Whether you’re a tourist seeking adventure in the Big Apple or are a long-standing resident of New York City celebrating a special occasion—or just looking for a fabulous night out, the Spirit of New York dinner cruise offers a truly memorable experience. The frivolity starts the moment you arrive at Chelsea Pier and step aboard the vessel—a three-deck, climate-controlled party yacht that can accommodate up to 600 guests year-round.
Although spring and summer cruises are always popular, the specialty excursions like the “Holiday Lights Dinner Cruise” that I recently experienced and the “New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner” are particularly festive and lovely. Throughout these and all other dinner cruises, guests are treated to glittering views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge and an incredible up-close-and-personal view of the illuminated Statue of Liberty for a photo op like none other.
While the privileged vistas alone are worth the price of admission, the vessel also boasts diverse menus to best assure each journey has edibles everyone will enjoy. Fresh seasonal ingredients are used to create elegant, all-you-can-eat, buffet-style meals that can include roast salmon, twice cooked beef, mashed potatoes, specialty salads and more. It’s all punctuated by a decadent dessert table replete with various selections to satiate that sweet tooth.
For the holiday cruises and other specialized excursions, customized and tailored menus with wine pairings are created to add even more appeal. For those who like to enjoy a fine cocktail with their dining experience, the yacht does also have a well-stocked bar for which drink tickets may be purchased if not already included with your chosen package. The First Class service option does include a welcome aboard glass of Champagne and Platinum Open Bar. Additional cruise add-on options include full bottles of wine or Champagne, a keepsake bubbly flute, boarding photo package, chocolate covered strawberries and a dozen roses.
Even beyond the unbelievable views and tasty victuals, the Spirit of New York experience also includes entertainment like an energetic onboard DJ who is quite adept at getting the crowd up out of their seats and boogying the night away on the disco light-laden dance floor. Some cruises also include karaoke to the amusement of all.
In addition to dinner experiences, lunchtime cruises are also scheduled every day of the week, while brunch is served on Sundays. Whether for lunch or for dinner, these excursions allow guests to admire the city from a whole new perspective while enjoying upscale and attentive service you’d expect from any high-end, landlocked restaurant.
