Cruise Questions

Before you cruise, let us answer some important questions for you!

Attire. What is the dress code on the Spirit of NY/NJ?
Dinner Cruises - For men, appropriate attire includes slacks and a polo or button down shirt. For women, nice slacks, Capri pants or a sundress is recommended. Although allowed, we strongly discourage collarless t-shirts, jeans, shorts or sneakers.

All Other Cruises - These cruises are more relaxed and casual attire is fine.

Boarding. What is "Boarding Time" and "Cruising Time?"
"Boarding Time" is the earliest our guests may board the ship. Typically we begin boarding 1/2 hour prior to the "Cruise Time." Tickets are picked up at our dockside kiosk up-to one hour prior to the cruise.

Cancellations. What is your cancellation policy?
We regret there are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise rain or shine all year long. In the rare event the Coast Guard prohibits cruising because of weather, we will contact you to make other arrangements.

Children. Are there any age requirements?
Children are welcome on almost all our cruises and discounts are offered for children age 12 and under on lunch cruises during specific times of the year. We do not offer Children’s pricing on dinner cruises. On cocktail and late-night cruises, passengers must be age 21 or older with valid ID.

Coast Guard Regulations. Is the vessel Coast Guard certified?
Yes. All of our ships are Coast Guard certified and maintained regularly to adhere to strict safety regulations.

Cruise Route. Where does the ship go?
We cruise the Hudson and East Rivers past the skyscrapers of Manhattan including the Empire State Building. You will see the Intrepid Sea-Air Space Museum, the Brooklyn Bridge, the site of the World Trade Center, Battery Park City, South Street Seaport, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, Governor’s Island, Ellis Island and the Colgate Clock. Of course, the highlight of our cruise is the Statue of Liberty, one of the most celebrated landmarks in the world. See our cruise route >>>

Dancing. What kind of dance music do you play?
Our lunch and dinner cruises feature a full range of popular dance tunes spun by some of the city’s hottest DJs. Selections may include Rock, Blues, Line Dances, Motown, Oldies, Salsa, Hip Hop, Country, and current chart-toppers from every musical genre.

Directions. How do I get to the ship?
If you are departing from Chelsea Piers in Manhattan, NY, click here. If you are departing from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, NJ, click here.

Drinks. What do drinks cost?
Our mixed drinks start at $9, beer starts at $8, and wine begins at $7.50 per glass. Soft drinks are $2.50 each. Coffee, tea and iced tea are included in the ticket price. All other beverages can be purchased on board. Prices do not include tax or gratuity.

Entertainment. What type of entertainment is offered?
Spirit lunch and dinner cruises are all about entertainment. Cruises begin with streamers and a Bon Voyage celebration at your table. Intermittent live song performances as well as subtle background music will accompany the dining portion of your cruise. After dessert, Spirit’s Broadway-quality performers stage a live song-and-dance revue, followed by pulsing dance hits played by some of the city’s hottest DJs. We also feature an entertaining narrated sightseeing tour on our lunch cruises.
See interactive cruise map >>>

Gift Certificates. How can I purchase gift certificates?
Spirit Gift Certificates are available in $25 increments and may be purchased online or by calling toll free 866.483.3866. Printed gift certificates come with an elegant presentation holder. If you choose to send your gift electronically, our attractive, full-color, e-mailable gift certificates can be completely customized for you and your recipient. All gift certificates are valid for one year. Purchase gift certificates online >>>

Groups. What size group can the Spirit of New York or the Spirit of New Jersey accommodate?
The three-deck Spirit of New York can host parties of two to 600 guests and the two-deck Spirit of New Jersey can accommodate two to 400 guests. You may also want to consider our sister ship, Bateaux New York, which can accommodate up to 300 passengers. Parties of 20 or more should contact our group sales department at 866.433.9283. Groups of 1-19 can make reservations online >>>

Handicap accessibility. Is the ship handicap accessible?
Yes, both the Spirit of New York and the Spirit of New Jersey can accommodate wheelchairs for boarding. Both ships also provide handicap restrooms on the second deck. Please notify us of any special-assistance members in your party prior to the cruise so we can provide the appropriate assistance upon arrival.

