Cocoa And Carols Yacht Cruise

New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise. Rated 4.7 across 572 reviews. Runs 1 hour 30 minutes. From $134.

Overview

Classic Harbor Line runs this 1 hour 30 minutes holiday sail aboard the 1920s-style Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II, both fitted with a heated grand salon and a full bar. The cabin arrives dressed for Christmas, a jazz trio plays, and hot cocoa, cookies and treats are served while the harbor slides past. Every traveler also gets complimentary holiday cookies and one spiked hot cocoa, and extra drinks can be bought on board.

Boarding is at Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, across from West 22nd Street on the Hudson River, with no hotel pickup provided. The route runs past Battery Park, South Street Seaport, the Financial District and Governors Island, and out past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Guests can settle into assigned seating in the heated observation cabin, join the caroling, or watch from the back-deck salon.

It suits couples, families and groups of friends who want the skyline and the Statue of Liberty without standing in the winter wind, and reviewers often name the staff, the jazz and the decorations as what made the trip work. The whole time is spent on the water, watching the city rather than touring it on foot. Depending on party size, tables may be shared with a clear partition divider.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Pier 62Meet at Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, across from West 22nd Street on the Hudson River, and collect boarding passes at the ticket booth before departure. Bring photo ID matching the name on the reservation.
2. Board the yachtStep aboard Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II, where assigned seating is available in the heated grand salon and the solarium is decorated for the holidays. Tables may be shared behind a clear partition depending on party size.
3. Cocoa, cookies and carolsHot cocoa, cookies and treats are served as the jazz trio plays, and anyone who wants to can join the caroling. Each guest gets one complimentary spiked hot cocoa, and mixed drinks are available to purchase at the bar.
4. Pass Lower ManhattanThe yacht sails past Battery Park, South Street Seaport and the Financial District, with the skyline in view from the observation cabin and the heated back-deck salon.
5. Pass Governors IslandThe route continues past Governors Island while the music and refreshments carry on.
6. Statue of Liberty and Ellis IslandThe boat passes the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island before turning back across the harbor.
7. Return to Pier 62The cruise ends back at Chelsea Piers, where the yacht docks and guests disembark.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details are worth knowing before booking, from the 2-ticket minimum to how seating and the drinks work on board.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own way to Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, across from West 22nd Street and the Hudson River. Aim to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before departure to check in at the ticket booth for boarding passes. Bring photo ID matching the name on the reservation.
• Dress warmly. The grand salon, solarium and back-deck salon are all heated, but some travelers felt the indoor heating could have been warmer. A coat and layers are wise for the walk along the pier and for any time spent outside taking photos.
• Seating arrangements. Seating is assigned in the grand salon, and tables may be shared behind a clear partition divider depending on party size. If members of one group are buying tickets separately, they should make a special note of it when purchasing.
• Food and drink. Holiday cookies, cocoa and one complimentary spiked hot cocoa per person are covered by the ticket. Mixed drinks from the onboard bar cost extra, as does gratuity. Several travelers praised both the drink selection and the cookies.
• Ticket rules. There is a 2-ticket purchase minimum, and every person attending must hold a ticket, with adult ticketing applying to all travelers. Large group bookings are not permitted, and multiple bookings can be subject to added fees or cancellation by the operator.
• Photos and views. Reviewers describe the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty lit up as the standout sights of the sail. Keep a camera or phone within reach for the skyline and the harbor.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup, and gratuity and additional drinks sit outside the ticket. Some travelers felt the cabin heating could be warmer, and one reviewer found the hot cocoa heavy on clove, so anyone spice-averse may prefer the bar. Large group bookings are not permitted, and multiple bookings for the same party can attract added fees or cancellation. Accessibility varies by boat, so anyone needing boarding assistance must coordinate with the operator in advance.

Decisions To Make Before You Book