There is no better way to spend an afternoon in New York than to go on a lunch cruise.
This two-hour-long cruise on the Hudson and East Rivers is the best way to see the stunning New York skyline.
Since this lunch cruise is quite popular with both New Yorkers and tourists visiting the Big Apple, it has been called by many names over the years.
Some of the popular ones are – the Statue of Liberty Lunch Cruise, Lunch Cruise Manhattan NY, New York Skyline Lunch Cruise, and New York Lunch Cruise on the River.
Since this cruise starts at 12 noon and ends at 2 pm, some even refer to it as the New York Brunch cruise.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Lunch Cruise in New York.
Top Tickets
# Brunch Cruise in New York
# Spirit of New York Lunch cruise ticketIt’s highly recommended to book your Lunch Cruise in New York tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
Cost of Lunch Cruise NYC
The prices for a Lunch Cruise in New York depend on the tour option you select.
Adult ticket prices range between US$88 to US$189 for visitors over 13 years of age.
Tickets for children between four and 12 years of age can cost between US$71 and US$189.
Entry is free for the infants below the age of three.
What to expect on New York Lunch cruise
The Spirit of New York Lunch cruise ticket entitles you to a two-hour cruise down the Hudson River and the East River.
The cruise ship is fully climate-controlled, which means you can indulge in this popular New York attraction in all seasons.
The moment the cruise ship starts moving, the fascinating Brooklyn and Manhattan skyline is there for all to see.
Soon enough, the ship cruises past the Statue of Liberty, giving you an opportunity to see it up close.
You will feel what the immigrants felt when they first saw the State of Liberty – their first brush with dreamland America.
You will also witness the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the One World Center.
Being a lunch cruise, this Spirit of New York ticket also includes a scrumptious lunch buffet.
The buffet has main course options such as Baked Cod Fillet, Sesame Chicken, and Whole Roasted Pork Loin.
Desserts such as Mousse, Apple Pudding, and Pound Cakes are also available. There are options for vegetarians as well.
Apart from this hearty lunch buffet, you can take as many helpings of tea, coffee, and soft drinks as you want.
This lunch cruise NYC also includes a live DJ who will jazz up the atmosphere on the ship. If you feel like shaking a leg, the dance floor is always available.
If dancing is not your thing, check out the other entertainment options onboard the Spirit of New York.
Games like Giant Jenga, Shuffleboard, and Foosball bring out the kids in all.
Alcoholic beverages are not part of your Spirit of New York lunch cruise ticket.
Once the cruise starts, you can purchase the alcoholic beverages for extra cost.
Book Lunch CruiseRecommended
Upgrade options at Lunch Cruise NYC
If you want to pamper yourself, go for the upgrade options available on the Spirit of New York lunch cruise.
With an upgrade option, you can spice up the trip by purchasing the fabulous cocktails and the other alcoholic drinks available at the bar.
There is no pleasure like sipping exotic wine and enjoying the Manhattan skyline.
If you prefer a window table, go for an upgrade and ensure you get one.
The window table will allow you and your companion to savor the best view of America’s biggest city.
If you are a couple in love, go for the ‘Romance for two’ upgrade.
This upgrade costs US$85 and entitles you to a window seat, one bottle of Wycliff California Champagne, a rose bouquet, and two flutes you can carry home as a memory of the trip.
If you are a big group, upgrade to get a table the size of your gang.
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New York Lunch cruise vs New York Brunch cruise
There is hardly any difference between the Spirit of New York Lunch Cruise and the Spirit of New York Brunch Cruise, except for the fact that brunch cruises are available only on holidays and Sundays.
Both the cruises start their boarding at 11.30 am and set sail at 12 noon.
Both the lunch cruise and brunch cruise last 2 hours and come back to the departing point at 2 pm.
Some tourists try two cruises within a few days – a Lunch or a Brunch cruise followed by the dinner cruise to NYC to see the same sights under the stars.
Meeting Point
The Spirit of New York Lunch Cruise departs from Chelsea Piers on the West Side of Manhattan in New York City.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the meeting location may change.
Visitors are advised to check the booking page before arriving to confirm the exact location.
Spirit of New York Parking
Though self-parking is available at the Chelsea Piers it is advisable that you opt for the pre-reserved parking option through the Spot Hero Parking app.
To reserve your parking spot, visit the Parking Page of Spirit of New York SpotHero.
The rates on offer are 50% less when you book in advance than what you pay if you reach there directly.
If you want to self-park, check out the latest rates at Chelseapiers.com.
Tips for New York river cruise lunch
Here are a few things you should know before you book your lunch cruise in NYC.
– The Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise has recommended dressing style. However, the New York lunch cruise has no such recommendations. You can just wear your casual, stylish attire.
– Only cards are accepted for upgrades or purchases during the lunch cruise
– All tickets bought for the Spirit of New York lunch cruise are non-refundable. However, if you are a large group, the dates can be rescheduled
– If you are cruising with ten or more friends or family members, you may be seated at multiple tables
– If you need boarding assistance or wheelchair accessibility, contact the Spirit of New York team at 866-483-3866
– If you have food allergies, contact the Spirit of New York team at 866-483-3866 and inform them in advance
– You will get a better view of the New York skyline if you are on the harbor side of the deck
– The DJ starts playing music from the onset of the trip and continues till its end
– The menu provided is varied enough to include most kinds of dietary restrictions
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