New York City Luxury 6-course Dinner Bus Tour

If you’re considering a unique way to see New York City while enjoying a gourmet meal, the Luxury 6-course Dinner Bus Tour might pique your interest. It promises a blend of sightseeing from the comfort of a glass-roof double-decker bus and a fancy French dinner by Chef Sebastien Nicolleau. But, as with many experiences, it’s not all smooth sailing, and it’s important to weigh what you’ll get against some potential downsides.

What we do like about this tour? For starters, the luxury bus with a glass roof offers a cozy, yet elevated way to take in NYC’s iconic sights without the hassle of navigating busy streets or crowded sidewalks. Plus, the seasonsally inspired French cuisine sounds appealing, especially if you appreciate a fine dining touch during your city exploration. On the flip side, a possible concern is the price, which is quite steep at $209 per person, especially considering the mixed reviews about reliability and value.

This experience might be best suited for those who want a luxury vibe and don’t mind splurging for an evening that combines sightseeing with dinner. If your goal is a seamless, memorable night with a touch of elegance—and you’re okay with the risk of cancellations or those extra costs for tips and drinks—this could be a fit. However, keep in mind that recent reviews raise some questions about consistency and customer satisfaction.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: The double-decker bus with a glass roof offers a unique way to see NYC in style.
• Gourmet Dining: You’ll enjoy a six-course French meal prepared by a professional chef.
• Top Sights in One Tour: Stops include major landmarks like Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building.
• Price and Value: The experience costs around $209 per person, which many might find steep for the service quality.
• Reliability Concerns: One reviewer experienced a last-minute cancellation that disrupted their plans — an important consideration.
• Group Size: The tour limits to 38 travelers, which helps keep things intimate but could still be a sizable group.

What to Expect from the Tour Itself

The tour begins at Broadway and W 58th Street at 7:15 pm, in the heart of Manhattan. From there, your journey takes you through some of NYC’s most recognizable sights, all from the comfort of a luxury double-decker bus with a glass roof. The route includes stops at famous landmarks such as Times Square, Bryant Park, the Flatiron Building, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Brooklyn Bridge, Woolworth Building, Wall Street, Battery Park, the National 9/11 Memorial, Hudson Yards, and the Empire State Building.

While it sounds comprehensive, keep in mind that the actual tour is around 2 hours and 30 minutes — so you’ll need to be prepared for a somewhat quick-paced experience. The stops are short, providing just enough time for photos and a quick look around, but not long enough for deep exploration.

The Sightseeing Stops

• Times Square and Bryant Park: These are iconic NYC spots, perfect for photos and soaking in the city’s vibrant energy.
• Flatiron Building to Little Italy and Chinatown: Seeing these neighborhoods from the bus gives you a taste of NYC’s diverse cultural tapestry.
• Brooklyn Bridge and Woolworth Building: You’ll pass near these historical and architectural landmarks, ideal for snapping some pictures.
• Wall Street and Battery Park: Great for those interested in finance history and views of the Statue of Liberty (from afar).
• 9/11 Memorial and Empire State Building: The tour includes a pass nearby, providing a sense of the city’s resilience and skyline highlights.

The Dining Experience

The centerpiece is the 6-course French dinner prepared by Chef Sebastien Nicolleau. Since the dinner is included in the ticket price, you’ll enjoy a seasonal menu that aims to balance elegance with the flavors of France. However, it’s worth noting that drinks and tips are not included, adding to the overall cost. Expect to pay extra if you want wine, cocktails, or gratuities.

The Ride and Atmosphere

Traveling on a luxury bus with a glass roof sounds fantastic in theory. You’ll get a panoramic view of NYC’s skyline as the city lights come on. The ride is designed to be smooth and comfortable, with a group size capped at 38 travelers, which is fairly manageable. The experience offers a relaxed way to take in the city, especially if walking around isn’t appealing or feasible for your group.

However, some reviews note that the quality of the experience isn’t guaranteed. One reviewer was disappointed after the tour was canceled the day before due to bus issues, which shows how unpredictable things can be. The cancellation significantly affected their plans, highlighting the importance of flexible expectations.

Price, Value, and Practical Considerations

At $209 per person, this is a premium experience. When you factor in the detailed sightseeing, the luxury transportation, and the gourmet meal, it can seem like a reasonable package for some. But, in reality, the value depends heavily on how much you value the convenience and ambiance versus the actual sightseeing and dining quality.

Given that tips and drinks are extra, it’s wise to budget accordingly. If you’re someone who expects a flawless, well-organized evening, be aware that recent reviews have some doubts about reliability. One reviewer explicitly mentioned a canceled tour, which can be hugely disappointing, especially if you’ve planned around it.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to those who prioritize luxury and comfort over a tight schedule or budget. It’s suited for couples, special occasion celebrants, or travelers who want a different view of the city with a touch of elegance. It’s less ideal if your main goal is in-depth sightseeing or if you’re on a tight schedule, because the experience is more about the ambiance and dining than exhaustive exploration.

If you’re looking for reliable, consistent service and a straightforward sightseeing experience, you might want to consider other options. But if you’re okay with some unpredictability and want to indulge in a luxurious dinner with a taste of the city, this could be a memorable, if not entirely perfect, choice.

Final thoughts

This experience offers a luxurious atmosphere and beautiful views in a city famous for its skyline. For anyone who loves the idea of combining sightseeing with a gourmet dinner, it sounds tempting. But, the high cost, coupled with recent reports of cancellations and variable quality, suggests you should approach with caution.

It’s best suited for travelers who value special moments and comfort, and who are comfortable paying a premium for convenience and ambiance. If reliability is a top priority, or if you’re traveling on a tight budget, there are other more predictable ways to enjoy NYC’s sights. But if you’re after a memorable night with a touch of elegance, and are okay with possible hiccups, this could still be worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
The tour is primarily designed for adults seeking a luxury experience. While service animals are allowed, there’s no specific mention of children or family-friendly activities, so it’s best suited for older travelers or couples.

What are the start and end points?
The tour begins at Broadway and W 58th Street and ends back at the same meeting point, making it convenient for those staying in Manhattan.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including sightseeing and dining time.

What is included in the price?
You get a 6-course French dinner and the guided tour around NYC. Drinks and tips are not included.

Are tickets refundable?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Will I get good views of the city?
Yes, the glass-roof bus offers excellent panoramic views, especially as the city lights up at night. However, the experience is more about viewing while seated comfortably than extensive sightseeing.

What if the tour gets canceled?
Recent reports mention cancellations due to bus issues, so it’s wise to check the booking confirmation and consider travel insurance or flexible plans.

Can I bring drinks or buy them on the bus?
Drinks are not included, so you will need to purchase them separately if you wish to have alcohol or beverages during dinner.

How many people are typically on the tour?
The maximum group size is 38 travelers, which should help create a more intimate experience, but it can still feel crowded depending on the day.

To sum it up, while the New York City Luxury 6-course Dinner Bus Tour offers a chic way to see NYC with a gourmet meal, it’s important to manage expectations. It’s best for those who prioritize comfort, ambiance, and a touch of elegance over a perfectly reliable service, keeping in mind the potential for cancellations or extra costs. If that sounds appealing, and you’re okay with the price tag, it could be a memorable night out in the city that never sleeps.