REVIEW · TORONTO
Toronto Premier Brunch Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour
Book on Viator →Operated by City Cruises Toronto · Bookable on Viator
Two hours, and you see Toronto. This Toronto Premier Brunch Cruise on the newly renovated Odyssey is an easy 2-hour sail along the harbourfront, with DJ tunes and the option to watch the city from a rooftop deck or climate-controlled indoor space.
I love how the brunch buffet keeps things moving and feels fresh, with lots of choices (including vegetarian-friendly options). I also like the small perks that make it smoother, like Wi-Fi on board and the general service energy.
One caution: paid upgrades can affect what you get most easily, especially if you care about ideal seating or alcohol, and those add-ons can push the final cost up.
In This Review
- Key things that matter before you go
- Odyssey Brunch Cruise: What makes this different from a typical Toronto boat ride
- Price and value: Is $58.56 worth it
- Meeting point reality: getting to City Cruises and finding your vibe fast
- Choosing your seat: rooftop views vs climate-controlled comfort
- Brunch buffet: what you can expect to eat (and how it feels)
- The onboard vibe: DJ music, Wi-Fi, and photo-friendly sightlines
- The 2-hour harbour cruise itself: how the route plays out
- Drinks and add-ons: how to keep your budget under control
- Who this cruise is best for—and who might want something else
- Should you book the Toronto Premier Brunch Cruise on Odyssey?
- FAQ
- How long is the Toronto Premier Brunch Cruise on Odyssey?
- What’s included with the ticket price?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- Are there extra food charges for upgrades?
- Where does the cruise depart from?
- Does the cruise run in bad weather?
- Is there indoor seating and climate control?
- What’s the dress code?
- How many people can be on the cruise?
Key things that matter before you go
- Newly renovated Odyssey comfort for a smoother ride, even if the weather turns
- Rooftop deck + indoor decks so you can choose fresh air or climate control
- DJ soundtracking that keeps the vibe fun without killing conversation
- Wi-Fi on board for quick updates and navigation when you want photos
- Brunch buffet style with frequent replenishing and choices for different diets
- Budget for extras since alcohol and some menu add-ons cost extra
Odyssey Brunch Cruise: What makes this different from a typical Toronto boat ride
If you’ve ever taken a harbour cruise that feels more like transportation than a morning out, this one feels built for the experience. You’re not just buying time on the water—you’re buying a relaxed brunch session with music, a buffet spread, and a real choice of where to sit.
The Odyssey is the star here. The ship is newly renovated, and that shows up in the comfort of the climate-controlled decks, especially if you’re sailing during cooler months or if Toronto weather does its usual switch-up. And when the sky cooperates, you can head up to the rooftop deck for open-air views—great for photos and that classic Toronto harbour feeling.
Other Toronto Harbour cruises we've reviewed in Toronto
Price and value: Is $58.56 worth it
At $58.56 per person for about 2 hours, the value depends on what you expect from brunch. You’re getting a proper harbour cruise plus brunch basics (including coffee and/or tea), and you’re not paying extra just to be on the boat and have restrooms on board.
Where the math shifts is upgrades. Additional menu items start around $14+, and alcohol is $8.50+ per drink. That means this is a smart deal if you’ll stick to coffee/tea and brunch items included, or if you only want a drink or two. If you plan to go hard on cocktails, your total can climb fast.
Also, the ship can carry up to 200 people. That doesn’t mean it’ll feel crowded all the time, but it does mean you should expect a lively environment on busier departures.
Meeting point reality: getting to City Cruises and finding your vibe fast
The cruise boards at City Cruises, 207 Queens Quay W, Toronto. It’s near public transportation, so you don’t need a car to make this happen.
Dress code is smart casual—think comfortable shoes and layers you can adjust. Toronto mornings can swing from cool to warm quickly, and being able to move between indoor and rooftop decks is half the point.
A practical tip: arrive a bit early. Boarding timing can be earlier than you might expect, and once you’re inside, you’ll want a moment to choose where to sit before the buffet lines get busy.
Choosing your seat: rooftop views vs climate-controlled comfort
This is the big decision moment. The cruise offers climate-controlled interior decks plus an open-air rooftop deck. If you want maximum views, the rooftop deck is where you’ll aim your phone. If you want comfort and fewer weather surprises, stay inside.
Now for the honest trade-off: some seating choices—like window positioning—may come with extra cost on certain sailings. One departure issue involved window seats being treated like an upgrade, even when the boat wasn’t fully packed. The lesson for you: if window seating matters, ask early what’s included and what isn’t before you assume everything is the same.
The rooftop can also feel tighter than the indoor area, so if you’re sensitive to crowding, you might rotate: rooftop for photos, then inside for the longer brunch stretch.
Brunch buffet: what you can expect to eat (and how it feels)
The included experience centers on a brunch buffet served while you cruise. The overall theme is “enough variety to satisfy different appetites,” and that comes through in how people describe the food: fresh, tasty, and not stuck in the boring buffet lane.
A standout from the experience: there are vegetarian-friendly options, so you’re not stuck eating only side dishes. If you’re bringing someone with dietary needs, you’ll likely have better luck here than on cruises where the vegetarian selection is an afterthought.
