The 11 Absolute Best Dinner Cruises in NYC Right Now (2023)
Which NYC Dinner Cruise Is Best for You?
We love the dinner cruises in New York and have tested several ourselves. There is hardly anything better than experiencing New York from the water, enjoying relaxing music and eating and drinking something delicious. By the way, it’s also a great idea to combine sightseeing in New York with a dinner on a boat!
You have several providers to choose from. But which dining cruise in New York is the best? That’s exactly what you’ll find out in our comparison!
🔥 Pro tip: These are my personal, authentic reviews about the dinner cruises. Because I have done all of them myself (several times) – so you can be sure that my recommendations will really help you and you will have a great time on board!
#1 Best Dinner Cruises in NYC
Being encircled by not one but two rivers, New York is a great destination for dinner cruises. Regardless of whether you have a reason to celebrate or not, a dinner cruise in NYC will guarantee an unforgettable evening, because it combines breathtaking views of the city at dawn and delicious food with a relaxing atmosphere accompanied with music.
Besides the classic boat tours with dinner, I have more highlights for you that I was totally excited about: they are different sailing tours where a drink is included in the price and you can enjoy the view in wonderful ambience!
Most Popular | Great Value | |||||
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Rating |
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Rating | ||||||
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Duration |
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Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours | 1,5 hours | 3.5 hours |
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Pier |
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Pier | Chelsea Piers | Chelsea Piers | Lincoln Harbor Marina | Chelsea Piers | Chelsea Piers | 1 World's Fair Marina, Flushing |
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What to expect |
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What to expect | What to expect | What to expect | What to expect | What to expect | What to expect | What to expect |
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Hudson River |
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Hudson River | ||||||
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New York Harbor |
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New York Harbor | ||||||
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East River |
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East River | ||||||
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Price |
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Price | $240 | $188 | $188 | $799 | $108 | $159 |
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Food |
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Food | 3-course dinner | buffet dinner | buffet dinner | Champagne & Catering Menu | Small Dishes | buffet dinner |
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Drinks |
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Drinks | coffee, tea | coffee, tea | coffee, tea | Champagne & Catering Menu | 1st drink included | coffee, tea |
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Not included |
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Not included | alcoholic beverages | alcoholic beverages | alcoholic beverages | alcoholic beverages | the 2nd drink 🙂 | alcoholic beverages |
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Departure |
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Departure | 7 pm | 7 pm | 7:30 pm | 16 options | 7:45 pm | 7 pm |
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Entertainment |
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Entertainment | live jazz | live DJ | live DJ | Bluetooth Audio | Live Jazz | live DJ |
Which dinner cruise in New York is the best?
As you can see, we love the combination of boat tour, sightseeing and food. Therefore, we have tried many dinner cruises over the years. Some, unfortunately, were disappointing and way too expensive for what you got (so these are not represented in my best list).
We can personally recommend two dinner cruises: the Bateaux Dinner Cruise and the Dinner Cruise with the SPIRIT. We always had a great time on both!
#2 What Is The Best Boat Tour With Live Music in NYC?
If you like jazz as much as I do, these boat tours are really recommended – I’ve done all of them!
- Bateaux Dinner Cruise Tickets (year round)
- Live Jazz City Lights Sail (May to October only)
- Evening Jazz Cruise on the Yacht Manhattan (year round)
- Sunset, Wine, and Jazz Sail (May to October only)
#3 What Is The Most Romantic Dinner Cruise in New York?
What can be more romantic than enjoying the sunset on the water in a classy ambience? On the Bateaux Dinner Cruise, you’ll be seated at beautifully decorated tables in a all-glass dining vessel. On the Classic Harbor Line cruise, you are abord the America 2.0, listening to jazz from an onboard band, and enjoying the warm summer breeze – both cruises are awesome!
- Bateaux Dinner Cruise Tickets (year round)
- Live Jazz City Lights Sail (May to October only)
#4 What Special Cruises Are Available in NYC?
There are special cruises in New York for events like Valentine’s Day, 4th of July, Christmas Cruises and New Year’s Eve.
#5 What Are Alternatives to Traditional Dinner Cruises in NYC?