Menu. What type of food is served?
Our cruises feature all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffets with delicious choices prepared on board by our executive chefs and their galley staffs. With advance notice, we can accommodate requests for kosher meals, and we can arrange special meals for guests with allergies. Other specialty menus are available for deck or full-ship charters.

Midnight Moonlight Dance Cruises. What does it include?
Spirit offers Midnight Moonlight Dance Cruises on select dates throughout the year featuring lively DJs, rockin’ dance tunes, late-night snacks and cash bars. Passengers must be age 21 or older with a valid photo ID.

Packages. Do you offer packages to make my cruise
extra-special?
Yes. We offer several enhancements and packages that can be added on to your lunch or dinner cruise package. You can choose from a private table for two, balloons, roses, Champagne, bar packages and more.

Parking. Is there parking close to the ship?
Yes, in both locations. At Chelsea Piers in Manhattan, there is ample paid parking available just steps away from our ship. It is a covered lot with security. Prices vary depending on the amount of time you are parked. At Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, NJ, there is free retail parking close to the ship. There are ample spaces in the evenings and on weekends, but it may be more difficult to find parking during weekday office hours.

Payment. What type of payment do you accept?
Payment is required in full at the time of the reservation. We accept major credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club. We also accept traveler's checks, money orders, and certified checks. Please send checks or money orders to the address below:

Spirit Cruises
Pier 62, Chelsea Piers
West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011

Phones. Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
Yes, your cell phone will work on the cruise. For the comfort of other guests, we ask that cell phone conversations be held on the outside decks.

Pricing & Schedule
Prices do not include tax, fees or service charge. Prices and schedules are subject to change. Some more popular cruises and dates may be priced higher. Below prices exclude specialty, holiday and premium cruise dates.
See Spirit pricing >>>

Refunds. What is your refund policy?
We regret there are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise rain or shine all year long. In the rare event the Coast Guard prohibits cruising because of weather, we will contact you to make other arrangements.

Reservations. How can I make reservations for a cruise?
While parties of 19 or fewer are often able to walk up and purchase tickets on the day of a cruise, reservations are highly recommended. You can purchase tickets online via our reservations calendar or by phone.

Purchase tickets online >>>

Individuals call:
• Toll Free: 866.483.3866
• Reservation center hours >>>

For groups of 20 or more call:
• 866.433.9283
• Monday - Friday between 8:30am - 5:30pm

Seasickness. Will I get seasick?
It's unlikely. The ships operate in New York Harbor, on the Hudson River and the East River, which are all very calm bodies of water. What's more, our ships are large and very stable, so in most cases, you can hardly tell that they're moving.

Seating. How is seating arranged on board?
Both the Spirit of New York and the Spirit of New Jersey feature cabaret-style seating. While we do offer tables for two, the majority of our tables accommodate four to eight people, and guests are sometimes seated with other parties in the tradition of ocean-going cruises. If you would like to upgrade to a private table for two or more, please see our enhancement packages.

Ship information. Can you tell me a little about your ship?
The three-deck, 600-passenger Spirit of New York and two-deck, 400-passenger Spirit of New Jersey are both spaciously designed with climate-controlled interior decks, outdoor strolling decks at the bow and stern, and the largest outdoor patio decks on New York Harbor. Amenities include full service bars, dance floors (or staging areas), spacious bathrooms, flexible seating arrangements and huge, panoramic windows.

Smoking. What is your smoking policy?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks.

Tickets. Where can I pick up the cruise tickets?
Tickets can be conveniently picked up at the dock, up to one hour prior to boarding, on the day of the cruise. The credit card used for purchase and photo ID will be required.

Weather. Do you sail in inclement weather?
Absolutely. Our ships are fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. We sail rain or shine year round.

Weddings Events. What kind of wedding events can be held on your ships and how much do they cost?
Spirit Cruises can uniquely handle any wedding event you can name, from an engagement party, shower, bridal luncheon and post-wedding breakfast to the ultimate rehearsal dinner, wedding and/or reception. Cost depends on the ship, the number of guests, the time of year and the package you choose. You might also consider our sister ship, Bateaux New York, which was featured on NBC’s TODAY SHOW as the ultimate wedding reception setting during its 4th annual “Today Throws A Wedding” segment. Our expert wedding planners will be happy to give you a cost proposal on any and all of our ships. Find out more or call 866.433.9283.