13 Best Dinner Experiences In New York City

Dinner cruises around Manhattan pack maximum value by combining great food with million-dollar views. Most ships depart from Chelsea Piers or Pier 61, sailing past the Statue of Liberty and under the Brooklyn Bridge while you dine. The Bateaux New York stands out with its glass-enclosed deck and upscale 3-course menu – perfect for special occasions. Holiday cruises during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve offer festive atmosphere and seasonal menus, though they book up months ahead. For the best bang for your buck, opt for evening departures when the skyline lights up. Let’s explore the top dinner cruise options:

Key Points

• New York City offers a variety of dinner cruise experiences that provide stunning skyline views, live entertainment, and gourmet multi-course meals.
• Bateaux New York Dinner Cruises and Gourmet Dinner Experiences offer unique dining experiences, though some customer service and food quality issues have been reported.
• Special occasion cruises like Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and Christmas Day/Eve provide festive atmospheres and memorable celebrations on the water.
• Holiday and themed cruises, such as the 4th of July Fireworks Cruise and Winter Wonderland buffets, offer distinctive ways to experience New York City.
• Accessibility and family-friendly options are available, but non-refundable policies and high prices require careful planning for these dinner cruise experiences.

Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise

The Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise offers a 3-course dining experience while sailing around New York City. The cruise departs from Chelsea Piers at 7:00 PM and features a live pianist for relaxing music and scenic views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty.

With a maximum capacity of 150 travelers, the cruise has received positive feedback, highlighting the attentive staff. However, the food quality has mixed reviews, with some guests praising the taste while others reported issues with temperature.

The non-refundable policy and customer service concerns during cancellations have also led to dissatisfaction. Despite these challenges, the cruise’s entertainment value, including live music and dancing, remains a strong point.

Read our full review: Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise Review
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Nyc: New Years Eve Dinner Cruise With Music and Open Bar

This New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise in NYC offers a premium celebration on the water, with stunning views of the city’s holiday lights.

Priced from $750 per person, the 4-hour cruise includes an open bar, live music, and a fireworks display over the harbor.

The dining experience features a welcome glass of champagne, a main deck appetizer spread, a main course buffet, and a second deck dessert bar.

Guests can dance on the upper deck under the stars and enjoy the live countdown to midnight.

While the dress code is upscale casual, the event may not be suitable for wheelchair users, and parking isn’t guaranteed.

Read our full review: Nyc: New Years Eve Dinner Cruise With Music and Open Bar Review
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Bateaux New York Thanksgiving Plated Dinner Cruise

Setting out on a Thanksgiving plated dinner cruise with Bateaux New York offers travelers an unforgettable experience on the water.

The cruise features stunning views of the Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey skylines, accompanied by a delectable three-course holiday menu and complimentary coffee and tea.

With a fully stocked bar and live band entertainment, this semi-formal event promises an evening of celebration.

Wheelchair accessibility is available, and strollers and service animals are permitted onboard.

While children under 6 aren’t allowed, most travelers can participate, ensuring an inclusive atmosphere.

The non-refundable experience has an overall rating of 5.0 based on verified reviews, highlighting the quality of food and entertainment.

Read our full review: Bateaux New York Thanksgiving Plated Dinner Cruise Review
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From New Jersey: New York City Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise

Offering a different perspective than the formal plated dinner cruise, the New York City Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise departs from New Jersey’s Lincoln Harbor Marina.

Priced from $83.33 per person, this 2-2.5 hour experience provides panoramic views of the iconic New York City skyline and attractions.

The climate-controlled dining room features a chef-prepared 3-course buffet, along with live entertainment and access to the open-air rooftop lounge.

During the winter, the cruise transforms into a festive “Winter Wonderland” with twinkling lights, themed cocktails, and seasonal menus.

While the non-refundable policy may give pause, customer reviews praise the scenic value and overall experience.

Read our full review: From New Jersey: New York City Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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NYC: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

A festive Christmas Day experience awaits guests aboard the Spirit of New York’s Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise.

Priced from $236.09 per person, the 2-2.5 hour cruise features a 3-course buffet, live DJ entertainment, and stunning views of New York’s iconic landmarks.

The non-refundable cruise includes unlimited mimosas for brunch and a fully stocked bar for dinner. Guests enjoy comfortable, casually stylish attire and can inform their server of any food allergies.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 8 reviews, this Christmas Day cruise promises delicious food, friendly staff, and spectacular sights along the Hudson and East Rivers.

Read our full review: NYC: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
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Nyc: Gourmet Dinner Cruise With Live Music

New York City’s Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music whisks guests away on a 3-hour scenic journey along the Hudson River. Priced at $161.61 per person, this cruise offers a plated 5-course dinner, live music, and stunning views of Manhattan landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.

Travelers can upgrade to a VIP experience with additional drink tickets and access to a private deck. The cruise departs from Pier 36 and accommodates dietary restrictions with advance notice.

While customer reviews praise the food and staff, some suggest improved signage to find the boarding location. This dinner cruise provides a unique and memorable dining experience in New York City.

Read our full review: Nyc: Gourmet Dinner Cruise With Live Music Review
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NYC: Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

For those seeking a festive dining experience on Christmas Day in New York City, the Bateaux New York yacht offers a gourmet brunch or dinner harbor cruise.

Priced from €143.81 per person, the 2.5-3 hour cruise features a 3-course plated meal with holiday-themed decor, live entertainment, and panoramic views of the NYC skyline.

