The 12 Best New Year’s Eve Cruises in New York 2023

As we are approaching the end of the year, one question typically remains: What are we going to do this New Year’s Eve? When thinking about all the options you have, you should definitely consider a New Year’s Eve Cruise in New York.

If you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in New York with kids, take a look at our complete NYE guide which includes family-friendly ways to ring in the New Year.

This year there are several different NYE tours to choose from. What they all have in common is the destination: the New York harbor and Brooklyn Bridge. And all New Year’s Eve cruises offer views of the fireworks and a toast of champagne as the clock strikes midnight. But which NYE cruise is the best? You can find out here in 👉 my comparison. And below you’ll find 👉 all the details about the NYE cruises.

The Best New Year’s Eve Cruises in NYC 2023

Cruises are a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of Times Square. If you like the idea of watching the fireworks from a boat on the Hudson or East River, then one of these New Year’s Eve cruises in New York with the Manhattan’s skyline as a backdrop is the right thing for you! Below you’ll find a table, comparing our favorite New Year’s Eve Cruises in New York City. Hopefully, it helps you make a decision! And 👉 here you find all available NYE cruises.

My tip
Very popular

Duration

Duration

3 hours
3 hours
3 hours

3 hours

3 hours

4 hours

2 hours

2.5 hours

1.5 hours

1.5 hours

3 hours

Age

Age

-
-
-

18 +

-
21+
-

21 +

21 +

21 +

-

Pier

Pier

Pier 61
Pier 36
Pier 83

Pier 83

Pier 81

Pier 36

Pier 61

Pier 62

Pier 62

Pier 62

Pier 61

Start

Start

10 pm
9 pm
10 pm

10 pm

10 pm

8 pm
12 pm

10:00 & 10:10 pm

5:30 & 5:40 pm

7:45 & 7:55 pm

10 pm

View of fireworks

View of fireworks

Food

Food

Dinner Buffet
Snacks
Snacks

Appetizers & snacks

Mexican Dinner Buffet

Buffet Style Food
3 course lunch

Dessert cheeses & Desserts

Three Glass Flight Champagne & Cheese Pairing

Three Glass Flight Champagne & Dessert Pairing

4-course dinner

Drinks

Drinks

Platinum open bar, Unlimited Coffee, tea, and iced tea
Champagne Toast & Cash Bar
Champagne Toast & Open Bar with unlimited cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks

Unlimited beer, wine & soft drinks 

Unlimited beer, wine & soft drinks 

Premium Open Bar
Coffee, tea, and iced tea. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Champagne (5 glasses) + Open Bar

Hand-picked artisanal cheeses

Dessert Pairing

Premium open bar

Music

Music

Live DJ
Live DJ
Live DJ

Live DJ

DJ

Live DJ

Live DJ

Live Band

-

Live DJ

Price

Price

$460

$310

$229

$230

$380
$310
$111

$338 - $398

$118 - $148

$118 - $148

$796

Tickets

Tickets

not available, yet

Steffen Kneist Loving New York

My tip

Keep in mind that spaces on the New Year’s Eve cruises are limited. To guarantee a spot on one of the cruises, be sure to reserve your tickets as far in advance as you can!

Steffen Kneist Loving New York
My recommendations

Which NYE Cruise in New York is the Best?

Personally, I have wo favorites: the NYE Buffet Dinner Fireworks Cruise onboard of the Spirit of New York and my 2nd recommendation is the New Year’s Eve All-Inclusive Party Cruise 2023 because of the price.

The NYE Cruises in NYC in Detail

And here you find all information about the cruises that are available on New Year’s Eve:

  1. 01

    Spirit of New York: New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise

    Cruise in Chelsea
    Our Highlight
    Spirit of New York: New Year
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    Countdown to midnight and toast the New Year with unbeatable views of the New Year’s fireworks while you cruise around Manhattan on the Spirit of New York. You and your guests will enjoy a holiday dinner buffet freshly prepared by the chef along with an open bar.

