NYC City Cruises: Is the Alive After Five Cruise Worth it? A Review

Looking for a different kind of happy hour that shows off some incredible scenery? The NYC City Cruises Alive After Five cruise is like your chance to unwind after work with a drink in hand, but with, you know, a constantly changing backdrop of the iconic New York City skyline. It’s almost like the regular happy hour spot got a major upgrade. I went on it not that long ago, and I wanted to share all the ins and outs to really give people a good idea of whether or not it is the right choice for their evening plans. It seems like there is a need to figure out if it’s all that it’s cracked up to be.

What is the ‘Alive After Five’ Cruise?

The Alive After Five cruise by NYC City Cruises, well, it’s basically a cocktail cruise that sets sail around New York Harbor. Instead of just going to a bar, you hop on a boat for a specified amount of time—think 1-2 hours—and you get to see some awesome landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Most of these cruises really tend to take place after the typical 9-to-5 workday, which, you know, makes them a convenient option for both locals wanting to chill after work and tourists wanting to see the city from a different angle.

I guess what makes it appealing is just how different it is. Sure, that after-work drink is almost always enjoyable, but how many times have you actually had the chance to do it while cruising past Lady Liberty? Also, it could be a terrific way to impress a date or to just spend a little time with friends who are visiting from out of town.

My Experience on the Cruise

When I arrived at the pier, it seemed like there was this, almost buzzing vibe going on. I was excited, and just a little anxious. People were, in a way, chatting and laughing as they waited to get on board. After a brief and seemingly standard security check, I, too, was on the boat and ready to find a good spot. It just so happened that I ended up snagging a spot up on the outer deck that gave really beautiful views of the river and skyline. I will just say this: getting there a little early can certainly pay off if, for example, prime seating is what you are after.

One thing I noticed right away was that the staff was both pleasant and super helpful. There was one guy in particular who, very casually, pointed out some of the key sights as we were leaving the harbor. It seemed like their easygoing nature really made the atmosphere more fun and inviting.

As for the drinks, the cocktail list was not super complicated, yet featured plenty of things to keep you interested. I ended up ordering a Margarita. That I actually thought tasted delicious. The drinks, they seem reasonably priced. I feel like I did not experience a massive mark-up like, sometimes, can be the case at tourist spots.

The Sights and Sounds

Once the cruise seriously got moving, that is when the real magic began. The Manhattan skyline at dusk, as a matter of fact, looked breathtaking, with all of the buildings lit up and reflecting off the water. I managed to grab some awesome pictures of the Statue of Liberty, too, and of course the Brooklyn Bridge almost looked majestic. It really offers one of the most awesome viewpoints from which to see that stuff, very candidly.

The music they played really fit the whole mood. Not too rowdy. Instead, more of like a blend of well-known pop hits and some classic tunes that people seemed to enjoy and to bop their heads to. People were not really glued to their phones, in general, which to me is typically an excellent sign that they were actually having a lovely time.

What Makes This Cruise Special?

What sets this particular cruise apart from others is that its ambiance is relaxed but elegant. Some cruises, very candidly, may be going for a crazy party atmosphere, but this one sort of seems better. The goal of it, I feel, is for adults who want to chit-chat and to enjoy a cool setting and see a stunning sight. I really got the sense that that was true for all the passengers who, much like myself, appeared more interested in relaxing as opposed to wilding out.

It just feels that the combination of well-made cocktails, excellent views, and pleasant people makes for, generally, a unique experience. This, surprisingly, isn’t just about ticking off tourist destinations. This is about enjoying an amazing city and all of it’s different things from a totally new vantage point. I might mention too, that it is wonderful to unwind and relax a little following a crazy work day.

Tips for Maximizing Your Cruise Experience

If you want to make sure you have the absolute best time on the Alive After Five cruise, there’s some key ideas you really have to follow. Coming to the dock sort of a half hour early could really get you your prime seats, like the one outside on the deck. Consider it similar to claiming your territory at the beach.

It’s usually worth glancing at the weather forecast just a day before. Dressing in layers is typically the thing to do. The breeze on the water may be unpredictable, and the temps can also fluctuate a bit, so it’s useful to get that preparation in. In fact, that day that I went, I wished I had actually taken that advice a little more seriously.

If you’re hoping to snag great photos, remember to bring that smartphone. You do not need any extra fancy cameras. The lighting can get complicated, especially right when the sun begins to drop, very clearly. Take advantage of the ‘golden hour’ in order to get the absolute most out of the scenic shots.

Take the time to really, you know, meet those folks that you will be floating around with! That will totally depend on one’s personal taste, but I sort of observed that lots of passengers really had a blast swapping stories and talking, I imagine, is probably due to everyone being together and doing new stuff together.

Is It Worth the Price?

So, should you spend the money on the Alive After Five cruise? Here are a few points to consider. When you weigh the price against getting awesome views, having a distinctive outing and decent beverages, it definitely holds up, really. The cost of admission to the cruise is somewhat like one might encounter in most of New York. If it sounds very appealing, then one must accept that this is simply what occurs. So the price could certainly be seen as being, at least, fair, really.

Also, it all goes down to what you actually prioritize. If, like your preference, the perfect night means visiting some fancy lounges that are trendy and well-known in New York City, maybe this will not fully measure up. If something a little relaxed and different with stellar settings strikes you more, then I feel you probably won’t have any regrets!

Finally, I think this, essentially, is something worth splurging on to do, at least, a single time. In any case, just the special view it has alone tends to be quite impressive, which could surely mean one really, truly walks away making memories.