Posts Tagged ‘jazz cruise’

It’s a Fine Time to Take to the Water on a Hudson River Cruise from Manhattan Northbound

For years, I’ve joined the mobs of cars heading up to Vermont to catch a glimpse of the yellows, reds, greens and browns of the fall trees. Beautiful to look at, right? But the traffic is killer. This year, I did it right. Taking advantage of Manhattan’s waterside location, I boarded Classic Harbor Line for a four-hour Fall Foliage Cruise up the Hudson River. Departing from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, the restored vessels travel north until the George Washington Bridge where you can view the Palisades on the left and Morningside Heights on the right, all bedecked in fall’s finest. Food is included, depending on which cruise you choose, plus beverages like spiked hot chocolate to keep you warm. Bundle up — the breeze off the water can be quite intense — even through the fleece blankets that you’re given to help.  If you really want to stay warm, just stay indoors and peer through the oversized windows or through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory.

If you miss the foliage departures, there are three holiday cruises coming up later this month that you won’t want to miss, perfect for a party on the water.

My recommendations:

The Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise on board the Manhattan, weekends only, is a party with a four-course brunch buffet including complimentary bloody Mary, mimosa, beer, wine or champagne.

For something less formal, book a sail on the 80-foot Adirondack, a gorgeous 1890’s-inspired pilot schooner. Bring your own picnic and the boat supplies the drinks (alcoholic, of course, and with warm-up boozy hot cocoa.)

Starting November 23, get festive with a Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise. The vintage yachts are kitted out in holiday dress while showcasing New York City harbor all lit up. Listen and sing along to classic carols backed by a live band. It’s definitely a fun time, and you’ll receive one complimentary drink (including the aforementioned spiked hot chocolate) along with homemade cookies and treats.

If you love jazz, the Holiday Jazz Cruise is your ticket to a 1920’s-style soiree. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning November 26, afternoon and evening departures are all about romance on a luxury 1920’s style yacht resplendent with festive décor. A live jazz trio entertains playing holiday tunes and you’ll enjoy cookies and spiked cocoa, beer, wine or champagne.

Caroling, Cocoa and Jazz Cruises: How to Tour the City This Winter

Caroling, Cocoa and Jazz Cruises: How to Tour the City This WinterDo you hate the commotion in the city this time of the year? Instead of feeling like Santa Claus, are you scowling like Scrooge? We completely understand it.  A simple taxi ride takes four times as long as it should, assuming you can even find a taxi. Busses are full up at 7am. And you have to endure police stringing “do not enter” tape across streets near Rockefeller Center in the most simplistic and makeshift type of traffic management technique ever concocted.  Help! we need a way to enjoy our city at this most magical time of the year.

Enter Classic Harbor Line. I really love what they’re offering to get you off the city’s crowded streets and out of the crazy NYC commercial scene. Grab your spouse, your significant other, your BFF and all of your family for a tour of the city decked out in its holiday splendor…. from the water. On a cruise leaving from Chelsea Piers (Pier 62, West 22nd Street and Hudson River), you’ll get to see the city lights on a one and a half hour sail, seated indoors in complete comfort, with live carolers or jazz musicians as your hosts.

Pretty cool?  Actually, quite warm. You’ll be back to singing “it’s a holly jolly Christmas” in a flash as you snuggle up in a heated back-deck salon on a 1920s-style sailing vessel.  Aboard the Luxury Yacht Manhattan, you’ll soak in the scenery as you stay toasty with cocoa and cookie treats.  (Adults have a choice of beer, wine, spiked hot cocoa or champagne as well).

Caroling, Cocoa and Jazz Cruises: How to Tour the City This WinterBattery Park, South Street Seaport, and the Financial District are your twinkling downtown sights, along with gorgeous views of Governor’s Island, The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  Depending on the weather and the course taken, you’ll also see some areas of Brooklyn and Queens, and, of course, the Manhattan skyline.

Jazz concerts take place Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Caroling (with guest participation encouraged) is scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Now through January 2.  Adult tickets are priced at $56; children’s tickets are $36. Cruises start as early as 4pm, with the latest sailing at 8pm. Check https://www.zerve.com/SailNYC/Cocoa for available dates and sail times.  www.sail-nyc.com

Planning a trip to NYC?