Hornblower Cruises & Events

Wanted to do something different this year for my husband’s Birthday so took him on the dinner dance cruise. I upgraded to the celebratory package which gives you champagne, chocolates, champagne flutes, etc. This was such a romantic and amazing experience! We sailed on the bay for 3 hours eating a 4 course a la carte dinner. The views of the bay and San Francisco were breathtaking! Everything was outstanding, the servers, the food, drinks, band, DJ, everything was just perfect! My husband and I had the best time ever and we cannot wait to do it again! If you get a chance to do this, DO IT! Its a beautiful experience and we have memories forever. So romantic! Loved it!

Beautiful cruise at night, the bridge is so gorgeous. The food was a bit undercooked when i went on this cruise awhile ago. But still had a wonderful time and enjoyed the view. Definitely need to bring a jacket at night time it does get cold.

Took an amazing brunch cruise on Memorial Day. Drank lots of mimosas and enjoyed great good with incredible views. The only reason I am not giving this 5 stars is because you can not serve roast beef without au jous or some kind of sauce or gravy, which left the carving station options on the dry side. Hornblower should know better because these cruises are not cheap. Would I do this again, of course I would and will. Would I highly recommend it, absolutely

BEWARE! Bait-​n-​switch tactic!
Celebrated my boyfriend’s birthday with Hornblower
In total, 413 $ was paid for the both of us. I paid roughly 166 $ per person (including landing and service fees), 20 $ for photos, and an additional 60 $ for the celebration package. The package included window seating, champagne, two flutes, and a box of truffles, instead was given a box of ghirardelli chocolates.
On my initial arrival at the landing dock, I was amazed at how beautiful and spacious the SF Belle Hornblower cruise was. To my dismay, it became apparent that the ship that we assumed we were boarding was actually booked for prom goers. The second ship we saw was the California Hornblower, which was probably about a third of the size of the SF Belle Hornblower. This ship’s décor seem outdated compared to the SF Belle Hornblower, but was still excited to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday and was willing to settle for this ship. I was let down for a second time when finding out that this ship TOO was also booked for prom goers. We finally came to the realization that the extremely small ship that my boyfriend jokingly mentioned to me «what if that was our boat HAHA» was the actual one that we were boarding!
Ship:
There was an absence of a side walking deck, instead compensated by small spaces in the front, back and top of deck that were usually overcrowded. There were no flowers and the chairs and rugs were unflattering, old shades of green. There was just really no attempt of décor. For the price I paid and the pictures seen on Unilocal,this had to be some sort of joke. On the Unilocal page, the two bigger ships I mentioned earlier can be seen throughout their Unilocal gallery, while photos of the tiny boat we boarded weren’t even present on their own webpage. It didn’t even say Hornblower on it. If this incident was apparent to the staff, they could have mentioned it while we booked reservations or at least make major price reductions. Inside, there were no commodities or activities to do. One of those trips you just want to end quickly because it was so boring.
Food:
One would assume that because we were resorted with the small ship we would be accommodated by amazing food. Going through Unilocal photos you’ll notice the food is buffet style which I was so excited for. Instead we were presented with a 4 course meal which was fine it’s dinner. However the food served wasn’t even good or portioned fair to the price I paid. The first plate was a wedge lettuce, there was a small piece of hair lodged inside the ranch. I didn’t bother to complain because I honestly didn’t want another. The next dish that came out was our fist-​sized bowl of clam chowder. Next was the filet mignon (which also came in the fist sized, come on!) My boyfriend mentioned that it was definitely lacking flavor, so I opted out for the salmon. The piece of salmon was disappointing as well because it was also dry and bland. After the rather limited dinner, we were greeted with dessert (a small fruit tart and a slice of chocolate cake for him). You’ll definitely be left hungry soon after this trip. This company made serious bank with the money they saved on food.
Pros: Our server Shea was sweet and the people that we were cruising with us constantly offered to take a photo for us because we were caught taking selfies. Super nice of them! :)
Although we did experience the night sceneries across the Golden Gate Bridge, it was hard to say it was romantic. When the ship itself was so lacking and failed to meet a fraction of my expectations. I couldn’t help but think that we could have been placed on another ship to fully experience the amazing sceneries or at least be at a fancier restaurant with décor and delicious food and probably would’ve spent less too. There were two marriage proposals that day and it seemed as if the tiny ship also caught them by surprise. The couple besides us were newly weds and I could tell that they were also disappointed by the ship because they didn’t even bother once to go out on the deck. They had just asked us to take a photo of them. The vibes that we got from others were also a factor that played a part in my evaluation of this cruise.
Bottom line, if you’re booking with Hornblower be sure to call them and confirm which ship you’re boarding because that will definitely make or break your ship experience. SF Belle Hornblower or California Hornblower!
I gave this cruise a chance because it was so highly raved about from my colleagues and friends (that was due to the fact that they experienced the other two Hornblower ships). As for me, this isn’t a place I would ever recommend to any of my friends that ask me for a special night out because I felt extremely mislead and ripped off. I truly wished that I had the genuine Hornblower experience. More than just an issue of money, this deceiving cruise wasted my boyfriends special birthday night.

Me and my wife were accused of vandalizing their bathroom with spray paint when we proved them them wrong that we wernt vandalizing anything just a couple trying to enjoy night I horn blower they kicked us off the boat with no redund i was in complete shock these guys would accused us of spray painting we dumped all our belongings I floor no paint no pens no markers or anything I that sort that would make graffiti
I would never ever waste my time or money on the Hornblower again

We decided to celebrate our anniversary on hornblower. And it was right decision.
Very nice and professional stuff. Pretty good food. Spectacular views. We took evening cruise, so had chance to see night views. Amazing.

My wife and I were celebrating our 9^th year anniversary and we decided to have a cruise and dinner at horn blower. It was our first time. Our waitress was really good and friendly she made our night, the food was delicious. The live music was nice and romantic. The DJ was awesome and played really good Latino music, made my wife and I dance like there was no tomorrow lol.
Thank you so much Dorothy for the great service!
Monica & Jesus Chiquete.

I have been on the Hornblower a few times before, the first time for dinner, once for brunch when it was actually part of the DAT promotion, and again for a awesome Unilocal anniversary event just a couple of years back. Even though the cruise itself is relatively the same route, each experience was different.
So when I was thinking about where to take my dad for his big birthday, I remembered him asking earlier this year as we were crossing the Bay Bridge and he must’ve spotted the boat, if I have ever been on the Hornblower. I took that as a hint that he would like to experience it himself.
The pricing has definitely increased since I last went over 10 years ago so after a little research, decided the best value would be the Champagne Brunch Buffet Cruise. If you need to be served, then this would not be a great option for you. Otherwise, I recommend it for the following reasons.
1. The brunch buffet offers a great variety of cold, hot, breakfast, and lunch items to choose from. Although it’s not necessarily high end items, the chef does a great job in the flavor and preparation that something as simple as tilapia ended up being delicious.
2. With the buffet style, you can go back for seconds of your favorite items, for me it was the fish and salad so you definitely won’t leave hungry. Not sure if it was because there was a wedding reception on the same deck as ours but food was available until almost the end. I do want to note that someone else did mention that they stopped refilling halfway through when they were there so just make sure you grab your food before heading out to take pics of the GGB just in case.
3. Unlike many buffets, the fruits were sweet and ripe so they do take pride in what they are offering.
4. The drinks included in the ticket price are free flowing champagne, orange juice (plain or to make mimosas), coffee, and tea. Upon request for non-​drinkers, they also had sparkling apple cider.
5. If the weather is beautiful like for us this past weekend, pictures during the day are amazing, perfect for my picture loving dad.
Overall, we and my parents had a great time and I was glad that my dad enjoyed himself to kickoff his birthday month!

I went on the brunch cruise around the SF bay. We had a nice time, but this is definitely not ‘up scale.’ However, the food options were varied, there was a full bar and the service was good. This is a fun way to see the bay at a decent price.

Such a fun, unique experience! My party was served a four course meal: salad, clam chowder, filet mignon, and a chocolate mousse cake. Throughout the night, the inside of the ship kept changing lights (so cool!) and the captain told us about the sights to take photos of as we passed by. There was also a dance floor to slow dance or do the cha cha slide (you can request music). Honestly, the night felt like a dream. I hope I get to come back one day!

My boyfriend and I spent the eve of Valentine’s Day on a Hornblower Cruise.
Food: We had four courses. The starter was grilled asparagus and duck prosciutto with egg, grilled tomatoes and greens. This was my favorite of all the courses; it was very appetizing and offered a variety of different flavors. The grilled asparagus was a bit oily, but so delicious. Second course was a cup of clam chowder which was a bit salty, yet creamy; overall average in taste… reminded me of Safeway clam chowder. For the main entrée we were served a petit filet mignon and king salmon filet over veggies with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. I opted for just salmon and was hoping they’d give me a bigger filet of salmon or maybe replace the serving with two, but all I got was a tiny salmon filet. The saffron reduction that topped the salmon was extremely rich and bursting with flavor. Without the sauce, I don’t think the salmon would have been as tasty. We were given a mid-​sized heart shaped chocolate truffle cake for dessert. The presentation was over the top, too much going on. I was hoping the taste would not follow that trend, but it was also over the top. Too much fondant, too much sugar, one tiny spoonful was plenty for me to know I had to stop myself. We ordered alcoholic beverages, pricey, but tasty. We received a complimentary glass of champagne which was nice. The food overall was mediocre for the most part, we basically paid to ride the boat.
Ambiance: Classy, simple, semi-​romantic, great music, but a bit too claustrophobic. We didn’t have to share a table with anyone, but the tables were so close that I could hear everything my neighbors were saying without wanting to hear it. I wish there was more space for both parties to be able to have a bit more of intimate experience. Fortunately, we sat next to an awesome couple and got to chat a bit.
Price: We paid between $ 120-​$ 130/​person, not including alcoholic beverages Too pricey considering quality and taste of food, but we still enjoyed the night and loved the music and got to dance and stroll along the deck.
Service: This factor made our night better, though this boat was jam-​packed, our server was super attentive, courteous & very professional.
Overall: Would I do this again? Not sure, maybe the brunch and not the dinner (pricier). We had a great time & don’t regret the experience, but really had higher expectations for the food. Nice atmosphere, okay food and friendly service.

I first want to say that our server, Paul, was amazing. He did a wonderful job and was very polite and courteous. He was kind and very pleasant. I really hope he is recognized for is amazing service! We boarded on March 19^th 7pm .
The only issue that was quite frustrating with our evening was the following:
We boarded and were given table number 126 (a beautiful window seat. Perfect for my husbands birthday dinner)
That seat was taken.
So the manager offered us an awkward table near the front door. We turned that down and asked for table 123. Table 123 was also a great window seat near the table that we was written on our boarding card (126). He told us no, even though none of the other boarding cards said 123. And he offered is another table that had a partial window seat.
We got to the table and had to wait for our bread and salad since the people that were there before moved seats. Everyone was eating. Except us.
We then realized why they moved seats. It was because the table was rocking and was uneven.
Paul, our server, fixed that for us. He was great. He stuck a paper under the table leg and it worked out.
So, when it came time for the DJ to announce the birthdays, he called my husbands name at table 123. «Michael at table 123, happy birthday «well we were at 106! Can you believe that? All along our true table was the window seat I had asked for!!!
That was frustrating. I wish that we could have enjoyed or original assigned seating. That would have been perfect.
Other than our seating issues, we had a great time. Thank you to Paul for making up for the seating issue.

My dearest boyfriend surprised me with a Valentine’s Day 4-​Course Dinner Cruise along the bay. I can’t really say how making the reservations were since he did everything but arriving to the dock to checking-​in was quick and simple. We parked at a parking structure by Embarcadero so we didn’t have to deal with the event parking since he was told there may be limited spots. We didn’t get to board the ship exactly at the time allotted, it was about 20mins before we got to go in. Before getting onto the ship, photographers made sure each couple got a picture together on the ship.
We were seated on the lower deck near the dance floor. Our waiter was very attentive and quickly served us with bread rolls and our first course meal.
First Course: Cured Smoked Rainbow Trout
Second Course: Grilled Spring Asparagus and Duck Prosciutto
Entrée: Filet Mignon & Wild King Salmon
Dessert: Three samplers: Vanilla Peach Pot de Crème, Chocolate Raspberry Gonache Cake and a Chocolate Dipped Strawberry
Although the first and second course were small portion and the entrée was a good size, the small plates made us both full. I wish the waiter was a bit more attentive when it came to refilling our waters, there were times when we had to hunt him down. Throughout the evening, anyone can get up and walk around the ship. We went on the deck several times to see the view and take pictures. Spectacular view! I think everyone should at least do this once. it was one to remember!

It’s been a long time since I have ridden on the Hornblower! I usually go on the dinner cruise that is like two and half hours by Pier 39. There is parking for you if you’re part of an event for $ 10. Regular parking is $ 20. Not bad but be warned, there is limited parking there so go early.
This Hornblower yacht event cruise is for bigger events. I expected a nicer boat on the outside as its a little outdated but inside this big boat was actually elegant looking. Very nice crew.
Since I didn’t pay for this event, I can’t say it’s worth the price but being party of our company party event being on this yacht, it was great! Food was pretty good but it could be better. Drinks were definitely great! The bartender was excellent at making our drinks. Some of them were friendly and gave us good recommended drinks. The ride was about 4 hours. Time went by quick. They had a small dance floor and three floor decks. Views of San Fransisco and sunset was great! See my pics. Yesterday was kind of cool but there was no rain or fog in site. We were lucky! Can’t wait to come back here for another event! :-)

My boyfriend booked a brunch cruise as a surprise for Valentine’s Day. We were on the Spirit, and it was such a wonderful 2 hour getaway!
The entire trip was very intimate, fun, and classy. First things first, we had our picture taken, and right when we were seated, we were greeted with our first (of many) fills of mimosas! Food was all you can eat, but it was overall pretty decent. My favorite was the butternut squash ravioli, turkey, and endless fluffy waffles.
The boat heads out all the way to/​under the Golden Gate bridge and then does a u-​turn while giving you beautiful views of the city. The staff is wonderful and attentive; the guitarist was great, and at the end of the trip, they even give you a little souvenir of the picture they took before boarding the ship. Overall, it was such a romantic little getaway, and I would definitely suggest this to anyone who wants to have a different SF experience.

My boyfriend took me here for my birthday dinner, and it was an okay experience. It’s not every day you get to have dinner on a ship with San Francisco as your beautiful view.
Our waitress was lovely, and even suggested us a view drinks from the bar. She never disclosed how much drinks were, so when we finally got the bill at the end of the night, my boyfriend and I laughed at our total. There’s a small area outside where you can hang out and get an up-​close view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Bring a thick coat! It’s very chilly on the waters. There is also a photo booth at the top of the stairs so you can take a picture of your special date with a low-​resolution webcam. :)
As much fun as we had, the food was disappointing. It’s comparable to (second class) airplane food. And their oh-​so-​special desert, which was a molten lava cake or something, costed an additional $ 8… it wasn’t even good! Everything was LITERALLY microwavable food. I was expecting something delicious and fresh since this place is rated and talked about so highly, but nope!
The price you pay for the overall dining experience? Definitely not a 5 star place.

Went on the Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise for the first time and it was awesome. It was expected to rain, but it didn’t so that was a nice surprise. Buffet was very good… Prime rib, turkey breast, and the most amazing mashed potatoes, among many other selections.
Hornblower Staff I have a suggestion: revise the website so when booking online, one can indicate if they are a single diner or not. I keep getting numerous calls to «verify» that I really am a single diner. It get’s a little annoying.

