There is no better way to spend an afternoon in New York than to go on a lunch cruise.
Departing from Chelsea Piers, the Spirit of New York Lunch cruise offers you good food, drinks, music, games, and memories to savor.
This two hours long cruise on the Hudson and East Rivers is the best way to see the stunning New York skyline.
Take in the fascinating Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines and enjoy the atmosphere of the climate controlled cruise ship.
Since this lunch cruise is quite popular with both New Yorkers and tourists visiting the Big Apple, over the years it has been called by many names.
Some of the popular ones are – 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.
Top New York Lunch Cruise Tickets
# Brunch Cruise in New York
# Spirit of New York Lunch cruise ticket
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Cost of Lunch Cruise NYC
For Spirit of New York Dinner cruise, the cost varies according to the day of the week.
However, for lunch cruises, the price remains the same from Monday to Sunday.
The cost to reserve a seat at the Spirit of New York lunch cruise is 98 USD.
Kids between 4 to 12 years get a discount and thus end up paying only 78 USD for the lunch cruise.
Entry is free for the kids 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 from 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.
This lunch cruise NYC also includes a live DJ who will jazz up the atmosphere in 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.
Another option: Would you prefer a European-inspired, all-glass dining vessel cruising through New York Harbor with a live pianist onboard? Find out more
Upgrade options at Lunch Cruise NYC
If you want to pamper yourself go for the upgrade options available in 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 USA’s biggest city.
If you are a couple in love, go for the ‘Romance for two’ upgrade.
This upgrade costs 85 USD 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 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 NYC to see the same sights under the stars.
Direction to reach Spirit of New York
The boarding point for Spirit of New York Buffet lunch cruise is Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, New York. Get Directions
There are many direct bus routes, including bus No. 23 which will drop you at Chelsea Piers.
Take subway routes C, E, 1, N, M, F, R, or 6 to 23rd Street
Spirit of New York parking
If you want to self-park, check out the latest rates at Chelseapiers.com.
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.
If you book in advance, the rates on offer are 50% less than what you will pay if you drive there directly.
Tips for New York river cruise lunch
Here are a few things you should know before you book your lunch cruise 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 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 Spirit of New York team at 866-483-3866
– If you have food allergies, contact 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
Want something during day time? Check out this Brunch Cruise in New York.
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