The Spirit of New York Lunch Cruise is a 2-hour buffet lunch and sightseeing cruise on the Hudson and East Rivers, departing from Chelsea Piers at 12 noon (boarding from 11:30 am). Ticket prices range from US$88 to US$189 for adults and US$71 to US$189 for children (4–12); infants under 3 are free. The buffet includes mains, desserts, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Live DJ and entertainment included.
A lunch cruise on New York Harbour is one of the most relaxed and scenic ways to spend an afternoon in the city — gliding past the Statue of Liberty, under the Brooklyn Bridge, and along the Manhattan skyline on the Hudson River, with a full buffet lunch and live entertainment to make the two hours feel genuinely special.
The Spirit of New York Lunch Cruise — also known by visitors as the Statue of Liberty Lunch Cruise, New York Skyline Lunch Cruise, and Lunch Cruise Manhattan — is operated by the same company as the acclaimed Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise, with the same high standard of food, entertainment, and harbour sightseeing. This 2026 guide covers everything you need to know before booking.
Top Tickets
# Spirit of New York – NYC Buffet Lunch Cruise
# Spirit of New York – Luxury Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise
Table of Contents
NYC Lunch Cruise Tickets and Prices 2026
Spirit of New York Lunch Cruise tickets range from US$88 to US$189 for adults (13+) and US$71 to US$189 for children (4–12). Infants under 3 are free. Price varies by date and time of booking. All tickets include the full buffet lunch, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, tea, soft drinks), live DJ entertainment, and the harbour sightseeing experience. Alcoholic beverages are available to purchase on board. All tickets are non-refundable.
| Ticket Type | Price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Adult (13+ years) | US$88 – US$189 (varies by date) |
| Child (4–12 years) | US$71 – US$189 (varies by date) |
| Infant (under 3 years) | Free |
What to Expect on the NYC Lunch Cruise
The Spirit of New York Lunch Cruise is a fully climate-controlled 2-hour cruise covering the Hudson and East Rivers. Sights include the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines, the Statue of Liberty (close range), the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center. The full buffet includes mains such as Baked Cod Fillet and Roasted Pork Loin, salads, desserts, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. A live DJ, dance floor, and onboard games are included.
The Sightseeing Route
The lunch cruise travels the Hudson and East Rivers, covering some of the finest waterfront views in New York:
- The Manhattan skyline — both the Midtown and Downtown silhouettes from the water
- The Statue of Liberty — a genuinely moving close-range view from the harbour
- The Empire State Building — visible against the Midtown skyline
- The Brooklyn Bridge — one of the world’s most beautiful bridges, seen from the water
- One World Trade Center — the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere
The Buffet Lunch
The full buffet is included with your ticket:
- Main courses: Baked Cod Fillet, Sesame Chicken, Whole Roasted Pork Loin — with vegetarian options included
- Desserts: Mousse, Apple Bread Pudding, Pound Cakes, and seasonal selections
- Beverages: Unlimited tea, coffee, and soft drinks; alcoholic drinks available for purchase from the bar (cards only)
Entertainment Onboard
A live DJ plays from departure to arrival — maintaining the atmosphere throughout the cruise. A dance floor is available for guests who want to make the most of the music. If dancing isn’t your preference, onboard games include Giant Jenga, Shuffleboard, and Foosball for groups and families.
Upgrade Options on the Lunch Cruise
Upgrade options on the Spirit of New York Lunch Cruise include: alcoholic drink packages (available at the bar; cards only); a window table reservation for the best unobstructed skyline views; and the Romance for Two upgrade (US$85) — a window seat, a bottle of Wycliff California Champagne, a rose bouquet, and two keepsake flutes. Group table upgrades are also available for parties of 10 or more.
- Cocktails and alcoholic drinks: Available at the cash bar on board — cards only, no cash accepted
- Window table: Reserve a table by a window for the best unobstructed view of the skyline — highly recommended
- Romance for Two (US$85): Window seat + one bottle of Wycliff California Champagne + rose bouquet + two keepsake champagne flutes — ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion
- Group table upgrade: For parties of 10 or more, upgrade ensures your group is seated together at a dedicated table
NYC Lunch Cruise vs Brunch Cruise
There is very little difference between the Spirit of New York Lunch Cruise and the Brunch Cruise in terms of what you experience on board. The key distinction: the Brunch Cruise operates on Sundays and select holidays only, while the Lunch Cruise runs throughout the week. Both board at 11:30 am, depart at 12 noon, and return at 2 pm. Both include the same buffet, entertainment, and sightseeing route.
Departure Point and Schedule
The Spirit of New York Lunch Cruise departs from Chelsea Piers on Manhattan’s West Side. Boarding begins at 11:30 am; departure is at 12 noon; return is at 2:00 pm. The exact pier can occasionally change — always confirm the meeting point on your booking confirmation before arriving. Pre-reserve parking through the SpotHero app for rates up to 50% less than walk-in prices.
- Boarding: 11:30 am
- Departure: 12:00 noon
- Return: 2:00 pm
- Duration: 2 hours
- Departure location: Chelsea Piers, West Side of Manhattan — confirm pier number on booking confirmation
- Parking: Pre-reserve through SpotHero for up to 50% savings over walk-in rates at Chelsea Piers
Insider Tips for the NYC Lunch Cruise
- Dress casually — unlike the dinner cruise, there is no recommended attire; smart casual or casual is perfectly appropriate
- Sit on the harbour side of the deck for the best views of the New York skyline
- Only cards are accepted for onboard purchases — no cash on board
- All tickets are non-refundable; large groups may be able to reschedule the date
- Groups of 10 or more may be seated across multiple tables — upgrade to a group table if you want to stay together
- Food allergies: Contact Spirit of New York at 866-483-3866 in advance to discuss your requirements
- The DJ plays from the moment the ship begins moving until return — it is a lively, social atmosphere from start to finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the lunch cruise suitable for children?
Yes — the lunch cruise is family-friendly. Children under 3 are free. The combination of harbour sightseeing, a buffet meal, music, and onboard games makes it engaging for families.
Are vegetarian options available on the lunch cruise?
Yes — the buffet includes vegetarian options. For specific dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergens), contact Spirit of New York at 866-483-3866 in advance.
What is the difference between the lunch cruise and the dinner cruise?
The experience on board is essentially the same — same buffet format, same entertainment, same sightseeing route, same vessel. The dinner cruise departs in the evening (around 7 pm) and includes the city’s night-time skyline; the lunch cruise departs at noon for daytime harbour views. Some visitors choose to do both on different days for the contrast.
Related Reading
- NYC Dinner Cruise: Tickets, Menu, Schedule, and Visitor Tips
- Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise NYC: Tickets, Times, and Visitor Guide
- Circle Line Best of NYC Cruise: Tickets, Times, and Visitor Guide
- Circle Line Landmarks Cruise NYC: Tickets, Times, and Visitor Guide
- Ellis Island: Tickets, Ferry, Immigration Museum, and Visitor Guide
