Waterways Brunch Cruise Seattle: 2-Hour Weekend Buffet and Mimosa Toast on Lake Union, $116
Quick answer
The Waterways brunch cruise costs $116 per person on GetYourGuide for 2 hours on Lake Union and Lake Washington, with a toast and a brunch buffet.
It sails on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 AM from Fishermen's Terminal, and GetYourGuide rates it 4.6/5 from 19+ reviews.
The Waterways brunch cruise is a weekend buffet on a boat that stays on Seattle's two lakes, leaving Fishermen's Terminal at 11:00 AM and returning at 1:00 PM. It is a daytime cousin of the dinner cruise, with a toast on boarding, an omelet station and coffee and tea included.
The detail that changes the decision is how often the listing contradicts its operator. It calls the cruise unsuitable for people with food allergies and wheelchair users, while Waterways's own page welcomes all ages and accommodates allergies with notice. One reviewer also got shared dining, not the private table promised.
My Seattle dinner cruises guide covers the evening meals, the Seattle boat tours hub lists every other boat, and the home page shows the other cities.
| Operator | Waterways Cruises & Events (sold through GetYourGuide) |
|---|---|
| Boat | Waterways vessel with tables and outer decks; capacity not stated |
| Price | $116 per person; 10% off for groups of 10 or more |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Departure times | Saturdays and Sundays: boarding 10:30 AM, departure 11:00 AM, return 1:00 PM |
| Dock | Fishermen's Terminal Dock 9, 3919 18th Ave W |
| Route | Lake Union and Lake Washington; the Lake Washington leg depends on boat traffic and weather |
| Food and drinks | Toast on boarding, brunch buffet, coffee and tea; bar drinks cost extra |
| Languages | English, light narration from the captain |
| Cancellation | Cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund |
| Rating | 4.6/5 from 19+ reviews on GetYourGuide |
What does the Waterways brunch cruise show on Lake Union and Lake Washington?
It shows Seattle's skyline, the Space Needle, floating homes, historic bridges, waterfront landmarks and seaplanes from the water.
- Space Needle and skyline: the operator lists both among its main sights.
- Floating homes and bridges: the houseboat communities and historic bridges along the lakes.
- Lake Union and Lake Washington: the two lakes of the route, with Lake Washington depending on boat traffic and weather.
- Seaplanes: the operator lists them among the sights of the lakes.
The boat doesn't enter Elliott Bay, so you won't see the working waterfront from this route. For saltwater views by day, the Argosy harbor cruise is the comparison.
Where does the Waterways brunch cruise leave from?
It leaves from Dock 9 at Fishermen's Terminal, 3919 18th Avenue West, with 8-hour parking on the right as you enter the lot.
A few spaces also sit in front of Dock 9, per the listing. Neither the listing nor the operator gives transit directions, so use the driving route on Google Maps, or check King County Metro's trip planner; an adult single ride costs $3.00.
- Arrive by 10:30 AM. Boarding opens then, and the boat leaves at 11:00 AM.
- Park on the right. The 8-hour lot is just inside the entrance.
- Look for your table. The listing promises a private table per booking.
- Bring a layer. The operator suggests a sweater or light jacket for the outer decks.
What is on the Waterways brunch cruise menu?
The brunch is a buffet of breakfast classics with an omelet station, and the operator posts the menu on its brunch page.
| Station | What is listed | Dietary note |
|---|---|---|
| Bakery | Assorted pastries and desserts, mini bagels with smoked salmon and lox | Vegetarian items marked |
| Hot | Bacon, sausage, roasted red potatoes, French toast bread pudding | Plant-based sausage on request |
| Omelet station | Peppers, onion, mushroom, tomato, cheddar, bacon, sausage | Vegan egg on request |
| Fresh | Fruit platter, snap pea and cherry tomato salad, yogurt parfaits | Several gluten-free |
| Drinks | Toast on boarding, coffee and tea | Cocktails, wine and beer cost extra |
The toast is wording that shifts in the listing, which calls it prosecco in one place and champagne in another, while the operator says mimosa or sparkling cider. A reviewer also saw guests at the next table with a bottomless mimosa add-on that the listing doesn't mention. Ask the operator what extra packages exist.
How does a weekend morning on the cruise run from boarding to return?
The whole outing takes about 2.5 hours from check-in to the dock, with the buffet opening once the boat is under way.
| Time | What happens | Your job |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM | Boarding opens at Dock 9 | Park, find your table, hang up a coat |
| 11:00 AM | The boat leaves, and the toast is served on boarding | Settle in before the lake views begin |
| Mid-cruise | Buffet, omelet station and coffee; captain's light narration | Visit the outer deck between plates |
| 1:00 PM | Return to Lake Washington and Lake Union water and the dock | Collect belongings; the next weekend slot sells separately |
The listing gives no seating chart, so ask for a window table when you contact the operator. Groups of 10 or more should book together so the 10% discount applies and the party sits together, as one reviewer's group of 10 did.
Can you eat on the Waterways brunch cruise with allergies or a wheelchair?
Possibly, but the listing says no: it marks people with food allergies and wheelchair users as unsuitable, while Waterways's own page welcomes allergies with advance notice.
The two sources conflict, and I can't resolve it from the listing. For allergies, the operator says it accommodates dietary restrictions whenever possible and asks you to get in touch ahead of time. For wheelchair access, the listing gives no detail, so phone or email before you pay.
Is the tip included in the Waterways brunch cruise price?
The listing doesn't mention gratuity for the brunch, while the operator's own FAQ says its tickets exclude it and default to a 15% tip at checkout.
- Included in $116: the cruise, a private table (per the listing), toast, buffet, coffee and tea, and light narration.
- Extra: cocktails, wine, beer and any add-on drink package.
