NYC Skyline lights Happy Hour and Cash Bar

Taking a cruise around New York Harbor is a popular way to see the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks from a different perspective. This particular cruise, offered by Attractions4us LLC, promises a 90-minute journey with lively happy hour vibes—complete with indoor and outdoor decks, a cash bar, and commentary on the city’s highlights. While some reviews suggest this experience offers great views and fun social moments, others point out that it doesn’t quite match expectations for comfort or duration.

What we like about this tour is how it combines sightseeing with a relaxed, social atmosphere. You’ll have a chance to sip drinks, listen to background music, and get close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan’s impressive skyline. But it’s also worth noting that some passengers found the boat to be a bit on the sketchy side, with reports of dirty windows and limited amenities.

This cruise can be a good pick for those wanting a quick, affordable evening out with scenic photos and a chance to mingle. However, if you’re expecting a luxury experience or a longer, more polished tour, you might want to consider a more upscale option. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers looking for a casual, social outing rather than a detailed sightseeing extravaganza.

Key Points

Affordable price point: At $49.99 per person, this cruise offers a basic but lively way to see the skyline.
Ideal for socializing: The covered outdoor dance floor and happy hour drinks make it perfect for mingling.
Limited amenities: Some reviews mention a tiny bar, dirty windows, and a boat that feels less than premium.
Shorter duration: While advertised as 90-minutes, some passengers report it being closer to an hour—check expectations accordingly.
Close-up views of landmarks: Sails within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, with photo opportunities.
Bilingual commentary: Guides offer insights in English and Spanish, helping you identify landmarks.

An Honest Look at the Experience

The Itinerary: What’s on Deck

The cruise kicks off at Pier 36, near the Brooklyn Bridge, offering travelers a prime start point with easy access via public transportation. The route takes you past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, providing a vantage point for photos and sightseeing—especially during the evening when the city lights up. The boat then moves along Manhattan’s waterfront, passing notable sights like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

One reviewer noted, “We will sail and see the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island,” emphasizing that the boat comes close enough for decent photos, though not landing at either island. The tour also features a light commentary highlighting the city’s most famous neighborhoods and buildings, which can be quite informative if the guide is engaging.

The Boat and Viewing Experience

The boat itself is multi-leveled, with indoor seating and outdoor decks, plus a covered outdoor dance floor. This setup is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sights without worrying about the weather. However, some reviews mention that the windows are often dirty, making it tough to get clear photos or views. One guest said, “Windows were so dirty you could not see outside well,” which is frustrating for photography enthusiasts.

The outdoor decks are a highlight, offering unobstructed panoramic views, but they can get chilly, so bundling up is recommended. The indoor areas provide a more sheltered space, though they are more limited in size. The cruise includes background music, creating a lively, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for socializing or even dancing if you’re in the mood.

Food and Drinks: What’s on Offer

While the cruise does not include food or drinks, there is a cash bar on board, with a range of happy hour beverages and bites available for purchase. One reviewer pointed out the limited selection and size of the bar, describing it as “tiny,” which might not satisfy those expecting a full bar experience. The drinks are reasonably priced, but don’t expect a wide variety.

The availability of snacks and larger bites can add to the fun, especially if you like pairing your drinks with a quick snack while enjoying the view. Keep in mind that to purchase alcohol, you need to be 21+ with a valid ID.

Duration and Value

The official duration is around 90 minutes, but some travelers reported it feeling shorter—closer to an hour in some cases. One guest said, “It was supposed to be a 90-minute cruise but we were back in under an hour,” which could be disappointing for those expecting a longer experience.

Considering the price—$49.99—it’s a fairly affordable way to enjoy the harbor and skyline, especially if you’re looking for a casual, social outing. However, reviews reveal that some felt the experience was somewhat misleading in terms of length and boat quality. “This tour only lasted 1 hour,” said one reviewer, highlighting that the advertised duration isn’t always what you get.

The Crowd and Atmosphere

This cruise appeals to a broad range of travelers, with a maximum capacity of 300, making it quite a lively, bustling environment. The social aspect shines through with the dance floor and background music, making it a good choice for groups or couples wanting a fun, relaxed evening.

The guide offers commentary in both English and Spanish, which is a thoughtful touch for bilingual travelers. The overall atmosphere, according to reviews, is friendly, but some passengers found the commentary “annoying” or poorly delivered, which might detract from the experience for some.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Several reviewers shared their honest opinions, offering useful tips. A standout positive review called it an “amazing time with an amazing view,” highlighting the value of the close-up skyline views and “friendly staff.” The same guest mentioned they’d “definitely book again,” indicating that the experience can be fun if expectations are realistic.

On the flip side, a few guests described the boat as “sketchy” with a “dirty” interior, and criticized the limited drink options and short trip length. One user mentioned, “Windows were so dirty I couldn’t see outside well,” which is a common complaint and worth considering if you’re hoping for crystal-clear photos.

Another guest pointed out that the drinks and food were limited, and the bar tiny, making it less appealing for those wanting a more luxurious happy hour experience. The reviews suggest that this cruise is more about the views and social vibe rather than luxury or comfort.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who:

• Want a budget-friendly way to see the NYC skyline and Statue of Liberty from the water
• Enjoy social activities like dancing and mingling with other guests
• Are okay with a shorter, lively experience rather than a long, luxurious ride
• Don’t mind some boat imperfections or less-than-pristine windows
• Are looking for a casual, fun evening rather than a detailed sightseeing tour

It’s probably not ideal for travelers seeking a luxury experience, longer cruise, or high-end amenities. If comfort, scenic clarity, or a more immersive tour are your priorities, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

For what it offers—a 90-minute cruise around New York Harbor with skyline views and happy hour options—this experience delivers entertainment at a reasonable price. Its lively atmosphere, outdoor decks, and proximity to the Statue of Liberty make it a decent choice for travelers wanting a quick, social way to see the city from the water.

However, keep your expectations realistic: some guests found the boat to be less than pristine, the duration shorter than advertised, and the drink options limited. If you’re after a relaxed, fun outing with friends or a casual way to snap photos of the Manhattan skyline, this cruise can fit the bill.

On the other hand, if comfort, detailed commentary, or a longer, more polished experience matter most to you, consider looking at other tours. Overall, it’s a good value for budget-conscious visitors seeking a lively evening adventure rather than a luxury cruise.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for families?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s a casual environment. Just keep in mind the age restrictions for alcohol and the boat’s potentially limited comfort.

Does the tour include landing at Liberty Island or Ellis Island?
No, the cruise does not land at either island. It passes by them within 100 feet for photo opportunities.

How long does the cruise last?
Officially, around 90 minutes. However, some reviews mention it feeling shorter—closer to an hour in some cases.

Is the boat indoor or outdoor?
It has both indoor and outdoor decks, with a covered outdoor dance floor, so you can choose to stay inside or enjoy the open air.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the 90-minute cruise, route along Manhattan and past the Statue of Liberty, bilingual commentary, background music, and access to the outdoor and indoor seating.

Can I purchase alcohol on the boat?
Yes, there’s a cash bar with drinks and snacks available for purchase. You must be 21+ with a valid ID to buy alcohol.

This cruise is all about fun, views, and socializing on a budget. If that sounds like your kind of evening in New York City, it could be worth a try—just manage your expectations and enjoy the sights.