12 Picks For A Dinner Cruise NYC – Expert Reviewed For You!
I’ve lived in the New York City area for over 10 years now! I love exploring all there is to do in this incredible city. Once of my favorite things to do is enjoy a delicious meal with a beautiful backdrop. Dinner cruises in NYC offer a unique blend of gourmet dining, breathtaking views, and unparalleled ambiance.
Whether you’re visiting the Big Apple or simply seeking a memorable evening, there’s a dinner cruise tailored just for you. I set sail on many of these and researched as many options as I could so you don’t have to!
I love the option of a cruise around NYC to see the sites and enjoy a meal at the same time. It is such a unique way to see some of the incredible skyline views (It’s even more special at night!) Here’s a guide to the must-try dinner cruises in NYC.
Overall Best Picks For Dinner Cruise NYC
I have tried and reviewed many dinner cruises in order to round up the best options for you! I’ve also made sure to include some top picks based on your style (ie. romantic, budget, family friendly!). There is truly nothing better than a cruise around NYC on a nice Spring or Fall day.
#1 Bateaux New York Premier Dinner Cruise
Bateaux dinner cruise puts on an incredible experience for their guests. The boat’s all-glass design ensures breathtaking 180-degree views of the city skyline as you stroll around and settle into your table. Immerse yourself in the evening as you enjoy dinner with friends and family with the NYC skyline as your backdrop and live music playing aboard.
What Can you Expect to See? Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, Empire State Building, Seaport, NYC Skyline
What Can you Expect to Eat? 3-course gourmet meal (Consisting of options Salad or soup, entree options of fish, chicken, beef, or vegetarian meal, dessert). Alcoholic drinks (for purchase), unlimited non-alcoholic drinks
Length of This Tour: 3 Hours
Approximate Cost: $174-$270 (Varies by date)
Our Take: Being our top pick for dinner cruise options around NYC, this comes as a highly recommended choice. I love this cruise for the food, entertainment, and incredible views of my favorite city!
🚢 Click Here to book your Bateaux NYC Dinner Cruise! 🌃 My FAVORITE NYC Cruise Option! 🗽
#2 New York Dinner Cruise
Experience the vibrancy of New York City onboard the festive Buffet Dinner Cruise. Start your evening with a warm welcome aboard and prepare to feast on an expansive buffet featuring a variety of dishes to please every palate.
The laid-back atmosphere is complemented by a live DJ, ensuring those rhythmic beats keep your spirits high as the skyline twinkles against the night sky. This cruise is perfect for those seeking a casual yet exciting dining experience on the water.
What Can you Expect to See? Begin at Pier 61 Chelsea Piers Later, head topside and relax on the outdoor patio deck for views of Manhattan’s magnificent skyline. You will have views of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, Empire State Building, Hudson Yards, Chrysler Building, Intrepid Museum, One World Trade Center, Battery Park City, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport Historic District, and Governors Island.
What Can you Expect to Eat? Buffet dinner-menu is subject to change, indulge in dishes like beef short ribs, roasted chicken, roasted salmon, or various pasta delights, followed, of course, by dessert.
Length of This Tour: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
Approximate Cost: $130-$250 (Varies by date)
Our Take: This is a great option for those looking to cruise around The Hudson with a party scene. The buffet dinner allows for flexibility while you and your friends spend time taking in the sites and dancing under the stars.
🚢 Click Here to book this NYC Dinner Cruise! 🌃
#3 NYC: Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music
What Can you Expect to See? Celebrate in the sounds of live music while dining under the stars on this luxurious cruise around Manhattan. Coupled with a sumptuous gourmet dinner, you’ll enjoy refined cuisine as the Manhattan skyline unfurls around you. This cruise is an ideal choice for music lovers and romantics alike, offering a sophisticated evening of dining and entertainment.
What Can you Expect to See? Pier 78 at Hudson River Park, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge
What Can you Expect to Eat? 5-course gourmet meal. Alcoholic drinks, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks
Length of This Tour: 3 Hours
Approximate Cost: ~$270 (Varies by date)
Our Take: This is a wonderful option for a more upscale experience. Perfect for a romantic date night cruise through NYC or a nice evening out with friends.
🚢 Book This Gourmet Dinner Cruise around NYC! 🌃
#4 New York City: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Buffet River Cruise
Cruise down the Hudson and East Rivers with views of the New York City skyline as you dine with friends and family. This cruise offers a buffet dinner and option to enjoy music from a DJ inside or 360 degree views from the observation deck.
What Can you Expect to See? Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty
What Can you Expect to Eat? Buffet Dinner with menu subject to change, may include items such as salads, pasta salads, vegetable side dishes, baked ziti, fish, chicken, braised short ribs, plus dessert
Length of This Tour: 2-3 Hours
Approximate Cost: ~$270 (Varies by date)
Our Take: This is a decent option if you are looking for a no frills dinner cruise. We love the flexible food options that are offered with a buffet meal. This also makes it ideal for an option with children who are picky eaters.
