NYC's 5 Best Summer Cruises
It's officially summer and that means it's time to set sail along the Hudson! Here are five cruising adventures that will have you dancing, bird watching and learning about the history of this great city. By Carly Petrone.
More: Best Night Cruises In NYC | Best Holiday Cruises Around NYC
Step aboard the Spirit of New York and enjoy an evening of dining, dancing, and amazing views of New York City. Head over to Chelsea Piers and experience this 2 1/2-hour cruise that sails along the Hudson and all the way up to the Statue of Liberty. Get your cameras out for a sunset photo by this iconic landmark while noshing on a brand new buffet menu that includes sesame chicken and orzo bay shrimp salad as well as a table filled with delicious desserts. Grab a drink at the bar and hit the dance floor, or head upstairs for a game of life-size Jenga, cornhole, or shuffleboard. Have an event coming up? Guests can also reserve the yacht for private events. Also available for lunch, dinner, and moonlight cruises. Can't make it into Manhattan? Spirit of New York also sets sail from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weekhawken, NJ. See website for more details.
More: Best 4th Of July Celebrations In NYC
Sailing season has begun and Manhattan by Sail has a trip that's catered just for you. Whether you're looking for twilight sail or a lobster & beer trip to enjoy with friends, there's something for everyone to enjoy out on the water. The Jazz Sail is a fun date night idea – step aboard the Clipper City and listen to a live jazz concert starting at 9:45 p.m. Another entertaining cruise is the Burlesque Sail. Leave your inhibitions on the dock and set sail on an adventure of seductive espionage. You can also get up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty herself during the Daytime Statue Sail, which takes place on New York's largest tall ship every day. Make sure to check out their website to learn more about their upcoming July 4th Fireworks Sail, which includes an amazing view of the Macy's fireworks (includes a catered BBQ menu and an open bar).
More: NYC's 5 Best Spots For Birdwatching
Head down to South Street Seaport and hop aboard one of the Audubon Summer EcoCruises. Nature lovers can enjoy great views of amazing birds like the Egret, Black-Crowned Night-Heron, Glossy Ibis, and more. Visit the New York Harbor on the Jamaica Bay EcoCruise for a tour of the many islands of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, nesting osprey, and wading birds. The Hoffman and Swinburne EcoCruise allows guests to enjoy spectacular views of the Statue of liberty, Governors Island, and the Verrazano Bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons, Yellow-Crowned Night-Herons and many more. Finally, the Brothers Island EcoCruise will allow guests to get close views of egret colonies while taking in the Manhattan Skyline at sunset. Check website for pricing as well as departure dates and times.
More: The Best Sushi Restaurants In NYC
Step aboard the elegant 105-foot schooner, America 2.0, and enjoy an evening of seaworthy cuisine and assorted sake. Pair a sampling of nine sushi pieces along with one roll from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto with a sampling of four flights of sake. You'll cruise along the New York Harbor while taking in the NYC skyline, Battery Park, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Who can say no to an evening of fresh sushi, sake and spectacular views? Tickets are $132 and sail lasts 2 hours (now through September 26th). Learn more here.
More: Brooklyn's 5 Best Bars Off the Beaten Path
Whether you're a tourist or a born-and-bred Brooklynite, you'll definitely enjoy traveling up the waterfront from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint aboard the Circle Line's Hello Brooklyn Cruise. You'll learn all about Brooklyn's unique history and culture while passing by famous spots like Brookyn Bridge Park, the Williamsburg Bridge, Red Hook, and much more. Don't worry, you'll also get to spot Lady Liberty from just 100 feet away as you make your way down the Hudson. You also get to nosh on a curated food and drink menu from local companies like Blue Marble Ice Cream, Brooklyn Brewery, Junior's Cheesecake, and McClure's Pickles. You'll certainly never fugheddaboudit. Cruise is 2-hours long and tickets are $38 (adults) and $30 (children 3-12).
For the latest on all of the Tri-State's events and happenings, follow us on Twitter!
Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
