When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Empire Cruises
Why Empire Cruises is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Empire Cruises has established itself as a premier provider of private yacht charters and public dinner cruises in New York City since 2010. Operating primarily from Skyport Marina in Manhattan and World's Fair Marina in Queens, Empire Cruises offers an exceptional way to gather with friends and enjoy the stunning NYC skyline and waterfront landmarks. The company features a fleet of spacious, multi-level yachts equipped with bars on each level and classy menus that elevate the dining experience during the cruise. Their cruises accommodate groups of various sizes, making them ideal for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations. The ambiance aboard, combined with uninterrupted panoramic views of iconic sights such as the Statue of Liberty, creates a memorable atmosphere perfect for socializing, special occasions, or casual meetups. Empire Cruises also provides an open bar and continuous food service, enhancing the enjoyment of the event. The unique setting of cruising on the water with modern amenities turns a simple meet-up into an extraordinary experience. Whether it's a leisurely sunset cruise or a lively dinner event, Empire Cruises offers a distinctive venue that blends luxury, comfort, and New York’s captivating scenery.
Here's what people think of Empire Cruises
As of recent, Empire Cruises holds a 4.2-star rating based on 368 reviews.
User reviews of Empire Cruises present a mixed but generally positive picture of the experience. Many reviewers appreciate the spaciousness of the yachts, with their three-story layouts and multiple bars, offering diverse options for guests to relax and socialize. Positive remarks often highlight the classier menu provided, the consistent availability of appetizers throughout the cruise, and the open bar which many find appealing. The incredible views of landmarks, especially the close proximity sightings of the Statue of Liberty, receive strong commendations for enhancing the cruise experience. However, some negative feedback revolves around logistical challenges such as finding the exact boarding location amid the industrial area and multiple piers, which can be confusing for first-timers. Additionally, some guests found certain food items like dessert to be subpar, describing them as stale or generic. There were also observations about some passengers overindulging early in the open bar's availability, leading to disruptions later in the cruise. Weather conditions on upper decks can affect comfort, especially in colder temperatures, limiting access to open-air spaces. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus suggests that Empire Cruises offers a unique and enjoyable outing, with many guests valuing the overall atmosphere and the chance to experience New York from the water in a private, luxurious setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jo Parker
Rented out the Lucille for my wedding reception last night! Could not have been better! The dinner was great, the crew was incredibly helpful and was there to listen and do whatever we needed. Kenny was an incredible help and DJ Ish was so much fun! I could not recommend this place more.
Caroline McKechnie
Rented out the Lucille for a joint birthday party and had a fabulous experience!!! Marcos helped us with all the logistics leading up to the event & Kenny was our Captain and point person day of. This was one of the most fun birthdays I've ever had and all of our guests were raving that it was the event of the season. Sunset views were incredible, drinks were great, and dance floor was a blast. Will probably have to do it again next year as it can't be beat... Would recommend to anyone!
connie pena
I used the infinity boat for a corporate event and everyone loved it! It was spacious enough for everyone on board, and the team is very attentive and accommodating. Arturo reached out to me before my event and was a great point of contact for any questions I had. Overall, I was very happy with my experience.
Melissa Sullivan
My family and I booked a reserved table on the Liberty Belle for July 4th. We were disappointed with the experience. The boat boarded more than an hour late and we weren’t able to leave the pier for the fireworks. We were looking forward to cruising the river and seeing the fireworks. Instead we stayed still and the Manhattan bridge obstructed the fireworks. The staff didn’t seem to know what was happening or how to answer questions. Dinner wasn’t served until almost 9 pm, the lines for the food and bar were also extremely long. The staff assigned multiple parties to the same table without enough seats. They ran out of drinking water. It was all very poorly executed. If we’re ever back, we’ll buy tickets to watch from one of the parks. I wouldn’t recommend wasting your money on this event.
Sarah Roman
Absolutely a scam. This company truly ruined what was supposed to be a very exciting cruise, the boat was totally outdated and in disrepair, terrible and no live music that was promised, card machines wouldn’t connect to the internet so they did not accept cards so no drinks including water, no proper seating on the top deck (people carried their own chairs up) no management to help resolve any issues just security guards and service staff, forced to show up 2 hours early and wait in a hot crowd while the boat was two hours late, I mean I hope absolutely every person gets refunded. I mean this was fraudulent at best.
How to reach Empire Cruises
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Why Empire Cruises may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Empire Cruises with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a memorable day or evening out often means finding a venue that combines a unique atmosphere, engaging activities, and an opportunity to connect without distractions. Empire Cruises delivers precisely that, offering a distinctive setting on the water where you can escape the usual city bustle and experience breathtaking views of iconic skylines. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a memorable way to connect, this cruise offers a refreshing change from conventional venues. The expansive decks and elegant interiors create an inviting space designed to encourage socializing, laughter, and shared memories among groups of all sizes. Moreover, the ambiance—enhanced by the sparkling waters and panoramic city vistas—creates a perfect backdrop for conversations, photo opportunities, and relaxed enjoyment together. The cruise’s private rental options enable your entire group to have exclusive use, imparting a sense of intimacy and uniqueness that venues on land rarely provide. This blend of stunning views, an engaging environment, and an opportunity to disconnect from everyday stress makes Empire Cruises an ideal rallying point for friends looking to create unforgettable moments together.
What activities does Empire Cruises offer for group meetups?
Empire Cruises specializes in creating dynamic and enjoyable experiences tailored for groups, making it a great choice for meetups. The primary activity is cruising along beautiful waterways, most notably around New York City, where guests can soak in views of landmark attractions like the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline. Beyond sightseeing, the cruise offers onboard social events such as cocktail hours, DJ-led dance parties, or live music performances, which serve as excellent entertainment options suitable for diverse tastes within a group. Many groups also enjoy the flexibility of personalizing their cruises — from dining arrangements (albeit with some reported limitations regarding dietary accommodations) to themed events, making the outing more memorable and reflective of the group’s preferences. There is also the appeal of engaging with the onboard staff who typically provide attentive service to enhance the celebratory experience. Whether you want some casual mingling with drinks or more structured entertainment like dancing and photo sessions, Empire Cruises presents a variety of options designed to foster enjoyment and interaction, tailoring the day or night to your gathering’s desires.
Why is Empire Cruises an ideal venue for a group meetup?
Empire Cruises stands out as a venue for group meetups because it combines exclusivity and a flexible environment with unique waterfront views. Renting a cruise ship offers your group a private space that can significantly reduce common stresses associated with large gatherings, such as noisy crowds or seating limitations. The layout of the cruise boat promotes easy movement and mingling, encouraging everyone to mingle or find quieter spots for smaller conversations. The scenic water route adds special value, presenting ever-changing views that serve as conversation starters and natural entertainment without requiring extra effort. Additionally, the possibility to customize certain elements of the event—from timing to music selection (within dock restrictions)—means the experience becomes uniquely yours and fosters a sense of occasion that is tactile and memorable. Even with some operational critiques noted (such as boarding logistics and strict dock music rules), the overall ambiance and exclusive setting provide a refreshing alternative to typical restaurants or bars. This makes Empire Cruises a prime choice for groups seeking to celebrate milestones, host team outings, or simply enjoy a unique social gathering surrounded by stunning landscapes and cityscapes.
How does the ambiance contribute to Empire Cruises’ appeal for meetups?
The ambiance aboard Empire Cruises plays a crucial role in why it attracts groups looking for a memorable and enjoyable meetup location. The combination of fresh air, open deck spaces, and panoramic views of famous landmarks crafts an inviting atmosphere that naturally encourages relaxation and participation. This setting can transform even a casual get-together into a special occasion, as the water’s motion and the scenic backdrop add a soothing yet stimulating environment. Inside the cruise vessel, the lighting and seating arrangements are designed to promote conversation and social interaction while maintaining comfort and style. The boat's intimate yet spacious layout means groups can have private areas or join larger gatherings as they please, suiting various social dynamics. The chance to watch sunsets or city lights twinkle adds an aesthetic element that simply cannot be replicated on land. This natural and elegant ambiance elevates events, making every moment aboard feel celebratory and uncommon — a quality that resonates deeply with groups wanting their meetup to stand out.
