Last night Dave and I climbed aboard the Eidelweiss Cruise Ship at Third Street Pier for their Classic Dinner Cruise. The Eidelweiss and The Eidelweiss II offer public and private charters and cruises along the Milwaukee River seven days per week April through December.
The night was chilly and we huddled together on the dock to stay warm, surrounded by the three other couples who were to be joining us, while the tables inside the boat were set for dinner. While we were waiting, the Eidelweiss II pulled up to the dock, full of probably 20 or 30 people who had just been on one of the Happy Hour cruises. We boarded our boat around 7:30 and were out on the water until 9:30.
The inside of the boat was charming, if not a bit outdated. The wood paneling and lone picture on the wall reminded me of places I'd been with my grandparents on vacations as a young child. The atmosphere was romantic, especially with the city lights rolling slowly by outside the large windows, though again, the classical music that was playing was a bit stuffy. Normally, I barely notice what type of music is playing while I'm dining, however, with only eight people speaking in very muffled voices, the music was clearly noticeable.
There was one bartender and one waitress on board, and they took good care of us. Champagne was poured with our appetizer and wine was poured with dinner, and coffee or soda was included, too. Anything else from the bar was available for an extra charge. I asked our waitress how many tables they can fit, since there were only four right now with ample space for more, and she said that some of the summertime dinner cruises seat up to 70 people. That'd be a tight squeeze!
Our antipasto plate and bread were served immediately, followed by a small dinner salad. The main course was filet with crab-stuffed Dover Sole, served with a baked potato and mixed vegetables. Dessert was strawberry cheesecake.
Now I am very grateful to have been offered the opportunity to experience the Eidelweiss, and I understand that I'm not a food critic. However, I have to be honest when I say that the food was mediocre at best and I don't think the price - $72 per person - is worth it for the meal we were served. The meal reminded me a bit of wedding food - circa 1992.
The iceberg lettuce salad was very boring. The filet was bland and if the fish were true Dover Sole, it wouldn't have needed a dill sauce slathered on top to give it flavor. The cheesecake was the best part of the meal, though is was a bit too cold and had frozen, not fresh, strawberries on top.
Dave and I went to Third Street Pier for Valentine's Day a couple years ago and were quite disappointed with the food then, as well. Milwaukee has some really fabulous options for dining out; therefore, one should expect food of a certain caliber when they frequent the "nicer" places in the city.
Once we were finished eating, we decided to put on our jackets and go out onto the back of boat. We were no longer on the Milwaukee River but rather in the harbor of Lake Michigan and the city was beautiful. A lighthouse glowed in the distance - and in the pictures we took out there, it sort of looks like heaven in the distance. Out of the prim dining room, we were free to be a bit louder and goof off a little. It was cold, but we enjoyed the view and the privacy for awhile anyway.
We cleared our throats, hushed our giggles and climbed back into the dining room for the remainder of the cruise. Don't get me wrong - it's not like we sat in silence while inside. We were plenty loud - probably the loudest of the four couples. The rest of the passengers seemed to enjoy themselves well enough, but I couldn't be sure. We sat and enjoyed the lights, restaurants, and buildings we passed. The River Walk is an awesome addition to downtown Milwaukee, and it was cool to see it all from the river.
When we got off the boat, we thanked our hosts and walked back to our car, reflecting on our dinner experience. We were full, that's for sure, but not wowed. There's still nothing like being on a boat, especially right through downtown and out into the harbor, and I loved that part – though it would have been even nicer on a warmer evening.
Would I still recommend a trip on the Eidelweiss? YES. Except I'd recommend the Happy Hour cruises or the Fiesta Cruise, which is one Dave and I hope to check out with some friends in the coming weeks: $15 per person for margaritas and a build-your-own-taco bar. You can't really beat margaritas and tacos - or just a good old-fashioned booze cruise - and that way, you get the cruising-on-the-river experience without the higher price.
For the Eidelweiss schedule, you can go here.
I didn't even read your opinion of the food by the time I looked at the pictures and decided that it was weak. I don't know which is worse, the store-bought cheesecake or the cheese plate I might not even eat (and I'll eat anything).
If they want a nice review, they should get their crap together and invite you back. It looks like a 1950s camper in there. Too bad... I had heard good things about it.
Posted by: Andre | September 30, 2005 at 01:12 PM
Michele sent me here, Erin, and for the first time in over a month! Egad.
Your post reminded me a lot of a wedding reception I went to about 5 years ago. It was in Pittsburg and the couple had splurged on a riverboat cruise on the 3 rivers that Pittsburgh is situated on. Like what you discovered, the food was very forgettable but I really loved the view. And we had a Scottish piper along and he was great. I do love bagpipes!
Posted by: Utenzi | September 30, 2005 at 02:18 PM
I totally agree that the "fine dining" experience leaves something to be desired... but that great atmosphere you talk about is what really makes the fiesta cruise and the happy hour/party cruises great! Plus they're really cheap considering what you get!
As of my birthday in august I've done all the types of cruises they do and the "fine dining" is the only one I wouldn't do. All the others are a great way to have a good time and enjoy our cities waters!
Posted by: Andy | September 30, 2005 at 04:39 PM
Ohhhhh this was weak. The first thing I thought when we got on the boat was "Oh this would be awesome for prom." The food was not good. I felt bad for the people who actually paid $72 for the "cruise" and dinner. I disagree with Erin about the setting being romantic. It also reminded me of a place my grandparents would take me which doesn't usually make me think of romance, but that's just me.
Posted by: Dave | September 30, 2005 at 06:05 PM
I just noticed the Oscar Meyer hard sausage cut in fours. Ha!
Posted by: Andre | September 30, 2005 at 07:53 PM
Sounds more like the final supper on board the Titanic!!
Posted by: Larry | October 03, 2005 at 03:18 PM
Hey – let's see a picture the tattoo on your back! Or are you too shy?
I didn't know you had one until I saw your "king of the world" picture.
Posted by: oz | October 03, 2005 at 04:08 PM