New York’s finest buffet experiences set sail from its bustling waterfront, combining great food with million-dollar views. The standout options are the holiday-themed dinner cruises, which offer exceptional value and memorable experiences.
I especially love the Thanksgiving Harbor Cruise – it delivers traditional holiday fare while passing iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.
The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day cruises are equally impressive, with chefs preparing festive spreads that rival the city’s top restaurants.
For those staying outside Manhattan, the City Cruise departing from New Jersey provides convenient access and the same high-quality dining experience.
Based on decades of exploring New York’s dining scene, these boat-based buffets consistently rank among the city’s best dining values.
Let’s explore the top cruise options for your next visit.
Key Points
- The Thanksgiving Buffet Harbor Cruise on the Spirit of New York offers a festive 3-course buffet with skyline views and traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
- The City Cruise to New York with Buffet from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, NJ provides a climate-controlled experience with a seasonal buffet and unlimited beverages.
- The New York Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise features a chef-prepared buffet-style dinner, creative cocktails, and a festive atmosphere with views of Manhattan’s iconic landmarks.
- The New York Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a 2.5-hour cruise through New York Harbor with a chef-prepared buffet and scenic views of the city skylines.
- The New York Thanksgiving Day Buffet Dinner Cruise departs from Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, accommodating up to 300 travelers with a buffet-style dining experience and DJ entertainment.
NYC: Thanksgiving Buffet Harbor Cruise
One of the most unique Thanksgiving dining experiences in New York City is the Thanksgiving Buffet Harbor Cruise on the Spirit of New York.
This 2.5-hour cruise features breathtaking skyline views and iconic sights, including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge, along with live DJ entertainment and onboard games.
The climate-controlled dining room offers reserved private tables, and the festive 3-course buffet includes traditional Thanksgiving trimmings, freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts.
Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included, and seasonal cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase.
The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and a commemorative photo is included.
Read our full review: NYC: Thanksgiving Buffet Harbor Cruise Review
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From New Jersey: City Cruise to New York With Buffet
A city cruise from New Jersey to New York offers a unique opportunity to enjoy breathtaking skyline views and iconic landmarks while indulging in a delectable buffet meal.
Priced at Kč3,499 per person, this 2-hour cruise departs from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, NJ and showcases the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty.
The climate-controlled interiors and open-air decks provide a relaxing atmosphere, complemented by onboard entertainment from a DJ.
The buffet features seasonal dishes like breakfast pastries, scrambled eggs, honey sesame chicken, and assorted desserts, along with unlimited soda, juice, mimosas, coffee, and tea.
This cruise is wheelchair accessible and recommended for all travelers, from couples to families.
Read our full review: From New Jersey: City Cruise to New York With Buffet Review
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New York Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in New York City aboard a 2.5-hour Christmas Eve dinner cruise across the stunning New York Harbor.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge while indulging in a chef-prepared, buffet-style dinner.
Sip on creative cocktails, wine, and beer as you dance the night away to DJ entertainment.
This unique experience offers a memorable way to experience the festive atmosphere of the Big Apple during the holiday season.
With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, the cruise boasts accessibility features, making it a great choice for families and groups.
Whether you’re a local or visiting, this Christmas Eve cruise promises an unforgettable evening in New York City.
Read our full review: New York Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
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New York Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise
Set out on a captivating Christmas Day adventure aboard a 2.5-hour buffet dinner cruise through the stunning New York Harbor.
With a maximum capacity of 300 travelers, you’ll enjoy a chef-prepared buffet featuring complimentary coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, as well as a selection of creative cocktails, wine, beer, and soda available for purchase.
While the cruise offers spectacular views of the Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey skylines, reviews suggest limited vegetarian options and mixed experiences with reservation issues and customer service.
The cruise presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends while taking in the city’s enchanting scenery.
Read our full review: New York Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
New York Thanksgiving Day Buffet Dinner Cruise
One exquisite way to celebrate Thanksgiving in New York City is the New York Thanksgiving Day Buffet Dinner Cruise. This 2.5-hour experience departs from Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, offering passengers scenic views of the city’s landmarks.
The chef-prepared, buffet-style dining features complimentary coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, with an option to purchase creative cocktails, wine, beer, and soda. The cruise accommodates up to 300 travelers and provides DJ entertainment.
Casual attire is recommended, and the event is wheelchair and stroller accessible. While non-refundable, reviews highlight the beautiful weather, delicious food, and excellent staff service, making this an ideal choice for family gatherings and sightseeing this Thanksgiving.
Read our full review: New York Thanksgiving Day Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
You’ll find a variety of exceptional buffet experiences in New York City, from Thanksgiving cruises to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts. Whether you’re looking for a scenic harbor cruise or a festive dinner on the water, these offerings provide the perfect setting to savor delicious cuisine and create lasting memories. With so many options, you’re sure to discover the best buffet experience to suit your tastes and occasion.