Manhattan’s floating dining scene offers a practical way to combine sightseeing with excellent meals. Smart travelers opt for Bateaux New York’s dinner cruises – they serve quality 3-course meals while passing iconic skyline views. Their holiday cruises are especially worthwhile, with Thanksgiving and Christmas featuring seasonal menus and New Year’s Eve adding fireworks and live entertainment to the mix.
We particularly love the 4th of July tall ship experience, combining classic sailing atmosphere with prime fireworks viewing and good food. These water-based dining options work well for both romantic evenings and special family celebrations.
Let’s explore the best harbor dining experiences available right now.
Key Points
- New York City offers a wide range of dining cruises that provide unique and memorable experiences, featuring scenic views of iconic landmarks, gourmet menus, and live entertainment.
- Holiday-themed dining cruises, such as New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, offer specialized menus, open bars, and festive atmospheres for celebrating special occasions.
- Themed and unique dining experiences on cruises, like the 4th of July Fireworks Tall Ship Cruise, allow guests to enjoy specialized menus and front-row seats to iconic events.
- Dining cruises along the Hudson River provide panoramic views of the New York City skyline and landmarks, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- While some dining cruises have non-refundable policies, most offer high customer satisfaction ratings, with positive reviews focusing on the scenic views, dining quality, and entertainment.
Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise
The Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise offers a unique dining experience for visitors to the city. The 3-course dinner cruise features scenic views of iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center, accompanied by live piano music.
The boat has a capacity of 150 passengers and enforces a semi-formal dress code. While the food quality varies, with some guests praising the taste and others reporting issues with temperature, the attentive staff contributes to overall guest satisfaction.
However, the non-refundable policy and reports of poor customer service during cancellations have led to dissatisfaction for some travelers.
The cruise’s entertainment value, with a live band and dancing, and its competitive pricing starting at $249.98 per person, make it a unique dining option in New York City.
Read our full review: Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Nyc: New Years Eve Dinner Cruise With Music and Open Bar
Ringing in the new year on the waters of New York City offers a truly unforgettable experience.
For $750 per person, guests can enjoy a 4-hour New Year’s Eve dinner cruise that departs from Pier 36. The cruise features a premium open bar, live music, and dance performances, culminating in a fireworks display over the harbor, weather permitting.
The dining options are equally impressive, with a welcome glass of champagne, a main deck appetizer selection, and a main course buffet featuring dishes like herb-crusted salmon and truffle mac and cheese.
Dessert is served on the second deck, with an assortment of pastries and mini cheesecakes.
This cruise provides a sophisticated and memorable way to usher in the new year in the city that never sleeps.
Read our full review: Nyc: New Years Eve Dinner Cruise With Music and Open Bar Review
Book now: Check availability
Bateaux New York Thanksgiving Plated Dinner Cruise
For travelers looking to celebrate Thanksgiving on the waters of New York City, the Bateaux New York Thanksgiving Plated Dinner Cruise provides a truly unique and memorable experience.
Featuring stunning views of the Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey skylines, the cruise offers a three-course holiday menu with complimentary coffee and tea, along with a fully stocked bar for additional drinks.
Live band entertainment with a vocalist and pianist adds to the festive ambiance.
With a maximum capacity of 250 travelers, the cruise ensures a semi-formal, inclusive experience.
However, it’s important to note that the event is non-refundable, and children under 6 aren’t permitted.
Read our full review: Bateaux New York Thanksgiving Plated Dinner Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
From New Jersey: New York City Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise
Departing from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, New Jersey, the From New Jersey: New York City Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise offers travelers a unique opportunity to savor the iconic skyline of the Big Apple.
Priced from $83.33 per person, the 2-2.5 hour cruise features panoramic views, a chef-prepared 3-course buffet, and live entertainment. Guests can enjoy the cruise’s climate-controlled dining room and outdoor open-air rooftop lounge while taking in sights like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge.
During the winter, the cruise transforms into a festive Winter Wonderland experience with themed decor, cocktails, and menus.
Though non-refundable, the cruise receives an overall rating of 3.9/5 from customers.
Read our full review: From New Jersey: New York City Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
NYC: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
The Spirit of New York offers a Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise, providing travelers with a festive and memorable experience on the waters surrounding the iconic New York City skyline.
Priced from $236.09 per person, the 2-2.5 hour cruise features a 3-course buffet, unlimited mimosas (brunch only), live music, and breathtaking views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.
The non-refundable cruise has an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on reviews praising the delicious food, friendly staff, and spectacular scenery.
Guests are advised to dress comfortably and wear flat, closed-toed shoes while enjoying the holiday-themed cocktails and seasonal menus.
Read our full review: NYC: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Nyc: Gourmet Dinner Cruise With Live Music
On the waters of the Hudson River, travelers can enjoy a gourmet dinner cruise with live music in New York City. This 3-hour cruise costs $161.61 per person and is likely to sell out, so it’s best to reserve in advance.
The experience includes a scenic cruise, a 5-course plated dinner, and live performances by New York talent. Guests can choose between a regular option or a VIP option with access to a private deck, more drinks, and additional amenities.
Reviews highlight the food quality, staff, and sightseeing, though some suggest improved signage. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this dinner cruise offers a unique dining experience in the heart of New York City.
Read our full review: Nyc: Gourmet Dinner Cruise With Live Music Review
Book now: Check availability
NYC: Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
For those looking to celebrate the holidays in style, Bateaux New York offers a gourmet brunch or dinner cruise along the harbor on Christmas Day.
