seastreak fall foliage cruise 2023

*Infants ride free, but need a ticket. Please add them to your reservation if needed.*

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2014 Cold Spring Schedule

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10 amazing fall foliage cruises you can take up the Hudson River this fall

Including brunch cruises with live music

You don't need a car to see peak fall foliage in New York—you can take a boat! A number of NYC leaf-peeping boat cruises leave right from Manhattan and sail up the Hudson River, delivering your autumn dreams of gorgeous changing leaves. 

RECOMMENDED: Where to see fall foliage in NYC

This October, we took the  Circle Line: Bear Mountain Full-Day Cruise , which as the name suggests, took us 50 miles north from Pier 83 to Bear Mountain and gave us three hours to hike trails and visit museums and its animal refuge before setting back down the river. It was a wonderful opportunity to escape the city sans car and train for the day and get some fresh air. Better yet, the cruise celebrates Oktoberfest with bratwurst, pork schnitzel, German potato salad, Prop & Peller Bavarian pretzels, and Sam Adams Oktoberfest beer and Warsteiner lager and a live Oompa band. It was a blast to get in party mode while anticipating our hike, seeing the beauty of the Palisades and Hudson Valley, listening to the captain point out landmarks and then relaxing on the way back home to NYC. The cruise goes on Saturdays and Sundays through October 31 and begins at $69 per person, which is really worth it.

Here are some other fall foliage cruises you should consider this autumn:

Seastreak: NYC Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise

Leaving from West 39th Street at 11:30am, this three-and-a-half-hour cruise takes you through Sandy Hook Bay, under the Verrazano Bridge, and along New York Harbor. You'll also see the shores of Hastings-on-the-Hudson, Tarrytown, Ossining, Croton Point, Haverstraw and Stony Point and get as far north as West Point. A buffet brunch is served while on deck with apple salad, tortellini salad, fingerling potato salad with haricot vert, butternut squash bisque, smoked salmon, flank steak, southwestern grilled chicken with mango salsa, and assorted pastries. This cruise is also narrated so you'll learn all about the sites you pass along the way. The cruise is offered Saturdays and Sundays through October 31. Tickets are $119 per person.

Classic Harbor Line's  Fall   Foliage  Cruises & Sails

Don’t have a full day to spend admiring the changing colors? Reserve a seat on the brunch cruise with Classic Harbor Line from Pier 62 for a shorter route, leaving just enough time for you to admire the gold, red and russet-hued leaves of the Palisades. From October 15 to November 14, these two-and-a-half-hour cruises offer the perfect trip up the Hudson:

• Manhattan II : Grand Palisade Fall Foliage Cruise ($88-$106 per adult and $64 per child 3-14)
• Full Moon: Fall Foliage Cruise on Full Moon from Chelsea Piers ($88-$106/adult and $64/child 3-14)
• Kingston : Fall Foliage Cruise aboard Kingston ($88-106/adult and $64/child 3-14)
• Adirondack : Fall Foliage Schooner Sail (3.5 hours; $88-106/adult, $64/child 5-14)

We suggest heading out on a weekend brunch cruise, which comes with a three-course prix fixe menu (includes New York bakery pastries, salmon and lox, chef’s autumn salad with roasted vegetables, oven-roasted ham and more) inside the glass observatory of the Yacht Manhattan and Manhattan II across two-and-a-half hours. It takes off on Saturdays and Sundays and tickets are $124-142 per adult and $72 per child 3-14.

The top-rated, two-hour Fall Foliage Luncheon Cruise on Fridays and Saturdays has a multi-course menu including homemade soups such as a spice roasted butternut squash soup or a cauliflower soup topped with prosciutto and Manchego cheese. A roasted pumpkin and candied walnut salad with Chef’s maple vinaigrette, and assorted tea sandwiches are also in rotation on the menu. Each booking group is seated at a private table separated by clear partitions, with the option to open sliding glass windows throughout the vessel. Tickets are $96-132 per adult and $72 per child 3-14.

Your ticket to a Classic Harbor Line trip also includes an autumnal spiked hot cocoa, as well as a well-curated selection of beer, wine, champagne, and soft drinks.

City Cruises by Hornblower New York Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise

Head out from Pier 61 on the   Bateaux New York Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise  on October 20 or on the  New York Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise Saturdays through October (October 16 and 23) for a three-hour cruise up the Hudson River with a freshly prepared buffet (jumbo shrimp cocktail starter, salad, honey sesame chicken, oven-roasted flounder, baked ziti and more), paired with seasonal cocktails, onboard entertainment with a live DJ, interactive games, a rooftop lounge and unlimited coffee and tea. Tickets for the cruise are $78.90 or $103.90 per person for a window table and $99.85 or $129.85 per person for the Bateaux cruise.

Majestic Harbor Cruises Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise

You’ve got to go across the river to Weehawken, New Jersey to board Majestic Harbor Cruises’ three-hour leaf-peeping cruise. But if you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy day party, this is the option for you. A DJ will be spinning live music as you snack on a buffet lunch (featuring salad, penne rigate, baked tilapia, and chicken Francaise) while voyaging north to those picturesque cliffs at the Palisades. Wine and cocktails from the cash bar only make the views sweeter. Tickets start at $59 per adult and $29.50 per child.

And if you really want to ball out this fall, you might want to check out even more autumnal fun like a Hudson Valley leaf peeping tour by helicopter or a trip to one of these best fall day trips .

• Shaye Weaver Editor, Time Out New York
• Annalise Mantz

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Make Treasured and Cherished Memories - Book a Fall Foliage Cruise on Seastreak

Atlantic Highlands, NJ: It’s a sight not to be missed.

Seastreak's Fall Foliage Cruises offer a captivating way to experience the breathtaking beauty of autumn as you cruise up the Hudson River.

As the leaves transition into a brilliant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, Seastreak provides a unique vantage point to witness this natural spectacle.

These cruises take passengers on a scenic journey along the NJ Palisades while sailing past the magnificent NYC skyline.

Absolutely breathtaking.

The comfortable vessels are equipped with spacious decks, large windows, and up-top, open-air seating, ensuring passengers have the perfect view of the vibrant foliage and surrounding landscapes.

Onboard amenities, including a not-to-be-missed Brunch Cruise with a knowledgeable guide, enhance the experience.

Seastreak's Fall Foliage Cruises offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of life, allowing passengers to relax and immerse themselves in the serenity of the season.

Whether for a romantic getaway or a family and friends outing, these cruises provide an unforgettable way to savor the magic of fall.

Booking a Fall Foliage Cruise

Seastreak offers fall foliage cruises to several New York destinations; Milton, Cold Spring and Bear Mountain.

Best of all is our Brunch Cruise!

Create and experience memories that will last a lifetime.

Book now by clicking HERE to see the cruise calendar and to make your reservation

Take Seastreak to Watch Army Football at West Point

Watching an Army game at West Point’s Michie Stadium is one of the greatest experiences in all of sports.

Get your group together for an incredible and an unforgettable football experience.

You have the option of seeing the sights with a Boat Only or Boat + Game Tickets.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.

Book Now - You’ll Talk About Your Trip Forever 

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Fall Foliage Cruise - Seastreak Ferry

• United States    
• New Jersey (NJ)    
• Jersey Shore    
• Atlantic Highlands    
• Atlantic Highlands - Things to Do    
• Seastreak Ferry

Good to be on the river. Informational narration was constant, and while informative, could have... read more

We went on Fri, Oct 27th...everything was wonderful...boat, staff, views however one inappropriate... read more

Fall Foliage Cruise

I took the Fall Foliage cruise from the West 39th St pick up to Cold Spring. Check in was quick, easy. The boat was full but everyone seemed to find seating upstairs and downstairs. It was rare beautiful weather for October so a lot of people wanted upstairs on the way north. The tour guide was very good. Very personable. Could hear her clearly. Took pictures for people. Gave great local tips. We had smooth sailing to and from Cold Spring. The crew was great. Only downside (and the tour guide/crew was advised) were the dirty windows. You’re there for the views so I could understand the comments. I was upstairs on the ride up so didn’t notice until the ride home when I rode inside. Crew tried to clean them during the layover which helped a little. Overall, good experience and would recommend.

For $120pp- the Fall Foliage Brunch Tour is totally NOT worth it! Aside from seeing no fall colors at all, and extremely rough waters, the brunch was a disaster! Instead of having several areas of food set up, to expedite service to a boatload of passengers, there was ONE table and three “servers”. I missed an hour of the tour, just waiting on the huge single line. No proper planning or orchestration on how to feed everyone- was a mess! Approaching the table, we all served ourselves- obviously no Covid adhering protocol here. Had to wear masks, but 100+ people could all use same serve wear? Gross! Finally got back to my seat and went to bar for a drink. Asked for lime in it. The “boy” behind the bar handed me an open cup full of limes and asked me to pick one out with my hands. WHAT? No tongs to serve with? Buyer beware! Save your money and just do the sightseeing and eating on your own.

