Sunset Dinner Cruise of Sacramento River

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

Will there be other people on the tour with us?

No! All tours are completely private, so only those passengers in your party will be on board.

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Tickets must be purchased in advance, and cruises often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Can I bring my own wine or champagne?

Yes! We do not provide you with beverages during dinner so please bring whatever you would like to enjoy with you. We also encourage you to bring a bottle of champagne or wine. (Corkscrew, bottle openers, an ice bucket, and stemmed glassware are available for your use on the boat.) You can also purchase cold beer, wine, and champagne, as well as soft drinks at the Turtle Bay Shell, located at 1801 Park Marina Drive right before the start time of your cruise.

What is the vegetarian option?

The vegetarian option is a grilled shish kabob of vegetables - tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, with rice.

What if I have food allergies?

We can accommodate most all food allergies. Please specify any allergies for your party when choosing your meal selections.

Is this cruise only for couples?

Our cruises are customized for your individual party! Our intimate atmosphere is great for groups of friends just looking to have a good time together. Our five-person boat is designed especially for larger parties.

Where does the trip end?

The cruise ends near S. Bonnyview Road. We take you back to your car at the launch ramp at the end of the cruise.

What is the difference between a drift boat and a gondola?

Because the Sacramento River is too shallow to allow gondolas, we use drift boats to provide the same peaceful experience. Our boats do not use motors so your cruise has a similar, quiet ambiance to a gondola ride.

What exactly do we see on the cruise?

We will take you down the Sacramento River past nature preserves and to a private island, where you can enjoy views of the native wildlife and beautiful homes. You will also cruise underneath the famous glass bottom Sundial Bridge.

Can children come on a cruise?

Typically, because our past guests have found that their experience is diminished if they bring children under 2 years of age, we encourage you to make other arrangements for them during your cruise. Life jackets are provided for and must be worn by all children for the duration of the cruise. All guests, children included, must purchase a ticket.

How should we dress?

We suggest you wear comfortable, casual clothes with a light jacket. You may also want to bring sunglasses. The temperature on the water is about 10 - 15 degrees cooler than the air temperature in Redding. A down throw is available on-board if needed or you can just cuddle more!

Are the boats handicapped accessible?

We have yet to deny any person with a handicap access to our boat. The boarding dock has a ramp and, if you have some mobility, we will gladly assist you into the boat. Wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on the boat.

Are there rest rooms on the boats?

No, but there are bathrooms available both when you get on and off the boat. If you should need to pull over, our oarsmen know a few private places along the way.

Can I bring a fishing rod?

Our cruises are designed to be a romantic or social experience with your friends and loved ones, so we ask you to save your fishing apparatus for later. There are plenty of fishing spots in the area that you can visit before or after the cruise. Just ask your oarsman for a few tips!

Can I bring anything (eg, a cooler) onto the boat?

You are able to bring a smaller cooler on the boat, but we also have ice buckets for your beverages. There is some limited space on the boat where you may store your belongings, but please try to keep the amount of items you bring on the boat to a minimum.

How far away are you from...?

Sacramento: 2.5 hours. San Francisco: 3 hours 15 minutes. San Jose: 3 hours 45 minutes. Reno: 3 hours 40 minutes.

Do we get off the boat at any time?

No, you are inside of the boat for the entirety of your cruise. You will enjoy dinner also seated in your boat, while anchored at a private island, and your oarsman leaves the boat to come around to the front and serve you.

What happens if it rains?

We watch the weather forecasts closely and want to ensure your cruise is a safe, enjoyable, memorable experience. In the event the current or forecasted conditions get in the way of that happening, requiring us to reschedule, we will contact you as soon as possible to join us at another date/time.

Can I add extra things to my cruise?

If you would like to add items such as specific flowers, chocolates, etc, we will try to accommodate you as well as we can! Please contact us using the "Contact RiverRomance" link to ask about additional items or special accommodations for surprises.

Are the boats safe?

Relax, each of our gondoliers is experienced in navigating the Sacramento River. There isn't any fast moving water and there are life jackets for each person on board.

Am I likely to get seasick?

Our boats are steady and gentle. It is very rare for our guests to become seasick. While most people do not experience any sea sickness, you may want to consider light medication if you normally take it for motion sickness. We cannot officially advise you to take any medication, however.

Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes! A gift certificate makes a very special gift for Valentine's Day, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, corporate gifts and just about any special occasion. Please contact River Romance Cruises for more details by clicking the "Contact RiverRomance" link.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded. You may reschedule your tickets (subject to availability) only if you do so at least 24 hours in advance.

Other Policies

Activity may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

In the event of rain or high winds, the seller may need to cancel the cruise up to an hour before the start time. While cancellations are rare, in the event it occurs, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

River Romance Cruises