These boat tours are really something special and worth their money.
However, if you also want to visit attractions in New York City, you should take a look at the New York Discount Passes. Because some sailing and boating tours of them are included in the price.
- For example, the Alive After-Five Cruise is included with the New York Sightseeing DAY Pass and the Sightseeing FLEX Pass.
- The sailing tour with the Clipper City is included with the Explorer Pass, New York Pass, New York Sightseeing DAY Pass and Sightseeing FLEX Pass.
Details of each New York Dinner Cruise
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01 Bateaux: Dinner Cruise
Forget trying to snag a hard-to-get reservation at New York’s hottest restaurants du jour. Instead, indulge in a delicious 3-course dinner during the cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty and other famed sites. As a live pianist plays relaxing music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world’s great cities, and enjoy a delicious pre-set dinner by the on-board executive chef. Upgrade to enjoy a romantic or first class VIP experience including a private table and French sparkling wine.
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02 New York Dinner Cruise
Relax on a comfortable boat as it cruises around New York Harbor and Manhattan! On this relaxing 2-hour brunch cruise, you’ll enjoy an open-air brunch buffet and music from a DJ. You’ll see the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building from a different perspective. Just great!
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03 Spirit: Buffet Dinner Cruise from New Jersey
This dinner cruise starts in New Jersey and takes you along the Hudson River and East River. You will see the skyline of New York with all its important buildings. You will also see the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge from very close and have a delicious meal.
It’s really nice when you go to the outside deck and hear the typical New York sounds. It doesn’t get any better than that!
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04 Private Luxury Sailing Tour New York City
Imagine sailing through the heart of the Big Apple, being cradled by the gentle breezes of the Hudson River, with the stunning backdrop of the NYC skyline unfolding before your eyes. Sounds amazing, right? Well, buckle up because you’re in for a treat!
This private sailing excursion from Chelsea Piers offers exactly that – a golden ticket to a luxurious experience that’ll blow your mind. And, my dear friend, it’s not just any sightseeing tour; it’s a remarkable voyage that takes you along Manhattan’s West Side, bathing you in spectacular panoramic views of Ellis Island, the imposing Statue of Liberty, and the awe-inspiring skyline of Lower Manhattan, including the iconic One World Trade.
But it doesn’t stop there. The sailboat itself is a luxury to behold! You can lounge on the deck, soak up the sun and the scenery, or retreat to the cabin for some comfy relaxation. With seating for up to six people, it’s the perfect intimate gathering for you and your friends. You’ll have a dedicated captain, ensuring a personal and exceptional experience throughout.
In short, this isn’t just a cruise; it’s an unforgettable journey brimming with luxury, comfort, and captivating views. If you’re in NYC, this is a must-try adventure! And remember to pack your camera, because you’ll want to capture every moment!
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05 Manhattan by Sail: New York Sailboat Cruise with Wine and Cheese
Set sail in the waters of New York City on the only floating designated landmark around on this wine and cheese waterway experience. Float through the New York City Harbor as you sip on top wines and sample local cheese and charcuterie. Cruise alongside the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, Brooklyn Heights, and New York City skylines on this relaxing excursion. This tour is the perfect way to unwind on the water and enjoy some of the city’s top attractions while sipping wine.
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06 Manhattan By Sail - Sunset, Wine, and Jazz Sail
Picture this: You’re sailing under the twinkling stars, the awe-inspiring New York skyline and the majestic Statue of Liberty framing your view, while the soulful tunes of some of America’s best Jazz musicians serenade your senses. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, this could be your reality!
Get ready to swing the night away on this tall ship, the Clipper City. This experience is not just a cruise; it’s a journey into the romantic heart of New York harbor, with the best jazz tunes as your soundtrack.
As you step aboard this iconic tall ship – a replica of the lumber-hauling schooners that powered America’s industry over a century ago – you’re immediately whisked away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Jazz legends like guitarist Joe Cohn and saxophonist Avram Fefer will soothe your soul with their cool, smooth sounds. And guess what? This star-studded line-up is personally curated by James Polsky, the founder of Jazz Standard!
