Elevate your sightseeing experience in the Big Apple by taking a New York City sunset cruise. Thanks in large part to its world-famous skyline, NYC is one of the most scenic cities in the world. And seeing that skyline against the backdrop of a colorful sunset is even more spectacular!
The sole purpose of a sunset cruise is to sail to the very best spots for to watch the sun dip down as pastel colors streak the sky. So book an NYC sunset cruise and then kick back, relax, and enjoy the sights as you sail past some of the most famous landmarks in the world!
What You’ll See on a New York City Sunset Cruise
New York City sunset cruises are popular with both tourists and New Yorkers, so there are lots and lots of cruises to choose from.
But are they the same? What’s the difference between them? Well most importantly, no matter who you book with, the routes are very similar. All sunset cruises will take you past the landmarks you want to see the most. After all, we’re all just onboard to get a good look at the Statue of Liberty at sunset, right?!
Depending on your cruise, departure points vary but most vessels will sail on the Hudson River, the New York Harbor, and the East River, the three bodies of water that surround mid- to lower Manhattan.
New York City sunset cruises most commonly depart from Midtown West or Lower Manhattan. In varying order, passengers can expect to get good views of One World Trade, the Empire State Building, Little Island, the Vessel, and of course the crown jewel of all world-famous landmarks: Lady Liberty herself!
Since sailing routes are similar, you should choose your sunset boat cruise based on other factors. Things you may want to consider include the price, the type of sailing vessel, maximum number of passengers, cancellation policies, cruise duration, and whether you can bring food or purchase snacks onboard.
Some cruises offer specific experiences like wine tasting or live jazz, while others are no-frills basic sightseeing excursions. Whatever choice you make, you’re certain to have an only-in-New-York experience.
There’s no view more spectacular than New York at night so read on about ten top New York sunset cruises and choose the one that’s best for you!
10 Top New York City Sunset Cruises
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1. New York Sunset Schooner Cruise on the Hudson River
Sail aboard a two-masted sailboat dubbed the Schooner Adirondack as you take in panoramic Hudson River views at sunset. One complimentary beverage is included. Champagne, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Passengers are allowed to bring outside food but the crew requests that you keep it limited to light snacks.
- Cruise Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $96 per person
- Departure: Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers
- Maximum number of passengers: 49
Book New York Schooner Cruise on the Hudson River
2. New York City Sunset Sail to the Statue of Liberty
Watch the sunset aboard a classic sailboat that was inspired by a 1920s schooner. One complimentary beverage is included. Passengers may bring light snacks onboard.
- Cruise Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $96 per person
- Departure: 62 Chelsea Piers
- Maximum number of passengers: 76
Book New York City Sunset Sail to the Statue of Liberty
3. Live Jazz Sunset Sail in NY Harbor
Enjoy your New York City sunset cruise aboard a 105-foot schooner named America 2.0. A jazz band treats passengers to live music as the sun sets over the skyline. One complimentary glass of champagne, beer, wine, or soft drink is included. Outside food is permitted as long as it is limited to light snacks.
- Cruise Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $118 per person
- Departure: 62 Chelsea Piers
- Maximum number of passengers: 60
Book Live Jazz Sunset Sail in NY Harbor
4. Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise
I recommend this New York sunset cruise as an easy, tourist-friendly, relatively inexpensive option. However the maximum number of passengers is considerably larger than the other cruises listed here. If you’re looking for a vessel with more character, fewer passengers, and a more personal, intimate experience, I’d consider going with a sunset sail on one of the smaller vessels.
The Harbor Lights Cruise sails by the major landmarks as a crew member narrates the sights. Beverages, including beer and wine, are sold onboard. Snacks are also available for purchase. No outside food or beverages are allowed.
- Cruise Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $49 per person
- Departure: Pier 83, W. 42nd St.
- Maximum number of passengers: 600
Book Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise
5. New York City Sailing Cruise with Wine Tasting
Sample three different wines as you sail aboard a classic 82-foot wooden schooner and take in the twinkling city lights at sunset. The wines are paired with snacks and cheeses and a wine guide will lead you through a tasting.
Wine and snacks are included in the price. If you’re looking for a romantic excursion, this is the NYC sunset cruise for you!
- Cruise Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $134 per person
- Departure: North Cove Marina
Book New York City Sailing Cruise with Wine Tasting
6. Sunset Cruise from Lower Manhattan
If you want to see the sweeping sunset from the comfort of an intimate yacht, this is the New York City sunset cruise for you! Passenger numbers are kept to a minimum, so you won’t be overcrowded as you take in the breathtaking Manhattan skyline. The crew provides light narration of the sights.
One complimentary beverage is included. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks are available for purchase. You may bring your own food if you stick to light snacks.
- Cruise Duration: 90 minutes
- Cost: From $86 per person
- Departure: North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place
- Maximum number of passengers: 28
Book Sunset Cruise from Lower Manhattan
7. New York City Sunset Sail Aboard Shearwater
Set sail from Lower Manhattan aboard the Shearwater Classic Schooner and catch the sights of the New York Harbor just in time for sunset. An onboard cash bar is available.
- Cruise Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Cost: From $98 per person
- Departure: North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place
- Maximum number of passengers: 37
Book New York City Sunset Sail Aboard Shearwater
8. New York City Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise
This sunset cruise is only an hour long, but passengers still get to see the major sights! It’s a great option if you’re short on time, or just want to see the sights in the most efficient way. This is also the least expensive of all the New York sunset cruises mentioned here.
