Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour worth booking?
Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour is a 3-hour experience in Sydney, Australia, from $125 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 12 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 49 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (12)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $125 per person
3-hour cruise on Sydney Harbour Seafood & carvery lunch Dessert, coffee & tea Fully licensed bar - packages available Xmas treats & bon bons Festive decor to set the mood Carols & background music Allocated indoor seate
What you get
About this experience
3-hour cruise on Sydney Harbour Seafood & carvery lunch Dessert, coffee & tea Fully licensed bar - packages available Xmas treats & bon bons Festive decor to set the mood Carols & background music Allocated indoor seated dining Large observation decks for the best views of Sydney Harbour Tickets for this cruise are already selling, so be sure to book in advance.
What's included
Included
- Santa visit!
- Christmas bon-bons
- Dessert
- Lunch
- GST (Goods and Services Tax
- Music
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Sydney Harbour
Experience the joy of Christmas Day on Sydney Harbour aboard our modern catamaran, the MV Vagabond Spirit! Join us as we celebrate Christmas Day with a 3 hour cruise on Sydney Harbour, accompanied by delicious food, fantastic service and the joyous spirit of Christmas! Enjoy a sumptuous seafood and carvery seated lunch served to your table, traditional Christmas roasts, leg of ham and plenty of delicious fresh seafood. Take advantage of the stunning harbour sights from our spacious outdoor viewing decks, perfect for your family portraits and selfies. Grab a refreshment at our fully licensed bar and indulge in Christmas pudding with warm custard, but don’t forget to be on you best behaviour... You might even get a surprise visit from Santa!
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sydney
Departure Point: Please refer to your boarding pass for accurate details. Please arrive 15 mins prior to the cruise departure time. Unfortunately we cannot wait for late arrivals and if you miss the boat there will be no refunds or transfers permitted.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Departure Point: Please refer to your boarding pass for accurate details. Please arrive 15 mins prior to the cruise departure time. Unfortunately we cannot wait for late arrivals and if you miss the boat there will be no refunds or transfers permitted.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Vagabond Cruises
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
10 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience
I joined the Christmas in July Cruise with Vagabond and had such an amazing time! The buffet was delicious with plenty of great food, the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the whole atmosphere was fantastic. There was such a great vibe from the moment we boarded, with live music, people dancing, and everyone having fun. It was an unforgettable night on Sydney Harbour. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and unique experience. Thank you, Vagabond!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such an amazing time on our Christmas in July Cruise. It's great to know you enjoyed the buffet, the live entertainment, and the friendly service from our crew. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back on board again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Do not waste your money at vagabond
Unfortunately, this New Year’s Eve cruise was a huge disappointment. The main issue was the captain’s lack of experience. For such a special and expensive event, better planning and leadership were expected. The boat stayed too far from the fireworks area, and just minutes before midnight there was no clear position. In the end, we were placed behind a much bigger boat that blocked the entire view of the Harbour Bridge. When we finally had some visibility, the boat moved again and ruined it. The staff and food were fine, but that does not compensate for missing the fireworks after paying such a high price. I would not recommend Vagabond Cruises for New Year’s Eve events.
Response from the operator: Hi Diana, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We understand how important the New Year’s Eve fireworks experience is, and we’re sorry that the midnight viewing did not meet your expectations. We’ve reviewed the concerns raised and have responded directly where possible. While we won’t be discussing individual circumstances in a public forum, we remain open to further correspondence via email. Kind regards, Vagabond Cruises
via Tripadvisor
Karl saved our Christmas
Last year my family didn't make it on our booked Christmas cruise due to Covid so it was credited for this year. I rang up Vagabond in early November to rebook on the Princess. They were very busy, I think short staffed so the communication was a bit long winded. I eventually received our boarding pass via email on Christmas Eve, the email said for my referenceonly no need to print it, luckily I did anyway as when we turned up on Christmas day we were told our booking had been cancelled. We were very upset but Karl was extremely professional caring and was able to sort it out and save the day. A huge thankyou to Karl and all the crew who went out of there way to really look after my family the entire day and helped make our lunch cruise an amazing experience. The food was also plentiful and delicious.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent trip from beginning to end
Our 1st trip from UK to Aus - prebooked this lunch in the Summer. We were concerned when looking at recent reviews about the Star that indicated a very poor rating - but needn't have worried as all was brilliant; staff (friendly and helpful), food (loads, fresh and tasty) and the boat itself may be old but was in good condition and clean. A wonderful first time cruise of the harbour with lots of excellent photo opportunities.
Response from the operator: Hi Martins, Thank you so much for your review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the food, service and harbour views. We shall be sure to congratulate our team and let them know what an excellent service they continue to provide. Best wishes, Vagabond Cruises Team
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Cruise!
A wonderful way to spend Christmas lunch, very friendly service from the staff. Yummy food and the bar was well stocked for the trip.
Response from the operator: Hi Jordand5199, We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the food and service provided during your Christmas Lunch onboard Vagabond Cruises. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and we hope to see you on board again soon. Kind regards, Vagabond Cruises Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri
- Price range
- $125 to $155
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 49
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sydney.
How much does Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour cost?
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Prices start at $125 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sydney usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sydney is not rushed.
Is Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Sydney, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sydney can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sydney and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sydney within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sydney?
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On Outty we rank every Sydney experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive, Depart Syd: Blue Mountains Best All Inclusive with Local Guide, Blue Mountain Small Group Tour All Inclusive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sydney?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sydney?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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