As the crew expertly sets the massive sails, you’ll embark on an unforgettable cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers. The Clipper City’s decks are wonderfully spacious, decked out with plenty of comfortable seating and a full bar. And let’s not forget the raised quarter deck back aft – this prime spot offers unparalleled views of the city’s harbor and iconic skyline.
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07 Classic Harbor Line: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Yacht Manhattan
From one of our absolute favorite boat tours in New York there is also a Jazz Cruise. You are on board a luxury yacht in the style of the 1920s, which has a wonderful charm and is not to be compared with the big sightseeing ships. The jazz cruise starts at the Chelsea Piers and takes you along the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and the harbor of New York. On the way you can enjoy a wonderful view of the New York skyline and smooth jazz at the same time.
My tip: On board you can order various small dishes to eat.
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08 Live Jazz City Lights Sail
This 90-minute live jazz sail is one of the best NYC sails I’ve ever done. You’ll sail from Chelsea Piers to New York Harbor, always with the beautiful skyline and Statue of Liberty in view. What you can expect on the Live Jazz City Lights Sail and why you should definitely do it, I’ll tell you in my report!
NOTE: This is one of the best jazz cruises in NYC – even if it doesn’t include dinner!
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09 Classic Harbor Line: Champagne City Lights Cruise
We had an amazing time onboard the luxurious 1920s inspired motor yacht. Combine sightseeing with a romantic evening and step onboard the 1920s inspired boat at Pier 62 (Chelsea Piers – W. 22nd and Hudson River). During the 90-minutes long tour, you’ll get to see iconic NYC sights along the water and most importantly breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Especially in the summer, you can admire the most beautiful sunset during this special cruise. There is seating inside the yacht and outside seating as well.
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10 City Cruises - Alive After Five
Embark on a timeless vessel and experience the vibrant landscape of New York City from a fresh perspective during a delightful happy hour sail. Delight in the onboard music and unwind with your companions, all while taking in the breathtaking panoramas of the Manhattan skyline from this maritime journey.
This unique sunset sail showcases scenes of iconic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, among numerous others. It makes for an ideal setting for celebrating birthdays, group events of all sizes, or simply an impromptu day spent on a boat.
ATTENTION: Here are only snacks on board, but the atmosphere is simply amazing!
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11 2-Hour Day Sail to Statue of Liberty on America 2.0
This sailing tour is one of the most enjoyable boat tours I’ve ever done in New York! On board on this 105-foot schooner you sail from the Chelsea Piers to the Statue of Liberty and can always see the beautiful skyline of Manhattan and New Jersey. Included in the price is a drink and guaranteed a lot of fun.
NOTE: This is one of the best boat tours in NYC – even if it doesn’t include dinner!
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12 La Barca All-Inclusive Mexican Dinner Cruise
La Barca is New York’s only Mexican restaurant on board a ship. On this dinner cruise, you’ll cruise the Hudson River to the southern tip of Manhattan while eating delicious tacos and churros. Grab a margarita and then head to the outdoor deck – from here you can enjoy the stunning evening skyline of New York.
FAQ
Which dinner cruise in NYC is the cheapest?
One thing in advance: the dinner cruises are not cheap. However, considering that you get dinner, a 3 hour sightseeing cruise, and a very special experience, it justifies the price.
The cheapest dinner cruises start at around $160. An alternative to this are brunch cruises or lunch cruises. These take place on the same ships and the itineraries are a bit shorter – here, the cheapest tickets start at $80.
Where do the dinner cruises depart from in New York?
The departure point depends on the operators: the two main ones depart from Chelsea Piers on the Hudson River at Pier 61/62. However, there are also Queens and Jersey City as departure locations.
Are there dinner cruises for special events?
Yes, especially the 4th of July, Thanksgiving dinner cruises, Christmas cruises and New Year’s Eve dinner cruises are very popular. If you are in New York at this time and plan to have dinner on a boat, you should book quickly. The tickets are very popular and the tours sell out quickly.
To help you quickly find the right dinner cruise for you, here are the best 4th of July Cruises, Thanksgiving Cruises, Christmas Cruises and New Years Eve Cruises for you.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, there is a dress code: smart casual.
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