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About

On WeddingWire since 2008

Intimate Micro-Weddings.

The best things come in small packages, which is why we’re introducing City Cruises' new intimate wedding options. Say “I do” with a private experience for two or opt for an all-inclusive micro-wedding and let our expert event team handle the details. With options for live streaming your big day, our flexible booking options, and prices to fit every budget let us bring your dream wedding to the water.

About Us

City Cruises is a wedding and event venue in San Diego, California. City Cruises founder and CEO, Terry MacRae, bought a small charter business in 1980. The company has grown and now cruises from seven California city ports and other cities including New York City. City Cruises can make your wedding dreams come true.

Facilities and Capacity
City Cruises has seven stunning boats in San Diego Bay. Inspiration Hornblower is the largest yacht in Southern California and is perfect for large events and celebrations. It is 222 feet long and can accommodate 1,200 guests. Admiral Hornblower is newly remodeled and newly named. It has been afloat in the San Diego Bay for more than 30 years. It is 151 feet long and can accommodate 600 guests for a cocktail party and 420 guests for a seated dinner reception. Adventure Hornblower has panoramic windows from both decks. It is sleek and spacious for guests to relax and enjoy the views. It is 150 feet long and can accommodate 350 guests for a seated dinner, 400 guests in buffet seating, and 550 guests for a cocktail reception. High Spirits was originally made to be a sister ship to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht, the Sequoia. High Spirits is 112 feet and can accommodate 150 guests.

Emerald Hornblower has various colors of green in the design to reflect its name. It is an 85-foot Skipperliner that accommodates 120 guests for a cocktail reception and 90 guests for a seated dinner. Emerald Hornblower has a custom-designed convertible sun foot on the top floor deck that opens to fresh air and dancing under the stars. Newport Hornblower received a full remodel in 2017 that features a modern interior. It accommodates up to 80 guests. Renown is a simple yet sophisticated yacht with a charming interior. It was built in 1940 and is 72 feet long. It can accommodate 45 guests. They also offer an on-land option for special events. The Abbey was an Episcopal church built in 1910. It is one of San Diego’s only remaining Classic Revival structures and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Abbey is a 10,000-square-foot house with winding dark-wood balconies, arched windows, antique light fixtures, and a stained glass dome. It can accommodate 475 guests for a cocktail reception and 300 guests for a seated dinner. It includes a full kitchen for catering needs.

Services Offered
City Cruises can host your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, engagement party, showers, luncheons, and other wedding events. They offer a range of packages for weddings and receptions, wedding specials, celebrations, and intimate weddings. They offer custom wedding options including flowers, photography, entertainment, transportation, red-carpet boarding, and more. You can also choose to add custom reception items including boarding photos with ring buoy, colored napkins, chair covers, chocolate fountain, favors, and more. You can customize your day down to the napkin color with City Cruises. They make it easy to plan all the details and get all your services in one place. Their wedding specialists help you choose the yacht for your event and all the services and customization options to make your day unforgettable. City Cruises provides bar and catering services for all your events. Their talented culinary team works with you to plan exquisite meals and drink pairings.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

No

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
China
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Server(s)
Wedding Cake

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

8

Describe your venue:

Boat/Yacht
Historic Building
Restaurant

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Event Planner

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access
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Any other questions?

Message vendor
4.9 out of 5 rating
27 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.7 out of 5 rating
96% Recommended by couples
Christine
Christine Sent on 07/12/2018
5 out of 5 rating
My husband and I are so happy that we chose the Hornblower for our wedding day. I still can't believe how much fun our wedding day was. We were both stress free and genuinely impressed at how simple, yet memorable our wedding turned out to be. Kudos to Kristie and Kelly for their exceptional service! The crew on board were amazing! The FOOD WAS PHENOMENAL. And the wedding cake. OMG! That was divine. They made everything so seamless. I definitely recommend to brides who doesn't want to stress out about the tiny details on their wedding day!
S
Samantha Sent on 03/08/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Wedding was perfect thanx to the great tram at Hornblower! Staff was so attentive and professional. Made everything extreamly painless.
N
Nakeedra Sent on 05/28/2016
5 out of 5 rating
The service for big groups is awesome!! If you're looking for a good reception option that isn't too expensive this is it!! Especially if you're military
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Awards

27
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2012 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2009 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

4 Endorsements
The Groove The Groove Wedding DJs

No a better option on the bay! We love to partner with Hornblower Cruises & Events! Their entire team goes above and beyond to make sure you have the perfect time! Andy Owner The Groove

CalPhonics CalPhonics Wedding Bands

Not only do we love playing on the Hornblower boats...but our brides, grooms and their guests cannot get enough of the gorgeous views and ambience.

The Dapper Dames The Dapper Dames Wedding Dresses

We attended a wedding last month for my nephew and his partner on the Lord Hornblower. Fantastic. The service was great and the views beautiful.

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