New York > Scenic & Sunset Cruises Experiences

NYC Gourmet Sightseeing Lunch Cruise

Q: What is the ship like?

The 300-passenger Bateaux is Manhattan's most luxurious dinner cruise ship featuring panoramic glass windows and a glass ceiling. It is spaciously designed with climate-controlled interior decks and two outdoor strolling decks.

Manhattan, NY

From: $145

Item #: CRU-NEW-0048

(22 Reviews)

Marvel at Manhattan attractions from the supreme comfort of a luxury yacht aboard the NYC Gourmet Sightseeing Lunch Cruise!

Escape on a NY Harbor cruise with views of the skyline, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and more
Wine and dine in style as a 3-course plated meal is presented to you on the famed Bateaux
Enjoy live music and dancing, plus narratives about the city and its celebrated New York attractions
This sophisticated yet laid-back afternoon is perfect for both locals and visitors alike!

From: $145

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Overview

Marvel at Manhattan attractions from the supreme comfort of a luxury yacht aboard the NYC Gourmet Sightseeing Lunch Cruise!

Escape on a NY Harbor cruise with views of the skyline, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and more
Wine and dine in style as a 3-course plated meal is presented to you on the famed Bateaux
Enjoy live music and dancing, plus narratives about the city and its celebrated New York attractions
This sophisticated yet laid-back afternoon is perfect for both locals and visitors alike!

Full Description

When it comes to classy things to do in New York City, a Gourmet Sightseeing Lunch Cruise aboard the glass-enclosed, European-style Bateaux is a must. Whether you’re a local looking for a unique afternoon outing, or a visitor wishing to take in all of the charm that New York City attractions have to offer — this scenic cruise is the perfect way to enjoy a couple hours of your day.

Let the soothing sounds of music floating from the ship’s baby grand piano set the perfect ambiance for an elegant meal. Your wait staff will come around with beverages you may wish to order from the cash bar, as well as three courses for you to indulge in, ranging from savory to sweet on this delectable New York cruise. Start with a salad, move on to a mouthwatering glazed chicken entrée with potatoes and chives. Then tantalize your taste buds with a slice of New York cheesecake.

Sip a cocktail, coffee or tea while listening to the live entertainment with your party.

The Bateaux’s magnificent glass windows allow it to double as one of the most scenic cruises out of New York. With almost entirely unobstructed views, you’re able to marvel at famous Manhattan attractions right from your table, while also enjoying narratives and fascinating facts about the city and its hot spots.

Your Bateaux Gourmet Sightseeing Lunch Cruise wouldn’t be complete without a stroll or two outside. Soak up some sunshine and unrivaled NYC sightseeing from the water while gently gliding past the city’s most celebrated landmarks. Capture unforgettable moments on camera as the brilliant NYC skyscrapers provide you the perfect backdrop! And enjoy a unique perspective of New York attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Colgate Clock, Battery Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and more.

With a chic but comfortable dress code encouraged, paired with the stylish ambiance of the Bateaux’s amenities and the awe-inspiring backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers — this New York Gourmet Sightseeing Lunch Cruise is, by far, one of the finest things to do in NYC. So, sail down the Hudson and East Rivers, take in the magnificent sights, and make more than a few lifelong memories — all in one stunning afternoon.

Location

Chelsea Piers - New York, NY

Availability

When Do I Choose A Date?

If giving as a gift, your recipient can choose a date at their convenience; otherwise, you can choose one after checkout.

April - November:
Saturday - 12:00 PM

*Rates do not apply for holidays, Valentine's Day weekend and specialty cruises

Important Details

Essential Information

This is a 2-hour upscale dining cruise on the Hudson and East Rivers
Includes a 3-course plated lunch and curated music performed by a live pianist
Coffee, tea and iced tea are complimentary
Bottomless mimosas (21+)
Additional beverages may be purchased on board such as juice, soda, mixed drinks, fine liqueurs, specialty waters, champagne and wine
Must be 21 or older with a valid ID to purchase alcohol
Rates are inclusive of taxes and fees

Duration

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours. Boarding begins 30 minutes before cruise departure.

Experience Provider Info

Complete information for your Experience Provider, including contact information, will be included on your booking confirmation email once you or your gift recipient have scheduled the experience. Our Product Management team handpicks top-rated experience providers, removing the guesswork for you and ensuring your peace of mind.

Maximum Participants

The cruise ship can accommodate up to 300 people.

Spectators

Only those on board will be able to enjoy this experience.

Weather Dependent

This experience will not be affected by weather conditions.

What To Wear

Slacks and a collared shirt are recommended for men. Dresses, dress pants or capris are recommended for women.

FAQs

What type of food is served?

This cruise features a 3-course plated meal featuring a seasonal salad, gourmet entree and dessert. The menu will rotate seasonally.