First time on the SF Belle
Hubby and I had our share of boat rides and ferry cruises on the San Francisco Bay including sailing on the Red and White Fleet on Pier 43−½, riding the smaller Eco-​friendly high-​speed catamaran named the «the Kitty Kat» on Pier 39, Dock B, for a San Francisco Whale Tour, and aboard a ferry ride that departed from Pier 33 and took us to Alcatraz Island. The Hornblower, San Francisco Belle located on Pier 3, however, was a different experience for us. The SF Belle was huge!
We were here for a private event on a beautiful Sunday. The Belle was the biggest vessel out of Hornblower fleets, it had a capacity of up to 1,500 guests! I wondered if we filled it! The ship had 3 fully enclosed decks and a sun deck with a canopy cover. It was on the sun deck were some ten couples (including me and my hubby) celebrated the Unilocal Event: Gay on the Bay. The SF Belle featured four bars, a new galley and 2 elevators. This vessel is ready to take you across the bay in style while catching striking views of the San Francisco city skyline, Alcatraz Island, the Bay Bridge, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and depending on what time of day your cruise is… the beautiful sunset, which we happened to witness as the sun went down on the San Francisco Bay.
The staff was great, friendly and service on the Belle was awesome. Would like to try the dinner cruise one day which includes a 3-​hour yacht cruise on Fri-​Sat plus live entertainment and dancing or perhaps a 2-​hr brunch yacht cruise with bottomless mimosas! We had a great first time experience on the SF Belle!

If there is any kind of special event happening ( Unilocal party, Daybreaker, etc.) GO. just go.
I don’t know what I’d do if I was just on a boat… crap, now that song is stuck in my head…
…but for any of the ticketed events, with music on multiple decks, or yoga, or dueling pianos, or a silent disco up top, AND the gorgeous views of the bay to boot, you can’t find a better SF experience.

We went on their Sunday night dinner cruise for our anniversary, and had a wonderful time. We got all the meal upgrades: the cheese plate and the carpaccio as appetizers (which were both small, but delicious), and the molten chocolate cake for dessert (perfect). Our salads and cheese plate were waiting at our table for us when we were seated, along with a bottle of sparkling cider, chocolates, souvenir champagne flutes, and sourdough bread with butter.
For the main course, I got the phyllo pie, which was huge and delicious. My husband got the braised short ribs, and he swapped out the gratin side for garlic mashed potatoes (the side that came with the stuffed chicken).
The live music/​DJ was really fun — between dishes, we danced and went out on deck to see the views.
Our server, Kim, was so friendly and attentive, and was obviously having such a good time! She even got the DJ to play our wedding song at the end of the evening, which really made us feel special.
Overall, this was such a fun and romantic night out! Absolutely perfect for an anniversary, birthday, or other special event.

I’m surprised I had never been on the Hornblower cruise in my entire life. I’ve lived in the Bay my entire life, but still never went here. Well, the gf treated me out to this establishment last night for my birthday and I was thrilled with the experience.
You’re on a boat, so if you don’t like boats, this might not be for you. However, it’s a large boat and didn’t really move around that much so it was perfect. I couldn’t even tell I was on the ocean despite being on the ocean. The boat goes all around SF up to the Golden Gate Bridge and back. It was perfect. You’re able to walk around at your leisure outside the boat so make sure to step outside and enjoy the windy air. I was always blown overboard a few times! That’s how windy it can get. Still, worth it for the views.
The food was surprisingly top notch. I had no problems there. The gf went above and beyond and got a few of the extra appetizers like the cheese plate as well as the raw kobe beef which was fantastic. For dinner you have a few options to pick from and I went from the stuffed chicken breast which was simply delicious! There is also dessert which was great. They also have a dance floor for those inclined to dance your ass off.
Overall, this is a majestic experience and I highly suggest trying it out at some point.