The brunch cruise includes bottomless mimosas, while the dinner cruise requires semi-formal attire.

Both cruises have a non-refundable cancellation policy.

Customer reviews are generally positive, though some note varied experiences with service and food quality.

Arriving 45 minutes before departure at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, guests can enjoy this unique Christmas Day dining experience in the city.

Read our full review: NYC: Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
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NYC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

Those seeking a festive Christmas Eve dining experience in New York City can consider the Bateaux New York yacht’s gourmet brunch or dinner harbor cruise.

The 2-hour lunch or 3-hour dinner cruise offers a 3-course plated meal, seasonal cocktails, and 360-degree views of the NYC skyline.

The dress code is semi-formal for dinner and dressy-casual for brunch. Children are allowed on the brunch cruise but not the dinner cruise.

With a 4.8/5 customer rating, the cruise provides a family-friendly atmosphere and memorable photo opportunities, though the cancellation policy is non-refundable.

Read our full review: NYC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
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NYC: Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

The Bateaux New York yacht offers a festive Christmas Eve buffet lunch or dinner cruise, providing a scenic journey along the Hudson and East Rivers.

The 2.5-hour experience starts at $249.98 per person and departs from Pier 61 in Chelsea Piers. Guests can enjoy a 3-course plated meal, unlimited coffee/tea, and live DJ entertainment while taking in views of NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, though the non-refundable cancellation policy may be a drawback.

Read our full review: NYC: Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
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New York City: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Buffet River Cruise

Visitors to New York City can experience the city’s iconic skyline and landmarks from the comfort of a scenic river cruise, offering a range of brunch, lunch, and dinner buffet options.

Priced from $106.58 per person, the 2-3 hour cruise aboard the Spirit of New York from Chelsea Piers features an extensive chef-prepared buffet, bottomless mimosas, and DJ entertainment.

Guests can enjoy 360-degree views from the observation decks and spot landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center.

With a non-refundable cancellation policy, this experience earns an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 303 reviews praising the friendly staff and great food.

Read our full review: New York City: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Buffet River Cruise Review
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NYC: Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

For those seeking a truly special Thanksgiving experience in New York City, the NYC: Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise offers an unforgettable dining experience on the water.

Guests can enjoy a bountiful spread of traditional Thanksgiving fare, including roasted turkey, savory sides, and decadent desserts, all while taking in the stunning views of the city skyline.

The cruise sails along the Hudson River, providing a unique perspective of the iconic landmarks. With live music and attentive service, this Thanksgiving cruise is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday in style, away from the crowds on land.

Read our full review: NYC: Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise Review
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NYC: New Years Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise

Ringing in the new year on the water, the NYC: New Years Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise offers a lavish celebration with a spectacular backdrop.

Priced from $552.26 per person, this 3-hour cruise includes a festive 3-course buffet, open bar, live music, and panoramic views of iconic NYC landmarks. Guests can enjoy the outdoor rooftop lounge and commemorative photos before the fireworks display, weather permitting.

While the cruise has an overall 4.4/5 rating, the value for money is scored 3.7/5.

With a non-refundable policy, guests should consider the hefty price tag and be prepared for potential menu changes or weather-related cancellations.

Read our full review: NYC: New Years Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise Review
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NYC: 4th of July Fireworks Tall Ship Cruise With BBQ Dinner

The NYC: 4th of July Fireworks Tall Ship Cruise with BBQ Dinner offers an unforgettable Independence Day celebration on the water.

Priced from Kč 13,377 per person, the 4.5-hour cruise aboard the Clipper City in New York City provides guests with front-row seats to the Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.

Participants will sail around the harbor, enjoying views of iconic landmarks while indulging in a gourmet BBQ dinner and specialty cocktails.

The experience also includes live entertainment by a jazz quartet and DJ.

Although the cruise is non-refundable, it’s a unique way to commemorate the 4th of July in the heart of New York City.

Read our full review: NYC: 4th of July Fireworks Tall Ship Cruise With BBQ Dinner Review
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Dinner Cruises?

Dress codes for dinner cruises in New York City vary, but they’re generally casual. Passengers should wear comfortable clothing and avoid overly formal attire. Some cruises may have slightly stricter guidelines, so it’s best to check with the specific cruise company beforehand.

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on Board?

Most dinner cruise operators don’t allow passengers to bring their own alcohol onboard. They typically have a full bar and beverages available for purchase. It’s best to check with the specific cruise company about their alcohol policy before your trip.

Do the Cruises Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

Many dinner cruises in New York City accommodate various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Guests should inform the cruise company of any special dietary needs when making their reservation to ensure their needs are met.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Cruises?

The cruise line typically offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing passengers to cancel with a full refund up to a certain number of days prior to the scheduled departure. Specific details may vary, so it’s best to check the cruise line’s website or speak with a representative.

Is Gratuity Included in the Ticket Price?

Gratuity is typically not included in the ticket price for cruises. Passengers will usually be expected to tip the crew and staff separately, though some cruise lines may include a service charge. It’s best to check with the specific cruise company.

The Sum Up

New York City offers a variety of dinner cruises that provide stunning views of the city skyline and harbor. From Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts to New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s a dinner cruise to fit any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a buffet, plated meal, or open bar, these cruises provide a unique and memorable dining experience in the heart of the Big Apple.