Bateaux Mouches vs. Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise (Side-by-Side Comparison)

After personally experiencing most the major dinner cruises along the Seine in Paris, I can definitively compare the two most popular options: Bateaux Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens.

On the surface, both offer a great dinner cruise experience, but the devil lies in the details.

I've put together a side by side comparison of both dinner cruises below.

I also have a comparison of both companies' sightseeing cruises.

Want A Quick Answer? Here's The Verdict:

Bateaux Mouches edges out as the winner. They excel in everything that matters: outstanding friendly service, fair pricing, a generous drinks package, excellent food, and impeccable ship amenities.

While Bateaux Parisiens holds a strong second place with its elegant ambiance and solid reputation, the Bateaux Mouches experience simply delivers more for your money.

Price & Value Comparison

Bateaux Mouches:

• Prestige tier: €115 (3 courses)
• Excellence tier: €165 (4 courses, window seating priority)
• Includes generous drinks: 1L water bottle and wine bottle (per 2 people), glass of champagne
• Excellence adds: welcome drink and bottle of champagne

Bateaux Parisiens:

• Etoile/Decouverte service: €109 (3 courses, center seating)
• Privilege service: €139-179 (4 courses, window seating)
• Premier service: €215 (4 courses, premium front row area of the boat)
• Less generous drinks package compared to Bateaux Mouches

The Ships & Views

Bateaux Mouches:

• Spacious, modern, and elegant ship (500-person capacity)
• Full open-air rooftop deck accessible throughout the cruise
• Large windows throughout for excellent views, no issue with window reflections
• More room to move around

Bateaux Parisiens:

• Modern, sophisticated decor
• Only a small open-air section at the back
• Good window views but lights block views somewhat
• Can feel a bit cramped

Food Quality

Bateaux Mouches:

• Consistently excellent across all courses
• Standouts: beef carpaccio starter, sea bream main, profiteroles dessert
• Freshly prepared, true gourmet quality

Bateaux Parisiens:

• Generally good quality courses
• Excellent scallops starter and chocolate tart dessert
• Main course (duckling fillet) was disappointingly bland

Atmosphere & Entertainment

Bateaux Mouches:

• Sophisticated and romantic ambiance
• Live piano and violin duo creating elegant background music
• Perfect volume level that enhances but doesn't overpower conversation

Bateaux Parisiens:

• Elegant, high-end atmosphere
• Live singer that faded into the background
• Less memorable musical experience

Service Quality

Bateaux Mouches:

• Exceptionally friendly and attentive staff
• Lightning-fast service between courses
• Makes you feel like a valued guest

Bateaux Parisiens:

• Polite and helpful staff
• Some service delays experienced
• More formal and less personable

Special Accommodations

Both cruises offer:

• Child discounts (Bateaux Mouches more generous with free tickets for ages 0-3)
• Wheelchair accessibility (with some limitations)
• Special dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)
• Free parking during the cruise

Who Should Choose Each Cruise?

Choose Bateaux Mouches if:

• You want the best overall value for money
• Open-air and outdoor photo opportunities are important to you
• You appreciate exceptionally friendly service
• You want a more generous drinks package

Choose Bateaux Parisiens if:

• You want to splurge
• You specifically want a cruise with a singer
• You prefer a cruise with more established name recognition
• The specific sailing time fits your schedule better

Final Recommendation

While both cruises offer a memorable Parisian evening, Bateaux Mouches delivers a superior experience at a better value.

With its rooftop deck, consistently excellent food, generous drink package, and outstanding service, it provides everything you'd want in a Seine dinner cruise experience.

That said, you won't be disappointed with either option - both provide excellent views of illuminated Parisian cityscape as you enjoy a gourmet meal on the Seine.

Your preference might ultimately come down to specific dates available, price promotions, or personal priorities for your special evening in Paris.