  2. 02

    New York City New Year's Eve Circle Line Cruise

    Cruise in Hell's Kitchen
    New Year
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    Enjoy an open bar with great cocktails and champagne and of course fantastic views of the fireworks above the New York skyline that you cannot get from anywhere else. As the clock strikes midnight, admire unbeatable views of the fireworks shimmering above the Statue of Liberty, a picture-perfect and unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience. The New Year’s Eve Cruise in New York by Circle Line will depart from Pier 83 in Midtown Manhattan.

  3. 03

    New Year's Eve Celebration on the water with Fireworks

    Cruise in Lower East Side
    NYC_New_Years_Eve_Celebration_on_the_water_with_Fireworks
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    A fairly new boat tour for New Year’s Eve in New York is this one. It starts at Pier 36 on the East River and takes you into the city’s harbor to the Statue of Liberty. The price of the 3-hour tour includes snacks and a glass of champagne to celebrate the New Year.

  4. 04

    New Year's Eve All-Inclusive Party Cruise 2023

    Cruise in Hell's Kitchen
    New Year
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    Enjoy an open bar with great cocktails and champagne and of course fantastic views of the fireworks above the New York skyline that you cannot get from anywhere else. As the clock strikes midnight, admire unbeatable views of the fireworks shimmering above the Statue of Liberty, a picture-perfect and unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience. The New Year’s Eve Cruise in New York by Circle Line will depart from Pier 83 in Midtown Manhattan.

    • Boarding: 9 pm
    • Departure: 10 pm sharp
    • Return: roughly 1 am

    What you’ll get:

    • open bar
    • a glass of champagne at midnight
    • hors d’ oeuvres
    • an amazing view of the fireworks
    • live DJ

    Good to know:

    • Passengers must be at least 18 years of age and present an ID upon boarding
    • You can dress however you like – there is no particular dress code!
    • Print or mobile tickets are available
  5. 05

    La Barca Cantina - All-Inclusive New Year's Fireworks Cruise

    Cruise in Hell's Kitchen
    La Barca Cantina - All-Inclusive New Year
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    La Barca Cantina is especially popular with New Yorkers in the summer, because here you can eat and drink Mexican food while experiencing NYC from the water. 

    Just in time for New Year’s Eve, there is now also a Fireworks Cruise with DJ, an open bar and a Mexican buffet. The price includes all fees, drinks and also the buffet – great, right?

  6. 06

    New Years Eve Fireworks Boat Party in New York

    Cruise in Lower East Side
    New Years Eve Fireworks Boat Party in New York
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    Aboard the Liberty Belle boat to celebrate New Year’s in NYC!… Celebrate sailing the waters. Upgrade your tickets to a VIP Package to upgrade your experience. VIP Tickets is per two person. Bring yourself and that special one or give it as a gift! See below for VIP Package description. Sip and party all night into the New Year. Live DJ playing top hits will keep you dancing all night. Beautiful views of New York City and the New Year’s fireworks.

  7. 07

    Spirit of New Jersey: NYC New Year's Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise From New Jersey

    Cruise in New Jersey
    From_New_Jersey__NYC_New_Year_s_Eve_Fireworks_Dinner_Cruise
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    Countdown to midnight and toast the New Year with unbeatable views of the New Year’s fireworks while you cruise around Manhattan on the Spirit of New York. You and your guests will enjoy a holiday dinner buffet freshly prepared by the chef along with an open bar. 

  8. 08

    Hornblower: New York New Year's Eve Fireworks Party Cruise

    Cruise in Chelsea
    Santa_s_Christmas_Eve_Dinner_Cruise5_1600x800
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    Come celebrate the last night of the year aboard the largest luxury yacht on Manhattan waters and sail along the NYC harbor! Welcome 2023 in style aboard the Infinity, where you’ll get to explore all the fun that’s available across 4 decks as you sip on drinks from the open bar or have a bite from the delicious food options available. Take some pictures with breathtaking views of the NYC skyline as your backdrop and create timeless memories with friends and family. Dance ’til you drop with the latest and greatest hits spun by a live DJ and 2 indoor dance floors to get your groove on. Get your tickets for this New York New Year’s Eve Fireworks Party Cruise in NYC!