🚢 Click Here to View and Book This Cruise! 🌃
#5 Skyline Dinner Cruise
With over 25 years of experience, Skyline has become the go-to for top-notch service and unbeatable value. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, tying the knot, or hosting a big corporate bash, this company is a wonderful option. They offer both public dinner cruises or private events where you can rent out the entire yacht for your party.
What Can you Expect to See? Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, the South Street Seaport, and the NYC Skyline
What Can you Expect to Eat? Buffet dinner options that include short ribs, chicken, fish, salads, breads, vegetables, potatoes and dessert.
Length of This Tour: 4 Hours
Approximate Cost: ~$130 for adults with meal
Our Take: This is a good option for those in larger groups who don’t all want to have the dinner. Thanks to their dynamic pricing (You can purchase tickets with or without a meal) it gives groups the options to decide if they want to have dinner with their cruise or only enjoy the sightseeing.
#6 Mexican NYC Dinner Cruise
If you are looking for a dinner cruise that has a more unique take on the meal options, this one’s for you! Serving up your favorite Mexican dishes to enjoy with views of the NYC skyline- this is a fun option for a dinner cruise along the Hudson River.
What Can you Expect to See? One World, The Statue of Liberty, and NYC Skyline
What Can you Expect to Eat? Tacos, Churros and Margarita (additional options available a la carte for an extra fee)
Length of This Tour: 2 Hours
Approximate Cost: ~$75
Our Take: As someone who LOVES Mexican food, this might be my top pick (but want to keep it neutral for all of you!) This is a short but sweet dinner cruise with views of the NYC skyline at night. The cruise takes you to and from the Statue of Liberty out of Pier 81 on the West Side. **Important Note: This cruise is only available in later spring, summer and early fall**
🚢 Click Here to View and Book This Cruise! 🌃
#7 NYC Lobster Dinner Cruise
What could be better than fresh lobster rolls in the summer while setting sail on the Hudson River? A fun option for those looking for a lobster dinner while seeing NYC sites.
What Can you Expect to See? One World, The Statue of Liberty, and NYC Skyline
What Can you Expect to Eat? Lobster roll and Craft beers
Length of This Tour: 2 Hours
Approximate Cost: ~$130-$200
Our Take: This is a great pick especially if you have a group of people (and also love lobster!). The cruise offers a trip to and from the Statue of Liberty while also getting incredible views of the NYC skyline. **Important Note: This cruise is only available in later spring, summer and early fall**
🚢 🦞 Click Here to Book this Cruise!🌃
#7 New York City Sail with Wine Tasting
Okay, so this is not technically a dinner cruise, but this is a fun option for those seeking a lighter snack paired with delicious wine. Not to mention, the NYC skyline as your backdrop.
What Can you Expect to See? NYC Skyline
What Can you Expect to Eat? Light snacks of cheese and charcuterie
Length of This Tour: 2 Hours
Approximate Cost: $130-$200
Our Take: I love this pick if you aren’t truly looking for dinner. Wine, sailing, and the NYC skyline? What could possibly be a better evening?
🚢🍷Book Your Wine Tasting Sail Now! 🗽
#8 Top Pick For a Romantic Dinner Cruise NYC
If you are seeking a romantic dinner with a loved one, then the Bateaux New York Premier Dinner Cruise is the one I’d recommend. Children under the age of 6 are not allowed, so you will get a more adult friendly cruise. They have a strict dress code of semi-formal attire that elevate the experience a bit more than some of the other options.
#9 Top Pick For a Cheap Dinner Cruise NYC
If you want the experience of a dinner cruise around New York but without the cost, then Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise is the way to go. This is a truly no frills cruise and “dinner” is purchased a la carte at the snack shop (Think hot dogs and hamburgers). A great way to see the sites is with a cheap meal.
#10 Family Dinner Cruise NYC
When cruising with young kids we always recommend options that have the most flexibility. While many of the cruises on this list are family friendly and kids are allowed, we love the buffet dinner options. These types of cruises allow for you to sit back and relax (especially if you have picky eaters like I do!!) This New York Buffet Dinner Cruise is our pick for families with younger children!
#11 Luxury Dinner Cruise NYC
For those looking to enjoy some luxury on the NYC dinner cruise then we recommend either Bateaux New York Premier Dinner Cruise or NYC: Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music. Both options offer an incredible meal paired with live music and dancing against the backdrop of a sparkling New York City skyline.
#12 Birthday Dinner Cruise NYC
What could be more fun than a margarita with the NYC skyline in the background? That’s why we are voting for the Mexican NYC Dinner Cruise as our top pick for a birthday celebration!
Final Thoughts: Dinner Cruise NYC
Wrapping up our exploration of the 12 best dinner cruises in NYC, it’s clear each offers something special. From the chic vibes of Bateaux New York to the laid-back budget options of Circle Cruise Line, there’s a cruise to match any vibe or budget. Whether you’re marking a big moment or just out for a good time, these cruises promise unforgettable views and tasty bites.
Picture yourself cruising past the Statue of Liberty or taking in the twinkling skyline under the stars. With chefs whipping up mouthwatering dishes and live tunes setting the mood, it’s more than just a meal – it’s an experience.
