Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music New York

The Hudson River and Manhattan's west side

The cruise departs from a pier on the Hudson River along Manhattan's west side, where the old shipping docks have been turned into parks, promenades and sports piers. As the boat pulls away in the early evening, you see the towers of Midtown rising behind the waterfront and the new skyscrapers of the far west side reflecting the last light of the day.

Sailing south, the river widens and the view opens up across to the New Jersey shore. This is when most guests head out on deck for their first photos before dinner is served. If you are planning a New York dinner cruise, the Hudson departure gives you the full skyline from the water from the very first minutes.

Lower Manhattan and the Financial District skyline

As the boat approaches the southern tip of Manhattan, the towers of the Financial District crowd together at the water's edge, led by One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. At night its glass façade glows, and the lights of the surrounding buildings create one of the most famous skylines on earth.

The boat rounds the tip of the island near Battery Park, where ferries leave for the harbour islands, giving a full panorama of downtown. Between courses, step outside to see how the lights reflect on the black water. For many guests, this view of Lower Manhattan from a Manhattan dinner cruise is the most memorable moment of the evening.

The Statue of Liberty by night

Out in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty stands on her island with her torch raised, lit in a soft golden glow against the night sky. A gift from France dedicated in 1886, she welcomed millions of immigrants arriving by sea and remains the symbol of the city and of the United States.

The boat slows as it approaches the statue so everyone can take photos from the deck or through the windows. Seeing her illuminated from the water, with the skyline behind, is one of the classic experiences of a visit to New York. On a clear evening, you can also make out Ellis Island, the old immigration station, nearby.

The Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge

Turning into the East River, the cruise passes beneath two of New York's most famous bridges. The Brooklyn Bridge, opened in 1883, was the longest suspension bridge in the world in its day, and its Gothic stone towers and web of steel cables are lit up at night. Just upstream, the blue-painted Manhattan Bridge carries subway trains between the two boroughs.

From the water you also see the Brooklyn waterfront, with its parks, old warehouses and the cobbled streets of the neighbourhood between the two bridges. Passing beneath the bridges, with music playing inside and the city glittering on both shores, is a highlight of this Brooklyn Bridge night cruise.

Dinner, live music and the evening on board

Dinner is served at your reserved table on the main deck, with large windows on both sides. The five-course plated menu begins with a starter platter and a salad, followed by a shrimp course, then a main of steak or salmon, and finishes with dessert. Guests with dietary needs should tell us at booking.

Throughout the evening, talented performers from the city's stage scene present live music, creating a festive atmosphere for anniversaries, birthdays and romantic evenings. Smart casual dress is recommended. The best time for a New York dinner cruise is spring to autumn, when the decks are pleasant; in winter, the heated dining room keeps you warm while the skyline sparkles outside.