  9. 09

    NYC New Year's Eve Luxury Bateaux Dinner Cruise

    Cruise in Chelsea
    Our Highlight
    NYC New 4th of July Dinner Cruise
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    If you want to celebrate a truly beautiful New Year’s Eve in New York on a boat cruise with dinner, there’s no way around our beloved NYC New Year’s Eve Luxury Bateaux Dinner Cruise. 

    There are two things at once that make this New Year’s Eve boat cruise special: first and foremost, of course, the ship itself. Its large windows give you a sensational view of the New York skyline. And in addition to that, the atmosphere on board is very nice: elegant, classy and yet relaxed. 

    You can expect a first-class dinner menu, the bar is very well equipped and the bartenders are very attentive and helpful. On time for the countdown, best with a glass of champagne in hand, you start into the New Year 2022 in New York. It doesn’t get any better than this!

    We have done many of the Bateaux boat tours ourselves and have never been disappointed. Therefore, the NYC New Year’s Eve Luxury Bateaux Dinner Cruise is my absolute recommendation for you!

  10. 10

    NYE Fireworks Cruise (choose option 3)

    Cruise in Chelsea
    Our Highlight
    Champagne_city_lights_cruise_200202225549014_2048x1024
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    If you’re looking for a very special New Year’s Eve boat cruise, you must check out the Champagne, Cheese & Dessert Pairing Cruise. You’ll be aboard the Manhattan or Manhattan II, a boat styled after 1920s yachts. This New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise in NYC offers a limited amount of tickets making sure that the experience is exclusive for those who want to celebrate in style and comfort.

    The New Year’s Eve Cruise will take you all the way to New York Harbor, and you’ll get to experience the beautiful NYC skyline with all of its iconic buildings throughout the cruise.

  11. 11

    NYC New Year's Eve Luxury Bateaux Lunch Cruise

    Cruise in Chelsea
    Bateaux Dinner Cruise NYC
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    I love the boat tours aboard the glass-enclosed Bateaux – it is, for me, one of the most elegant vessels NYC has to offer. This 2-hour gourmet lunch cruise features a first-class 3-course lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. 

  12. 12

    Classic Harbor Line: New Year's Eve Champagne Pairing Cruises (Pre-Dinner – choose option 1)

    Cruise in Chelsea
    NYE_Classic_Harbor_Line_New_Year_s_Eve_Champagne_Pairing_Cruises_Pre_Dinner_NYE_Cruise
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    From Classic Harbor Line’s New Year’s Eve Champagne Pairing Cruises, there are several options to choose from right now.

    On this 90-minute pre-dinner Champagne & Cheese Pairing, you can enjoy three coordinated varieties of cheese and Champagne. And it’s aboard the Manhattan as well as the Manhattan II. Just amazing!

  13. 13

    Classic Harbor Line: New Year's Eve Champagne Pairing Cruises (Post-Dinner – choose option 2)

    Cruise in Chelsea
    NYE_Classic_Harbor_Line_New_Year_s_Eve_Champagne_Pairing_Cruises_Post_Dinner_NYE_Cruise
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    From Classic Harbor Line’s New Year’s Eve Champagne Pairing Cruises, there are several options to choose from right now.

    This is the 90-minute Post-Dinner Champagne & Dessert Pairing, where you’ll enjoy two coordinated desserts and Champagne. What I find  unique about this cruise is the vessel itself: the cruises will be hosted aboard a grand 1920s inspired yacht!

To experience New Year's Eve on a boat is a dream!

FAQ

When is the best time to see book the NYE cruises?

To guarantee a spot on one of the cruises, be sure to reserve your tickets as far in advance as you can!

Which NYE cruise in NYC is the cheapest?

The cheapest New Year’s Eve cruise starts at $199.

Where do the cruises depart from in New York?

The departure point depends on the operators. But most of the NYE cruises depart from Chelsea Piers on the Hudson River at Pier 61/62.

Is there a dress code?

No – usually there is no dress code.

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author
Steffen

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 20 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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