Hornblower Infinity New York New Year’s Eve Party

Hornblower Infinity New York New Year’s Eve Party Review

Planning a New Year’s Eve celebration in New York City? The Hornblower Infinity cruise promises an elegant way to ring in the New Year with stunning skyline views, a lively party atmosphere, and some classic NYC fireworks. While many see it as a glamorous way to start 2025, it’s worth looking at what this experience really offers—especially since reviews suggest it’s a mixed bag.

We like the idea of celebrating aboard a luxurious yacht, with access to multiple decks, a premium open bar, and a dance floor. The promise of a fantastic fireworks view from the water sounds pretty magical, and the buffet dinners are usually appreciated. However, some reviews hint at organizational hiccups and overcrowding — things that could impact your enjoyment.

If you’re seeking a lively, upscale New Year’s bash on the water and don’t mind potential crowds and lines, this might appeal. But if you’re after a perfectly smooth, stress-free evening, you’ll want to weigh these factors carefully.

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Key Points

• Luxury setting: The Infinity Yacht offers an upscale atmosphere with multiple climate-controlled decks.
• Included amenities: Four-hour open bar, dinner buffet, DJ, and midnight toast are part of the package.
• Fireworks view: You’ll get a decent vantage point for NYC’s famous fireworks, weather permitting.
• Crowd and organization issues: Several reviews mention long lines, overcrowding, and logistical frustrations.
• Price vs. value: At $289 per person, critics say it’s not the best bang for your buck considering the reported chaos.
• Family suitability: Not ideal for under-21s or those seeking a quieter, more relaxed celebration.

What to Expect from the Hornblower Infinity New Year’s Eve Cruise

Imagine stepping onto a 210-foot yacht that’s regarded as one of Manhattan’s most elegant vessels. The Hornblower Infinity is known for its sleek design, with three climate-controlled decks shimmering with LED lights. The atmosphere is intended to be festive yet sophisticated—think black-tie optional, with a lively DJ setting the tone for the night.

Boarding begins at 9:30 PM sharp at Pier 15, and the cruise departs at 10:30 PM. It’s a four-hour journey that promises a full evening of celebration, culminating in a view of the fireworks at midnight. The boat can hold up to 1,000 guests, which explains the crowd, especially on New Year’s Eve.

The Decks and Layout

Once onboard, you’ll have access to three main areas: Deck 1, Deck 2, and the SkyDeck. Each offers different views and ambiance. The decks are climate-controlled, which is handy given the cold winter weather. The SkyDeck provides an open-air experience, perfect for snapping photos or getting closer to the skyline, weather permitting.

Food and Drinks

The package includes a full dinner buffet served from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM. While some reviews mention the food is good, others note long waits at buffet stations and some items arriving cold or running out early. The offerings aren’t detailed, but critics say the buffet is decent enough, with enough variety to satisfy most appetites.

The open bar runs for four hours, from 9:30 PM to 1:30 AM, featuring a selection of drinks. Several reviews criticize the bar service for being slow, with long lines and small pours. One reviewer mentioned that they couldn’t get a drink for someone else, and at the end, the bartender even refused to give a second drink to a guest. The champagne toast at midnight is included, but some guests found the champagne was all gone by the time they reached it.

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Entertainment and Atmosphere

A live DJ spins tunes throughout the night, and a dance floor invites guests to dance the evening away. This is a party-focused event, and the DJ’s track selection is generally appreciated, even if some felt the music’s execution wasn’t perfect.

Fireworks and Skyline Views

The highlight for many is the chance to see the fireworks at midnight. The boat’s location offers a decent vantage point, though reviews warn that the fireworks may go off behind the boat, making the full spectacle hard to see. Weather can also impact visibility—if it’s too cold or windy, the outdoor decks may be less accessible.

The Realities According to Guests

While the experience sounds glamorous in theory, actual reviews paint a more mixed picture. Several guests mention poor organization—long lines for boarding, drinks, and food, which can take away from the festive mood. One critic described the event as a “waste of money,” citing chaotic boarding and disorganized service.

A frequent complaint relates to the overcrowding. With up to 1,000 guests, space can be tight, especially on the buffet and at the bar. One reviewer noted that they had to stand in a large queue for drinks, with limited options once at the bar, and even faced restrictions on how many drinks they could get.

The food, while generally seen as decent, is sometimes criticized for arriving cold or being in short supply. The DJ, while energetic, isn’t universally praised—some felt the music choice and execution lacked finesse, reducing the overall vibe.

Getting off the boat after midnight can be a hassle, with reviews describing slow disembarkation through a single small door that left guests trapped for an hour. Safety concerns were raised, with one review explicitly mentioning that the disorganization could have been dangerous in an emergency.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $289 per person, this cruise is not cheap. When you factor in the reports of long waits, crowded spaces, and inconsistent service, many feel it doesn’t quite match the cost. The included amenities—buffet, open bar, DJ, fireworks view—are good in theory, but the execution seems to fall short for some guests.

However, if you’re after a luxurious setting with skyline views, and don’t mind the possibility of chaos, this cruise offers a unique way to celebrate. It’s most suited for those who are okay with managing crowds and are looking for a lively, party-oriented experience rather than a quiet, intimate evening.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This cruise could be ideal for groups of friends seeking a fun, energetic celebration with access to good food and drinks and a view of the fireworks. It’s also suitable for those who want to experience New Year’s Eve on a stylish yacht rather than on land. However, travelers who prefer a calmer atmosphere, or worry about handling crowds and lines, might find this less satisfying.

It’s worth noting that this event is not suitable for children under 21 or anyone seeking a peaceful, family-friendly celebration. The focus is on a lively, adult party scene.

Final Thoughts

The Hornblower Infinity New Year’s Eve cruise offers a chance to celebrate in style, with panoramic views, a lively dance floor, and plenty of drinks. While the promise of a glamorous night is appealing, the reality — according to reviews — includes some organizational flaws, overcrowding, and service issues that can detract from the experience.

If you’re comfortable navigating busy environments and are mainly looking for a memorable night with fireworks and good music, this could be a fun choice. Just go in with realistic expectations, and be prepared for potential delays and crowds.

However, if you value smooth service, a relaxed setting, or are traveling with a group that prefers a quieter, more organized celebration, you might want to explore alternative options. Sometimes, the best memories are made away from the chaos.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for families?
This event is designed as a lively, adult celebration and is not suitable for children under 21.

What time does the cruise start and end?
Boarding begins at 9:30 PM, with departure at 10:30 PM. The cruise lasts until around 1:30 AM, including the fireworks.

Do I need to bring my ID?
Yes, a passport or ID card is required for boarding.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Pets, weapons, sharp objects, luggage, and large bags are not allowed. Smoking is also prohibited on the vessel.

What if I miss the boat?
The boat departs promptly at 10:30 PM, so arriving well before is recommended. The activity provider isn’t responsible if you miss boarding.

Is there wheelchair access?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for guests with mobility needs.

Can I expect a lot of waiting in line?
Yes, reviews mention long waits for food, drinks, and boarding, so patience is key.

Is the fireworks view guaranteed?
It’s weather-dependent, and the fireworks might be obscured or go off behind the boat, which could impact your viewing experience.

If you’re considering ringing in the New Year in New York City, this cruise offers a splashy, energetic option. Just keep the reviews in mind and plan accordingly — it could be a night to remember, or one to forget, depending on your expectations.

You can check availability for your dates here: