Vedettes du Pont Neuf Cruise – 9:45 PM Champagne Sunset vs 10:45 PM Standard?

The critical element missing from your question is the month of your visit. Darkness changes about 1 hour every month, from about 17h in December to 23h in June/July. For example, 14 July fireworks, this year on the 13th, typically do not start until dark, which is after 23h.

However, I don't think it makes any difference at all. It could be cloudy and rainy the day you decide on this cruise. Book a convenient date/time and enjoy the cruise.

And one will be timed to coordinate with the "twinkling " of the Eiffel tower at sunset.

As noted the time of year is important to answer your question. I was in Paris in August and took the standard evening cruise that started after the specified sunset time which is noted on the scheduling page (but confirm separately as it's not always completely accurate). Our departure time was 9:45 and the boat arrived at the Eiffel Tower just as the sparkles started. It was completely sold out. Regardless of the time you choose, arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of departure time so you can get good seats on the top deck (there is no assigned seating on the standard cruise).

Whether you go during day or at night is up to your preference. If you don't care about seeing the tower lights or the city lit up, then take a day cruise.

We are travelling in late June.

We are travelling in late June.

Looks like your only option mid week for the post-sunset lights on the tower is the 10:45 one hour cruise (8:45 too early). You could do the 9:45 one on the weekend, but sunset may be a tiny bit before that so the later cruise guarantees light show. Definitely buy a ticket ahead (most especially if it's for a weekend).

pagetrip92,
I have taken several trips with Vedettes de Point Neuf (a favorite of ours, especially when showing Paris to newbies in the family), but have never bothered with a champagne cruise. To me the most important thing is to get a seat on the top deck for the best views of Paris. Remember, the boat is somewhat below the walls on the side of the river, so you will see more from the top. IMO seeing the sunset from the boat isn't the most spectacular way to see the sun set in Paris. As long as you get to see the lights on the buildings along the way you will have a lovely cruise. To get a top deck seat I recommend getting there about a half hour early, if only because I expect there will be many people on a summer night.
P.S. Perhaps the best sunset view in Paris would be from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Any forum members out there with suggestions?

I want to 2nd CL and Judy. Arrive at at least 30 minutes prior to departure. We’ve always managed to get a top floor front seat by doing so. You definitely want to be on the top deck my husband and I do this pretty much anytime we are in Paris. I think Vedettes de Pont Neuf offers the best experience of any of the river cruises. I would check with them in advance, at their location to see what time they expect sunset to be and what time they expect the lights in the Eiffel Tower to go on. They do pay attention to this. That said, I would definitely opt for the night cruise to see the Eiffel Tower light up and twinkle, as well as to see all the other magnificent buildings lit.