Another practical upside: the buffet is set up so the lines keep moving and food stays replenished. That matters because you’re on a time-boxed 2-hour ride. If you wait too long, you can miss the best selection when it first comes out.
Occasionally, the menu can reflect the timing of the holiday weekend. For example, Thanksgiving-style items have shown up on the brunch spread during the holiday season. So if you book during a big weekend, don’t be surprised if the menu looks slightly different than the standard.
Other dinner & brunch cruises we've reviewed in Toronto
The onboard vibe: DJ music, Wi-Fi, and photo-friendly sightlines
This isn’t a silent museum cruise. A DJ soundtracks the ride, and the music sets a party-lite mood that works for couples, friends, and families who want something more fun than a standard sightseeing boat.
You also get Wi-Fi on board, which is handy for:
- quick photo uploads
- finding landmarks you recognize (since not every cruise version provides lots of narration)
- keeping your group aligned when you’re switching between decks
Speaking of photos: this sail is made for “hold it up, keep it steady” moments. You’ll have regular chances to photograph the harbourfront and skyline from either deck. The outdoor option is especially nice when the weather cooperates—sunny days make the rooftop feel like part of the attraction, not just a backup.
The 2-hour harbour cruise itself: how the route plays out
The schedule is built around a slow-moving cruise where you stay aboard and enjoy multiple passes along the harbourfront. In other words, the “stops” aren’t separate excursions where you jump off the boat. You’re on the vessel the whole time, and each segment is a chance to look, photograph, and grab something from the buffet.
One thing to understand about Toronto harbour operations: route patterns can change depending on day and local rules. Some departures may not go as far out as you expect. On at least one sailing, the experience was more like loops in front of downtown rather than cruising farther out around the islands. That doesn’t make the cruise bad, but it does mean you should keep your expectations flexible: you’re still getting harbour views, just not always the farthest stretch.
Also, don’t count on heavy onboard storytelling. There may be limited or no real narrative about what you’re seeing as you pass sights. That’s easy to solve: load a simple self-guided list on your phone before you board, so you know what you’re aiming your camera at.
Drinks and add-ons: how to keep your budget under control
Alcohol is not included. If you want cocktails, wine, or beer, you’ll pay $8.50+ per drink, and additional brunch menu items start around $14+.
Here’s the smart way to handle it:
- Decide your max drink budget before you get on board.
- Stick with coffee/tea if you want this to stay close to the advertised price.
- If you’re celebrating—birthday, anniversary, client event—treat the paid drinks as the fun add-on, not the default.
One helpful service detail: you may have a server who brings drinks to your table. That’s a nice upgrade compared to a “go stand in line” system, especially when the buffet is already drawing people up and down.
One more “watch your order” note: some soft drink items (like ginger ale) may also be charged. So don’t assume everything non-alcoholic is free just because coffee and tea are.
Who this cruise is best for—and who might want something else
This is a strong pick if you want:
- a relaxing brunch in a scenic setting
- an easy Toronto experience without complicated planning
- a fun soundtrack and good photo opportunities
- comfort options (indoor decks and rooftop deck)
It’s also a nice choice for celebrations. People describe the vibe as friendly and supportive, with staff who help keep things running smoothly and make moments feel special. If you’re planning something like an anniversary or milestone birthday, the onboard setting gives you a built-in “event” feel without the stress of a restaurant reservation.
It may be less ideal if:
- you expect a detailed narrated tour as you cruise
- you’re very price-sensitive and want everything included
- you’re set on a specific seating type (like window seats) and want it guaranteed
Should you book the Toronto Premier Brunch Cruise on Odyssey?
I’d book it if your goal is an easy, good-value harbour morning with real food, music, and options for where to sit. At about 2 hours, it’s the kind of activity that fits neatly into a Toronto trip without swallowing an entire morning or afternoon.
I’d also book it if you want flexibility: climate-controlled interiors for comfort, rooftop deck for the views, Wi-Fi if you need it, and restrooms on board.
The main reason to hesitate is simple: extras. If you want alcohol or you care a lot about specific seating, take time to plan your budget and ask what’s included for the seat you want. Done right, this cruise lands as one of those “worth the ticket” Toronto water experiences.
FAQ
How long is the Toronto Premier Brunch Cruise on Odyssey?
It’s approximately 2 hours.
What’s included with the ticket price?
You’ll have a 2-hour brunch cruise aboard the climate-controlled decks, plus DJ-curated music, coffee and/or tea, Wi-Fi on board, and restroom access.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
No. Alcoholic beverages like cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase starting from $8.50+ per drink.
Are there extra food charges for upgrades?
Yes. Additional F&B upgrades are available, with selected dishes starting from $14+.
Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from City Cruises at 207 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 1A7, Canada and ends back at the same meeting point.
Does the cruise run in bad weather?
It runs rain or shine, but if severe weather or unsafe water conditions arise and sailing is deemed unsafe, the cruise may be canceled. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is there indoor seating and climate control?
Yes. The cruise includes climate-controlled interior decks, plus an open-air rooftop deck.
What’s the dress code?
Smart casual.
How many people can be on the cruise?
The experience has a maximum of 200 travelers.
If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you care most about rooftop photos or maximum comfort—I can help you decide when to go and how to plan your onboard budget.
