Bateaux Bottomless Mimosa Brunch

City Cruises New York Bateaux Premier Brunch Cruise runs through City Cruises. Rated 4.5 across 49 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $158.82.

Overview

A two hour brunch cruise with bottomless mimosas for guests aged 21 or over with valid ID. One reviewer describes the boat as Parisian style, a bateaux mouche, with a glass indoor area from which you can see everything, while the deck outside offers fresh air. A DJ provides the entertainment.

Boarding happens at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, half an hour before the noon departure. The route runs along the East and Hudson Rivers, passing the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the Intrepid Museum, Hudson Yards, Governors Island, One World Trade Center and the South Street Seaport district, all from the water. Brunch includes freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts, plus unlimited coffee, tea and water. Creative cocktails, wine and beer cost extra at a cash bar.

The cruise suits visitors who want a sit down meal with the skyline moving past the windows, and reviewers have used it for birthdays and other celebrations. They repeatedly praise the attentive servers, the regularly topped up mimosas and the passage beneath the bridges. One traveller found the narration limited and asked staff about individual buildings, so anyone wanting deep commentary should temper expectations.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Chelsea PiersMeet at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, New York. Boarding begins 30 minutes before the 12:00 departure, and late arrivals will likely miss the boat.
2. Board the BateauxTake your guaranteed table, sized to the number of tickets on your booking.
3. Sail the riversThe two hour cruise passes the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge and Governors Island, with the skyline in view throughout.
4. Pass Manhattan landmarksOther sights passed en route include the Chrysler Building, the Intrepid Museum, Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center and the South Street Seaport Historic District. All are pass by views from the water.
5. Return to Chelsea PiersThe cruise ends back at the same meeting point at Pier 61.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape the day, from the dress code to how the mimosa service works.

• What to wear. The operator encourages casual but comfortable attire such as khakis, nice jeans, dresses or casual button ups. The atmosphere on board is described as sophisticated.
• Mimosa rules. Bottomless mimosas are included but limited to guests aged 21 or over with valid ID. Cocktails, wine and beer are sold separately at the cash bar.
• Deck and wind. One reviewer warns that the outside deck is windy, so hold onto hats and secure loose items. The glass indoor area keeps the views available without going outside.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included. The meeting point at Pier 61 is near public transportation, and the cruise is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. City Cruises does not own or operate parking lots in the area.
• Group size. The sailing carries a maximum of 150 travellers. Seating is only guaranteed together for the number of tickets on one booking, and separate reservations may not be combined. Infants must sit on laps.
• Commentary. The DJ narrates points of interest, and several reviewers enjoyed the commentary on the sights. One traveller found the commentary limited and had to ask staff about buildings and bridges. Treat it as background narration rather than a guided tour.

Common issues. Weather matters: the cruise requires good conditions, and poor weather cancellations come with a different date or a full refund. The operator also needs a minimum number of travellers, and low bookings can mean a reschedule or refund. Service quality is generally praised, but one reviewer reported disorganised service and bland food on a holiday weekend.

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