Are there any age requirements?

Children are welcome on the cruise and children under 3 years old cruise free. Please indicate at the time of booking if you will be bringing additional guests under 3 to ensure adequate seating is available.

What type of entertainment is provided?

A live narration by one of the crew members will help you discover the sights of New York City throughout the cruise. You'll also enjoy live music from a pianist on board.

Is the ship wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchairs can be accommodated for boarding. The ship also provides wheelchair accessible restrooms on the second deck. Please notify us of any special-assistance members in your party prior to the cruise so we can provide the appropriate assistance upon arrival.

Are gratuities included in the price package?

Gratuities are not included in the package price and are suggested for all on-board purchases and outstanding service.

How is seating arranged on board?

The ship features cabaret-style seating. The majority of tables accommodate four to eight people and guests are often seated with other parties in the tradition of ocean cruises.

What is the ship like?

The 300-passenger Bateaux is Manhattan's most luxurious dinner cruise ship featuring panoramic glass windows and a glass ceiling. It is spaciously designed with climate-controlled interior decks and two outdoor strolling decks.

Does the cruise sail in inclement weather?

The ship is fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. This experience will run rain or shine.

Can I request a window seat?

Window seats are considered upgrades, and may have additional costs. Once you have been confirmed, all guests are welcome to reach out to our partners directly to reserve and purchase a window seat. Contact information for our partners is provided in your confirmation email!

Returns, Exchanges & Cancellations

Returns
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be returned hassle-free within 30 days. All refunds will be made to the original purchaser.
Exchanges
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be exchanged for anything else in our marketplace at any time. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs more, you'll simply have to pay the difference. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs less, you'll have a credit towards your next booking with Virgin Experience Gifts.

Cancellation Policy

Once you have scheduled a date and have received a booking confirmation, all bookings are final and no rescheduling or cancellations will be allowed.

Other New York Experiences

Customer Reviews

This experience has a customer rating of 4.5
based on 22 reviews.

View More Reviews:

The tour was fun the food was ok nothing special

— Yini L | Oct 31, 2022

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hello Yini, Thank you for leaving us your feedback! I am sorry to hear that the food did not exceed expectations. However, I am grateful that you still enjoyed your amazing lunch cruise! I hope you had beautiful views and an unforgettable atmosphere. Regards, Briana

We were told that the lunch cruise was cancelled because there were not enough guests for that trip. We were then informed that we were going to be upgraded to a dinner cruise but we were disappointed because it was not a gourmet but a buffet experience. This information was not disclosed to us as the description of the lunch cruise was very different.

— Rodaniel D | Apr 14, 2022

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hi there! Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. I'm so sorry to hear our partners had to cancel your original cruise. At that point in time, you should have been given the option as to what you'd like to do with that booking. While it is up to our partners, we certainly want to ensure you get out on your intended experience! I am glad you were able to get out on the water nonetheless and enjoy your time! All the best, Jake.

It was wonderful. The food was delicious and the service excellent.

— Roxanne S | Dec 29, 2019

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hi Roxanne, We are so happy that you enjoyed your cruise! Tasty food and wonderful service makes for a great day out on the water! We hope to get you out again soon! Best, Sophia

The boat was extremely warm with no preparations made for the heat. Constantly uncomfortable the entire trip. The service was inconsistent and the food was far from gourmet. Berry jam on a SYSCO cheese cake is not very interesting. I suppose this is an elite experience for tourists.

— Tom N | Jul 22, 2019

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hi there Tom, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! I'm very sorry to hear that your cruise was a bit toasty. It looks like the temperature that day was in the high 90's that day! I spoke with our partners regarding the temperature on the vessel. They let us know that while the boat is climate-controlled, the weather, coupled with the amount of sunlight through all-glass exterior, may have made it challenging for the air conditioning to keep up. In terms of the service and food, we are sorry to hear that expectations were not met. Our partners are usually so wonderful, it truly sounds as though the inconsistencies were the result of a bit of an off-day. Please note that we have placed a $50.00 certificate in your Cloud 9 Living account for future use to reconcile any missed expectations! We look forward to getting you out on another adventure soon. Best, Sophia

It was very good. Exceeded our expectations and I would highly recommend. Service was top notch and the food better than at most $200 per plate weddings.

— Bryan P | Nov 12, 2018

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hey Bryan, Thanks for writing in. That's great to hear that the cruise exceeded your expectations and had great food. I will be sure to pass along your kind words to the cruise staff. Enjoy your week! Best, Brooke

Anazing value for the price! Good and enough food... great live music... with a great view over New York and cery friendly staff. We had a great time:) Thanks!

