New York is a port city, and one of the best ways to see it is on a dinner cruise or harbor cruise. Whether you choose a fancy dinner cruise or a simple sightseeing cruise, you're sure to enjoy the views. New York harbor cruises are available in lengths from 75 minutes to a full day.
Eight New York harbor cruises are: NY Waterway, New York Water Taxi, American Princess, Circle Line, Hornblower New York, Bateaux New York, Classic Harbor Line, and Manhattan by Sail.
The Bateaux New York is a European-inspired vessel that offers brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktail cruises. Enjoy an afternoon or evening of splendor on New York Harbor. As you view the skyline through glass ceilings and walls, you'll savour gourmet cuisine, fine wines and live jazz.
The NY Waterway ferry company mainly serves commuters, but tourists enjoy their boats too. The East River Ferry connects Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens and Governor's Island. In 1986, Arthur Imperatore and his family rejuvenated the New York harbor with the launch of the first NY Waterway boat. Since then, the company has carried over 65 million passengers. NY Waterway has the largest ferry fleet in the harbor, but it is still a family business with all the personal attention to service and amenities that it had when it was just Arthur's ferry.
See New York from the water on a Circle Line sightseeing cruise. Whether you are exploring New York for the first time, rediscovering your hometown or seeking a mini-vacation, a Circle Line cruise is a relaxing and fun way to see the world's most famous skyline. There are numerous cruises, from 75 minutes to 3 hours in length. Beverages, wine, beer, cocktails and food are available on board.
New York Water Taxi has tours for visitors as well as commuter boat services. Choose from Statue of Liberty Express, Statue by night, hop-on/hop-off, and Audobon Eco-Cruise tours.
The Hornblower New York outdoor deck is a perfect spot to gaze at the stars on New York Harbor. They have dinner and lunch cruises. Grab a cocktail in the lounge or head for the dance club and move to the latest sounds. You'll also discover a dining room with attentive meal service. And of course you'll enjoy the views of the world's most dramatic skyline on this New York harbor cruise.
Classic Harbor Line has two sailing schooners (the Schooner Adirondack is pictured above left) and a luxury yacht that offer New York harbor cruises. Take a day, sunset, city lights or full moon sail. Or choose a brunch, skyline, afternoon tea, sunset or city lights cruise on the yacht. These stylish adventures are a great way to see New York.
Manhattan by Sail offers New York harbor cruises on two sailing ships, the Shearwater and the Clipper City. Choose from day, sunset, night, brunch, wine tasting, and late-night romantic cruises.
American Princess Cruises offers whale watching and dolphin adventure cruises out of New York. They depart from Rockaway (Queens NYC). The season is from May to November.