Priced from €143.81 per person, the 2.5-3 hour experience features a festive 3-course plated meal with all the trimmings, along with a private table, live music, and 360-degree views of the NYC skyline and landmarks.
Brunch includes bottomless mimosas, while the dinner cruise requires semi-formal attire.
Though the cancellation policy is non-refundable, past customers have generally enjoyed the experience, with an overall rating of 4.7/5.
Those interested should arrive 45 minutes before departure from Pier 61 in Chelsea Piers.
Read our full review: NYC: Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
NYC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
Bateaux New York offers a chance to celebrate Christmas Eve in style with their gourmet brunch or dinner harbor cruise. Priced from €143.81 per person, guests can enjoy a festive 3-course plated meal with seasonal cocktails, wine pairings, and beer.
The 2-hour lunch or 3-hour dinner cruise provides 360-degree panoramic views of the New York City skyline and iconic landmarks. With live entertainment and holiday-themed decor, the experience promises a festive atmosphere.
Guests are asked to adhere to a semi-formal or dressy-casual dress code, and children under 6 aren’t permitted on the dinner cruise. Reviewers praise the food quality, family-friendly ambiance, and photo opportunities.
Read our full review: NYC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
NYC: Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
Guests can celebrate Christmas Eve with a scenic buffet lunch or dinner cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers in New York City.
The 2.5-hour cruise departs from Pier 61 and offers a festive 3-course plated meal and live DJ entertainment. Passengers can enjoy up-close views of iconic NYC sights, including the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge, from the climate-controlled dining room or outdoor rooftop lounge.
The cruise is wheelchair accessible and includes unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, and a commemorative photo can be purchased.
However, customer reviews mention mixed feedback on the information provided and seating arrangements.
Read our full review: NYC: Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
New York City: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Buffet River Cruise
The New York City Buffet River Cruise invites visitors to embark on a delightful culinary and sightseeing adventure along the city’s iconic waterways.
Priced from $106.58 per person, the 2-3 hour cruise features a chef-prepared buffet, bottomless mimosas, and 360-degree views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.
Guests can enjoy DJ entertainment and games while sailing past notable sites. The experience is available year-round, with a festive “Winter Wonderland” theme from December to January.
Comfortable, casually stylish attire is recommended, and infants can join for free.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 303 reviews, this cruise promises an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of New York City.
Read our full review: New York City: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Buffet River Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
NYC: Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise
Visitors can embark on a lavish Thanksgiving gourmet lunch or dinner harbor cruise, savoring a multi-course feast while taking in breathtaking views of New York City’s iconic skyline.
The cruise sails along the Hudson River, offering panoramic vistas of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The menu features traditional Thanksgiving dishes with a contemporary twist, such as roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, complemented by a selection of wines and cocktails.
Guests can also enjoy live entertainment and dancing throughout the cruise.
This unique dining experience provides an unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday season in the heart of the city.
Read our full review: NYC: Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
NYC: New Years Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise
As the bustling New Year’s Eve celebrations draw near, visitors can embark on a lavish buffet dinner cruise along the New York City harbor.
This 3-hour experience offers a festive 3-course chef-prepared meal, an open bar, live DJ entertainment, and panoramic views of iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.
The $552.26 per person price tag includes a non-refundable policy, so guests must plan accordingly.
Onboard amenities range from spacious decks to an outdoor lounge, while the recommended attire is comfortable yet stylish.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5, this New Year’s Eve cruise promises an unforgettable way to welcome the new year in the heart of the city that never sleeps.
Read our full review: NYC: New Years Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
NYC: 4th of July Fireworks Tall Ship Cruise With BBQ Dinner
On the 4th of July, travelers can embark on an unforgettable tall ship cruise along the New York Harbor, offering front-row seats to the renowned Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular.
Priced from Kč 13,377 per person, this 4.5-hour experience aboard the Clipper City includes a gourmet BBQ dinner, live entertainment, and signature cocktails.
The menu features an array of appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, main courses, and desserts, catering to all tastes.
With a 5/5 rating based on one review, this cruise promises an exceptional Independence Day celebration, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks against the backdrop of a dazzling fireworks display.
Read our full review: NYC: 4th of July Fireworks Tall Ship Cruise With BBQ Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
Generally, passengers are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on most cruises. Most cruise lines have policies that require guests to purchase meals and beverages onboard. Exceptions may be made for special dietary needs or infant/toddler items.
Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Cruises?
Most cruise lines have dress code requirements, though they vary. Passengers should typically wear casual or smart casual clothing during the day and more formal attire for evening dining. It’s best to check the specific cruise line’s dress code policy before sailing.
How Far in Advance Should I Book My Cruise Reservation?
It’s best to book your cruise reservation well in advance, often several months prior to your desired travel dates. This ensures availability and allows you to take advantage of any early booking discounts or promotions.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Packages Available for the Cruises?
Many cruise lines offer discounts and special packages for booking early. Travelers can often find deals on cabin upgrades, onboard credits, or bundled amenities when booking their cruise reservation well in advance.
Can I Customize the Menu for a Private Event or Group Booking?
Yes, many cruise lines allow you to customize the menu for private events or group bookings. This can include selecting specific dishes, adjusting portion sizes, and accommodating dietary restrictions. It’s best to discuss options directly with the cruise line’s event planning team.
The Sum Up
New York City offers a diverse array of dining experiences, from elegant dinner cruises with music and open bars to more casual buffet lunches and brunches on the harbor. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a unique dining experience, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Exploring these options can add a touch of excitement and adventure to any NYC visit.