City Cruises Buffet Lunch

City Cruises New York Signature Lunch Cruise runs through City Cruises. Rated 4.3 across 210 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $115.13.

Overview

This two-hour lunch cruise boards at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers in Manhattan, and loops out past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building and Governors Island, all viewed from the water. The boat runs along the Hudson and East Rivers with a DJ on board playing through the trip. Every party gets a guaranteed table, and guests head up to the buffet once underway.

The buffet covers freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts, with unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water included. Beer, wine and cocktails are sold separately at an on-board cash bar. Reviews repeatedly mention the DJ, the skyline views and the staff as the highlights.

The cruise carries up to 300 travellers per sailing and is structured around the buffet and the passing landmarks. Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure, and late arrivals are likely to miss the boat, so the timing is fixed rather than flexible.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Board at Chelsea PiersArrive at Pier 61 North early; boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Guests are shown to their assigned table for the party size booked.
2. Cruise the harborThe boat pulls out from Chelsea Piers and heads into New York Harbor, passing the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island and other landmarks.
3. Buffet lunchOnce underway, guests head up to the buffet, which includes salads, entrees and desserts. Coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water are unlimited and included.
4. Skyline sailingThe DJ plays as the boat continues along the Hudson and East Rivers, passing the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and Brooklyn Bridge. Drinks from the cash bar are an optional extra purchase.
5. Return to Pier 61The cruise ends when the boat pulls back into Chelsea Piers, at the same point where it started.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trip goes, from the fixed boarding window to how the buffet is run.

• Arrive early. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure and late arrivals will likely miss the boat. The listing advises planning to be at the pier well ahead of that window.
• What to wear. The listing suggests casual, comfortable attire such as khakis, nice jeans, dresses or casual button-ups and blouses. The boat sails in all weather, and one reviewer who went out in the rain still headed on deck for photos, so bring a layer or rain gear to match the forecast.
• Buffet pacing. The buffet opens once the boat is underway, with salads, hearty entrees and desserts served over the course of the sailing.
• Food and drink. The buffet plus unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea and water are included. Alcohol costs extra at the cash bar. Reviews are mixed on the food, with many calling it delicious and others finding it poorly prepared or not warm enough.
• Group feel. This is a large shared cruise with up to 300 travellers, not a private charter. Travellers frequently book it for birthdays and celebrations, and the live DJ is a consistent part of the trip.
• Photos and decks. The cruise passes the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline, so have a camera or phone ready. One reviewer braved the rain to go up on deck and take photos. Reviewers also describe heading upstairs for photos, so plan to move around the boat rather than stay seated the whole time.

Common issues. The route passes landmarks rather than stopping, and one reviewer felt the boat stayed too far from the Brooklyn Bridge for a good look. The operator can cancel for poor weather or if the minimum traveller number is not met, and late arrivals are likely to miss boarding. Alcohol and hotel pickup are not included, and City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots, though local parking is located at Pier 61.

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