Spending Christmas in New York City can be a magical experience. One way to capture the festive spirit is by embarking on a buffet brunch or dinner harbor cruise aboard the Spirit of New York. Departing from Pier 61, this 2 to 2.5-hour cruise offers stunning views of iconic landmarks and a seasonal buffet with live entertainment. Whether you choose brunch or dinner, it promises to be a memorable holiday celebration. The question is, which option will create the most lasting memories?
This experience made our article of 11 Must-Try Buffet Experiences In New York City.
Key Points
- The Spirit of New York offers a Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise departing from Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, NYC.
- The cruise lasts 2 to 2.5 hours and features festive decor, a seasonal chef-prepared buffet, live DJ entertainment, and views of landmarks.
- Pricing for the cruise starts at $152.12 per person and includes unlimited mimosas for brunch or a full buffet for dinner.
- The cruise has a climate-controlled dining room with panoramic views, an outdoor rooftop lounge, and allows infants aged 0-2 to attend for free.
- The cruise has a non-refundable cancellation policy, and guests are recommended to wear casual and comfortable attire with flat, closed-toed shoes.
Overview and Pricing
The Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise is a festive activity offered by Spirit of New York, departing from Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers in New York City.
The event lasts 2 to 2.5 hours and is available from December 3 to January 1, providing a Winter Wonderland experience. Priced from $152.12 per person, the cruise features festive decor, a seasonal chef-prepared buffet, live DJ, and stunning views of NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building.
Brunch includes unlimited mimosas, while dinner offers a full buffet with various seasonal dishes.
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Experience Details
Guests aboard the Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise can expect a festive atmosphere with seasonal decor and a chef-prepared buffet.
The cruise features a climate-controlled dining room with panoramic views from large picture windows and an outdoor rooftop lounge. Passengers will enjoy stunning sights of iconic New York City landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge.
A live DJ provides entertainment throughout the journey, creating a lively holiday ambiance. With a reserved private table, guests can relax and savor the delicious seasonal cuisine and breathtaking city views.
Dining Options
The buffet offers a 3-course selection featuring seasonal favorites. Brunch guests can enjoy unlimited mimosas, while the dinner option provides a full buffet with various seasonal dishes. Beverages include unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase.
| Brunch Option | Dinner Option |
| — | — |
| Includes unlimited mimosas | Full buffet with seasonal dishes |
| 3-course buffet | 3-course buffet |
| Unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea | Unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea |
| Alcoholic beverages available | Alcoholic beverages available |
Cancellation and Seating
This cruise has a non-refundable cancellation policy. Guests should be aware of this policy before booking.
For seating, one reservation is required for the entire group. This ensures that your party is seated together during the cruise.
The policy includes:
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Non-refundable reservations
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Group seating with one reservation
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Infants (0-2) can attend for free with a ticket selection
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Flat, closed-toed shoes are recommended for the cruise experience
Guests should review these policies carefully before finalizing their reservation for the Christmas Day buffet brunch or dinner harbor cruise.
More Great Tours NearbyAge Policy and Attire
Infants aged 0-2 can attend the Christmas Day buffet brunch or dinner harbor cruise for free with a ticket selection.
The cruise has a casual and comfortable dress code, with flat, closed-toed shoes recommended for safety.
While smoking is prohibited inside the climate-controlled dining room, guests can step out to the outdoor observation decks to smoke.
The cruise give you a festive and enjoyable experience for all attendees, so guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the occasion and the on-board environment.
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Smoking Policy
Smoking is only permitted on the outdoor observation decks of the Spirit of New York cruise ship.
The indoor climate-controlled dining areas are completely smoke-free for the comfort of all guests.
Here are the key smoking guidelines:
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Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas.
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No smoking is permitted inside the ship, including the restrooms.
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Guests must properly dispose of cigarette butts and other smoking materials in the provided receptacles.
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Failure to comply with the smoking policy may result in removal from the cruise.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
According to the provided information, the Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise by Spirit of New York has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 29 customer reviews.
The service received a 4.1 rating, while transportation and value for money were rated 4.0 and 4.2 respectively.
Notable comments mention friendly service, great ambiance, and mixed reviews on food quality, but overall a positive entertainment experience.
The cruise offers stunning views of NYC landmarks, a festive atmosphere, and a chef-prepared buffet, making it a popular holiday outing for many.
How to Book
To book the Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise, customers can visit the Spirit of New York website or call their reservation hotline.
The booking process is straightforward:
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Select the desired date, either Christmas Day Brunch or Dinner.
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Choose the number of guests and any special dietary requirements.
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Provide payment information and complete the transaction.
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Receive a confirmation email with details about the cruise, including boarding instructions and any additional information.
Customers are encouraged to book early, as these cruises tend to sell out quickly during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Does the Cruise Depart and Return?
The cruise departs at approximately 11:30 AM and returns around 2 PM, with the dinner cruise option departing in the evening. The exact departure and return times may vary depending on the selected experience.
Is There Any Dress Code for the Event?
The dress code for the Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise is casual and comfortable. Guests are recommended to wear flat, closed-toed shoes, though no formal attire is required.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on Board?
No, guests are not permitted to bring their own food or beverages on board. The cruise provides a full buffet meal and cash bar service. Outside food and drinks are prohibited for safety and liability reasons.
Is There a Kids’ Menu or Activities Available?
There’s no dedicated kids’ menu, but the buffet has options suitable for children. While there are no organized activities, the scenic cruise provides entertainment and views that can appeal to all ages.
Is There Any Photography or Videography Allowed During the Cruise?
Passengers are allowed to take photos and videos throughout the cruise. However, filming or photography that disrupts the event or other guests is prohibited. Guests are encouraged to capture their experience while being considerate of those around them.
The Sum Up
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in New York City with a festive buffet brunch or dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of New York. Enjoy stunning views, a seasonal menu, and live entertainment in a beautifully decorated setting. This 2 to 2.5-hour cruise is available from December 3 to January 1, making it a memorable holiday experience.
📍 This experience made our list of the 11 best Buffet Experiences in New York City
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