A lunch cruise in New York is one of those experiences you don’t want to miss if you’re planning a trip to the city. It’s the perfect combination of a relaxing daytime cruise (usually lasting about 2 hours), passing close by the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and other famous landmarks, with Manhattan’s stunning skyline in the background – all while enjoying a full lunch on board. In this post, as part of our NYC food blog, we’ll explore the top NYC cruises where you can have a delicious lunch.
Many cruise companies in New York offer lunch cruises, and to help you find the very best ones, we checked with the experts at Cruise in New York, which reviews all the cruises in the Big Apple from different operators. So here are the top favorite lunch cruises in New York you should check out:
The Bateaux New York Premier Lunch Cruise
One of our top recommendations for lunch cruises in New York is Bateaux New York Premier, a well-established option that has earned its reputation over the years. This 2-hour experience combines sightseeing and dining on board a European-style, glass-enclosed vessel that allows uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline in any season. Guests are seated at reserved tables and served a plated, freshly prepared lunch with entrées, salads, and desserts, while a live pianist provides background music that complements the relaxed atmosphere. Check out Yelp for more reviews.
The route covers both the Hudson and East Rivers, passing by many of New York’s most famous landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery without the crowds of the streets. The cruise departs from Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, making it convenient to access from Midtown Manhattan. With a dress code that is casual yet slightly polished, it strikes a balance between refined dining and a comfortable sightseeing experience. For travelers who want to see New York from a unique angle while enjoying a proper midday meal, this cruise is one of the most reliable and rewarding choices available.
Watch this lovely video by the Banks Family:
Price: starting at $99 per person
Duration: 2 hours (12:00–14:00)
Departure point: Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (West 23rd Street & 12th Avenue)
Includes: plated lunch with appetizer, main course, and dessert, unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water
Additional purchase: cocktails, wine, beer, soda, and juice
Entertainment: live piano music
Dress code: casual attire (smart casual recommended)
Upgrades: option to reserve a window table for premium views
Skyline Princess
Another great option for a lunch cruise in New York is Skyline Princess, which offers a longer and more event-style experience compared to many other cruises. This 4-hour journey sails through New York Harbor with uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and more. Guests enjoy a three-course meal prepared on board, along with lively musical entertainment and even a dance floor, creating an atmosphere that feels festive yet relaxed.
The Skyline Princess is designed as a floating banquet hall with three all-weather decks and a fully climate-controlled cabin, making it suitable year-round. Each group has a reserved table, and free parking is available at the departure point, which adds convenience. Drinks such as beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase at the bar, and the staff is known for being attentive and professional. Unlike shorter lunch cruises, this option emphasizes both dining and entertainment, making it a popular choice for those who want to turn their midday meal into a full afternoon experience on the water.
Price: varies depending on date and package (contact Skyline for details)
Duration: 4 hours
Departure point: Skyline Princess, World’s Fair Marina – Flushing, Queens, NY (public cruises)
Includes: three-course meal, musical entertainment, reserved table, free parking
Additional purchase: premium beer, wine, and liquor from the cash bar
Entertainment: live music and dance floor
Vessel features: three all-weather decks, climate-controlled cabin, smooth sailing in sheltered waters
Upgrades: customizable options available for special occasions or group events
Watch this video to learn more:
Event Cruises NYC
And if you’re looking for a lively brunch experience on the water, Event Cruises NYC are a great option. Sailing from Pier 40 at Hudson River Park, these 2-hour weekend cruises combine dining, bottomless mimosas, and panoramic skyline views into one package. Depending on the sailing, guests can choose between plated three-course menus or generous buffet spreads, always paired with guaranteed private table seating and open deck access for photos of landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.
The atmosphere tends to be festive, with live DJ performances on holiday weekends like Labor Day or Halloween, while still maintaining the relaxed pace of a daytime harbor cruise. With seasonal specials and themed brunches, these cruises are especially popular among groups of friends and families who want to celebrate an occasion in a fun, social setting while taking in New York City from the water. You can check them out on Instagram.
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Price: from $79 (discounted online rates; regular up to $195)
Duration: 2 hours (Saturdays & Sundays at 12:00 pm, plus select holiday dates)
Departure point: Pier 40 at Hudson River Park
Includes: buffet or plated 3-course brunch (depending on cruise), dessert, bottomless mimosas, and private reserved table seating
Additional purchase: cocktails, beer, wine, and other beverages
Entertainment: live DJ performances on holiday/theme cruises
Vessel features: 2–3 deck vessels with open-air viewing areas
Upgrades: seasonal holiday versions (Labor Day, Halloween, etc.) with themed menus and activities
| Feature | Bateaux New York | Skyline Princess | Event Cruises NYC |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Price (starting)** | $99 per person | Varies (contact for details) | From $79 |
| **Duration** | 2 hours | 4 hours | 2 hours |
| **Departure Point** | Pier 61, Chelsea Piers | Flushing, Queens | Pier 40, Hudson River Park |
| **Meal Type** | Plated, freshly prepared lunch | Three-course meal | Plated or buffet brunch |
| **Entertainment** | Live piano music | Live music and dance floor | Live DJ performances |
| **Dress Code** | Casual, smart casual recommended | Not explicitly stated, but appears event-style | Not explicitly stated, but appears festive |
| **Notable Feature** | European-style, glass-enclosed vessel | Free parking, longest duration | Bottomless mimosas, private tables |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What landmarks will I see on a New York lunch cruise?
Most lunch cruises in New York provide spectacular views of the city’s most famous landmarks. You can expect to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the One World Trade Center. Depending on the cruise’s route, you may also see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and other parts of the Manhattan skyline from both the Hudson and East Rivers.
Q2: How long do lunch cruises in NYC typically last?
The duration of a lunch cruise can vary by company. As noted in the article, many lunch cruises, like the Bateaux New York and Event Cruises NYC, last about two hours. Other options, such as the Skyline Princess, may be longer, offering a more extended experience of up to four hours.
Q3: What should I wear for a lunch cruise? Is there a dress code?
Most lunch cruises have a “casual attire” or “smart casual” dress code. For men, this might mean khakis or nice jeans with a collared shirt. For women, a casual dress, skirt, or slacks with a blouse is appropriate. While some cruises are more relaxed, you should avoid wearing beachwear, tank tops, or overly casual clothing, especially in the main dining areas.
Q4: Are drinks included in the ticket price?
Typically, the ticket price for a lunch cruise includes the meal and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, and water. Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails are usually available for an additional purchase at a cash bar on board.
Q5: Are New York lunch cruises suitable for kids or large groups?
Yes, most lunch cruises are family-friendly and can accommodate large groups. Some companies, like Event Cruises NYC, offer a festive atmosphere with live DJs, which can be great for celebrating with friends or family. For large groups, it’s often recommended to book in advance and inquire about special packages or reserved seating.
Q6: What is the best time of year to take a lunch cruise in NYC?
New York lunch cruises operate year-round, as most vessels have climate-controlled, all-weather decks. However, the most popular time is spring through fall (April to October) when temperatures are mild and you can comfortably enjoy the open-air decks for photos and views. Winter cruises offer a unique perspective of the snowy city skyline from the comfort of the heated indoor cabins.
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Anthony McGovern is an NYC-based food writer and culinary explorer dedicated to mapping the city’s rich, diverse street food landscape. From tracing the deep immigration histories behind Chinatown’s dumpling shops to hunting down the best late-night taco trucks on Roosevelt Avenue, Anthony focuses on the stories, people, and generations-old traditions that define New York’s food scene