- Cruise Duration: 1 hour
- Cost: From $29 per person
- Departure: Pier 16 at South Street Seaport, 167 John Street
- Maximum number of passengers: 149
Book New York City Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise
9. New York City Sunset Sail Aboard Clipper City
All aboard Clipper City for a two-hour New York Harbor excursion. Since Clipper City is New York’s only tall ship, this is the most unique choice of vessel for your sunset sail.
Beverages, including beer and wine, may be purchased onboard.
- Cruise Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $98 per person
- Departure: Pier 17 at South Street Seaport, 89 South Street
- Maximum number of passengers: 149
Book New York City Sunset Sail Aboard Clipper City
10. Private Luxury Sunset Boat Tour
See the colors of sunset light up the Manhattan skyline as you sail aboard a private luxury powerboat. It’ll just be you and the crew onboard, so grab your favorite people and book a 1-hour or 2-hour scenic sunset cruise. Passengers are welcome to bring food and drinks onboard.
- Cruise Duration: 1-2 hours
- Cost: 1-hour cruise: from $450 for 2 people. 2-hour cruise: from $599.99 for 2 people.
- Departure: North Cove Marina
- Number of passengers: Up to 6. A minimum of 2 is required.
Book ONE-hour boat tour or TWO-hour boat tour
Why You Should Take a New York City Sunset Cruise
There are so many reasons to take a sunset cruise! NYC at sundown may just offer the best light show there is. It’s a gorgeous time of day to be out on the water, when you get to see famous landmarks in a different light.
The beginning of sunset casts a rosy glow and all that metal and steel that make up the city begins to soften. Soon, skyscrapers turn on their night lights and begin to twinkle as the sky fades into darkness, and suddenly, the night seems even brighter than the day.
There’s another great reason to take a sunset cruise. New York City is made up of five boroughs; you’ll get a better idea of the lay of the land from the perspective of a cruise. And a quick glance at a map confirms that Manhattan is an island, surrounded by rivers that empty into the New York Harbor, which ultimately leads to the Atlantic Ocean. This map comes to life once your vessel pulls away from its pier.
New York is also largely defined by its various neighborhoods, and a view from the water illustrates that better than, say, walking through the crowds of Times Square. If your cruise departs from Chelsea Piers or Pier 84, you’re on the Hudson River and New Jersey is just across the water.
Scan the horizon to find the Empire State Building–that’s Midtown Manhattan. Follow the skyline south until you spot One World Trade in Lower Manhattan, towering over every other building in sight.
At some point, your cruise will loop around the southernmost tip of the island, heading toward the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River. A cruise shows you how all the landmarks, land masses, and waterways come together to form the city of New York.
And if you’re already familiar with the geography, you’ll still get to see New York from an entirely different perspective. I love sailing past Little Island and getting a good look at those tulip-shaped pods, or seeing the waning daylight reflecting off of the Vessel, the copper beehive-shaped monument that’s nestled into Hudson Yards.
I also love the chance to see the full span of the Brooklyn Bridge and how it connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. And I will never, ever, no matter how long I live in New York, tire of seeing the Statue of Liberty close up, especially at sunset.
And if all of the reasons above don’t convince you, my final reason I recommend a New York City sunset cruise is to let someone else do the work for you!
If you’re visiting as a tourist, chances are that you’ve clocked more steps than you usually do in your daily life. You’ve probably waited in lines to see landmarks, jostled with crowds for photos, and gotten lost on the subway once or twice.
When you take a cruise designed for tourists, all you need to do is get yourself to the departure point. Then grab a seat with a view, maybe a refreshing beverage and snack, and then relax and let the glorious NYC scenery glide past you. You can take all your epic photos without even leaving your seat, or roam around the vessel a bit for varying viewpoints.
So climb aboard a sunset cruise and take a load off!
7 Tips for Preparing for Your New York Sunset Cruise
- Consider the weather forecast. Cruises typically operate rain or shine but will cancel if there’s extreme wind, rain, or otherwise poor conditions. You’ll be notified in advance and given the opportunity to reschedule (or receive a refund).
- Check cancellation policies. Some operators allow you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance; others do not allow changes or refunds. Know before you book.
- If you’re booking your sunset cruise far in advance, make sure they allow for cancellations. New York’s weather is unpredictable and while cruises won’t operate in extreme weather, an overcast day won’t stop them from sailing. A dreary day may not have a colorful sunset, and a scenic sunset is, after all, the reason you’re booking an NYC sunset cruise!
- Note your boarding time. Some cruises begin boarding up to 45 minutes before departure. On vessels with general seating, I recommend arriving even earlier if you want your choice of seats.
- Do not bring outside food or drinks unless the policy states that is permissible. Many cruises listed here allow passengers to bring light snacks; some do not.
- Take a sweater or jacket most times of year. If your sunset cruise takes place on a hot night in July or August, you can probably get away with short sleeves (I personally would still bring a sweater for backup!). But other than the dog days of summer, expect it to get chilly on the water.
- Tip the crew! If your cruise was narrated, seek out the speaker and give him or her a cash tip. Otherwise, give it to the crew member who, at the end of the cruise, is helping passengers disembark safely. A good guideline is to give 15-20% of the total cost of the cruise.
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Final Thoughts on New York City Sunset Cruises
Even after living in New York City for almost 14 years, one of the things I love the best is the skyline. And no matter how many times I see them, I adore the sight of the Empire State Building, One World Trade, and the Statue of Liberty.
In my opinion, there’s no better way to get an all-encompassing view of the skyline and landmarks than by taking a sunset cruise. New York is really at its best at sunset, something you’ll witness as you relax into the comfort of your cruise and sail past some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.