Jersey City offers a surprising variety of dining experiences that go far beyond just good food. Thanks to its proximity to New York City and stunning waterfront views, this city provides unique ways to enjoy a meal paired with memorable sights. Whether you want to see the Manhattan skyline from a boat or celebrate special occasions with spectacular fireworks and top-shelf drinks, Jersey City has options designed for different tastes and occasions.
What makes these experiences stand out is their focus on scenic views, authentic food, and special events like New Year’s Eve or Father’s Day. These tours give you an opportunity to combine a meal with sightseeing, entertainment, and a touch of celebration. If you’re planning to indulge in the city’s vibrant waterfront scene, you’ll find something here to fit your style and budget.
Quick Overview
Below, we highlight three of the best dining experiences in Jersey City. The first offers a scenic NYC Skyline Dinner Cruise, perfect for lovers of stunning vistas and a chef-prepared buffet. The second is the exciting New Jersey New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise, ideal for ringing in the new year with fireworks, dancing, and a top-shelf bar. The third is a family-friendly Father’s Day Buffet Dinner Cruise, which combines a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views and a delicious buffet. Now, let’s look at each in detail.
1. NYC Skyline Dinner Cruise from New Jersey
At number one, the NYC Skyline Dinner Cruise offers a relaxing 2.5-hour evening trip departing from Weehawken, New Jersey. This cruise provides an exceptional chance to see famous NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and the Empire State Building from the water — a perspective that’s hard to match from land.
You’ll enjoy a chef-prepared buffet featuring fresh entrees, salads, and desserts while cruising past illuminated skyscrapers. The boat’s route takes you along the Hudson River, giving you views of the Manhattan skyline at its best and stopping at iconic spots like the One World Trade Center, the Vessel at Hudson Yards, and Brookfield Place. Reviewers often praise the friendly crew, with one saying, “The servers and captain were incredibly nice,” and another loved the “great food and friendly staff.”
This tour is ideal for anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic evening with a good meal and unmatched skyline views. It’s a popular choice for couples or small groups celebrating special occasions, though the $140.26 price tag reflects a reasonable value for the experience. Keep in mind, reviews are mixed with a 3.5/5 rating from 10 reviews, mainly due to the limited number of reviews but positive comments on the staff and scenery.
Bottom Line: A scenic, leisurely cruise with a tasty buffet, perfect for those who want to combine good food with stunning NYC views from the water.
2. New Jersey New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise
Second on our list is the New Jersey New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise. For around $650, this 3-hour celebration is an all-out party designed to welcome the new year with style. The experience includes a delicious buffet, a top-shelf open bar, and live DJ entertainment, all set against the backdrop of the illuminated Manhattan skyline.
The cruise features iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center. The highlight is the fireworks display over the Hudson River, visible from the outdoor decks or your cozy indoor seat. The cruise combines dining, dancing, and sightseeing into one unforgettable night. The experience is ideal for those looking for a festive, high-energy way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Guests can expect unobstructed skyline views along with the excitement of ringing in the New Year on the water.
Because of its price, this cruise appeals more to travelers seeking a luxurious and lively celebration. With only one review, rated 2.0/5, it’s hard to gauge consistent quality, but it’s clear the focus is on a special event rather than the details of food or service. If you’re after a glamorous, all-inclusive New Year’s Eve bash with fireworks and dancing, this cruise is worth considering.
Bottom Line: A spectacular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, combining fireworks, music, and a chef-prepared buffet—all while floating under the city’s glittering skyline.
3. New Jersey Father’s Day Buffet Dinner Cruise
Finally, the Father’s Day Buffet Dinner Cruise is a family-friendly option designed for celebrating with loved ones. Priced at approximately $179.15 per person, this 2.5-hour cruise offers a relaxed atmosphere with chef-prepared buffet options, classic cocktails, and incredible views of New York City.
What makes this cruise stand out is its versatility; guests can enjoy the outdoor decks for picture-perfect views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Empire State Building, or stay inside in climate-controlled comfort. It’s suitable for all ages, making it a great choice for families wanting to mark Father’s Day with a memorable experience. The itinerary includes stops at Seaport District, Governors Island, and the Chelsea Piers, providing a broad view of the harbor.
While there are no reviews yet, the focus on family enjoyment, scenic sightseeing, and a substantial buffet makes this a compelling option for those wanting a comfortable, scenic cruise with a celebratory touch. Keep in mind that the lack of reviews means you should expect a straightforward experience without extensive feedback on service.
Bottom Line: An inviting family cruise with good food and scenic views, ideal for celebrating Father’s Day or other special family occasions.
How to Choose Your Jersey City Dining Experience
When selecting a cruise or special dinner, consider your budget, interests, and desired atmosphere. If you’re after a romantic evening with stunning views, the NYC Skyline Dinner Cruise offers a relaxed experience with excellent scenery at a reasonable price. For a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, especially New Year’s Eve, the New Year’s Eve Buffet Cruise is hard to beat—just keep in mind the higher cost and limited reviews. If family fun is your goal, the Father’s Day cruise provides scenic views and a laid-back atmosphere.
Booking early is always wise, especially for holiday or special event cruises, as these tend to fill up quickly. Check the itinerary details and reviews when possible, and match your choice to your budget and what kind of experience you’re craving.
Final thoughts
Jersey City’s waterfront offers a surprising range of dining cruises and special event tours that combine delicious food with incredible views of the NYC skyline. Whether you want a relaxing evening cruise, a lively New Year’s Eve celebration, or a family-friendly daytime outing, there’s an option suited for you. The NYC Skyline Dinner Cruise is a great all-around choice for scenic, laid-back dining, while the New Year’s Eve cruise offers a festive, high-energy night. For family occasions, the Father’s Day cruise blends scenic views with relaxed fun.
No matter which you choose, booking early and knowing what kind of celebration suits your style will help ensure a memorable experience on Jersey City’s waterfront.