Thursday, Dec 31 New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise aboard the Nautical Empress

About the party

Party Guide sells a New Year's Eve fireworks cruise aboard the Nautical Empress on Thursday, December 31. The boat boards at Pier 81, at West 41st Street and 12th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, and heads down to the Statue of Liberty for the midnight fireworks. Eventbrite lists it from 8 PM to 1:30 AM.

What to expect

An all-inclusive harbor cruise with a buffet dinner, a four-hour premium open bar and reserved seating options across two climate-controlled indoor decks and a large outdoor deck. The organizer says the boat will sail and dock near the Statue of Liberty for the fireworks, passing landmarks such as Ellis Island, Governors Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and Hudson Yards, plus the Hoboken and Newport waterfront on the New Jersey side. It is billed as family-friendly. My take: this suits a mixed group, kids included, that wants the fireworks from the water with a DJ on board rather than a club night.

Music and lineup

The listing promises a live DJ and special guest DJs, but names no one and gives no genre. Set times are not published.

Before you go

Per the organizer's itinerary, check-in and boarding start at 9 PM, the boat leaves at 10:30 PM sharp and is expected back around 1:30 AM after the fireworks; miss boarding and you miss the cruise. Eventbrite lists the cruise as all ages. Board at Pier 81, West 41st Street at 12th Avenue. Coat check and accessibility are not confirmed on the listing.

Refunds (Party Guide)

All sales are final; no refund or credit unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled, including for changes to the itinerary, schedule or fireworks viewing.