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NYC Lunch Cruise vs Dinner Cruise: Full Comparison

NYC Lunch Cruise vs Dinner Cruise Full Comparison

By:Tyler Ford

Both lunch cruises and dinner cruises are highly recommended experiences for anyone looking to enhance their regular sightseeing cruise in New York. But which one should you choose? In the following guide, we compare two of the most popular cruises in New York, this popular lunch cruise by City Cruises and this popular dinner cruise by NYC Water Cruises, to help you understand the differences and make your decision easier. Let’s get started.

Cruise in New York Comparison
Lunch Cruise vs Dinner Cruise
Quick comparison of food, vibe, price and views.
Both cruises pass the Statue of Liberty. One is refined and glass-enclosed, the other is festive with live music.
Cruise 1
City Cruises
Cruise 2
NYC Water Cruises
At a glance
City Cruises
From $99, 2-3 hrs, all-glass vessel departing from Pier 61 (Chelsea Piers).
NYC Water Cruises
From $161, 3 hrs, luxury ship “Louisa of the Seas” departing from Pier 36.
Food & Drinks
City Cruises
3-course prix-fixe menu. Coffee, tea and iced tea included. Brunch option comes with bottomless mimosas. Additional alcoholic drinks available for purchase.
NYC Water Cruises
5-6 course plated dinner at a private table. Unlimited soft drinks. Includes drink tickets for beer or wine (more for VIP) and access to a full premium bar.
✨ Vibe
City Cruises
Elegant and romantic, with piano or soft live music. Dinner cruises follow a semi-formal dress code and feel like an upscale restaurant on the water.
NYC Water Cruises
Festive and lively, with a full live band and New York performers. Great for birthdays, anniversaries and groups that want dancing and crowd interaction.
Route
Both cruises pass very close to the Statue of Liberty and offer classic Manhattan skyline views.
City Cruises
Empire State Building, Hudson Yards Vessel, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges, Governors Island and more.
NYC Water Cruises
Manhattan & Brooklyn Bridges, Ellis Island, Governors Island, Financial District skyline, Seaport and sunset views behind the Statue of Liberty.
Best for
City Cruises
Romantic dinners, anniversaries, and quiet fine dining with panoramic glass views. Great choice if you prefer a refined, restaurant-style experience on the water.
NYC Water Cruises
Big night out with strong live music, a more energetic atmosphere and a longer dinner. Ideal for celebrations, birthdays, and groups that want a party feel.
Go to City Cruises page Go to NYC Water Cruises page
Tip: choose City Cruises for daytime photos and glass-enclosed views, NYC Water Cruises for a festive sunset dinner with a live band.

New York Cruise Types

Popular Cruises