Where will the road take YOU?

Destination Diaries

Bateaux New York Cruise

By Angela Ash

 If you have ever visited the Big Apple, you are fully aware that there is no shortage of activities, attractions, and tours to stay busy for months.  Depending on whether you are on a weekend getaway or an extended stay, the possibilities are definitely endless. 

However, sometimes the ordinary just will not do.

So, imagine the most romantic, elegant, exciting night possible… and you will be envisioning a dinner cruise on the Bateaux New York.

bateaux

Pulling up to Chelsea Pier, the first glimpse of the ship is literally breathtaking. The European-inspired cruising vessel is unforgettable. Enclosed almost completely in glass, the reflections of the city lights offer a teasing preview into what will surely be a night to go down in the books.

This is like no other dinner cruise that I have ever experienced.  The extent of luxury and first class service is unsurpassed. From the check in to the seating process, everyone was treated like visiting diplomats or royalty.

bateauxview

The Bateaux offers a diverse selection of cruises to fit any size party, celebration, budget, or time restriction. Brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktail, moonlight, and charter cruises are available, all with the same beautiful views and the same immaculate service... whatever your budget or party size.

Speaking of the views, the word that comes to mind is “Wow”! The ship sails along the Hudson and East Rivers, with the most breath-taking scenery imaginable. On any given cruise, you will see the following:

route

1. Chelsea Piers
Completed in 1910 as a passenger ship terminal, it was supposed to be the destination of the ill-fated oceanliner Titanic. After years of disrepair, it was turned into a sports and entertainment complex in the mid-1990s and serves as the New York dock for Spirit Cruises.

2.
Empire State Building
This impressive 1,250-feet tower opened in 1923 and was the world’s tallest building for 30 years.

3.
World Trade Center Site
Built between 1966 and 1976, the World Trade Center’s twin towers were once the tallest buildings in the world at 110 stories each. They were destroyed by an act of international terrorism on September 11, 2001.

4.
Battery Park City
This office and apartment community was built on the landfill from the excavation of the World Trade Center in 1977.

5. Battery Park

Called “The Battery” by New Yorkers, This 20-acre park at the southern tip of Manhattan was originally the site of early Dutch fortifications in the 1600s. Its name originated from the battery of cannons installed there by the British during Colonial times.

6.
South Street Seaport
Dating back to the 1600s, South Street and its Seaport District were once the world’s gateway to New York city and America. After nearly a century of decay, the district was redeveloped in the 1960s into a vibrant commercial area filled with shops, restaurants, offices and the popular South Street Seaport Museum.

7.
Brooklyn Bridge
Regarded as one of the greatest architectural achievements of all time, it was designed by John Augustus Roebling and was constructed between 1869 and 1883.

8.
Brooklyn Heights
Considered New York’s first suburb when it was developed in the 1820s, this charming residential section across the East River from Manhattan was originally accessible by steam ferry. It was declared New York’s first landmark district in 1963.

9. Governor's
Island
These 203 acres were under military command from the 1700s through 1996, making it the oldest continuously operated military post in U.S. history.

10. Statue of
Liberty
A gift to the people of America from the people of France, “Liberty Enlightening the World” stands 300 feet above New York Harbor. She was built by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi.

11.
Ellis Island
Nearly 17 million immigrants were processed here between 1892 and 1957.

12. Central Railroad of
New Jersey Terminal
Located at the north end of Liberty State Park, this beautiful 1892 structure was in operation until 1954. Over one half of the new arrivals at Ellis Island passed through this railroad terminal on their way to new lives across the United States.

13. Colgate Clock

This stately timepiece once graced the Colgate Palmolive plant. When the factory was demolished in the 1980s, the clock remained.

And wait... we haven’t even talked about the food!

Be prepared to experience a wonderful, plated dinner, offering several selections from appetizers all the way through to the dessert. And let me tell you from experience, the lobster bisque is fantastic! While I am not typically a lobster fan, this definitely changed my mind. Blended with Crème Fraiche and a snip of Sherry, this could actually cause one to forget the views! Of course, the entrees are fierce competition, ranging from a wonderful oven roasted salmon to tangy beef short ribs and several tantalizing options in between.

bisque

Sigh… and then the dessert arrives. The Bateaux truly knows the meaning of New York style cheesecake, garnished with fruit, daring each lucky guest to devour every bite. However, the warm valrhona chocolate torte provides noteworthy competition, and should not be underestimated.

The brunch and lunch menus also offer plated service, boasting other delectable offerings, with the same views and the same unparalleled views.

And what lovely cruise would be complete without entertainment? Once again, the Bateaux delivers. The stirring sounds of jazz, blues, and other classical melodies add to the already perfect ambience, whether dancing the night away, or choosing to linger table side with a glass of wine.

bateauxband

 

Yes… and the wine! The Bateaux offers a vast wine list, perfectly paired with a nice choice of high standard liquors. I would definitely suggest the bar package that is available, offering beer, wine, juice, soda, and premium brand liquors.

 

wine

Other dining enhancements are also offered, covering everything from roses to keepsake souvenirs.  The Bateaux truly thinks of everything!

Speaking of everything, the Bateaux New York can also host your special function or occasion. Imagine the wedding of your dreams, sailing down the Hudson, with every detail executed to perfection!

insidebateaux

 The Bateaux New York pays more attention to detail than any river cruise I have ever experienced.  From booking a reservation to sadly bidding farewell upon debarkation, this is a wonderful experience that should not be missed.

You can find additional information about Bateaux New York at www.bateauxnewyork.com, or by calling a friendly representative at 1-866-817-3463.

park

The next time your travels take you to New York City, do something different! Dine in elegance on the Bateaux New York, and see and experience Manhattan in a beautiful, new way!