What should groups consider when planning an event with Empire Cruises?
While Empire Cruises offers a unique and appealing setting for group meetups, it is important to consider some operational details to ensure a seamless experience. Reviews suggest that the boarding process can be chaotic due to limited directions and the presence of many boats and guests at the dock, so informing your party in advance and coordinating arrival logistics is critical. There are also restrictions on playing music near the dock before departure and after return, which could affect your plans if you intend to have a lively musical ambiance throughout. Another consideration is the cruise’s approach to dietary accommodations, which reportedly do not extend to special needs, meaning groups with food allergies or preferences should plan accordingly. Timing is another factor, as some guests have noted pressure to leave the boat early even when renting it for a specific time frame. Despite these challenges, the staff’s friendliness and the overall quality of the cruise experience tend to maintain high enjoyment levels. Carefully balancing expectations and communicating any special needs or desires in advance will help your group fully enjoy all the positive aspects Empire Cruises has to offer.
What makes Empire Cruises a unique event venue compared to other options?
Empire Cruises offers a unique event venue advantage by transforming a standard social gathering into a voyage filled with sights and sensory experiences that land-based venues simply cannot match. Unlike static locations such as bars, restaurants, or banquet halls, a cruise offers movement, changing scenes, and an element of adventure combined with comfort. The opportunity to see world-famous landmarks from the water—such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline—onboard a private vessel creates something memorable beyond food and conversation. Additionally, being on a boat confers a sense of escape and exclusivity, making guests feel transported away from daily routines. The layered experience of fresh air, water-based ambiance, and skyline illumination at night offers photogenic moments and a tangible sense of occasion. These unique attributes make Empire Cruises particularly well-suited for special occasions, friend reunions, family celebrations, or corporate outings seeking to impress or simply enjoy an extraordinary backdrop. The venue’s ability to combine sightseeing with socialization delivers a multifaceted experience that few venues can replicate.
How does Empire Cruises accommodate different group sizes and event types?
Empire Cruises is well-equipped to host a diverse range of group sizes and event types by offering flexible booking options tailored to meet varying needs. Whether it’s a small gathering of close friends or a larger party, these cruises can be rented privately, granting the group exclusive use of the boat and all its amenities. The spacious decks allow for easy movement and multiple seating areas, ensuring guests can convene comfortably without feeling crowded. Events commonly range from casual daytime sightseeing cruises and cocktail parties to more formal dinners or celebratory affairs like birthdays and anniversaries. Empire Cruises also supports customization in terms of timing and onboard activities, so groups can create an itinerary that suits their purpose and preferences. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for everything from intimate reunions to larger corporate team-building events. By providing a versatile setting with attentive staff, Empire Cruises can accommodate a variety of social needs while maintaining a distinctive experience for any occasion.
What are some tips to maximize your experience at Empire Cruises?
To ensure the best possible experience at Empire Cruises for your group, thoughtful preparation can make all the difference. First, coordinate group transportation and clear instructions for boarding in advance to minimize confusion, as the dock area can be busy and hard to navigate without guidance. Consider arriving early to avoid last-minute stress and have your group settle comfortably before departure. Because music cannot be played while docking, plan your entertainment timeline accordingly to maximize onboard enjoyment during cruising times. It is wise to clarify any food and drink options with the staff beforehand, especially if dietary restrictions are present since accommodations may be limited. Also, bring along cameras or smartphones to capture the spectacular views, sunset moments, and candid group photos against the stunning skyline. Lastly, communicate any specific requests or concerns with the cruise coordinators well ahead of time to tailor your experience and avoid surprises. Proper preparation enhances the fluidity of your gathering, letting you and your friends focus on the fun and memorable moments.