5-Course Dinner, Live Music

New York City: Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music runs through NYC Water Cruises. Rated 4.2 across 1,701 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $156.36.

Overview

Aboard the Louisa of the Seas, this three-hour evening cruise runs from Pier 36 on the Lower East Side, with boarding 30 minutes before departure and sailing from 7:00pm to 10:00pm unless otherwise specified. Guests sit at private tables for a plated dinner while live musicians, described in the listing as off-Broadway New York talent, play through the evening. The route loops lower Manhattan: a photo stop at the Manhattan Bridge, pass-bys of the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, then sightseeing stretches around Governors Island, the Financial District, One World Observatory, the Seaport and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Two options are sold. The regular ticket includes a charcuterie board, one beer or wine drink ticket, a plated meal and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. The VIP ticket adds special access to the VIP deck and two drink tickets covering beer, wine and cocktails. Extra alcoholic drinks beyond the tickets can be bought at the bar, which stocks top-shelf liquor.

Several reviewers booked it for birthdays and anniversaries and praised the band, the food and the skyline, while one reviewer noted there was no commentary on the landmarks. Bring ID, dress up, and tell the operator in advance about any dietary needs.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Pier 36The meeting point is Pier 36 NYC, 299 South St, New York. Boarding opens 30 minutes before the 7:00pm cruise time, unless otherwise specified.
2. Manhattan Bridge photo stopThe boat pauses for a 15-minute photo stop at the Manhattan Bridge.
3. Brooklyn Bridge pass-byThe cruise passes by the Brooklyn Bridge.
4. Ellis Island and Statue of LibertyThe boat passes by Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, timed around sunset views.
5. Lower Manhattan sightseeingSightseeing stretches of 20 minutes each cover Governors Island, the Financial District, One World Observatory, the Seaport and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
6. Return to pierThe cruise ends back at the departure pier at 10:00pm, after three hours on the water.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the listing and in traveller reviews.

• Dress code. The listing says dress to impress.
• Bring ID. Passport or ID card is on the what-to-bring list, and the bar serves alcohol. One reviewer travelling by the F train warned that the walk from the station is long, so plan the journey to the pier with time to spare.
• Food and drink. Dinner is plated at your table, with unlimited soda, juice, coffee, tea and water. Alcohol depends on the option: one beer or wine ticket on the regular ticket, two tickets for beer, wine or cocktails on VIP.
• Music and seating. Live music runs through dinner. One reviewer noted that hearing the band properly meant leaving the table.
• Dietary needs. Gluten-free and vegetarian requests are accommodated if stated clearly on the reservation. One reviewer reported no vegetarian option on the night, so state any needs clearly when booking.
• Finding the boat. One reviewer said the ship was hard to locate at the pier and boarding ran late on the night. Arrive early, check the operator's website chat for updates, and allow time to find the correct slip.

Common issues. Boarding is the main complaint. One reviewer waited an hour and a half for the boat to dock, with no staff on the pier to explain the delay, and the platform review summary also flags unclear pier signage and a wish for more timely updates on delays. One reviewer reported no commentary on the landmarks, so guests unsure of the skyline may not know what they are looking at. Hotel pickup is not included, tips are not included, and extra alcoholic drinks beyond the drink tickets must be purchased at the bar.

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