Is there a better way to spend a summer afternoon than cruising around NYC waters with some boozy drinks? We think not! It’s time to grab your crew and hit the open waters for a day (or night!) of fun. We gathered up some of our favorite NYC booze cruises that are perfect for sipping on tasty cocktails, dancing the night away, or even just grabbing some food.
Check out our picks below!
1. Dance the Wave Sunset Yacht Party
NYC is full of spots to catch a gorgeous sunset–like from a boat on this sunset booze cruise! For only $15 (one of the cheapest NYC booze cruises), you can snag a ticket to the “Dance the Wave” sunset party, which allows you to ride around the East River while sipping on delicious cocktails. Plus, DJs will be spinning the latest hits for you to dance to, all while taking in the breathtaking views of Manhattan. Don’t forget the star of the show too, the sunset, which can be watched from the top floor of a luxurious yacht.
Lock in your tickets here!
2. Hip-Hop and R&B Sunset Party Boat Ride
Is there any better combination than the sunset, a 3-deck yacht, and live DJs, spinning a mix of hip-hop, R&B, reggae, afrobeats, amapiano, and more?! Yeah, we didn’t think so. Hop aboard and enjoy a delicious buffet-style meal, breathtaking views, and the chance to dance the night away on the water!
Grab your tickets here.
3. Latin Music Boat Party
Fulfill your love for Latin music and exotic cocktails at this Latin Music Boat Party, taking off from either Pier 40. By purchasing a ticket, you gain entry into one of “the hottest parties on the water with views of The Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more.” Dance the night away to reggaeton, top 40, Latin-Brazilian beats, house, rock and Latino hits all night long. Tickets are GA, but you can upgrade to VIP with express entry, or even “VIP Champagne Dinner” which comes with a buffet-style meal, and a glass of champagne.
Learn more and buy tickets here!
4. Art Boat
For one of the more relaxed NYC booze cruises, consider Art Boat, which is a floating art gallery and museum. Step into this immersive art and drink experience and prepare to be awed. Along with the stunning street art that makes up every inch of the boat’s interior walls, there are works from over 30+ NYC artists on display inside the boat. This can make for the perfect photo opp! Plus, a booze cruise wouldn’t be complete without drinks, so be sure to grab a beer, wine, or one of their signature cocktails so you can get the full experience!
Learn more about Art Boat here.
5. Project 91 Events
Taking over NYC by storm is Project 91 Events, an independent events company focused on electronic dance music around the city. Between hosting pop-up gigs, pool parties, and rooftop parties, they even specialize in NYC booze cruises too! Their next EDM cruise is “Win & Woo Golden Age Set” coming up on August 5. If you like EDM and want to party with like-minded young people, this is the booze cruise for you!
Learn more about their events here.
6. Skyline Cruises
For more private events, Skyline Cruises offers some of the best top-class dinner cruises, yacht charters, and party boat cruises in the city. They’ve operated for over 25 years and have mastered the art of hosting NYC cruises. Rather than our previous picks that are already organized, Skyline Cruises operates on a booking basis, where you’ll have to inquire about a particular event. Whether you’re looking for a wedding cruise, corporate cruise, or looking to throw your own private party booze cruise, we suggest going through this company. Plus, their variety of piers that they sail out from makes the cruises accessible to all!
Learn more about Skyline Cruises here.
7. La Barca Cantina
Although La Barca Cantina isn’t technically a cruise, this floating Mexican restaurant serves some of the best cocktails and most authentic Mexican street food around. Located on Pier 81, this spot is perfect for grabbing a bite and enjoying some waterfront views. We’re personally a huge fan of their Bucket List Golden Margarita and Tequila Bandera, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the drink menu. If you’re really looking for some nightlife, be sure to stick around for “La Barca After Darka” on Sunday nights which is their 21+ nighttime fiesta, complete with music, snacks, views, and overall great vibes!
Read more about La Barca After Darka here!
8. City Cruises
Arguably one of the biggest cruise providers in NYC is City Cruises, who specialize in dinner, lunch, cocktail, holiday cruises, and so many more. City Cruises truly has a booze cruise for any occasion, but our favorite has to be the Bateaux cruises. These are luxurious experiences on Hornblower cruise boats that include food, drinks, and panoramic views of the NYC skyline.
You can check out their full lineup of cruises here.
9. Rocks Off Concert Cruises
Looking for a bit of entertainment while you cruise? Rocks Off Concert Cruises is an all-in-one concert/cruise experience that takes the term “booze cruise” to the next level. Hosting over 200+ live shows, theme nights, parties, and events on boats from April to October, Rocks Off hosts anything from live rock bands to pop party dance nights. Cruises leave from the Skyport Marina 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Check out the full event listings here to plan which night you want to dance!
10. NYC Ferry
Okay so hear us out…what sounds more fun than a little BYOB booze cruise around the NYC harbors? Hop on the NYC ferry for only $4 and enjoy some drinks while the cool breeze hits your face! Be sure to grab a spot on the top deck so you can take in all the breathtaking views of the city! Plus, did we mention there’s an on-cabin bar that you can purchase alcoholic drinks from?! It’s the perfect day trip idea!