City Cruises New Jersey: NYC Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise

New York’s skyline makes a fine dinner companion, and this cruise gives you a moving view of it from the Hudson and East Rivers. I like the reserved dining table, which gives you a place to sit and eat, and the chance to step outside to the open-air rooftop lounge when the view calls.

The trade-off is that this is a meal-and-scenery cruise, not a guided sightseeing tour. You’ll pass famous landmarks from the water, but there’s no planned stop ashore, and food quality can be uneven: one recent diner found the buffet cold on a chilly afternoon.

• A table comes with your booking: Settle in for a buffet lunch or dinner, then get up to explore the decks.
• The route covers both rivers: Expect views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and three major bridges.
• Indoor and outdoor viewing: The dining room is climate-controlled, while the open-air deck gives you an unobstructed look at the skyline.
• Entertainment is part of the outing: A DJ plays music, and onboard games add a more social feel than a quiet sightseeing boat.
• Plan for extra drink costs: Coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included. Alcoholic drinks are sold separately.
• The holiday sailing is seasonal: From December 3 through January 1, the yacht gets festive decorations and seasonal touches.

A New York skyline view from the water

The cruise departs from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, New Jersey, and takes you out on the Spirit of New Jersey. From the boat, the scale of Manhattan becomes easier to take in: towers rise above the waterfront, bridges span the rivers, and the Statue of Liberty appears as part of a broad harbor view rather than a distant stop on a map.

That change in perspective is the main reason to book. You can enjoy several headline sights without navigating crowded sidewalks or moving between neighborhoods. The boat does the traveling while you eat, talk, and step out for photographs.

This is not a close-up visit to each landmark. The itinerary describes a series of pass-bys, not stops, so you should think of the cruise as a scenic overview. If your priority is to go inside a museum, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, or set foot on Liberty Island, you’ll need separate plans.

From Lincoln Harbor to Lower Manhattan

At the marina, look for the City Cruises ticket booth at 1500 Harbor Boulevard. Staff welcome you aboard, and you’ll be shown to your reserved table. Since the cruise departs from New Jersey, allow time to reach Lincoln Harbor and check the parking arrangements before you set out.

The route takes in views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Vessel at Hudson Yards, among other landmarks. These buildings are not waterfront stops, so the exact view depends on the boat’s position and the conditions on the day. Still, seeing the city’s varied skyline from the river helps you connect its different sections: older and newer towers, busy waterfront districts, and the broad sweep of Lower Manhattan.

One useful point: this is not a narrated tour with a named guide. The host or greeter speaks English, and the onboard entertainment is led by a DJ. If you want detailed architectural or historical commentary, bring a guidebook or read up before boarding.

The harbor landmarks, viewed from the boat

The cruise passes Battery Park City and One World Trade Center before continuing toward Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The harbor section is a highlight for many people because it brings together some of New York’s most recognizable sights in one stretch. You can take in the waterfront and skyline from the deck, then return inside when you want a break from the weather.

The boat also passes Governors Island. You won’t disembark, so treat this as a view rather than a visit. From there, the route includes the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge, offering a good look at the structures that link Manhattan with Brooklyn.

Each bridge has its own shape and setting, but you’ll have limited time to take in the details as the boat moves along. I’d keep your camera handy and avoid spending the whole trip behind a screen. The open-air deck is a good place to watch the city pass, while the indoor dining area gives you a warm seat and a view through the windows.

Buffet dining with a reserved table

The meal is a chef-prepared buffet with salads, entrees, and desserts. Seasonal ingredients are prepared fresh daily, and the menu may change with the season. The booking includes a reserved dining table, which matters if you want a dependable place to sit rather than treating the entire cruise as a standing-room sightseeing trip.

The meal is described as a three-course buffet, but don’t expect a formal restaurant service or a set menu with plated courses. You choose from the buffet, and the meal is designed to fit into a two-hour outing. One diner specifically wished there had been a steak choice, so if you have a particular favorite or dietary need, the information here does not confirm that it will be available.

Food temperature is worth keeping in mind. A diner on a cold, sunny afternoon found the buffet served cold and felt that it affected the meal. That doesn’t mean every sailing has the same issue, but it is a fair reminder that the food may not be the strongest reason to book. The scenery and the convenience of having dinner onboard are central to the experience.

Coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included. Wine, beer, cocktails, and other alcoholic drinks are available from the bar for an additional charge. If you’re keeping to a budget, decide ahead of time whether you’re happy with the included drinks or want to add a bar tab.

Music, games, and time on deck

A DJ provides music, and games are part of the onboard entertainment. That makes the cruise livelier than a quiet sightseeing boat, especially if you’re celebrating or want an evening that feels like an event. The dance floor is within the enclosed, climate-controlled decks, so you can listen or join in without staying outside.

