An Evening on the Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise in New York City
Once the holiday season officially kicks off, calendars fill up pretty quickly. It’s not just the holiday shopping and decorating, or all the cooking and baking. It’s the holiday parties, too. From office functions to dinner gatherings, it can sometimes feel like we’re caught in an endless loop of Nat King Cole, hors d'oeuvres and eggnog. But what if you moved the location of that soirée to a yacht, added a live band and some caroling, threw in some cocktails and brews, spiked that cocoa and served it with cookies, and for good measure, offered stunning nighttime views of the greatest city in the world? The answer to that question lies with Classic Harbor Line’s Cocoa and Carols cruise.
Can you cruise in the winter?
If you’re thinking that taking a cruise in the cold weather sounds absolutely nutty, not to worry. The yacht’s toasty solarium staves off the cold night air. As you glide along the water, the clear windows allow the lights of the city to surround you. The cruise takes you by major landmarks like the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, offering unique views that can only be enjoyed from the waterways.
The Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise is for everyone
The Classic Harbor Line Cocoa and Carols cruise is romantic enough for a special date night but still thoroughly enjoyable with a group of friends. (And if you happen to get seated at a larger table with some strangers, you get to make new ones.) You can enjoy the views from your cozy seat, or you can pop out onto the deck and enjoy unencumbered views along with the brisk night air. And if you think visitors are the only ones fawning over the sights, I can assure you there are few locals jaded enough to register zero excitement. We were a group of 10 locals oohing and aahing unabashedly as we caught glimpses of the terrific skyline lit up at night. 1.5 hours is the perfect amount of time to sail around the city.
Are there really Cocoa and Carols on this Holiday Cruise?
Yes and yes. The cost of the ticket includes a complimentary drink which includes hot cocoa (spiked or regular), wine, beer, or soda. If you’d prefer a cocktail instead, you can get it at half price. Any additional drinks can be purchased at the bar, but note that it only accepts credit or debit cards. (Make sure you still have cash so you can tip your servers as you depart the ship.) Halfway through the ride, complimentary cookies are served.
A live jazz band entertains you throughout the duration of the cruise, which certainly beats having obligatory holiday music on repeat in the background. On the evening of our outing, we enjoyed the musical talents of the SoundWaves, who were also on hand to lead us through the caroling portion of the cruise. There’s no pressure to participate, though an enthusiastic group can certainly make the experience much more enjoyable. We had a particularly lively rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas, which had us feeling like we were part of a musical ensemble. (Quite a feat considering neither one of us can carry a tune!)
If you have your own yacht, call us. We'd love to be friends. But until then, we'll be living our best “I'm on a boat” fantasies while slaying the holiday game on the Cocoa and Carols cruise. And you can too!
To purchase tickets, visit Classic Harbor Line's Holiday Cruises.
Thank you to Classic Harbor Line for partnering on this post.
