Swing to Motown on the Hudson, Out to Lady Liberty
A 1920s-style yacht carries a live jazz band down the Hudson to the Statue of Liberty and back in an evening hour and a half.
This is a 90-minute evening cruise on a 1920s-style yacht out of Chelsea Piers, with a live jazz band aboard. The boat runs down the Hudson past Battery Park City and the Financial District to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, then turns back north.
Classic Harbor Line runs it on two of its yachts, Manhattan and Manhattan II. The operator also lists Governors Island and parts of Brooklyn and Queens among the sights along the way.
The house band is the operator's resident trio, which it calls The Boat Band, usually lead sax, keyboard and drums. Expect anything from Gershwin, Cole Porter and Duke Ellington to Motown, R&B and current hits.
The booking covers the cruise and one complimentary beer, wine, Champagne or soft drink.
Manhattan Evening Jazz Cruise90-minute live jazz cruise from Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers · one drink includedwww.viator.comThree Ways the Music Can Go
This listing sells three versions of the evening. The Live Jazz option puts the trio aboard. The Serenade option brings a vocalist and musicians for crooner-style songs from the 1920s onward. The Cait Jones Trio option features the jazz vocalist Cait Jones, usually with electric guitar and bass, on a Lower Manhattan route with a close pass by the Statue.
As of November 5, 2026, the booking calendar showed Serenade sailings at 6:30 PM on November 6 and 13, Live Jazz sailings at 5:15 PM on November 7, 8, 14 and 15, and no Cait Jones dates loaded. Choose the option by the music, then pick from the dates it actually has.
Glass Cabin or Open Bow
The yacht has a main observation cabin enclosed in glass, with seating throughout, and an open bow at the front. The operator says jazz nights run on both Manhattan and Manhattan II.
On Manhattan, the band plays on the outside deck most nights in the warmer season. On Manhattan II, the trio plays inside the main salon, which the operator says is typical in April and from late August through October. Which yacht you sail on decides whether the music is out on deck or in the salon. The operator heats the cabin in cool weather; the bow is open air.
One Drink In, the Rest on Your Card
One beer, wine, Champagne or soft drink comes with the ticket. Further drinks are sold on board by credit card, and you may not bring your own alcohol.
Light snacks are for sale. If you bring food, the listing asks you to keep it to a simple, light snack. The minimum drinking age is 21, with valid ID. Gratuities are not included.
Two Seats Minimum, Tables Assigned
This listing will not sell a single seat. Each booking takes two to eight people, and every traveler, whatever their age, books at the same adult rate. Tables are assigned to each booking. Large group bookings are not allowed, and the listing says multiple bookings may draw added fees or cancellation by the operator.
If anyone in your party needs help boarding, the listing asks you to arrange it with the operator in advance, since accessibility varies by boat. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure.
📍 Check in at the Classic Harbor Line ticket booth at the northernmost end of Chelsea Piers, on Pier 62 at West 22nd Street and the Hudson River. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early with a photo ID that matches the name on the reservation; boarding passes are issued at the booth.
The C and E trains stop at 23rd Street, about three avenues east, and the M23 bus ends at Chelsea Piers. Cross the West Side Highway at 18th, 20th or 23rd Street. The yacht leaves on schedule, so build in a margin and spend it on the pier with the river in front of you.