— Michael L | Sep 25, 2018

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Thanks for the review. I'm glad to hear you had a wonderful evening cruising around the City. What a fun way to celebrate! Enjoy your day! Best, Brooke

We had a great time! The service was excellent, go for the open bar package!

— Amy K | Aug 27, 2018

very very pleasant

— Irene B | Aug 06, 2018

Excellent food. Really nice and thoughtful staff. Views were fab. Even gave us a complimentary bouquet of flowers (on honeymoon) - this little touch really did make our trip.

— Matthew D | Aug 13, 2018

what a wonderful time and experience. The day was promising rain so we weren't thrilled. But after going we saw that even if it rained the luncheon would have still be great. food was great. wait staff was more than accommodating they were friendly and thoughtful! i had a mamose and saluted them! i would recommend this and a great gift. i got it as a gift and was thrilled

— Pamela R | Jul 24, 2018

Really good experience for the price you pay. It was great for a romantic lunch with a beautiful view of NYC skyline from the river. Food and service were totally worth it. Got some great pictures close to the statue of liberty. A good choice if you want to do something different with your loved one.

— Harshad C | Mar 13, 2018

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hey Nyshadam, Hope your week is off to a great start! That's wonderful to hear that the two of you enjoyed your experience on the water. Even better that you took some great pictures to remember the day. I'll pass your kind words along to the chefs and crew. Thanks for taking the time to write in. Enjoy your week! Best, Brooke

The Bateaux Luncheon Excursion is a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Just be sure you are not expecting palatable food. The main course was quite interesting. I asked the waitress what the stuffing was in the chicken and she had no idea. She went to inquire and came back and advised it was potato. I tried to eat it, but it was impossible. The chicken was overcooked -- in fact completely dried out. The stuffing was simply mashed potatoes with some spices. I could not and did not eat it. Accompanying the chicken were about 12 thin, tasteless green beans. My party of four women were among the last to leave the boat. I forgot my hat, which was a very large straw brimmed sun hat -- which had La Vie En Rose inked on in a light pink. About an hour and a half after we left the boat, I called the number I could find and was told nothing could be done. I asked for the number that would connect me to the NY office by the boat -- I was given a number which took me right back to the call center. No one seemed to care about helping me. I was told Lost & Found will be open on Monday and would be in touch. Would I go again, NO. Not because of the boat or the food, but because of the indifference about helping me get my hat back.

— Kate R | Jul 17, 2017

The lunch cruise was spectacular. Lunch was delicious and staff very friendly.

— Denise M | Oct 26, 2016

Cancelled our reservation twice because not enough tickets were sold.

— Vito O | Aug 31, 2016

Everyone on the boat was very nice, but the service was slow and the air conditioning was not working properly. It was a 90 degree day, so it was extremely hot and uncomfortable. I actually felt faint and nauseous due to the heat and being on the water. It was not a good experience at all unfortunately.

— Elizabeth P | Aug 29, 2016

This was fun, the food on the cruise was top notch. Our waiters were very friendly. Some of the servers handing out rolls and salads could have cared less, but they weren't impolite. The piano player wasn't that great, simple background music without the banter and improvised song parodies would have been better. Boat left and returned on time, everything was clean. Parking at the Piers is expensive: place on 22nd was $25 for the time we were there. This would have been better if we planned more time or other activities in the City. We spent a lot of time driving from CT just for lunch. One tip: know the name of the boat -- Pier 64 gets you close, but there are several tours in the area.

— JEFFREY D | Jul 12, 2016

We loved the cruise along the Hudson and the East River. It was a great way to see Manhattan. We are visiting from Australia. The experience was booked for us by our children as a Mother's' Day gift. The main meal (chicken), was delicious. The salad and cheesecake were less appealing. Thank you.

— Anne S | Jun 29, 2016

Beautiful ship, great staff.

— Nancy P | May 31, 2016

We loved both Cloud 9 Living experiences we booked. First was a sightseeing lunch cruise on the Hudson River. It was fantastic. The food was delicious. A wonderful NEW way to see New York City! Second, we did a paint night at the #1 paint studio in New York, and it did not disappoint. We had an amazing time. Lots of laughs & memories! Will be going back to do these again!

— Tina S | Jan 28, 2016

My wife and I never really do things like this, but this was definitely a different experience. We have been New Yorkers our whole lives, and this is the first time we've done something like this. It was a lot of fun, and the service was great. Food was pretty good, but I wish they had more options.

— Saahir P | Nov 09, 2015

Love the fact it never expires and just the easy navigation tools for booking.

— Esthefanie G | Sep 04, 2015

Every person on the staff and crew was extremely friendly and made sure we had a wonderful time. It was a beautiful day, and the food was great!

— Julia P | Aug 31, 2015

NYC Gourmet Sightseeing Lunch Cruise