The atmosphere may suit you if you like having a little activity around your meal. If you’re looking for hushed conversation or detailed commentary about the landmarks, the DJ and games may feel like a distraction. The trade-off is clear: this is a social dinner cruise, not a silent observation platform.

You can move around the spacious decks during the trip, including to the outdoor observation area. On a cold day, you’ll likely appreciate the indoor space; on a clear day, the open deck can give you the best view. One recent booking described a sunny afternoon despite the cold, with beautiful views. Bring a layer so you can spend time outside without having to cut your viewing short.

What the $84 fare covers

At $84 per person, the fare includes a two-hour cruise, buffet lunch or dinner, a reserved table, onboard DJ, and unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. You’re paying for a meal, a boat ride, and a broad set of skyline views in one outing. That can be good value if you want a comfortable, all-in-one evening or a special lunch without planning several separate stops.

It’s less compelling if you’re mainly seeking the cheapest way to see the Statue of Liberty or want a full meal with a specific menu. Alcohol costs extra, and the buffet’s exact choices aren’t specified. The food also has a potential weak spot, given the report of a cold meal. I’d weigh the value most heavily on whether you want the boat, views, and social atmosphere together.

The overall rating is 4.1 from 100 reviews. Recent comments point to the experience’s strongest features: beautiful views, a pleasant atmosphere, and a meal that one diner found lovely. The more useful caveat is that the food is not guaranteed to satisfy every preference or arrive at an ideal temperature. For a special occasion, I’d book for the setting and treat the buffet as part of the package rather than the sole attraction.

Winter Wonderland sailings

From December 3 through January 1, the cruise adds a holiday theme. The yachts are decorated with twinkling lights and snow-covered trees, with themed cocktails, seasonal menus, and live entertainment. The city’s holiday sights and restaurants can make this a festive time to be in New York, and the cruise gives you a warm indoor base with the option of stepping onto the outdoor deck.

The seasonal details are limited to that date range, so don’t assume they’re part of a sailing at another time of year. The regular cruise still includes a buffet, DJ, and skyline views, but the special decorations and seasonal menu are part of the holiday offering.

Timing, parking, and practical details

The listed duration ranges from two hours to 150 minutes. Check the available departure time when you book, and leave room in your plans for the longer end of that range. The cruise returns to 1500 Harbor Boulevard, its starting point.

Complimentary parking is offered with validation, but the location varies by day: Monday through Friday, parking is listed at 1450 Harbor Boulevard; Saturday and Sunday, it is listed at the Sheraton Hotel at 500 Harbor Boulevard. The lots are not owned by City Cruises, and parking arrangements may change, so confirm the current details before driving over.

Infants travel free, but you need to select the free infant ticket option to ensure admittance. If your party wants to sit together, make one reservation for the whole group. Separate bookings do not guarantee that you’ll be seated together. The cruise is listed as wheelchair accessible, and souvenir photos are available to buy onboard.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is offered. Bring an ID or passport and some cash. These details are easy to overlook, but they’re the sort of small planning points that can prevent a last-minute snag.

Who should book this cruise?

I’d consider this cruise if you want an easy, scenic outing with a meal and entertainment built in. It suits couples, families, and groups who would rather enjoy New York’s skyline from a table and an open deck than spend the whole evening moving between restaurants and viewpoints. The indoor and outdoor spaces also give you options as the weather changes.

I’d look elsewhere if your main goal is a guided history lesson, a close visit to the Statue of Liberty, or a carefully specified dinner menu. The boat passes the sights but doesn’t stop at them, and food quality may vary. Book it for the combination of city views, a reserved seat, and a lively meal, and you’ll have a clearer idea of what your fare is buying.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Lincoln Harbor Marina at 1500 Harbor Boulevard in New Jersey. Look for the City Cruises ticket booth.

How long does the cruise last?

The stated duration is two hours to 150 minutes. Check the available departure details when choosing your sailing.

What food and drinks are included?

A buffet lunch or dinner is included, along with unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

Is there a reserved seat?

Yes. The booking includes a reserved dining table. To help ensure your group sits together, make one reservation for the entire party.

Does the boat stop at the Statue of Liberty or other landmarks?

No stops are listed. The cruise passes the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, bridges, and other sights from the water.

Is parking available?

Validated complimentary parking is listed at 1450 Harbor Boulevard Monday through Friday, and at the Sheraton Hotel at 500 Harbor Boulevard Saturday and Sunday. The parking facilities are not owned by City Cruises, and arrangements may change.

Can infants join the cruise?

Yes. Infants are free, but select the free infant ticket option when booking to ensure admittance.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.