New Year’s Eve cruises in NYC to end the year on a high note
Ring in the new year on one of these NYE cruises with jaw-dropping views of the fireworks and skyline
Bust out the party hats, noisemakers and your sparkliest outfit for these New Year’s Eve cruises in NYC. The panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and New Year’s Eve fireworks in NYC beat watching the ball drop (either on TV or from Times Square itself). Whether you’re looking for a luxe atmosphere and fancy dinner or just a boat with an open bar, there’s a cruise for every type of partier on this list. So queue up a playlist of the best New Year’s songs and get ready to end 2017 with a bang. After all, some of the best New Year’s Eve parties happen on the water!
RECOMMENDED: The full guide to New Year's Eve in New York
New Year's Eve cruises in NYC
High-End New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise With Top-Shelf Bar
If you’re accustomed to eating at Michelin-star restaurants and ordering champagne by the bottle, a regular old harbor cruise won’t do: You need an elevated experience, like this luxe New Year’s Eve cruise on the Hornblower Esprit. Sip top-shelf alcohol from the open bar while you feast on a sumptuous six-course dinner. Live musicians and a DJ will keep you entertained until the fireworks burst over the city at midnight. $881.89
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise on Manhattan II
This cruise heads up both the East and Hudson Rivers, so you’ll get prime views of the entire New York City skyline. Start the night with a short champagne and sparkling wine tasting class, then snack on passed hors d’oeuvres while you explore the sleek 1920s-style yacht. A live jazz trio will help you while away the hours until midnight. $378
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Anthony Quintano
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise in NYC
With a surprisingly low price point, this fireworks cruise is the best bet for New Year’s Eve partiers on a budget. You still get the open bar, live DJ and view of the fireworks over the skyline—you just might have to wait a little longer to get the bartender’s attention. Still, seasoned New Yorkers should have no trouble muscling through the crowds. It’s just like the subway platform! $175
Bateaux New Year's Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise
This glass-enclosed vessel affords unobstructed views of fireworks and attractions that include the Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park City, Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty. All guests receive a three-course sit-down meal featuring jumbo crab cakes, filet mignon and lobster tail, plus access to the premium open bar. To impress someone special, pony up for the pricier packages to secure a window table with a bottle of champagne and a dozen red roses. In other words, if you can't stomach being near a newly engaged couple: avoid. $599.90–$949.90
New York Water Taxi New Year's Eve Cruise
Thought the Water Taxis were strictly reserved for summertime jaunts? Think again. Their open-air tops offer great views of the city's landmarks; dance music, hors d'oeuvres, a dinner buffet and beer and wine bar will keep you occupied inside. A cash bar will also be available, if you absolutely need your usual gin and tonic. At midnight, watch the ball drop in Times Square via live feed, and relish the fact that you're out on the water with no crowd in sight. $199
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New Year’s Eve concerts in NYC
Welcome 2018 with the sound of your favorite band or artist with these top picks for New Year’s Eve concerts in NYC
