NYC Bright Lights Cruise: Yacht Tours Reviewed

If you are searching for an unmatched way to drink in the breathtaking New York City skyline, specifically as the sun dips below the horizon, hopping on a “bright lights” yacht cruise might be right up your alley. These floating excursions give you stellar cityscape vistas, often with a side of classy ambiance, think live music, fancy drinks, and maybe even a bite to eat. To assist you in picking out the best cruise for your buck, here’s a look at five awesome New York City “bright lights” skyline cruises that deserve your attention.

1. The Classic Harbor Line: A Touch of Elegance

First off, there’s the Classic Harbor Line, known for their smaller, more intimate yachts . Picture yourself gliding along the water in a beautifully crafted yacht that seems like it came straight out of a movie. This is very unlike some of the bigger boats that feel kind of generic. The Classic Harbor Line experience almost always offers amazing views of the skyline, but also throws in a dash of old-world sophistication. The yachts are cozy, the staff is attentive, and you get a real sense of stepping back in time, as you sail by amazing modern landmarks.

Keep in mind, though, these cruises tend to be priced a little higher, due to the smaller capacity and focus on luxury, so it might be a good choice for a romantic night out or if you are really wanting to impress someone.

2. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises: The Tourist Favorite

If you are after a more traditional, tourist-friendly option, you can’t go wrong with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. That is to say, this outfit has been doing this for what feels like ages. It’s almost like they wrote the book on New York harbor tours . Their “Harbor Lights” cruise is pretty well-known and offers a full loop around Manhattan, meaning you get to see absolutely every single angle of the skyline. This can be very cool if you are new to the city or just really want that panoramic view.

One thing to remember is that because they’re such a popular pick, the boats do get packed. Also, the narration can feel a little canned at times. Even so, if you are trying to cover all your bases in one go, the Circle Line’s is very good, so to speak.

3. Hornblower Cruises & Events: The Party Boat

For a cruise that feels more like a party, check out Hornblower Cruises & Events. This is just a little different than some of the other cruises that might feel more like sightseeing trips, Hornblower tends to crank up the fun factor with DJs, dance floors, and very lively crowds. Think of it as a floating nightclub, where the skyline is basically just a super impressive backdrop.

I will point out, this might not be the best option if you are really wanting a quiet, relaxing evening, and it can be quite rowdy, almost a bit too much sometimes. But if you love to dance and want to experience the city lights with a big group of friends, Hornblower could be great.

4. Manhattan by Sail: For the Sailing Enthusiast

If you fancy the idea of really sailing – instead of just motoring – around New York Harbor, then Manhattan by Sail is what you need. They run cruises on proper sailboats, and that really adds something special to the experience. Very few cruises offer this authentic sailing feel . The sails billowing in the wind as you pass the Statue of Liberty is very unforgettable, actually.

The downside? Being reliant on the wind means the route can be sort of unpredictable, very much so. Plus, there’s maybe a bit less space to wander around than on a larger yacht. Yet, for those who actually enjoy the act of sailing, this is an exceptional experience. The company do offer cruises on both ‘shearer’ sailing boats and motor yachts. The motor yachts don’t have the benefit of sailing with the wind so you should always do your research and decide what type of cruise is most attractive to you.

5. Secret NYC: The Hidden Gem

Lastly, for something a little different, you can check out what Secret NYC has to offer. Now, Secret NYC doesn’t specifically operate cruises all the time. So, this is maybe more about keeping your eyes peeled for one-off events . The organization curates really unique experiences all over the city, and that might include a themed boat party or a special skyline cruise with a guest DJ. So, actually do be sure to keep an eye on their website!

That means availability can be super sporadic, kind of like chasing a unicorn, I guess. Still, if you do stumble across one of their cruises, you can more or less guarantee it’ll be pretty memorable.