Buffet Cruise From New Jersey

City Cruises New Jersey: NYC Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise runs through City Cruises. Rated 4.0 across 134 reviews. Runs 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes. From $115.13.

Overview

The Spirit of New Jersey boards from a New Jersey marina and spends two to two and a half hours on the Hudson and East Rivers, looping past the Manhattan skyline while passengers eat from a chef-prepared buffet. You get a reserved private table in a climate-controlled dining room, plus access to open-air outdoor decks for sightseeing between courses. A DJ plays music and runs games throughout the sailing.

The route is a greatest-hits pass of New York landmarks. The boat glides past the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Vessel at Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, the three lower East River bridges, Governors Island, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

This suits travelers who want a sit-down meal with the skyline as a backdrop, and visitors staying in New Jersey who would rather board there than cross into Manhattan. One reviewer noted the New Jersey departure came with better parking and more time on the boat.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Board at the marinaMeet at the listed New Jersey departure point, which depends on the option selected. Staff greet passengers at the port and show them to reserved tables.
2. Midtown skyline passThe boat cruises the Hudson past the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the Vessel at Hudson Yards.
3. Lower Manhattan passViews continue past One World Trade Center and Battery Park City, with buffet service and DJ entertainment running throughout.
4. Harbor landmarksThe route passes Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island before turning up the East River.
5. Bridge passThe boat passes the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge, then returns to the departure point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from how the buffet is organized to what the ticket does and does not cover.

• Bring ID and cash. The listing tells passengers to bring a passport or ID card, plus cash. Both are listed under what to bring for this cruise.
• Book as one group. To guarantee the whole party sits together, make a single reservation for everyone. The operator states that separate bookings cannot guarantee shared seating.
• Buffet waits happen. One reviewer described waiting for refills in the buffet line and about a thirty minute wait for a drink ordered from the server, so ordering directly at the bar can be the faster option.
• Food and drink. The buffet covers salads, entrees and desserts, with reviewers mentioning beef, pork, fish, chicken and fruit among the spread. Alcohol costs extra at the bar, while coffee, hot tea and iced tea are unlimited and included.
• Weather and decks. The dining decks are fully enclosed and climate-controlled, and there is a large open-air observation deck upstairs. Panoramic views are available from the reserved table, the dance floor and the outdoor decks.
• Lively atmosphere. Expect DJ music and games rather than a quiet dinner. Reviewers generally describe the mood as fun and relaxed, with several praising the staff for keeping things friendly.

Common issues. The main friction points are around service speed and drink ordering. One reviewer reported slow buffet refills and long waits for server-ordered drinks, and noted that the only bar was on the main deck, two floors down from the outdoor deck. Another said staff initially did not recognize a package that included cocktails and coffee, though it was resolved on board. Hotel pickup is not included, and alcohol must be purchased separately. One reviewer wished the buffet offered a steak option.

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