NYC's 5 Best Holiday Cruises
Looking for something new to do this holiday season? Step aboard one of these five cruise ships and set sail along the Hudson while sipping a glass of bubbly or hot cider. By Carly Petrone.
Classic Harbor Cruises
Chelsea Piers
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Classic Harbor Cruises has plenty of holiday options to choose from this festive season. From Holiday Jazz and wine tasting trips, to "Cocoa and Carols" and holiday brunch -- there's something for everyone to enjoy this winter. You can also already get your ticket for their New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise, which includes a champagne tasting class at boarding, passed hors d'oeuvres, live jazz, and the best view of the New York Harbor Fireworks at midnight. Plus, you can get all dolled up in your best vintage garb since you'll be aboard the intimate and elegant 1920s-style yacht. Learn more about each cruise and ticket prices here.
Hornblower Cruises
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Rev up your usual holiday lunch or dinner gathering by setting sail with Hornblower Cruises. Step aboard midday and enjoy a two-hour NYC cruise along the Hudson along with a holiday-inspired buffet, and DJ entertainment. Tickets are $50/person and boarding begins at noon for a 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. cruise. Stick around for dinner and sip on a welcome glass of sparkling wine before the three-hour sail begins at 7 p.m. You can also start a new Christmas Eve tradition by taking part in Santa's NYC Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise. This three-hour experience includes a welcome glass of sparkling wine or apple cider, festive music, and a gourmet holiday buffet. Need a ride home? Take an Uber and enter the code HORNBLOWER for a free first ride (up to $15). Learn more about these trips as well as their Christmas Eve Jazzy Champagne Brunch, Holiday Party Champagne Charter, and New Year's Eve Cruises here.
Spirit Cruises
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Bring the kiddos aboard the Lunch with Santa Cruise on Saturday, December 10 and enjoy a signature buffet with plenty of kid-friendly options. Spirit Cruises has pulled out all the stops, including having St. Nick himself aboard the ship! Kids can take their picture with Santa while enjoying the magical views of New York City. You can also sing along to your favorite gospel hits during the Holiday Gospel Brunch Cruise on December 3, show off your latin dance moves at the Holiday Latin Cocktail Cruises on December 11 and December 18, or take in the festive lights of New York City during the Holiday Lights Dinner Cruise. Spirit Cruises departs from both New York City and New Jersey.
Skyline Cruises
718-446-1100
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Spend New Year's Eve aboard the Skyline Princess. Skyline Cruises New Year's Eve Dinner Dance Party Fireworks Cruise is a five-hour event that will tour the New York Skyline, the Statue of Liberty, bridges along the East River, as well as plenty of historical landmarks. Take advantage of the premium open bar and nosh on a delicious gourmet dinner buffet before the champagne toast at midnight. You'll get to take in the Macy's Fireworks from the middle of the harbor and you'll leave the ship with as many party favors as you can grab. Tickets are $205/adult, $175/child, and $245/person for a private table (for groups of or more.)
Bateaux Cruises
Stay warm this holiday season aboard a Bateaux holiday cruise. Take in panoramic views of NYC from their fully glass-enclosed deck and enjoy festival holiday décor and music during a two-hour lunch cruise or three-hour dinner cruise. Spend Christmas Eve sailing along the Hudson while tasting a signature plated dinner that includes everything from seafood towers to the ultimate Surf n' Turf. It's easy to get into the holiday spirit aboard one of these memorable sails. Learn more about the different cruise options and ticket prices here.
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Carly Petrone is the founder of Petrone on the Rocks, a lifestyle site about food, drinks, beauty, travel, and more. She lives in New York City.
