Can I smoke a cigar during the dinner?

Yes—cigar smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas; to smoke while dining, select an outdoor table or bar seat at booking.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours; arrival time and boarding details appear on your booking confirmation.

Is there an age restriction for cigar passengers?

Age requirements are not listed here—check the operator’s booking page or contact them directly to confirm any minimum age rules.

Are meals included with the ticket?

The event pairs a three-course menu with the cruise; specific menu details and any dietary options are provided at booking or upon request.

What happens if it rains?

Outdoor seating can be affected by weather; operators typically provide guidance or alternate options—confirm their weather and cancellation policy when you book.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility details are not provided here; contact the operator or booking platform to confirm vessel accessibility and boarding assistance.

Cigar Dinner Cruise on Tampa River: Skyline Dining & JC Newman Cigars | Dinner Boat | Boat Tour

Adventure Brief

Sail the Hillsborough River for a two-hour gourmet dinner paired with rotating premium cigars from JC Newman Cigar Co. This curated monthly cruise blends skyline views, open-kitchen dining, and designated outdoor smoking decks for a distinctly Tampa evening.

2 hours

easy

From $105.50

Boarding the Craft Cigar Dinner Cruise feels less like a reservation and more like an invitation to an old-school waterfront evening with a modern twist. This two-hour cruise runs along the Hillsborough River through downtown Tampa, Florida, offering skyline views, low-clearance bridge thrills, and a culinary program cooked on America's first open-kitchen river cruiser. The experience pairs a three-course menu with rotating premium cigars in partnership with JC Newman Cigar Co., honoring Tampa’s deep cigar-making heritage rooted in nearby Ybor City. The scene is unapologetically urban-waterside: glassy river reflections, steel and brick facades, and the occasional bridge pass where the captain eases the deck past narrow openings. Key features include the cruiser’s outdoor cigar-friendly decks, an indoor dining salon for those preferring smoke-free meals, and the bow where diners step out to enjoy a smoke before or after their courses. Natural elements make themselves known too—the river’s estuarine edge and views toward Tampa Bay can reveal terns, herons, and the flash of a dolphin in estuary waters. What sets this dinner cruise apart is its specificity. It’s the only monthly cruise in Tampa that intentionally allows cigar smoking in designated outdoor spaces while serving a full gourmet meal, and it does so on a vessel designed for open-kitchen theater. The JC Newman collaboration rotates selections, so aficionados encounter rare blends and curious newcomers discover approachable smokes. The social rhythm leans toward conversation and small gatherings rather than loud nightlife, creating a cultivated waterfront social that feels simultaneously relaxed and curated. Practical details: the cruise runs approximately two hours, departs from central Tampa (meeting point details provided at booking), and enforces outdoor smoking in designated areas only—indoor diners may visit the bow during non-service windows to smoke. Reservations are essential for preferred seating; if you want to pair dinner and smoke, choose an outdoor table or bar seat when booking. The captain’s navigation of low bridges is a quiet highlight—ask staff about timings for the best sightlines. This outing doubles as a cultural footnote: it’s a contemporary expression of Tampa’s cigar legacy and a straightforward way to connect riverfront urbanism with a tactile food-and-smoke ritual. Whether you’re a collector chasing a particular JC Newman offering or a visitor seeking a memorable evening on the water, the Craft Cigar Dinner Cruise delivers atmosphere, taste, and a sense of place unique to Tampa’s river corridor. Plan to arrive early to stroll the Tampa Riverwalk before boarding, and check weather advisories: outdoor seating can be affected by rain or wind. Consider pairing the cruise with an evening in Ybor City's historic district to round out a night devoted to Tampa's culinary and cigar traditions. Book in advance for weekend dates and special cigar releases.

About Craft

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.