Hornblower Infinity New York New Year’s Eve Party

Spending New Year’s Eve on a luxurious yacht cruising along Manhattan’s Hudson River sounds like a dream—a glittering, glamorous way to ring in the new year. The Hornblower Infinity yacht, a 210-foot vessel with multiple decks, promises an evening filled with premium open bar, delicious buffet, live music, and spectacular fireworks views. For $289 per person, the four-hour experience offers a chance to celebrate in style, surrounded by fellow revelers with a view of the iconic NYC skyline.

What we love about this experience is the way the yacht’s three climate-controlled decks and custom LED lighting create a festive atmosphere. The live DJ and dance floors are a definite highlight, offering plenty of room to dance the night away. Plus, the chance to watch the fireworks display, whether from the SkyDeck or outside on the decks, is undeniably memorable.

However, a few potential drawbacks—like long lines for drinks and some reported organizational hiccups—are worth considering. This experience seems best suited for those who cherish a glamorous setting and are prepared for some crowding or delays. If you’re after a lively, upscale New Year’s celebration with a good dose of spectacle, this could be a good fit. But if you prefer a more relaxed or smoothly run event, you might find some disappointment.

Key Points

• Luxury Setting: The Infinity yacht’s elegant design and multiple decks provide a glamorous backdrop for New Year’s Eve.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Includes a full dinner buffet, four hours of open bar, and a champagne toast at midnight.
• Prime Fireworks View: Offers a high vantage point for NYC’s famous fireworks (weather permitting).
• Mixed Reviews on Organization: Some guests experienced long queues, crowded spaces, and less-than-stellar service.
• Great for Party-Lovers: The live DJ and dance floors make this ideal for those wanting a lively celebration.
• Cost vs. Value: While the ticket price is high, the combination of food, drinks, entertainment, and views offers a memorable night—if the logistics work out.

If you’ve ever wondered how it might feel to celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard a luxury yacht, this experience might be just what you’re seeking. The Hornblower Infinity is considered one of Manhattan’s premier cruising vessels, and on a special night like New Year’s, it transforms into a floating party palace. For $289 per person, you’re paying for roughly four hours of entertainment, food, drinks, and the chance to see fireworks explode over the NYC skyline—a view that many consider unforgettable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and Setting

The event kicks off with boarding at Pier 15 at 9:30 PM, with the boat scheduled to depart sharply at 10:30 PM. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to avoid missing the start—delays in boarding have been noted as a concern by some reviewers. The vessel has three climate-controlled decks, each outfitted with LED lighting, flat-screen monitors, and dance floors—designed to cater to a crowd that wants to party in style.

The yacht’s SkyDeck offers panoramic views, especially important when the fireworks begin at midnight. As the vessel cruises through the Hudson River, you’ll have a prime vantage point to watch the city’s largest fireworks display—weather permitting, of course. The ship’s state-of-the-art sound system and live DJ keep energy high throughout the night, encouraging guests to dance and mingle.

Food and Drinks

The all-important buffet runs from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM, offering a variety of delicious hors d’oeuvres and dishes. Many guests have found the food to be tasty, with some reviews praising it as “mouth-watering,” though some mention long lines and cold food.

The premium open bar lasts for four hours, from 9:30 PM to 1:30 AM. Guests have reported queues that are quite lengthy, with some noting they only received small drinks or had to wait in line for a long time. Others detailed frustrations with bar staff, calling them “rude,” and complaints about the limited availability of drinks—such as champagne running out before midnight.

At midnight, there’s a champagne toast, a traditional highlight, although some guests noted the champagne was gone quickly, and they had to settle for other beverages. This aspect seems to depend on timing and luck.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

The live DJ provides a lively soundtrack that fuels the dance floor. Many guests enjoyed the music and the overall festive vibe, but some critics felt the DJ’s performance was “terrible,” with poor execution despite good song choices. The dance floors are spacious enough, but some reviews mention that the boat can be crowded and squashed, making it hard to move comfortably.

The fireworks display at midnight is a big draw. The boat’s high position allows for a superb view of the city’s famous pyrotechnics, which is what many travelers look forward to. However, weather can impact visibility, and some guests were disappointed to find the fireworks behind the boat or not as long-lasting as they’d hoped.

Organization and Logistics

Here lies one of the most common complaints among reviewers. Several mention long queues for boarding, drinks, and food, with many feeling that the event was poorly organized. Some found the boarding process chaotic, with guests stuck waiting on the dock or squeezed into tight spaces.

The downside is not just inconvenience but concerns about safety—multiple reviews described being “trapped” on the boat for an hour trying to disembark, with some feeling the exit was poorly managed. The boat departs at 10:30 PM sharp, so punctuality is essential. If you’re late, you might miss the start or even the departure altogether.

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Who Is This Experience Best For?

This New Year’s Eve celebration is ideal for party-goers who love a lively atmosphere and don’t mind crowds. If you enjoy dancing, good food, and an energetic crowd, this event delivers. It’s also suited for those who want a spectacular fireworks view and don’t mind some logistical chaos.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed, organized, or intimate celebration, or prioritizes smooth logistics and personal service, you might find this experience less satisfying. The reviews highlight that the cost does not necessarily guarantee excellent organization or service, so weigh that in your decision.

For travelers seeking a glamorous, party-centric way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in NYC, the Hornblower Infinity offers a unique experience. The luxury yacht setting, combined with dinner, drinks, dancing, and fireworks, makes for a memorable night. Its biggest strengths lie in the spectacular views, elegant ambiance, and entertainment options.

That said, the experience isn’t without its flaws. The long lines, crowding, and some reports of disorganization suggest it’s better suited for those who can handle a lively, bustling environment and are flexible with timing. The value depends heavily on your expectations—if you’re after a high-end, seamless event, you might want to consider whether the price aligns with the actual experience.

In summary, this New Year’s Eve cruise is a mixed bag—it can be an unforgettable celebration if you’re prepared for the crowds and minor logistical frustrations. For those craving a spectacular fireworks view and a party atmosphere, it’s worth considering. For those seeking a more subdued or well-oiled event, it might be better to explore alternative ways to ring in the new year in NYC.

Is the Hornblower Infinity New Year’s Eve Party suitable for children?
No, this event is not suitable for those under 21 years old, as it involves alcohol and a party environment designed for adults.

What time should I arrive for boarding?
Guests are scheduled to board at 9:30 PM, with the vessel departing at 10:30 PM. Arriving early is advisable due to reported long queues.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, you get four hours of premium open bar from 9:30 PM to 1:30 AM, but reviews suggest long wait times and limited availability at peak moments.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

What should I bring?
A valid passport or ID card is required. Dress code is black-tie optional, so consider dressing up for the occasion.

Can I see the fireworks from anywhere on the boat?
The best views will be from the SkyDeck and outer decks, weather permitting. Some guests mentioned seeing fireworks behind the boat or not as long as expected.

What about the food?
The buffet is available from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM. While many found the food tasty, some experienced long lines and cold dishes.

What happens if I’m late or miss the departure?
The boat departs promptly at 10:30 PM. The activity provider is not responsible for missed boarding, so plan to arrive early.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve on the Hornblower Infinity is a chance for a glamorous, fireworks-filled night, but it comes with some caveats. If you’re prepared for a lively, bustling environment and don’t mind the organizational quirks, it could be a memorable way to ring in 2025.

You can check availability for your dates here: