Quick answer
Gateway Clipper's classic dining cruises are the Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise (select Saturdays, adult-themed, 2.5 hours), the Skyline Dinner Cruise (select Fridays, all ages, 2 hours) and the Barbecue Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise (summer Thursdays, through a working river lock). Each includes a buffet and DJ, with a full-service bar for purchase.
When it comes to memorable dining in Pittsburgh, few experiences compare to a cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet. Good food, river views and the skyline sliding by your window have made our classic dining cruises a favorite for generations. These cruises have evolved over the years, and longtime guests may remember them by other names, but today they sail as the Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise, the Skyline Dinner Cruise and the Barbecue Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise. Each one is a different way to see Pittsburgh from the water.
Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise: Saturday night on the rivers
For a classic evening on the water, the Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise pairs a chef-prepared dinner buffet with a DJ, a dance floor and panoramic views of Pittsburgh's skyline. It's our flagship Saturday night, and a favorite for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays and entertaining out-of-town guests or clients.
- When: select Saturdays, April through November (boards 5:45pm, sails 6:30 to 9:00pm)
- Who: an adult-themed evening, recommended for guests 18 and older
- Dress: dressy casual
In the colder months, the same evening returns as the Holiday Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise in December and the Winter Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise on select Saturdays, January through March.
Skyline Dinner Cruise: a relaxed Friday for all ages
The Skyline Dinner Cruise is a laid-back way to start the weekend: a buffet dinner, DJ entertainment and evening views of the city's bridges, riverfront and downtown skyline as the lights come up. It's family-friendly and a great pick for groups of friends.
- When: select Fridays, April through November (boards 5:15pm, sails 6:00 to 8:00pm)
- Who: all ages welcome
Barbecue Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise: dinner and a working river lock
Looking for a one-of-a-kind river adventure? The Barbecue Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise pairs a hearty barbecue buffet with a trip through one of Pittsburgh's working river locks. You'll get an up-close look at the engineering that keeps river traffic moving, plus scenic waterfront views and a DJ on board. It's sightseeing, a little history and great food in one evening.
- When: Thursday evenings in summer and early fall (boards 6:15pm, sails 7:00 to 9:30pm). The 2026 season wraps up on October 15; check the cruise page for next year's dates.
- Who: all ages welcome
What every classic dining cruise includes
- A buffet dinner, prepared by our culinary team and brought aboard, available as soon as you board
- Coffee and hot tea, with a full-service bar for purchase (21+ with valid photo ID)
- DJ entertainment and the best views of the city from the water
- Assigned seating, so your table is waiting for you
Onboard purchases are cashless (cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay). For a step-by-step look at the evening, read what to expect on your Gateway Clipper dining experience.
A Pittsburgh tradition that keeps evolving
Gateway Clipper has sailed Pittsburgh's three rivers since 1958, and more than 25 million passengers have cruised with us. Over the years our dining cruises have adapted with new menus, themes and experiences. Whatever you used to call your favorite, today's Captain's Dinner Dance, Skyline Dinner and Barbecue Lock & Dam cruises carry on the same tradition of hospitality on the rivers.
Find your dining cruise
Craving barbecue, planning a romantic dinner or looking for one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh? Browse all dining cruises, including seasonal favorites like the Autumn Serenade Lunch, and book your date right on the cruise page. Before you go, check Plan Your Visit for parking and arrival tips.
Frequently asked questions
What dinner cruises does Gateway Clipper offer in Pittsburgh?
The Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise sails select Saturdays (recommended 18+), the Skyline Dinner Cruise sails select Fridays (all ages) and the Barbecue Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise sails Thursdays in summer and early fall. Each includes a buffet and DJ entertainment.
Which Gateway Clipper dinner cruise is best for families?
The Skyline Dinner Cruise and the Barbecue Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise welcome all ages. The Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise is an adult-themed evening, recommended for guests 18 and older.
Are drinks included on dinner cruises?
The buffet comes with coffee and hot tea. A full-service bar is available for purchase, and onboard purchases are cashless: cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
