New York > Scenic & Sunset Cruises Experiences

New York Lunch Cruise

Manhattan, NY

From: $111

Item #: CRU-NEW-0047

(40 Reviews)

Make the most of an afternoon in the Big Apple! Set sail on a New York Lunch Cruise to delight in a grand buffet, stunning views of NYC, and plenty of on-board amenities!

Add a twist to traditional Manhattan sightseeing, as the Spirit of New York floats past landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge
Enjoy DJ entertainment, dancing, fun facts about the city, and cash bars
Indulge in a lunch buffet featuring an assortment of salads and sides, hot entrees, and a rich dessert station
Celebrate a special occasion with family and friends, or surprise someone with a unique date on the water!

From: $111

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Overview

Make the most of an afternoon in the Big Apple! Set sail on a New York Lunch Cruise to delight in a grand buffet, stunning views of NYC, and plenty of on-board amenities!

Add a twist to traditional Manhattan sightseeing, as the Spirit of New York floats past landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge
Enjoy DJ entertainment, dancing, fun facts about the city, and cash bars
Indulge in a lunch buffet featuring an assortment of salads and sides, hot entrees, and a rich dessert station
Celebrate a special occasion with family and friends, or surprise someone with a unique date on the water!

Full Description

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.

Year-Round:
Select dates and times

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

Important Details

Essential Information

This is a 2-hour scenic cruise on the Hudson and East Rivers
Includes lounge music, live DJ on inside decks and a narrated tour
Enjoy a lunch buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts
Coffee, tea and iced tea are complimentary
Additional beverages may be purchased on board, like juice, soda, mixed drinks, fine liqueurs, specialty waters, champagne and wine
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 500 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?

The cruise features an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet with delicious choices prepared on board by the executive chef and their galley staff. With advance notice, special meals for guests with allergies can be arranged.

Sample Buffet Dinner Menu
*subject to change

Fresh Salads:
Organic Mixed Field Greens
Organic Spinach & Kale Salad
Roasted Red Beet Salad
Mediterranean Couscous & Chickpea Salad

Entrees:
Oven Baked North Atlantic Cod Filet
Honey & Sesame Chicken
Whole Roasted Pork Loin

Sides:
Roasted Broccoli Florets
Creamed Corn & Cheddar Cheese Casserole
Baked Ziti Pasta
Mashed Potatoes

Desserts:
Seasonal Cut Fruit
Lemon Pound Cake & Strawberries
Vanilla Bean Mousse & Raspberry Sauce
Red Velvet & Chocolate Chip Brownie
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

What is the dress code?

It is recommended to dress business casual; however casual attire is allowed.

Are there any age requirements?

Children are welcome on the cruise and children under 3 years old cruise free. Please inform us at the time of booking if you will be bringing additional guests under 3 so that we can ensure seating.

What type of entertainment is offered?

Sit back and relax on one of the climate-controlled decks. Dine on the bountiful buffet. Experience the view as your engaging DJ spins popular favorites and dance hits.

Is the ship wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchairs can be accommodated for boarding. The ship also provides handicap 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 sometimes seated with other parties in the tradition of ocean-going cruises.

Can you tell me a little about your ship?

The three-deck, 600-passenger cruise ship is spaciously designed with climate-controlled interior decks, outdoor strolling decks at the bow and stern, and the largest outdoor patio decks on New York Harbor. Amenities include full-service bars, dance floors (or staging areas), spacious bathrooms, flexible seating arrangements and huge, panoramic windows.

Do you sail in inclement weather?

Absolutely. The ship is fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. It sails rain or shine year- round.

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 40 reviews.

View More Reviews:

Great experience and great food

— Bianca B | Feb 14, 2022

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

That is simply all great to hear! Glad you had a wonderful cruise, Bianca! Thanks for taking the time to share with us. All the best, Jake.

The food was delicious and flavorful. The staff was fun and outgoing. The dj on the ship was great as well! Will definitely be booking again.

— Ericka R | Aug 09, 2021

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hi there Ericka, Thank you so much for writing in to let us know you had a blast on your New York Lunch Cruise. It's a great way to relax for a bit while also getting to dine on some delicious delicacies and see all of the great sights New York has to offer. We can't wait to see you back for another fun day out soon! Cheers, Garrett

Lovely two hour lunch cruise from Chelsea Pier to Brooklyn Bridge and back, stopping near Statue of Liberty along the way back . Food was ok, not amazing but not terrible. Service was good. Overall a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Would recommend.

— Stephanie C | Oct 21, 2019

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Hi there Stephanie! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! It is so wonderful to hear that you had a great time taking in the beautiful sites and views of the city! We are glad to know you were in good hands. I'm sorry to hear that the food was not a highlight for you, but I do hope that this did not take away from your exciting time out on the water! Looking forward to getting you out on another peaceful and fun experience! Best, Sophia

I feel it should be 3 hours . 2 hours are not enough . Also more food selection

— BEATRIZ R | Aug 30, 2019

Excellent experience. It was great

— Yulian T | Jul 16, 2019

Wasn't worth the money

— Christine F | Sep 10, 2018

Response from Virgin Experience Gifts

Thanks for writing in about your cruise. I'm sorry to hear that it didn't live up to your expectations. I hope you were at least able to enjoy your time with your friends. Please note, that I have placed a credit of $25 in your Cloud 9 account to, hopefully, get you out on a more memorable experience.

Food was good but alittle too spicy- waistaff was very attentitve- What was extremely disturbing is that from our table at the end of the cruise we watched the waiters throw out all the uneaten food from the buffet when CLEARLY this could have been donated to the many shelters/food pantries etc in Manhattan instead of being dumped in the garbage

— Jackie G | Jul 02, 2018

This was such a wonderful experience! The food was the best Ive had in New York and the service absolutely outstanding. I highly recommend this cruise for great pictures, great food and even some dancing!

— Charlene L | Jul 10, 2018

Excellent service and experience!

— William M | Jun 18, 2018

We had a fabulous time. It was a great experience, everyone was polite.

— Joanne R | Dec 17, 2017

We had the premiere package and our drinks order wasn't taken until 45-50 minutes into the two-hour cruise after we had eaten. We didn't even have water. We also never received our champagne glasses. Very disappointing.

— Nicola M | Jun 26, 2017

Great lunch cruise on NYC's Hudson and East Rivers. Accommodating staff, delicious food stylishly-presented, and a comfortable view of the NY and NJ skylines. The only thing lacking was sunshine, for which the crew apologized and compensated with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies as we disembarked.

— Jim B | Jun 19, 2017

Our reservation was upgraded to the premier package, but when we arrived we were not seated by a window. After speaking to two staff members, we were seated by a window and asked for the champagne and the keepsake flutes. The waiter was more than accommodating and also gave us each a drink on the house. The food was great, and the staff was excellent. My husband I had a wonderful time.

— Vanessa G | Nov 07, 2016

My wife and I had an unbelievable time. We were very pleased with our experience and will definitely be back for another tour.

— Robert B | Oct 21, 2016

The ticket desk didn't have our group of 4 down as a premiere package and we had to wait while on board for the server to speak with management. We were not given a window seat or the arrival package that we were expecting. Overall the cruise was excellent, except for the hiccup on arrival.

— Nicola M | Sep 25, 2016

Pulled away from dock at 12:20 and back at1!:40. Hardly 2 hours. Food was mediocre.

— Charles B | Sep 20, 2016

I got this as a gift for my husband. It was a great experience. There was really nothing negative about it. It was a nice way to see NY, even if you have lived there all your life. Afterwards there are so many things you can do at Chelsea Piers.

— Stacey S | Jul 11, 2016

Fun, friendly and professional staff helped to make my retirement lunch cruise very special. I would definitely recommend Cloud 9 Living and The Spirit of NY to friends and family.

— Marygrace G | Sep 08, 2015

The DJ tried a little too hard. Mellow out dude. Why should we applaud the captain, and other people before the cruise starts? Maybe afterwards. I did enjoy the time of being out on the water very much. The waiter repeated much of what the DJ said. I'm not senile. Otherwise he was great. Thanks for the freebies! A little too much disco for my taste and, at 55, I was one of the younger people on board. The food was excellent; as a matter of fact, the pasta was possibly the best I've ever had!

— Thomas R | Aug 21, 2015

The food was awful, very disappointed. Wasn't expecting a wonderful dish but this really was disappointing.

— Alexandra G | Jul 23, 2015

The Spirit luncheon cruise in NYC was wonderful. The food was delicious and the service first rate. A great experience!

— John D | Jun 29, 2015

Photos and drinks were overpriced. Otherwise this was an excellent day out.

— Matthew H | May 11, 2015

Thought it was great, but didn't want it to end. If it was a day trip cruise, it would be perfect!

— Anita D | Mar 25, 2015

Reasonable way to spend an afternoon in NY. Don't expect too much sightseeing or information (it's really not meant to be an in depth tour). It's a light-hearted lunch cruise and quite enjoyable.

