Champagne Sunset Schooner Sail

New York City: Sunset Sail Aboard a Schooner runs through Classic Harbor Line New York City. Rated 4.9 across 376 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $101.68.

Overview

This two-hour sail puts you aboard Schooner America, a 105-foot classic sailboat that departs from Chelsea Piers and heads south down the Hudson. The route runs toward Battery Park, passes Ellis Island and continues out to the Statue of Liberty, and if wind and time allow, the boat also heads toward Governors Island and past the Financial District. Along the way you get the Manhattan skyline and the harbor's landmarks from the water, with the timing aimed at sunset.

One complimentary drink is included for guests aged 21 and over, with beer, wine and Champagne among the choices, and a professional crew runs the boat. Non-alcoholic drinks beyond the included one can be bought on board. The listing pitches it as suited to romantic outings, entertaining visitors, or simply unwinding away from the city's pace, and reviewers back that up: several describe a relaxed, uncrowded boat with a friendly crew, and some mention passengers even helping hoist the sails in good conditions.

No hotel pickup or transport is included, so you make your own way to the pier. Bring a photo ID matching the reservation name, since check-in at the ticket booth requires it, and plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before departure. Pets and smoking are not allowed, though service animals that perform a manual task are permitted.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Chelsea PiersArrive 15 to 30 minutes before departure and check in at the ticket booth for boarding passes. Bring a photo ID matching the name on the reservation.
2. Board Schooner AmericaStep aboard the 105-foot classic sailboat and receive one complimentary drink if you are 21 or older.
3. Sail south down the HudsonThe schooner heads south from Chelsea Piers down the Hudson River toward Battery Park.
4. Pass Ellis Island and Statue of LibertyThe route passes Ellis Island and sails out to the Statue of Liberty, timed so the sun sets over the harbor and skyline.
5. Governors Island and Financial DistrictWind and time permitting, the boat heads toward Governors Island and past the Financial District before returning.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this sail.

• ID and check-in. Bring a passport or ID card that matches the name on the reservation, plus a credit card. You need to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before departure to check in at the ticket booth.
• Group feel. The boat is not crowded, according to several reviewers who compared it favorably with other harbor cruises. The atmosphere is relaxed, and one reviewer recommended it for small groups or a romantic date.
• Drinks on board. One drink is included for passengers aged 21 and over, choosing from beer, wine or Champagne. Additional non-alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, so bring a card if you want more than the included drink.
• Weather and wind. The route beyond the Statue of Liberty, toward Governors Island and the Financial District, depends on wind and time. Some trips also let passengers help hoist the sails when conditions are good, as one reviewer described.
• Photos. The sunset colors over the harbor and the Manhattan skyline are the scenery this route is built around, so keep a camera within easy reach on deck. If wind and time permit, the leg past Governors Island and the Financial District adds more skyline angles.
• Getting there. No hotel pickup or transportation is included; you make your own way to Chelsea Piers. If you need boarding assistance or have accessibility questions, contact the operator in advance, since accessibility varies by boat.

Common issues. The platform's own summary notes some travelers wanted clearer communication on departure times and boarding cutoffs, so plan to arrive early for check-in. The route is partly weather dependent: Governors Island and the Financial District are only sailed past if wind and time permit. Pets are not permitted, including emotional support animals, and large group bookings are not allowed, with multiple bookings subject to added fees or cancellation by the operator. Gratuities and extra drinks beyond the first are not included.

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