More about: Dinner Cruises in New York
You'll probably never tire of seeing the Manhattan skyline: its skyscrapers, its dynamism, its lights... Everything seems magical, even more so when seen from the water. Fortunately, dozens of cruise ships sail the Hudson every day, but which dinner cruises will give you that movie-like experience?
There are many to choose from, but I've selected the best ones so you can easily pick the one that best suits your tastes. Here we go:
New York Buffet Dinner Cruise
Luxury cruise with buffet dinner
On board this incredible boat, you will enjoy the best views of Manhattan while enjoying a buffet-style menu and the best live music to liven up the evening.
At around 6:30 p.m., the adventure begins on this spectacular boat that will take you through the waters of the Hudson River to see the best skyscrapers in New York while enjoying an exquisite buffet dinner and the best live music.
This is undoubtedly the most premium experience you could choose to end your trip to New York: the fully glass-enclosed boat will allow you to enjoy the most spectacular panoramic view of Manhattan at all times.
This buffet dinner cruise on New York's Hudson River will give you unforgettable views of the Empire State Building, the Financial District, the Brooklyn Bridge and even the Statue of Liberty for almost three hours.
Why I recommend this option: if you're looking for a premium and exclusive experience to enjoy an evening with your partner, this is the option for you.
How much does a dinner cruise in New York cost?
Prices for a dinner cruise around the Hudson are around £139 on Hellotickets, depending on the type of menu you want to be served on board. The most premium option features an exceptional three-course menu served at the table to all diners.
When compared to the prices of more standard New York cruises that do not include dinner and are limited to a tour of the Hudson, it is clear that those that include dinner are more expensive, but also much more exclusive. The number of places is limited, they do not depart every day, and the quality and attention to detail are in keeping with a totally luxurious service.
The comfort and size of the boat are also completely different: dinner cruises take place on luxury boats, yachts or glass barges designed for the ultimate pleasure of all the senses.
Duration of dinner cruises in New York
New York cruises that include dinner all last between two and three hours. Please note that this is a relaxed experience designed for passengers to enjoy the experience: the views of the city, the exquisite dinner, the luxury boat...
The good thing about the considerable duration is that they cover a large route around the island of Manhattan and even go close to the Statue of Liberty so you can see it up close. The speed at which they travel is quite leisurely, so you'll have time to enjoy your dinner and the views at the same time.
If you're worried about getting seasick, rest assured that there's no danger: all the boats are very large and stable, and the river doesn't usually have any problems with waves. Get ready to enjoy a peaceful evening while savouring the best views of Manhattan. Here is a list of the duration of cruises in New York.
What will I see on a night cruise with dinner included?
During the nearly three hours of sailing on these cruises, you will have the opportunity to cruise around the entire southern tip of Manhattan Island and travel along the river to Midtown. The piers are usually located south of Manhattan Island, giving you a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the main skyscrapers of the Financial District, including the One World Trade Center.
Some itineraries go as far as Liberty Island so you can see the illuminated Statue of Liberty up close and then return to Manhattan to begin the ascent to Midtown, where you can see the legendary Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, among other sights.
In general, the view of the Manhattan skyline from the water is something that leaves no one indifferent, and you will enjoy every minute aboard this cruise. Here is a list of the main attractions you will see during a cruise on the Hudson River
Why it's worth choosing a cruise that includes dinner
It's true that compared to other cruises that depart during the day and don't include dinner, it may be a little more expensive, but the difference is worth it because the experience is completely different. The boat is totally luxurious, much more comfortable, and seeing the city at night is unforgettable. The itinerary is also longer.
These cruises don't feel touristy at all. On the contrary, it's common to see Americans, especially New Yorkers, celebrating an evening with their colleagues or on a date with their partners. The feeling of being on board these boats is practically the same as staying in a real five-star hotel in Manhattan.
If you are also looking for an unforgettable experience to celebrate a special event (birthday, anniversary, surprise for your partner, etc.), this evening will not only meet your expectations but will probably be the best memory you take away from your trip to New York.
When is the best time to take a dinner cruise on the Hudson River?
Obviously, all cruises that include dinner take place in the late afternoon/evening, when the sun is setting and the first lights begin to come on in the bridges and skyscrapers. Honestly, it's the best time to take a dinner cruise and sail down the Hudson.
If you're wondering when is the best time of the week to book, these types of cruises usually depart on weekends or towards the end of the week (Thursday to Saturday), but my advice is to check dates and book in advance: places are limited and there is high demand.
On the other hand, if you're worried about it being too cold or too hot, don't worry. Dinner is served in the ship's interior salons, which are perfectly air-conditioned so that the heat or cold outside is not a problem. However, if you take the cruise in winter, bring a warm coat so you can go out on deck for a while to enjoy the views without a window blocking your view of the city.
Take a dinner cruise in New York with children
Before booking, make sure that children are allowed on board the cruise. For example, on the most VIP option offered by Hellotickets, children under 6 are not allowed on board. This is a VIP experience where silence reigns, there is live jazz or classical music, and they want to maintain an "adults-only" atmosphere.
For older children, keep in mind that there are no discounts or special rates, so it may not be worth it financially to take them or do these cruises with them (since it is also late in the afternoon, they may end up falling asleep). In any case, consider all of this before booking a cruise with young children. I have summarised everything you need to bear in mind in this article about taking a cruise in New York with children.
Other dinner cruise options
If you want to enjoy the views of the Hudson River at sunset but want to save some money on dinner, there are other cruise options that may be more to your liking. For around £100, you can enjoy dinner on board a boat with live music.
Lasting two to three hours, this boat trip includes a three-course dinner, coffee, tea and live entertainment. All this while enjoying the spectacular New York skyline.
Cruises with brunch or lunch included
If you prefer a different time of day, there are also cruise options that include lunch or brunch on board, which are very popular in New York. Enjoy a delicious meal while sailing peacefully along the Hudson River and taking in the spectacular panoramic views of the city in broad daylight. Choose the one that best suits your travel plans:
- Brunch cruise in New York — from £112
- Lunch cruise in New York — from £92
Tips for making the most of a dinner cruise in Manhattan
The truth is that enjoying yourself on board these luxury boats is not difficult at all. As soon as you set foot on the boat, you will feel like you are in a period film and lose all sense of time. Even so, allow me to give you some tips on how to get the most out of a cruise on the Hudson.
- Book in advance to ensure you can take the cruise on the day that best suits your itinerary.
- Be punctual: remember that the boat won't wait for anyone, and you'll want to be there on time to avoid any surprises or rushing around.
- Pay attention to the dress code: although formal attire is not required, you'll want to avoid the "tourist look" you've been wearing while exploring New York during the day. If possible, avoid trainers, flip-flops or shorts, and don't hesitate to dress up a little more than usual: after all, this is a special evening that you don't get to enjoy every day, right?
- Forget your camera: although you'll be tempted to take photos constantly, my advice is to take a few pictures during the trip, but don't get obsessed with it. No image can describe the feeling of sailing around Manhattan under the starlight.
- Turn off your phone. The same goes for mobile phones. You'll have plenty of time to tell your friends and family about the unique experience you've just had, but in the moment, you'll want to be enjoying it to the fullest with all your senses (and if you don't want to turn it off, remember to put it on silent so you don't interrupt the musicians!).