Took the whale watching excursion and the sunset cruise this summer. Both trips were very well attended but there was plenty of room on the boat to spread out, take pictures, etc.....we saw several whales and dolphins on the tour which lasted about 3 hours. Nice cruise around Sandy Hook and then out into the ocean. The sunset cruise around NY harbor was amazing. It was a beautiful night and the captain stopped so we could take great pictures of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan. Informative narrative from the captain along the way. Will definitely look into more Seastreak cruises throughout the year!

I use Seastreak every time I go to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. Fast and easy reservation system. Boat has always been on time. Staff was super friendly! Valet parking is a plus.

The bathrooms were beyond disgusting wouldn't let my dog pee in there.My drink cost $14.00 and they had no limes for a bacardi and coke.Captain started by saying if you drink your own liquor he was going confiscate it and drink it personally over the intercom system.Yoy would think for 80.00 and a 14.00 drink with no lime they could have a somewhat clean bathroom.

Commuted on SeaStreak for 20 years but now live in NYC and use them to go to the beach. Had to change tickets last minute due to poor weather. They answered the phone within just a couple of minutes and changed our tickets no problem. Plus because it was due to the weather, they didn't charge us the change fee. Service person was super polite and helpful. (For SeaStreak, it was the person on call at 545pm on Aug 7th). Boats are clean and staff (bearing in mind it's a tough industry plus they are dealing with the either grumpy commuters or tipsy beachgoers) are professional and polite.

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Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise - Seastreak Ferry

• United States    
• New Jersey (NJ)    
• Jersey Shore    
• Atlantic Highlands    
• Atlantic Highlands - Things to Do    
• Seastreak Ferry

Good to be on the river. Informational narration was constant, and while informative, could have... read more

We went on Fri, Oct 27th...everything was wonderful...boat, staff, views however one inappropriate... read more

Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise

Stop right here - don’t go! The website is misleading - it states this cruise goes up the Hudson all the way to West Point. It does not – we turned around just after the Tappan Zee Bridge. Our party and other passengers were so disappointed. The website clearly states the turnaround point at West Point, and the tour guide at the beginning of the cruise highlighted that we would be going under four bridges, including the Bear Mountain Bridge, turning around at West Point. We never got to the Bear Mountain Bridge, and of course did not get to West Point. Their own website states how magnificent West Point is – too bad we never got to see it. When I saw the boat turning around, I asked the guide why and she said she didn’t know. We never got any information for the rest of the trip about why it turned around early. When we got back to the port I asked another person who I thought was an official on the ferry, and he gave the reason as being we were short on time. Seriously? The website says an approximate return time of 4 PM, we were back at 3:30. The sound quality on the ship was terrible – we hardly could hear what the guide was saying, through no fault of her own. When several passenger stated they couldn’t hear the guide, one of the officials on the ship said they were aware of the problem but hadn’t yet fixed it. so unless you were standing within feet of the guide, you really didn’t hear the narration and had to figure things out for yourself where you are. Let’s just say having Google maps up and running on my phone was very helpful. We have contacted customer service to express our extreme dissatisfaction four times – we’ve yet to get a call back even acknowledging our complaint. do yourself a favor – spend $119 per person on a nice restaurant in the West Point area. You’ll get the beautiful view and decent food without the disappointments and empty promises of the Sea Streak ferry.

We were a group of seven and went on the Fall Foliage cruise on a beautiful Sunday. We took the 7:30 ferry from Rockaway and arrived at Pier 11 at 8:30. There was a table set up to get your pre-ordered, pre-paid tickets for Seastreak. There was a bit of a wait to board, and ppl were already onboard from Jersey so most of the good seats were taken. The seating on the boat was similar to seating on a plane, and we sat in the middle rows. There were a few seats with tables near the windows and almost of the seats had the pull down tray in front if you wanted to use it to eat. You can bring your own breakfast, as some ppl did or there was coffee, bagels and croissants, drinks and hot dogs sold at the snack bar. There were only a few seats outside, but it is a long ride to sit outside the whole time. We left our seat a few times to go outside. It did get stuffy inside, so it felt good to go outside and get some fresh air. The window were large but dirty. There were only three bathrooms so there was usually a wait and they did get quite dirty. Our tour guide was informative, told us about landmarks and a little history. West Point was impressive. The acoustics were bad and it was hard to understand him though out the ride. I saw him talking to a few ppl and he would gladly answer any questions. We arrived at Cold Springs on time and were told to be back at dock at 2:45, which was early since the boat departed at 3:30. We had googled restaurants and made reservations ahead of time. There was enough time to eat, walk around the quaint town and wait on line for ice-cream. There were many ppl ahead us waiting to board, so again we sat in the middle rows. We arrived back at Pier 11 on time. The crew was not friendly, but did their job. The AC unit began dripping over my head, but I just moved my seat. It was an enjoyable day with good friends. I would recommend to arrive early and grab the better seats.

I decided to give 2 stars just for the tour guide who was the only good thing Bout seastreak fall foliage cruise to Cold Spring. 1. Asked to add on a passenger a day before, was told it was fully booked. On the day of, more than half seats were available upon arrival. 2. Going and returning, air condition was on full blast even though it was a cold rainy day. Did not keep the temperature comfortable even after requesting a few times. Not advisable if traveling with elderly or infants/toddlers. 3. Water leaked upon our seat from a.c. unit above and from a corner near stairs where we stood. In stead of taking care of the matter/cleaning, was told it's ok. 4. For the rate charged per person, not even one free beverage offered on board (3.5/4hrs each way). All items for purchase only. Overall NOT RECOMMENDED. Wish I knew of these conditions before buying 10 tickets... I would not have put my family through this horrible experience...

I was on the Cold Springs outing earlier this week. I have the following things to say about the trip. - The "guided tour" was a joke. The dude was rambling and not very interesting; in addition, the PA system on the top floor of the boat was broken/distorted, making every time he spoke a chore/annoyance rather than an welcome intrusion. Plus he didn't give any fresh insights into anything (when I could actually make out what he was saying). - The 1st and 2nd floors (inside) were stuffy and uncomfortable, so my two friends and I wound up staying on the top deck the whole time. - The exhaust system on the top deck on the way back was extremely loud and was blowing hot air everywhere. Not sure why it only kicked in on the return trip, but it was really unpleasant. - The bathrooms were horrifyingly disgusting. I noticed that by the end of the trip, all those seated anywhere nearby were spraying perfume, holding their noses, etc. It's pretty clear to me that they are using commuter boats meant for shorter outings for these excursions. I can definitely understand paying about $40 for the round trip to Cold Spring, but there was nothing about the experience that warranted the $85 charge. I sent the above to Seastreak LLC, and got no response... hey Seastreak, I want my $$$ back!!

We took the The Fall Foliage cruise yesterday which cost $85 per person, picked up at the Highlands, ended at Cold Springs, and did not include any food. There was food for purchase and a bar. Upon boarding at 9am I asked for a coffee, bagel and cream cheese and was told they were already out of cream cheese. I chose a seat and realized the windows were all filthy.The whole idea of this cruise is to see the scenery and the windows are filthy? The lines for the bathroom were approximately 20 minutes long and they too were filthy and smelled horrible.The tour guide narrating was informative and interesting but spoke non stop, even when he had nothing to say. I could hear others on the boat saying "is this guy every gonna stop talking for a minute". But worse was his obsession with the "poop" in the water. It was unfortunate enough that the leaves had not yet turned color, but I would at least like to enjoy a nice ride on the Hudson River looking at the tree line, the NY skyline, and watching the sun glistening on the water, without this guy repeatedly talking about the "poop" in the water. "As recently as the 70's and 80's we were dumping raw sewage in this water". This kind of talk was a recurring theme throughout the entire ride. He was aware of this because he himself would say "ok, enough about waste in the water", but then would go right back to it 20 minutes later. When we got to Cold Springs, we could only find 6 restaurants and they all had a 1-2 hr wait. This was disappointing as we were told that there were 21 restaurants to chose from. We finally found someplace to eat but felt misinformed about our opportunities. Between the unpleasant boat ride and food limitations in town, the overall experience was very disappointing and not worth the money. If not for the company of our friends, this would have been a miserable day.

Took this fall foliage cruise from Highlands, NJ to Cold Spring NY and back yesterday, with three other couples (picked them up at Wall St, NYC). Boat was on time, no problems with timing, cleanliness, etc. of the boat. The bar/snack bar on the boat was fine. Unfortunately, the boat had only three restrooms (all unisex, thankfully), for over 200 people. There was always a line (10, sometimes 20 people long) to use them. Also, not enough seats on the upper open deck to accommodate all those who wanted to stay there for any period of time. The town of Cold Spring was neat, with plenty of places to explore and eat. The tour guide was terrible. Basically, he mentioned the names of several points of interest, and maybe two or three towns we past, with no explanation of the history or a story associated with it. All along the coast of Manhattan, there were plenty of interesting buildings, and sights, with nothing from him. Then, he pointed out the exact same ones both ways, with exactly the same comments (basically the name of it, but no history, etc. to make it interesting). Then, he asked for a tip at the end of the cruise? Also, we took the 8 AM cruise. There was another boat (same size) following right after, at 9 AM. Fortunately, we choose to eat as soon as we got to Cold Spring. Many did some exploring and shopping for an hour or more, then tried to eat. Those people told us on the boat afterwards, that all the restaurants were full, with 20 to 30 minute waits to get in, then 20 to 30 minutes to be served, because the second boat load of people arrived an hour later, and the crowds at the eateries were a mob scene. They should have recommended to us, before we departed the boat at Cold Spring to eat first, then explore, so no one would run into that problem. A major omission on their part.

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The Best Fall Foliage Cruises Across the U.S. and Canada

Plot a course for the best autumn destinations on the water.

Dougall_Photography/Getty Images

Fall foliage may only be around for a few weeks, but the brilliant colors that illuminate both city and countryside invite travelers to make the most of the season. You can see fall foliage on a road trip or from a train window, but one of the best ways to experience autumn is by cruise.

Highlighting the rolling hills and mountains of New England, the craggy coastlines of Alaska, or picturesque Quebec cities, these are some of the best cruise routes you can take to soak up the beautiful, quickly changing fall foliage.

Royal Caribbean's fall foliage northbound cruise; 11 nights

Cruise ship :  Jewel of the Seas  

Cost : Starting at $949/person

Capacity : 2,702 guests

Why you should go : This late September cruise leaves from Cape Liberty port in New Jersey and heads north, allowing you to take advantage of the seasonal foliage as you make your way toward Quebec City , a perfect historic setting in which to watch the leaves change. On board, get an elevated view of the multicolored leaves by climbing to the top of the rock wall or embrace the cooler weather with a poolside movie.

Princess Cruises' Canada and New England sailing; 7 days

Daniel Hanscom/Getty Images

Cruise ship: Emerald Princess

Cost : Starting at $468/person

Capacity : 3,080 guests

Why you should go : Starting from your port of call in New York City, this fall foliage cruise leaves in late October. It will take you up the coast past Newport, Rhode Island where you’ll be treated to panoramic views and golden leaves all around. During a stop in Halifax, Canada, you can check out the coast and, of course, dine on butter-soaked lobster. While on board, watch the world go by from the outdoor deck with a hot chocolate in hand.

Carnival Cruise Line's Canada and New England journey from New York; 7 days

Cruise ship :  Carnival Venezia

Cost : Starting at $519/person

Capacity : 4,090 guests

Why you should go : In September, enjoy the changing colors as you sail from the Big Apple toward Portland, Maine, and Canada’s Saint John. Watch the leaves turn yellow, orange, and red as you meander around these quaint towns. On the Venezia, you also get to sail in the ship's signature "Fun Italian Style," with Venice-inspired decor, plus lots of Italian restaurants and menu items.

Holland America's Atlantic Coast cruise; 10 days

Cruise ship : Zuiderdam

Cost : Starting at $599/person

Capacity : 1,964 guests

Why you should go : Travel from the vibrant fall colors of Quebec to the warm, sunny shores of Florida with this cruise that will give you the best of the East Coast over 10 days. Start in Montreal, Canada, to soak up the city’s October atmosphere and feast on French specialties like macarons, before making your way down the coast and past the warm hues of the changing countryside. Disembark in Fort Lauderdale where the weather tends to be in the mid-to-high 80s in October, and end the cruise with some quality beach time.

Cunard's New England and Canada cruise; 7 Nights

Cruise ship :  Queen Mary 2

Cost : Starting at $799/person

Capacity : 2,691 guests

Why you should go : This late-September cruise will take you from New York City to the fall foliage and crisp air of Halifax, where your autumn adventure starts. You'll follow the colorful coastline through Sept-Iles and Saguenay, before finishing out the peaceful week in Quebec City. On the ship, watch performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company and indulge in dishes like croquettes of suckling pig and Dover sole meunière.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Autumn on the Frontier; 7 nights

Tan Yilmaz/Getty Images

Cruise ship :  Seven Seas Explorer

Cost : Starting at $6,799/person

Capacity : 746 guests

Why you should go : Not just the land of ice and snow, Alaska is an underrated destination for fall foliage. This cruise sets off in the northern city of Seward and makes a detour to the waters around the Hubbard Glacier, before turning inward toward Juneau and finishing up in Vancouver, British Columbia . You can watch the changing scenery from your room’s private balcony and indulge in excursions like a  wilderness sea kayaking  adventure in Sitka, Alaska, and rain forest bicycle tours in Skagway.