— Edward C | Mar 09, 2015

We were greeted by upbeat, friendly staff who made the experience a real occasion. The boat was clean and attractive. The food was wonderful and the dancing was great fun...the dj did an excellent job to get us up and dancing at lunchtime! The route took us past so many landmarks and the commentary was informative. A really memorable time - many thanks.

— Carolyn G | Sep 15, 2014

We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend the trip.

— Donna F | Sep 01, 2014

Everything was excellent! Booking to the cookies leaving the ship were perfect!! The food was delicious and plentiful the service was great, the music was good my age would say a few more oldies or slow songs but we danced anyway had a great time!! The day was perfect the views were great!! Can't wait to book my next spirit cruise!!!

— Margaret O | Aug 12, 2014

Our luncheon cruise on the Spirit was delightful! My husband and I booked the cruise for Christmas presents for his father and girlfriend but we decided to go also and Im glad we did! We all had a really nice time, from the minute we got there we were greeted so nicely, our waitress was delightful and friendly the food was good and the outside deck was nice and comfortable and we really enjoyed the ride! My father-in-law can't wait for his present this year! Thank you!

— Joanne M | Aug 05, 2014

We booked an NYC Lunch Cruise. We had a great time, great staff, great food. The only down side of the experience was the food. It was luke warm, very bland and there was not a lot of choice.

— Edi D | Jul 19, 2014

Being native New Yorkers, we were a little blase about going on a tour of NY Harbor, but were very pleasantly surprised at the richness of the experience. We have already told many of our friends about it and would highly recommend it to everyone.

— Edwin M | Jul 20, 2014

Everything was wonderful for our anniversary. The food was delicious, the dessert was such a nice surprise with the message on the plate. Our glasses were a great remembrance of the day. However having the dance floor taken over by little girls doing acrobatic flips was alittle disconcerting and took away from the romantic experience . Other than that my husband and I had a memorable time and have recommended to cruise to family and friends. Karen Hawley

— Karen H | Nov 21, 2013

We took the lunch cruise on the Hudson River in NY. The crew were so friendly and accommodating and met my dietary restrictions with a smile!

— Mary A | Oct 04, 2013

We had a wonderful time would do it again

— Yolanda R | Sep 30, 2013

Our daughter gave us the Spirit Luncheon Cruise around lower Manhattan for Christmas. We finally made our reservations. We had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious(especially the desserts) and the staff was helpful and pleasant. Most of all it made our daughter extremely happy that we enjoyed her gift!

— Kathy W | Sep 17, 2013

Our party would like to give a very special thank you to our cruise host, Ameera, who made sure that we enjoyed ourselves to the fullest. She was not only extremely friendly and had a great personality, but she was so understanding and made special accommodations to seat our party of 22 people together and make our mother's birthday extra special!

— Loretta H | Aug 27, 2012

We thoroughly enjoyed the luncheon cruise. The food was surprisingly good, which I was not expecting. It did get very crowded around the buffet table, but there certainly was plenty for everyone. I would take this cruise again, but in the evening. I am sure it is romantic and beautiful at night with the lights of the city sparkling. The Cloud 9 Experience was part of our Christmas Gift and I highly recommend giving a Cloud 9 Experience as a gift to friends and family for a special occassion. Thank you for a lovely day.

— Lorraine L | May 29, 2012

We had such a great time!! We will be booking a nice lunch cruise in June.

— Lynette O | Mar 27, 2012

I originally purchased this experience (2 Hour NYC Lunch Cruise) as a 25th birthday present to my husband, but we were not able to take part in it. I gave the experience to my mother and stepfather as a present, all which they LOVED! Their experience was amazing and they could not stop talking about it for days. I will definitely book this same experience for my husband and I for the next time we go to NYC.

— Mariel H | Sep 10, 2011

Booking my experience with Cloud 9 was so pleasant and easy. One, two three I received my confirmation. I enjoyed my Spirit of New York lunch cruise so much. The food was fine, the dancing was fun and the crew was friendly and accommodating. I would so recommended Cloud 9 to anyone who will listen. Looking forward to booking another experience soon. Thank you

— Elaine B | Aug 08, 2011

My fiance and I had one of the best days of our lives attending this lunch cruise. I thank you very much for the experience and highly recommend it. The staff was extremely talented and friendly, food was delicious, the tour was spectacular. I have nothing but positive things to say about Cloud 9. Thank you!

— Krissy M | May 23, 2011

New York Lunch Cruise