New Jersey New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise

A closer look at the New Jersey New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise

If you’re dreaming of celebrating New Year’s Eve on the water with spectacular skyline views, this cruise promises a festive atmosphere with dining, dancing, and fireworks. However, as with many themed events, it might not be for everyone, especially considering the recent mixed reviews.

One feature that stands out is the stunning views of New York and New Jersey skylines, which make the experience visually memorable. The chef-prepared buffet and top-shelf open bar are also appealing for those wanting to indulge in good food and drinks while ringing in the new year. That said, a common concern among past guests was the quality of the food and the level of service, which some found underwhelming.

This cruise seems best suited for travelers craving a lively, scenic celebration rather than a gourmet culinary experience. If you’re after a party atmosphere with impressive views and don’t mind the possibility of less-than-stellar food, this could be an option. But for those seeking excellent cuisine or personalized service, other options might be better suited.

Key Points

• Spectacular skyline views and fireworks (weather permitting) create a memorable backdrop.
• Casual, party-oriented vibe with a DJ, props, and a lively crowd.
• Food quality may disappoint; desserts and buffet offerings received mixed reviews.
• All-inclusive drinks with a top-shelf open bar add to the celebration.
• Limited sightseeing during the cruise—mainly views from the water and specific landmarks.
• Price point of $650 is on the higher side, so assessing value is important.
• Crowd size is capped at around 200 guests, keeping the atmosphere lively but not overcrowded.

An in-depth look at the New Jersey New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise

Setting the scene: what to expect

This three-hour cruise departs from Weehawken at 10:00 pm, offering guests a chance to ring in the new year surrounded by illuminated cityscapes and the festive glow of fireworks if the weather cooperates. The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation, which makes access fairly straightforward—especially for those staying in or near Jersey City.

Once aboard, you’ll find yourself immersed in a lively, party-centric environment. The cruise combines sightseeing with entertainment—think DJ beats, photo props, and a countdown to midnight. For many, the appeal is in the atmosphere rather than the culinary or service standards, and it’s worth noting that the tour is geared toward a maximum of 200 travelers, so it avoids feeling overly crowded.

The itinerary: what we loved and what’s limited

The cruise includes three notable stops for sightseeing, although these are brief and mainly serve as photo opportunities. First, the Statue of Liberty offers iconic photo ops, but with only 10 minutes allocated, don’t expect a deep dive into its history. The Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center also feature in the views, providing excellent backdrops for photos and a sense of being part of New York’s skyline.

While these stops are free and included, they are more about the sightseeing moments from the water rather than extended excursions. This means you’ll spend most of your time on the boat, enjoying the entertainment, food, and drinks rather than exploring the landmarks.

Food and drinks: what’s on offer?

The chef-prepared buffet-style dining is a highlight on paper, but reviews suggest the quality falls short of expectations. One guest described the desserts as “off-brand Chips Ahoy” and mentioned the staff pushing leftovers at the exit, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm or quality control.

The top-shelf open bar is an attractive feature, offering unlimited drinks for the duration of the cruise, which can significantly enhance the party vibe. Complementary beverages like coffee, hot tea, juice, and soda cater to different tastes, but the emphasis here seems to be on the alcohol and festive props rather than gourmet fare.

Entertainment and atmosphere

A live DJ keeps the energy high, with dance music blending into the fireworks countdown, which is a highlight for many. The props—beads, hats, noisemakers, and masquerade-themed items—add a fun, party-like touch that helps guests get into the spirit of New Year’s Eve.

The overall vibe is lively, casual, and geared toward guests looking for a festive night out. If you’re someone who appreciates a good party atmosphere with skyline views, this cruise offers plenty of that.

Price and value

At $650 per ticket, the cruise is certainly on the more expensive side. This cost includes the buffet, drinks, entertainment, and a guaranteed table for your party size. Considering the mixed reviews on food quality and service, some travelers might feel that the value doesn’t quite match the price.

However, for those who prioritize the experience of celebrating on the water with stunning city views and a lively crowd, the price might be justified as a once-in-a-lifetime kind of celebration. Still, it’s worth considering whether the cost aligns with your expectations for food and service quality.

Guest experiences: what you should know

The lone review from Timothy_R sums up some of the common frustrations: “Food was meh. Dessert was off-brand Chips Ahoy and a couple of other marginal things. Service was pretty non-existent, got a table on the bottom level and the windows fogged so you couldn’t really see out.” This feedback highlights the importance of managing expectations—if gourmet dining is your priority, this cruise probably isn’t your best bet.

On the flip side, some guests might appreciate the lively atmosphere and stunning views, even if the food isn’t top-tier. The fireworks display, if weather permits, can be a breathtaking moment that caps off the night.

Who is this cruise best suited for?

This New Year’s Eve cruise will appeal most to travelers seeking a fun, party-focused celebration with spectacular city views and a lively ambiance. It’s ideal if you’re okay with average food quality and high prices in exchange for a festive atmosphere and fireworks.

It’s less suited for those craving gourmet dining or personalized service, and it might not be the best choice for travelers with specific dietary needs or those looking for a more relaxed, intimate experience. If you’re traveling with a group that loves dancing, drinks, and city-lit nights on the water, this cruise could fit the bill.

Final thoughts

This cruise offers a visual feast of New York and New Jersey’s skyline, combined with a lively party atmosphere. The entertainment, props, and fireworks create a festive environment, perfect for guests who want to start the new year with a bang.

However, the food quality and service have been points of disappointment for some travelers, so if gourmet cuisine or personalized attention is your priority, you might want to explore other options. The price reflects the inclusiveness of food and drinks and the scenic experience, but it’s essential to weigh what matters most to your celebration.

To sum it up, this cruise is best suited for those who value the fun, views, and party vibe above all else. It’s a lively, spirited way to welcome the new year, but keep your expectations in check regarding the culinary experience.

FAQs

What is included in the ticket price? The ticket provides a three-hour dinner cruise with a chef-prepared buffet, top-shelf open bar, live DJ entertainment, fireworks (weather permitting), and props for photos.

Where does the cruise start? The activity begins at 1500 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken Township, NJ, with boarding at 10:00 pm.

Is the food served buffet-style? Yes, guests enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, but reviews indicate the quality may be average or below expectations.

Are drinks included? The cruise features a top-shelf open bar, offering unlimited alcohol, plus complimentary coffee, tea, juice, and soda.

Can I see the fireworks? Yes, if the weather is clear, the fireworks over the Hudson River will be visible from the boat, creating a memorable New Year’s Eve moment.

What’s the dress code? Casual attire is recommended—think khakis, jeans, dresses, or button-up shirts. Dress comfortably yet smart enough for a celebratory night.

Is this experience suitable for children? The tour is 21+ for the sparkling wine toast, but most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed.

The New Jersey New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a lively and scenic way to mark the end of the year. While it might not be perfect in every aspect, it delivers a festive atmosphere, impressive views, and a fun party environment—ideal for those prioritizing celebration over gourmet dining.