The 8 best dinner cruises in NYC this summer

What is it? This two-floor luxury yacht lets you cosplay as an amoral billionaire while sitting down for your meal. On the main deck, you’ll get a 5-course plated dinner and a complimentary beer or wine; on the VIP deck, you’ll enjoy a personal waitstaff, an organic caviar service, a six-course plated dinner (including a lobster tail, naturally) and two complimentary beers, cocktails or glasses of wine. On both decks, you’ll be serenaded by live music while you take in panoramic views of the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and more.

Why we love it: Starting with a charcuterie board and ending with chocolate mousse isn’t exactly reinventing the “fancy dinner” wheel, but the caviar board and lobster tail on the VIP deck, plus the stunning view from the boat’s deck, prove that the wheel is already pretty good  

Time Out tip: Get to the dock 30 minutes before your cruise is set to sail to make sure you find your table.

Address: Pier 36 NYC, 299 South St, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: 7-10pm; the cruise lasts 3 hours.

Expect to pay: About $275 per adult for a spot on the VIP deck.

What is it? The unsung hero of the New York Harbor, the orange (and gloriously free!) ferry makes for a memorable DIY dinner cruise. Almost 70,000 folks take this 5.2-mile trip a day; just pack a picnic or grab a snack, and you can be one of them.

Why we love it: While the ferry’s iconic snack bar service was closed for years, it recently reopened, so you can grab a bite to eat while you gaze at the (did we mention free?) views from the New York Harbor. You can also buy a beer and canned cocktails, but you’ll have to wait to drink hard liquor until you’re back on land.

Time Out tip: The ferry runs all day and all night, so you won’t miss your chance to set sail.

Address: Runs between Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island

Opening hours: Runs all day, every day

Expect to pay: Free

What is it? Departing from Chelsea Piers, Bateaux offers frazzled New Yorkers and frazzled visiting non-New Yorkers a relaxing three-hour, three-course getaway cruise along the Hudson. Wherever your day has taken you, be sure to come dressed for dancing, just in case the live band and singer compel you to cut a move.

Why we love it: Pair a romantic view of the Manhattan skyline from a glass-enclosed deck with a veritable feast: entrées include dishes like striped bass and lemon potato gnocchi. Sip on cocktails, wine and beer from a fully loaded cash bar while live jazz musicians provide the soundtrack for an evening aboard this dinner cruise.

Time Out Tip: There's a semi-formal dress code for this floating shindig, so skip the flip-flops and bring a tie, okay? We’re living in a society.  

Address: Pier 61 South, Chelsea Piers, 111C 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Opening hours: Most days from 7–10pm

Expect to pay: From $170 per person

What is it? If a premier cruise experience is your kind of vibe, look no further. This all-glass luxury ship is all about free-flowing mimosas at brunch, plus live entertainment and decadent three-course meals all day and night.

Why we love it: With a brunch, lunch and dinner cruise option on hand, this luxury sail will take you past iconic New York City landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge, all set to the sweet sounds of live music, any time of the day. This is a cruise geared towards grown-ups, so while dancing is encouraged, children under 6 are not.

Time Out tip: Since there aren't many seats on the top deck, it's worth arriving a little earlier to avoid the queue.

Address: Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, 111C 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Opening hours: Daily; the cruise lasts 2 to 3 hours

Expect to pay: From $104 per adult, well spent for an evening cruise through New York's harbor accompanied by some tunes.

What is it? Enjoy your five-course dinner on this luxury yacht that takes you past the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and more NYC sights. Everyone is guaranteed a window-side seat to take in the city skyline, so you won’t miss a thing while you enjoy your meal.

Why we love it: This Saturday-night-only cruise transforms the 8,000-square-foot Eternity into a floating party. Grab your friends, explore the multi-tiered decks and make the most of their premium bar.

Time Out tip: If you want to upgrade your onboard experience, secure VIP tickets to gain access to the exclusive VIP deck with a private bar.

Address: Pier 36, 299 South St, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Saturdays at various times; the cruise lasts 3 hours.

Expect to pay: From $175 per adult for one of the more robust dinner options.

What is it? Cruise both the Hudson and East Rivers on this two-and-a-half-hour venture set to music from an onboard DJ, plus games like giant Jenga and Connect Four.

Why we love it: While aboard, you'll be served a three-course dinner as you take in Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building from the 360-degree views on the observation deck of The Spirit of New York.

Time Out tip: Think smart casual when it comes to the vibe of this cruise ship.

Address: Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, 111C 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Opening hours: The cruise lasts 2.5 hours, and departs nearly daily

Expect to pay: Unobstructed panoramic views of New York's most iconic landmarks for less than 100 bucks.

What is it? This cruise down the Hudson and East Rivers combines a buffet dinner with the city’s most dazzling sights. Sail past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island while sipping on drinks from the cash bar.

Why we love it: Once you‘ve admired the views from the open-air rooftop lounge, sit down to dinner and tuck into salads and special desserts while you listen to live music.

Time Out tip: Kids are welcome, so this is the perfect choice to bring the whole family.

Address: Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, 111C 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Opening hours: Daily except for Tuesdays and some Wednesdays; the cruise lasts 3 hours

Expect to pay: Prices are from $175.

What is it? Spend four hours sailing the NYC harbor, gazing out over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. All the decks are climate-controlled, so you can enjoy your three-course meal in comfort.

Why we love it: There's a DJ onboard, a dance floor and a buffet dinner with dessert to keep your energy up while you dance the night away.  

Time Out tip: Planning on popping the question? Skyline can help by customizing your booking—just reach out, and they’ll help you pull off your proposal without a hitch.

Address: Board at World's Fair Marina, 1 Marina Rd, Corona, NY 11368

Opening hours: The cruise departs daily at 7pm and lasts 3 hours.

Expect to pay: A spot aboard this cruise costs between $55 and $95.