey lasts two hours, beginning with a 45-minute boarding period at 603 Channelside Drive, in Tampa’s bustling waterfront district. As the captain maneuvers beneath the city’s iconic low bridges, guests enjoy unobstructed views from both interior dining areas and the open-air observation deck. Here, festive crafted cocktails complement seasonal flavors and provide a perfect setting for memorable holiday photos.
Beyond the impeccable cuisine and panoramic river vistas, Craft embodies Tampa’s contemporary spirit—a city where urban energy meets coastal calm. Whether locals or visitors, guests find an inviting alternative to traditional dining or crowded city events, combining comfort, ambiance, and an undeniable sense of occasion.
This Christmas Eve cruise is a standout holiday option for anyone seeking an elevated yet approachable way to mark the season. With limited reservations accepted, it’s a sought-after outing that captures the unique charm of Tampa’s riverfront under holiday lights.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for guests of all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Yes, guests of all ages are welcome, though the menu and atmosphere are designed with adults in mind.
No, Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are available for purchase separately at the onboard bar.
Reservations for the special event are non-refundable and non-transferable, so plan accordingly.
The vessel offers limited accessibility; please contact Craft directly in advance to discuss accommodations.
Yes, guests are welcome to enjoy views and cocktails on the open-air observation deck, weather permitting.
Boarding is at 603 Channelside Drive in Tampa’s waterfront district, approximately 45 minutes before departure.
Tampa’s Hillsborough River historically served as a key trade route and urban lifeline, shaping the city’s development along its banks.
Craft and local operators support sustainable boating practices to protect Tampa’s delicate river ecosystem and minimize environmental impact.
Craft is a river dining experience based in Tampa, Florida, operating a river cruiser that combines modern American cuisine with waterfront sightseeing. The company features America’s first open kitchen on water, where chefs prepare multi-course menus visible to guests. Craft’s seasonal and regular sailings include New Year's Eve Dinner with a curated 4-course menu and fireworks viewing, a Holiday Lighted Boat Parade dining cruise, daily Dinner and Brunch cruises, as well as special holiday sailings for Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving and a themed Gasparilla Brunch Cruise. Each cruise departs from the Hillsborough River and emphasizes culinary presentation, handcrafted cocktails, and panoramic views of Tampa’s skyline and historic landmarks. Menus range from three-course dinners to four-course holiday menus, complemented by live music, DJs, and themed entertainment on select departures. The vessel navigates beneath Tampa’s low bridges, creating memorable close-quarters river passages that are part of the attraction. Craft markets itself to diners seeking a unique combination of restaurant-quality food and a scenic cruise. Tickets are offered per sailing, with options for different seating areas and observation-deck access. Group and holiday sailings accommodate celebrations and seasonal events. Information about specific departure times, pricing, and accessibility is available through Craft’s official booking channels and event pages. Onboard service emphasizes safety, guest comfort, and ingredient quality. Seasonal menus highlight locally sourced produce and seafood when available, and bar programs feature signature cocktails. Special-event sailings include themed decor, live DJs, and coordinated viewing for fireworks and parades, enhancing the dining-and-cruise experience for families, couples, and groups.
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