NYC: City Cruises Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise

If you’re considering a way to see New York City’s iconic skyline while enjoying good food and drinks, the City Cruises offering on the Spirit of New York might catch your eye. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want a leisurely, scenic experience without the fuss of walking or navigating busy streets. Whether you’re into a lively brunch with bottomless mimosas or a relaxing dinner with stunning night views, this cruise has something to offer.

What we like about this experience is how accessible it is — with a central meeting point and flexible options for different times of day. Plus, the quality of the food and entertainment tends to impress many guests, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention long waits for the buffet and occasional noise issues during commentary — things to keep in mind if you’re after a quiet, focused experience.

This cruise is well-suited for anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic outing in NYC that includes a good meal and easy views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. It’s especially great for those who love a lively atmosphere with music, or for visitors looking to tick off multiple sights in a single sitting without the hassle of city traffic.

Key Points

• Great for panoramic views of NYC landmarks from the Hudson and East Rivers.
• Includes a chef-prepared buffet with options for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• Bottomless mimosas on brunch cruises add a festive touch.
• Entertainment is lively, with a DJ and fun onboard activities.
• Central meeting point at Chelsea Piers makes it easy to find.
• Some reviews mention waiting times or noise, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

When you step onto the Spirit of New York at Chelsea Piers, you’re immediately set for a scenic ride through some of Manhattan’s most famous sights. The cruise lasts about 2 to 3 hours, which feels just right for a relaxed sightseeing experience without it dragging on. You’ll have the choice of a bottomless mimosa brunch, a lunch, or a sunset dinner, so you can pick what suits your mood or schedule.

The Path Past NYC’s Landmarks

As soon as the cruise departs, you’re treated to stunning 360-degree views from various decks. The climate-controlled interiors are comfortable, with large windows perfect for photos, while the outdoor decks give you fresh air and unobstructed vistas. Expect to see the Empire State Building, the Vessel at Hudson Yards, the Chrysler Building, and the One World Trade Center. The cruise also offers sweeping views of Battery Park, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, Governors Island, Ellis Island, and, of course, the Statue of Liberty.

One review highlights how breathtaking the nighttime skyline can be, especially with Manhattan lit up. “The views were breathtaking at night,” shared a guest, emphasizing how the city’s lights create a magical atmosphere.

Food and Drinks

Food is a key part of this cruise, and most reviews suggest the buffet is chef-prepared with good quality and taste. During the brunch cruise, bottomless mimosas add a lively, celebratory vibe, perfect if you want a relaxed, social morning. Lunch and dinner options are available, complemented by seasonal cocktails, wine, or beer for purchase.

Some guests commented that buffet lines can get long (“We had to wait too long for buffet and the food was not hot”), and the menu may vary. Still, the quality seems consistently good, and the ambiance helps make the wait more bearable.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

Music is handled by a DJ, spinning upbeat tunes that keep the energy high. You might find yourself dancing or just relaxing with a drink in hand, enjoying the lively atmosphere. The decks are spacious enough for a stroll, and onboard games like giant Jenga and Connect Four provide some light-hearted fun.

Guests often mention how friendly and efficient the staff are, with some reviews praising the service as “excellent” and “kind.” During your cruise, you might also get friendly interactions, like acknowledgment of special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries), which adds a nice personal touch.

More Great Tours Nearby

Holiday and Seasonal Vibes

Between December 3rd and January 1st, the cruise transforms into a Winter Wonderland. Twinkling lights, themed cocktails, seasonal menus, and live entertainment make it a festive highlight. Guests find this period especially enchanting, with one noting the beauty of the Manhattan skyline and Liberty lit up at night, creating memorable holiday scenes.

Considerations Before Booking

While many reviews highlight the overall quality, there are a few points to keep in mind. Some guests experienced long waits for the buffet during busy times, and a few mentioned that food sometimes isn’t served hot or is low on variety. Noise levels during onboard commentary can also be high, making it hard to hear when the speaker is on deck.

Plus, the cruise is generally aimed at an adult crowd—the lively music and drinks might not be ideal for very young children or those seeking a quiet, serene experience. Infants are free, but parents should be prepared for a somewhat bustling atmosphere.

What You’re Paying For and Is It Worth It?

At $91 per person, this cruise is priced in line with other sightseeing experiences in NYC. Considering that it includes a chef-prepared buffet and unlimited drinks at brunch, many find it good value. The overall experience—beautiful views, good food, lively music—offers a memorable way to enjoy the city from the water without breaking the bank.

While some reviews mention minor issues like waiting times or noise, these seem manageable within the overall experience. It’s a relaxed, enjoyable outing that combines sightseeing with the fun of social dining.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This experience suits travelers who want to see NYC from a relaxed, scenic vantage point while enjoying good food and drinks. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a lively, social atmosphere, especially with music and onboard entertainment. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a memorable way to soak in the city’s skyline, this cruise can be a highlight.

However, if you’re after a quiet or highly educational tour, or traveling with very young children expecting a calm environment, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

The NYC City Cruises Buffet Experience on the Spirit of New York offers a balanced blend of scenic views, tasty food, and lively entertainment. Most guests leave with a sense of satisfaction, citing the beautiful skyline, quality buffet, and friendly staff as key positives. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a relaxed, social way to explore Manhattan’s waterfront, especially during the festive season.

For travelers who enjoy good food, panoramic sights, and a fun atmosphere, this cruise ticks many boxes. While it’s not a silent, meditative experience, it’s definitely a memorable and enjoyable way to spend part of your NYC trip.

If you’re hoping for a straightforward, enjoyable cruise that combines sightseeing, food, and drinks without complication, this might just be perfect. Just be prepared for some busy moments at the buffet and some background noise — and you’ll likely have a lovely time.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for families?
While infants can go free and the atmosphere is lively, this cruise tends to be more adult-oriented with music and drinks. It’s best for families with older children or those comfortable with a lively environment.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes the cruise on the Spirit of New York and a buffet—brunch, lunch, or dinner depending on your choice. Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are also included, with additional drinks available for purchase.

How long does the cruise last?
Most cruises last between 2 and 3 hours, making it a manageable experience that fits well into an afternoon or evening plan.

Where do I meet the cruise?
You’ll meet at Pier 61 Chelsea Piers, West 23rd St., making it centrally located and easy to find.

Is there a dress code?
Most guests wear comfortable, casually stylish attire, and flat, closed-toed shoes are recommended for safety.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

What about dietary restrictions?
The menu may change, so if anyone in your party has food allergies or restrictions, just inform your server beforehand.

Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, the cruise has outdoor observation decks where you can enjoy the fresh air and unobstructed views, perfect for those photo moments.

Hope this helps you decide whether this cruise is the right fit for your NYC adventure. It’s a fun, scenic, and tasty way to see the city from the water—you might find it becomes a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: