A sunset river cruise is a special way to experience your surroundings. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or another event the experience will leave you feeling positive and inspired!
Kick back and relax on a BB riverboat as the sun sets. Enjoy live entertainment and the beautiful scenery of the Ohio River.
Enjoy the View
A sunset cruise is all about admiring the scenery as you sail past iconic landmarks. To get the most out of the experience, select a sightseeing vessel with an unobstructed view and sit on the bow (front) to catch the full spectacle—especially during Golden Hour when the sun paints the sky in vibrant hues.
Many scenic sunset cruises have a narrator or guide onboard to share interesting tidbits about the surrounding environment. If this is something you’re interested in, be sure to inquire with the tour operator.
The Luxury Seeker
If you associate travel with luxury, book a high-end sunset cruise to make your trip feel extra special. On these cruises, you’ll enjoy plush comfort and top-tier amenities as you savor gourmet drinks and appetizers. Live music, dance performances, and other curated entertainment can also enhance your experience.
Theme-Based Cruises
Whether it’s a jazzy night out or a pirate-themed adventure, theme cruises add a unique twist to your sunset cruise. Look out for dedicated décor, onboard entertainment that aligns with the theme, and themed menus. This can turn your cruise into a fully immersive, fun, and entertaining experience. Many theme-based cruises are also available as private charters for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or other special celebrations. In these cases, the operator will work with you to customize your experience.
Relax
Whether you choose a leisurely sail around the islands of Santorini or a faster trip beneath the iconic Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges of New York City, it’s easy to relax on a sunset cruise. Many operators provide beverages (including beer and wine), with food available for purchase. You can also bring your own food onboard, but be sure to check the operator’s policies in advance.
Depending on the season, you may want to wear light clothing, such as shorts and a t-shirt. A sweater or jacket is a good idea in the winter, and you should always bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.
Many cruises are family-friendly and include child-specific entertainment options. Others feature specialty activities designed for adults, such as trivia contests and karaoke nights. Some sunset cruises are also perfect for celebrating a special occasion, such as an anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon.
For a more intimate experience, book a private charter to celebrate a milestone event or mark an important transition in your life. A romantic dinner cruise paired with one of nature’s most beautiful shows is an unforgettable way to say “I love you” or “congratulations.” Luxury sunset cruises offer fine dining and drinks, along with top-notch service.
Have a Drink
A sunset cruise offers a relaxing opportunity to sip on a cool beverage. Many tours include one complimentary drink per passenger and you can bring your own snacks if you wish. Some cruises also offer wine, beer, and other beverages for an additional cost.
Sailing the Hudson River, New York Harbor, and the East River lets you see Manhattan from different perspectives during this sightseeing cruise. Admire the city skyline and snap photos of landmark sites like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. A cash bar is available onboard.
Board a luxurious private yacht for this sunset cruise that includes gourmet dining, open bar service, and comfortable lounge areas. This five-star experience is a great option for romantic getaways, corporate retreats, and family vacations.
Escape to the islands on this scenic cruise. Santorini is a bucket list destination for sunset lovers, and cruising around the caldera gives you a unique perspective of the volcanic island’s white-washed buildings, cerulean domes, and dramatic cliffs. Enjoy Greek melodies and a selection of wines as the sun dips into the horizon.
Ahoy, me hearties! Climb aboard the Black Pearl for a 90-minute adventure that combines sunset viewing with pirate-themed fun. An onboard DJ, singing, and dancing keep the party going, or you can find a quiet spot to watch the sunset in peace.
Take a Photo
Whether you’re a professional photographer or not, you can make some pretty epic photos on a sunset cruise. But you’ll need to plan ahead and know what to look for. First, check your tour’s photo policy. Most cruises allow you to bring your own camera gear and tripod but some may require you to use their cameras or tripods. Checking the weather forecast is also a good idea. Many cruises will not operate if it’s raining or too windy, so you’ll want to make sure the conditions are right.
Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater. It can get chilly on the water even on a hot summer night. Also, a waterproof camera bag or jacket will help keep your equipment safe from moisture.
Climb aboard a classic schooner to admire views of NYC landmarks and the skyline as the sun sets over the Hudson River on this sightseeing cruise. Sail past Lower Manhattan, the Chelsea Piers, and Ellis Island and take in the sights as they transition from day to twilight. You’ll also enjoy included drinks on board.
