Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, restrooms are available down a set of steps aboard the Spirit of Harbour Town.

What is the dress code for the Dinner Cruise?

The dress code is resort casual to keep guests comfortable yet stylish.

Can you accommodate dietary allergies?

Some common allergies, including celiac disease, can be accommodated with advance notice via phone.

Is there assigned seating on the Dinner Cruise?

Yes, seating is assigned at reservation time, ensuring each guest has a window view.

Do infants receive a meal on the Dinner Cruise?

Infants under 2 do not receive a meal unless a child ticket is purchased or a meal is brought aboard.

How long is the Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, offering a complete dining and sightseeing experience.

Experience the Magic of Hilton Head Island’s Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise

Hilton Head Island, located off South Carolina’s coast, offers a festive way to celebrate the holiday season with the Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of Harbour Town. This two-hour excursion blends the charm of the Lowcountry’s shimmering waterways with an expertly crafted dinner, making it a standout event for both visitors and locals looking to escape the kitchen and enjoy the lights and ambiance of the island’s Harbour Town Yacht Basin. The cruise sets sail from 149 Lighthouse Rd., gliding along calm waters with panoramic views visible through the cabin’s climate-controlled windows. Those opting for inside dining experience warmth and comfort, surrounded by elegant seating and gentle holiday music, while still soaking in sweeping vistas of the harbour’s twinkling lights. For guests who prefer open air, there’s an upper deck option with a canopy providing shade during the occasional winter sun. What’s truly special about this cruise is the menu, curated by award-winning chefs from the Sea Pines Resort. The plated dinner offers Lowcountry flair with selections like heirloom tomato panzanella salad featuring fresh mozzarella and grilled focaccia. Entrée choices balance traditional and coastal tastes—from roasted pork loin with peppercorn sauce to blackened mahi mahi complemented by pineapple salsa. For families, children’s options include comforting chicken tenders and creamy chicken Alfredo pasta. The evening concludes on a sweet note with a choice between a sunset key lime pie or a flourless chocolate torte, each served with raspberry coulis and whipped cream. The ride itself is an intimate experience that highlights the natural beauty and festive spirit of Hilton Head Island in winter. While the island is renowned for its beaches and golf resorts, the dinner cruise showcases the waterway’s serenity and seasonal charm, making it a unique way to connect with the local environment and culture. Beyond the exquisite meal and scenic views, the cruise offers practicality and comfort, with restrooms onboard and assigned seating ensuring every guest has a window view. Although the dress code is resort casual, the atmosphere leans toward relaxed sophistication, perfect for a holiday outing. Hilton Head’s Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise is a sparkling addition to the island’s holiday calendar, setting itself apart by interlacing local flavors, maritime ambiance, and festive lights. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic and memorable seasonal experience that pairs outdoor beauty with culinary delight. Advanced booking is advised, as seats fill rapidly for this popular event during the holiday season. Whether you’re celebrating with family, a group of friends, or a special someone, this cruise offers a distinctive way to enjoy Hilton Head Island that few other holiday events can match.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

No special fitness level required; suitable for most ages and abilities.

Wildlife

Dolphins occasionally spotted during the cruise
Snowy egrets along the water’s edge

History

Hilton Head Island’s Harbour Town Yacht Basin is a historic harbor developed in the 1970s, blending maritime culture with resort elegance.

Conservation

The cruise operator supports local marine conservation efforts, encouraging guests to respect waterways and wildlife.

Vagabond Cruise operates a diverse fleet from Hilton Head Island, offering narrated wildlife excursions, specialty dining cruises, private charters, and seasonal holiday sailings. Flagship vessels include the Tammy Jane, Spirit of Harbour Town, Solaris, Vagabond, and the historic Stars & Stripes, each tailored for experiences ranging from two-hour crabbing and shrimping expeditions to multi-hour trips to Daufuskie Island and Savannah. Guests can choose guaranteed dolphin encounters on ocean and estuary cruises, relaxed sandbar sunbathing charters, intimate Solaris private charters for up to ten guests, or festive themed sailings such as fireworks dinners, holiday brunches, and the Gregg Russell Bubble Gum Cruise. Dining options feature Lowcountry menus and plated dinners crafted by award-winning chefs, buffet brunches, and specialty Gullah Geechee cuisine, with indoor climate-controlled cabins and open-air decks available. Educational offerings include narrated naturalist sunset dolphin cruises, stargazing sessions with “Bill the Sky Guy,” and paranormal ghost tours led by local experts. The company highlights hands-on marine experiences—baiting crab pots, hauling shrimp nets, and sorting fresh Carolina shrimp—designed for families and curious travelers. Safety and professional service are provided by experienced captains and trained crew, with full-service bars and private tables on select vessels. Vagabond Cruise partners with Sea Pines Resort for catering on exclusive Solaris charters and coordinates holiday events throughout the season. With a broad calendar of daily and special-event sailings, Vagabond Cruise delivers reliable, locally rooted maritime adventures across the Lowcountry. Bookings are available online with flexible options for groups, families, and private celebrations and seasonal themed departures.

Base locationHilton Head Island, South Carolina

Tours offered68+

Specialtyboat-charters

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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