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It’s hard to beat views like this: The sparkling New York City skyline seen from the water.
Doesn’t this make you want to sail in NYC?
There’s no better way to enjoy the NYC skyline than from an elegant sailboat cruising along the Hudson River. I’ve gone on three different NYC sailboat cruises — a NYC sunset cruise, a NYC jazz cruise and a NYC brunch cruise — with Classic Harbor Line. I’m here to tell you that it’s a great time on the water.
Whether you’re taking your date on a sail in NYC or celebrating a girlfriend’s birthday, Classic Harbor Line’s NYC cruises won’t leave you disappointed.
Sailing around Manhattan is one of the most exciting ways to experience the city in every season.
Last summer, the local cruise company invited me to experience a couple of its sails in NYC, including a romantic NYC sunset cruise (check rates here!) and fun NYC jazz cruise (check rates here!).
Both NYC cruises welcome guests aboard a stunning, wood-accented sailboat for a smooth sail around the city’s sparkling skyline.
Classic Harbor Line offers a slew of scenic sightseeing sailboat cruises in NYC and beyond, including a fall foliage sail that I’m dying to experience. The company offers holiday-themed cruises as well, which I was lucky enough to experience a few Christmases ago.
You can choose from several different options like a 90-minute sightseeing cruise with views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, an evening sunset sail, or daytime sails in the New York Harbor.
Look at how stunning my sunset sail in NYC was:
| READ MORE: A full review of the NYC Brunch Cruise
NYC Sunset Cruise & NYC Jazz Cruise: What To Expect
Both the NYC sunset cruise and jazz cruise lasted about two hours. We spent the whole time outdoors on the deck of the beautiful sailboat.
One major benefit about embarking on a sail in NYC is that it’s an outdoor activity that allows for social distancing. During both of my NYC sailboat cruises, all guests were given assigned seating at least six feet away from one other. It was easy for me to find my own space on the boat and keep a safe distance from others.
Boarding begins 10 minutes before departure, and the sailboat sets sail promptly. For the sunset cruise, we left the dock at 6:30 p.m. The live jazz cruise took place later in the evening at 9:30 p.m.
As soon as the sailboat picks up some speed, the staff hands out the first round of complimentary drinks. Yes, there’s typically a drink included in your ticket purchase. And yes, you can order more if you want!
On the sunset cruise, I chose a tangy cider. For the jazz cruise, I went with a glass of white wine.
The vibe on both cruises was laidback and cheerful. During the NYC sunset cruise, the whole crew sang happy birthday for one of the guests. We were lucky to get a stunning cotton candy-colored sunset. I mean, it’s hard to compete with this view of the NYC skyline!
Now let’s talk about the NYC jazz cruise.
A live jazz band plays classic tunes throughout the sail in NYC. It certainly beats any jazz performance on a typical stage.
All in all, I can wholly recommend both the sunset cruise and jazz cruise! We spent two hours sailing past the Financial District’s gargantuan skyscrapers, while the warm summer breeze complimented the wonderful evening. It’s the perfect activity for date night or a special occasion.
How Classic Harbor Line Is Keeping Guests Safe On its NYC Boat Cruises
Classic Harbor Line has taken a number of safety precautions to ensure the safety of its guests and employees onboard its NYC cruises. The safety measures include:
- Crew temperature checks: Each crew member has his or her temperature checked before boarding.
- Guest health questionnaire: Guests are required to answer a few questions related to COVID before boarding.
- Facial masks: Everyone is required to wear a mask. Masks are given out ahead of time if you don’t have one.
- Limited capacity: Each boat is limited to 50 percent capacity.
- Social distancing: Seating arrangements are made in a way to allow at least six feet between passengers.
- Limited food and beverage: No food is being served for now, though drinks are available.
- Hand sanitizer: There are hand sanitizer stations set up throughout the yachts.
Sailing in NYC: What Boat Cruises Are Available?
Daily skyline cruises, New York sunset cruises and live jazz cruises are available throughout the summer and into the fall. Holiday cruises are available during the colder months.
Whether you’re looking for a jazzy evening with the photo-worthy NYC skyline, an interesting architecture cruise or a romantic escape from the busy streets of Manhattan, Classic Harbor Line offers a number of different sightseeing cruises, as well as holiday-themed parties later in the year. Check out all the available cruises here.
Where Is Classic Harbor Line Located?
Classic Harbor Line’s NYC cruises leave from Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers, on the west side of Manhattan. If you use the Google Maps app, you can type in “Classic Harbor Line,” and the app will point you in the right direction.
How To Get To Pier 62
You can easily get to Pier 62 via public transportation, Uber/Lyft or by car.
By subway: Take the C or E train to 23rd Street. You’ll exit on Eighth Avenue, so you’ll need to walk about three avenues west until you hit the Hudson River and the Chelsea Piers complex.
By bus: Take the crosstown M23 bus west to the last stop, Chelsea Piers, Pier 62.
By car: If you are planning to park your car at Chelsea Piers, the access road into the parking lots is at West 24th Street. This road is only accessible if you are southbound on the West Side Highway or westbound on 23rd Street. On 23rd street, take a right on Eleventh Avenue followed by a quick left on West 24th Street. Use the taxi turn-in into Chelsea Piers, and stay to the right.
Parking: Chelsea Piers parking is available on Piers 61, 60 and 59.
What To Wear On a NYC Sunset Cruise
Wondering what to wear on your special night out on the water? Your best Mediterranean-inspired sailing outfit, of course!
All jokes aside, there’s no dress code for Classic Harbor Line’s cruises, although I must caution against wearing a short dress or skirt as it can get quite windy on deck.
Heels are also probably not the best idea — I had some difficulty walking around the sailboat when it began lightly tilting to one side. People generally come dressed in a nice outfit for the occasion, but nothing overly fancy.
What Should You Bring On Your NYC Sail?
You should bring a face mask, hand sanitizer, a digital version of your ticket and a camera, of course. There are so many beautiful photo opportunities during every NYC sail.
Remember to keep masks on during the entire sail, unless you’re removing it for a drink. Even the jazz band wore a mask during a jazz cruise! Everyone at Classic Harbor Line is doing their part to keep staff and guests as safe as possible.
BOOK YOUR SCENIC NYC CRUISES HERE>>
Learn more about Classic Harbor Line’s other NYC cruise options:
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They got one going to Jersey ? i love to see that Bayonne Sky like 🙂
CV
You can see Jersey on the way to the Statue of Liberty!