- Group saving: 10% off for parties of 10 or more, but the operator adds 20% auto-gratuity for such parties on its own site.
- Tip rule: read your confirmation and carry cash if the tip isn't in the price.
$8.8 billion was the record total visitor spending in Seattle in 2024, with 2.4 million international visitors.
When is the best time for a brunch cruise on Lake Union?
June to August is the best window, with 5 or fewer rain days a month and daytime highs of 72 to 79 °F.
| Month | Average high | Rain days | On deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44 °F | 9 | Cold; stay at your table |
| February | 46 °F | 15 | Wet; coat for the deck |
| March | 53 °F | 20 | Wettest month, indoor tables |
| April | 59 °F | 11 | Jacket for the deck |
| May | 65 °F | 11 | Mild; deck is pleasant |
| June | 72 °F | 3 | Warm, best deck weather |
| July | 79 °F | 1 | Warmest, driest |
| August | 77 °F | 5 | Warm; sun cream on deck |
| September | 71 °F | 5 | Light jacket |
| October | 58 °F | 16 | Cold on deck |
| November | 53 °F | 16 | Cold and wet |
| December | 50 °F | 19 | Wettest; stay inside |
The operator sails year-round, rain or shine, and the captain can alter the route, return early or stay at the dock if conditions are unsafe. A brunch is mostly indoors, which is why winter works better than for a sunset cruise. The National Weather Service Seattle office posts the forecast for your weekend.
How does it compare with the other lake and harbor cruises?
It is the cheapest Waterways meal at $116, the only daytime meal among the Waterways cruises I list, and it has the fewest reviews of the rated ones.
| Cruise | Length | Price | Includes | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterways brunch cruise (this page) | 2 h | $116 | Buffet, toast | 4.6 (19) |
| Waterways dinner cruise | 2.5 h | $149 | Three-course dinner | 3.8 (60) |
| Argosy harbor cruise | 1 h | $43 | Narrated cruise | 4.8 (741) |
| Argosy locks cruise | 2 h | $56 | Narrated one-way cruise | 4.8 (97) |
The brunch has a better rating than the dinner on the same boats, but only 19 reviews back it. The harbor and locks cruises cost under half as much and carry no meal.
Is the Waterways brunch cruise worth $116 against a daytime harbor cruise?
It is worth it if the buffet and a relaxed table are the point; if you only want to see Seattle from the water, a $43 harbor cruise covers more of the shoreline.
- Worth it for birthdays and family weekends - the operator acknowledges birthdays on board, per one review.
- Worth it for groups of 10 or more - 10% off applies.
- Not worth it for sightseeing alone - the lakes lack the Elliott Bay waterfront.
- Not worth it if allergies are severe - confirm the kitchen can accommodate you first.
For one weekend meal on the water, I'd book the brunch cruise in summer and the harbor cruise if the goal is the view.
What do passengers say about this brunch cruise?
The 19 reviews on GetYourGuide average 4.6/5, with the guide at 4.9, transportation at 4.7 and value at 4.2.
- Food: called excellent in the reviews I could read, including the buffet.
- Crew: friendly and welcoming, with one guest receiving a free drink after a seat move.
- Boat changes: one guest was told days ahead that the original boat had changed and still rated it 5 stars; a 3-star guest found the vessel ferry-like.
- Seating: one 3-star review got family-style dining instead of a private table.
Most reviews are 5 stars, so treat the sample as positive-leaning. The recurring caution is boat and seating changes, which fits a business that swaps vessels.
Who should skip this brunch cruise?
Skip it if you want a weekday outing, a guaranteed private table or the Puget Sound waterfront.
- Weekday travelers: it sails on Saturdays and Sundays only.
- Wheelchair users: the listing marks it unsuitable, so confirm access first.
- Yacht seekers: a 3-star guest said the boat felt more like a small ferry.
- Evening planners: the dinner cruise runs Wednesday to Saturday.
The Seattle boat tours hub lists every option by trip type.
How do you book the Waterways brunch cruise?
This brunch cruise costs $116 per person on GetYourGuide, with a toast and buffet and a full refund up to 24 hours ahead.
Check availabilityI earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
When does the cruise sail?
On Saturdays and Sundays: boarding at 10:30 AM, departure at 11:00 AM and return at 1:00 PM.
Where does the brunch cruise leave from?
It leaves from Dock 9 at Fishermen's Terminal, 3919 18th Avenue West, Seattle, with 8-hour parking on the right as you enter.
How long is the cruise?
It lasts 2 hours, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, on Lake Union and Lake Washington.
What food is served on the brunch cruise?
A buffet with pastries, fruit, bacon, sausage, potatoes, an omelet station, French toast bread pudding, parfaits and smoked salmon with bagels.
Are drinks included?
A toast on boarding plus coffee and tea; cocktails, wine and beer are sold separately at the bar.
Is the brunch cruise suitable for children?
The operator says all ages are welcome, though the listing doesn't state a child price, so ask before booking.
Can the brunch cruise handle food allergies?
The listing says it's unsuitable for people with food allergies, but the operator says it accommodates dietary needs when told in advance.
Is the tip included?
The listing doesn't say, and the operator's FAQ says its own tickets exclude the tip and default to 15%, so check your confirmation.
What if the weather is bad?
The operator runs rain or shine, but the captain may change the route, return early or stay at the dock for safety.
Is there a group discount?
Yes, groups of 10 or more get 10% off tickets, according to the listing.
Sources: GetYourGuide listing 941363 (read 2026-10-17); Waterways Cruises, Weekend Brunch Cruise; Waterways Cruises FAQ; King County Metro fares; National Weather Service Seattle; Visit Seattle; Open-Meteo and Nager.Date APIs.
