This was my 3rd dinner cruise in Paris. After trying the famous Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches, it was time to see how Le Diamant Bleu compares. It’s newer, bigger, and usually cheaper than the big-name boats. But is it better, worse, or just different? Here’s my full review — route, food, vibe, and tips to help you decide.
Here’s the video of the review if you wanna check it after reading this.
Check details and prices of this dinner cruise here.
Quick Overview: What is Diamant Bleu?
- Departure point: Port d’Austerlitz, near Gare d’Austerlitz (easy metro access)
- Cruise length: About 2h30
- Price: About €15 to €30 cheaper than the basic plans on Bateaux Parisiens or Bateaux Mouches.
- Includes: 3-course meal + live music + Seine cruise
- Upgrades available: Window seat (+€15), wine/champagne packages
So it’s cheaper than most basic options on Bateaux Parisiens or Bateaux Mouches — but still a full dinner cruise.
Boarding & Location: Easy and Smooth
Unlike many Seine cruises that leave from near the Eiffel Tower, Diamant Bleu boards at 36 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris — right near Gare d’Austerlitz.
You can get there easily by Metro or RER. Once you exit the station, it’s just a short walk down to the quay. The entrance is clearly marked, and I found it very simple to locate.
Boarding started about 30 minutes before departure. No long lines. No big crowds. Everything felt calm and organized.
My Full Review: Pros & Cons
The Boat & Atmosphere
The boat is very big — actually one of the largest I’ve tried on the Seine. It can fit around 450 people but feels quite spacious thanks to high ceilings and wide tables.
Inside, every table gets a clear view thanks to tall windows running along both sides. The vibe is modern and more “yacht-like” than the older classic boats.
In our case, we were lucky — we got a window table without requesting or paying anything extra. I’m not sure if it was because the boat wasn’t full that evening or just random chance. Either way, it was a nice bonus.
What I really appreciated: even with many tables, it didn’t feel cramped at all. Everyone had plenty of personal space.
The Rooftop: Best Part of the Boat
This was, honestly, my favorite feature.
The rooftop is huge, with benches and tables where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the views. Early in the evening it was almost empty, which made it great for photos and calm moments.
Closer to 10 p.m., most people went up for Eiffel Tower views — but there was still room to move around.
Of the 3 dinner cruises I’ve tested, this one definitely has the nicest rooftop.
The Food
The menu is simple, with only two choices for starters and mains, but only one dessert.
If you don’t like the one dessert (Pavlova), you’re out of luck! But personally, I enjoyed it.
What I ordered:
- Burrata starter
- Roasted sea bass main
- Pavlova for dessert
The portions were actually generous for a dinner cruise.
The food was good — not Michelin-level fine dining, but very solid for this type of experience.
One thing to know:
Water is included. Any other drinks — cocktails, soft drinks, or wine — cost extra unless you pre-book a drink package.
But we did order some cocktails (Spritz), because why not! Let’s enjoy that cruise!
The Route & Views
The cruise route covers most of the big monuments you expect to see:
- Eiffel Tower
- Pont Alexandre III
- Dome des Invalides
- Musée d’Orsay
- Louvre
- Pont Neuf
- Notre-Dame
- Conciergerie
- Small Statue of Liberty
It’s almost the same route as the big-name cruises. The main difference: this boat starts further east, so you don’t see the Eiffel Tower immediately after departure.
The Music & Vibe
There’s live music during the dinner: a singer with a guitarist playing pop and French songs.
The musicians were great, but my seat was right next to the speakers — which made the volume a bit too loud.
The atmosphere overall was festive, but not too wild — relaxed enough for couples, families, or small groups of friends.
The Eiffel Tower Sparkle (Or Not…)
Now for the one little disappointment: we didn’t catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
Usually, the tower sparkles for 5 minutes every hour after dark. Unfortunately, the boat wasn’t near the Eiffel Tower at the right time on our cruise. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes not.
My Quick Tips Before You Book
- Arrive 30 minutes early: Boarding is easy and smooth, but it’s always more relaxing to arrive early, take photos, and settle in calmly.
- Don’t stress too much about the window seat: We were given a window table without requesting or paying extra. It might depend on the boat’s occupancy that evening — sometimes you get lucky.
- Bring a light jacket, even in summer: The rooftop can get breezy once the boat starts moving, especially after sunset.
- Be ready for loud music if you’re seated close to the stage: The live singer and guitarist were great, but the speakers can get loud depending on your table’s location.
Is Diamant Bleu Worth It? My Verdict
Yes — if this is the kind of cruise you’re looking for.
- ✅ Plenty of personal space
- ✅ Good-sized portions
- ✅ Beautiful rooftop
- ✅ Relaxed, festive atmosphere
- ✅ Price slightly lower than main competitors
But:
- ❌ Sparkle timing is not guaranteed
- ❌ Music volume can be loud if you’re close to the speakers
For couples, families, or groups who want a full dinner cruise experience with a bit more space and a very nice rooftop, Diamant Bleu is a solid pick.
You can check prices and book your Diamant Bleu dinner cruise here.
If you use that link, I’ll get a little commission at no extra cost for you. It helps us out.
Bonne croisière!
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
