Booking choice: The Dixie II sunset dinner cruise, from $170 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The sunset dinner cruise uses the M.S. Dixie II and the same Zephyr Cove pier as the daytime Emerald Bay cruise. The difference is a seated dinner in the lounge, soft drinks, coffee, live music, and the light.
Guests rate it a little lower than the daytime cruise, mostly because of timing and the food on busy nights. Here is how to get the best of it.
The quick answer
The operator lists the 2026 sunset dinner cruise at $150 per adult, or $170 for a window table; children 3 to 11 are $75 or $95. Viator sells it from $170. Dinner (ribeye, chicken, salmon or vegetarian), soda, coffee, tea, live music and the free hotel shuttle are included; alcohol and parking are not, and parties of eight or more pay a 20% gratuity.
How much is the Dixie II dinner cruise?
Direct it is $150 per adult ($170 with a window table) and $75 per child ($95 window); Viator is from $170.
Under-3s ride free. Viator's price includes its fees, and like every cruise here it refunds in full up to 24 hours before. Guests who paid for the window tables say the upgrade was worth it.
| Seat | Adult | Child 3-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Regular seating (direct) | $150 | $75 |
| Window seating (direct) | $170 | $95 |
| On Viator | from $170 | Child price at checkout |
Planning a special evening? The dinner cruise includes a free hotel shuttle and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Dixie II sunset dinner cruiseWhat is on the menu?
A choice of ribeye steak, chicken, salmon or a vegetarian plate, with soft drinks, coffee and tea included.
Cocktails, beer and wine are sold at the bar. Guests are mostly happy with the food; the complaints on busy nights are lukewarm plates and a store-bought-tasting dessert, while others single out the ribeye, the salmon and the cheesecake.
Will I see Emerald Bay at sunset?
In early summer, mostly yes; from late August, guests report it is already dark by the time the boat reaches the bay.
The cruise is timed around sunset and dinner is served first, so the bay comes late in the evening. Guests sailing in September described a 6 to 9 PM cruise and wished it started earlier. If seeing Emerald Bay clearly matters most, take the daytime cruise, or book the dinner cruise as early in the season as you can.
What is the dress code?
Casual. Guests who dressed formally said they were the best dressed on board.
Smart casual is fine, but bring a warm jacket: the top deck is cold and windy after dark, even in summer. See what to wear on a Lake Tahoe cruise.
Is there entertainment?
Yes, live music in the lounge, and narration about the lake and Vikingsholm.
Most guests enjoy the band and the dancing after dinner; a few found it loud in the dining area. Bring a song request or two.
Want dinner, music and sunset in one evening? The Dixie II dinner cruise has it all.
Explore the Dixie II sunset dinner cruiseHow do I get to the dinner cruise?
The same way as the day cruise: drive to Zephyr Cove Resort and pay to park, or ride the free shuttle from select hotels.
Reserve the shuttle at least two hours ahead and be at the pickup point on time: one guest missed the cruise after misreading the pickup time. Details in Zephyr Cove parking and the free shuttle.
What about the sunset wine tasting cruise?
It sails on the smaller Tahoe Paradise, for adults 21 and over, with wine and small plates; it rates lower.
The sunset wine tasting cruise is from $127 and rates 3.8 from 54 reviews. Several guests report that when it was undersold they were moved onto the Dixie II dinner cruise, some with little notice. It is a good idea to confirm with the operator the day before.
Is the dinner cruise worth it?
For a relaxed date night or a celebration, yes; for sightseeing Emerald Bay, the daytime cruise is better.
Guests celebrating anniversaries rate it highly for the service and the atmosphere. If your priority is seeing the bay in good light, book the daytime cruise and eat on shore.
Decided on the evening sailing? Check your date and pick your seat.
Check dates for the Dixie II sunset dinner cruiseFrequently asked questions
How long is the Dixie II dinner cruise?
Viator lists about four hours including boarding; guests describe about three hours on the water.
Is alcohol included on the dinner cruise?
No. Soda, coffee and tea are included; cocktails, beer and wine are sold at the bar.
Is gratuity included?
Not for smaller parties. A 20% gratuity is added for parties of eight or more.
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Choose your cruise
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
M.S. Dixie II Sunset Dinner Cruise
- Evening cruise on the M.S. Dixie II with narration
- Dinner with a choice of entree; soda, coffee and tea
- Live music; free shuttle from select hotels
M.S. Dixie II Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
- 2.25-hour narrated cruise to Emerald Bay and back
- Indoor heated seating and an open-air top deck
- Free shuttle from select South Lake Tahoe and Stateline hotels
Sunset Wine Tasting Cruise
Wine and small plates at sunset on the smaller Tahoe Paradise
