Events at Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40, New York

About Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40

Hornblower Cruises & Events at Pier 40 is a unique waterfront venue in Manhattan’s Hudson River Park. It serves as the docking point and “Hornblower Landing” for luxurious sightseeing and dining cruise yachts (notably the 210-foot *Hornblower Infinity* and the 148-foot *Hornblower Hybrid*). Pier 40 itself is a massive 14-acre pier originally built in 1962 as a Holland America passenger terminal (www.amny.com) (culturenow.org). Today it remains the Hudson River’s largest pier, enclosing multiple artificial-turf sports fields (a “square donut” layout) and even New York’s only outdoor trapeze school on the rooftop (www.amny.com) (culturenow.org). Income from the Pier’s parking garage and rented-out cruise vessels supports Hudson River Park’s maintenance (culturenow.org). When Hornblower opened its New York operations in 2012, it chose Pier 40 (in the West Village between Houston and Clarkson Streets) for its premier dining cruise terminal (www.uniquevenues.com). Signature features include the Infinity’s open bow viewing deck and sun-lit sky deck (providing 360° skyline vistas), state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and multiple bars and dance floors (www.uniquevenues.com) (offmetro.com). Together with the eco-friendly Hybrid yacht, Hornblower’s New York fleet offers elegant dining, entertainment, and party cruises from Pier 40. The venue’s combination of historic riverside architecture, all-weather event yachts, and the adjoining parkland sports complex makes it a beloved spot for locals and visitors seeking a waterfront escape.

Events and Programming

Hornblower’s Pier 40 venue primarily hosts public and private *cruise events* rather than fixed indoor concerts. Typical programming includes brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktail cruises aboard the Infinity and Hybrid yachts, often with live music or DJs. For example, the Infinity runs most Sundays with a gourmet brunch sail ($57.50 per person) and Thursday–Saturday dinner cruises (around $80–85) followed by late-night cocktail cruises (around $40–65) (offmetro.com). Recurring series have included seasonal offerings like weekly “Alive After Five” cocktail cruises (summer twilight cocktail parties on Thursdays–Saturdays) and hop-on/hop-off sightseeing cruises in warmer months. Special events also draw crowds – for instance, lavish New Year’s Eve fireworks cruises and holiday parties, summer club-style yacht parties, and occasional live concert cruises featuring country or pop artists. (Hornblower’s parent brand even launched a national “City Cruises Live” concert series in 2024, bringing well-known performers and celebrity chefs aboard its vessels (hornblowercorp.com).) The venue also regularly hosts corporate events, wedding receptions, proms, birthday celebrations, and private charters on the yachts. Notable past events have ranged from elegant wine-tasting dinners to high-energy dance parties with panoramic river views. In short, if there’s a celebration involving sunset skyline scenery or fireworks over the river, Hornblower’s Pier 40 cruises can be the setting – and pricing is typically tiered by cruise type (e.g. family brunch vs. adults-only dinner/dance).

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Hornblower Cruises departing Pier 40 are sold through Hornblower’s official City Cruises New York website (or by phone reservation). General ticketing often opens several months before major holidays or summer weekends. Popular cruises (New Year’s Eve, July 4th Fireworks, holiday gala cruises) tend to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended. Prices vary by cruise: as noted above, dinner cruises are roughly $80–85 per ticket, while casual cocktail or sightseeing cruises start in the $30–$40 range per person (offmetro.com). Dining cruises often include buffet or plated meals in the fare, whereas party cruises may be food-optional. Hornblower also runs specials and group rates; for large parties it’s best to inquire directly. There is no standard walk-up box office at the pier – most tickets are purchased online, although there is usually a ticketing counter at Hornblower’s Pier 40 office where you check in on the day of your cruise. Door sales (paid at boarding) may be available for some less-popular sailings if seats remain, but it’s safest to reserve ahead. If an event is sold out, checking authorized third-party listings (or official social media updates) may yield refunds or resale tickets, though be cautious of unofficial vendors. In general, the best strategy is to sign up for Hornblower’s email alerts and book well in advance for busy dates; standard cruise ticket refunds follow the published cancellation policy but check it when you buy.

Seating and Layout

Hornblower’s Infinity yacht offers a multi-level event layout. The **main (middle) deck** is fully enclosed and features dining areas and large dance/furniture zones with bar service. The Infinity also has an open **bow deck** at the front (lined with deck chairs) and a covered **sky deck** (sun deck) on top, perfect for unobstructed 360° views of the Hudson and skyline (offmetro.com). In total, Infinity has three passenger decks, four bar lounges, and five distinct dance floors (offmetro.com). It can accommodate up to about 550 guests plated (seated at tables) or as many as 1,000 standing cocktail-style (www.metroyachtcharter.com). Seats on the front deck and upper sun deck offer the “best” views for photographs of Lady Liberty and the skyline. The **Hybrid yacht** (148 ft) is smaller but very modern: it has two climate-controlled indoor decks and an outside viewing deck, with LED-lit interiors, HD screens and bars on board (www.cityexperiences.com). It can hold up to ~600 guests (www.cityexperiences.com). In both vessels, tables and chairs on the main decks are generally unassigned (first-come seating for cocktail cruises; assigned for plated dinners), with VIP/tables at front sometimes set aside for private groups. Acoustically, the Infinity uses a powerful on-board sound system (state-of-the-art audio amplifiers and DJ booths) (www.uniquevenues.com), so live DJs and bands can play to a lively, nightclub volume. For the clearest audio and views, standing near the main dance floor/center bar is best; for a quieter ride, front or back deck seats work well. It’s wise to avoid staying near loudspeakers on any level if you prefer reading or conversation — the Infinity is built for partying. Overall, the modular, multi-deck layout allows guests to mix dining, dancing and sightseeing on the same cruise.

Getting There and Parking

Address: Hornblower’s Pier 40 landing and office is at 353 West Street, New York NY 10014, at the southwest corner of Houston Street (www.uniquevenues.com). This is inside Hudson River Park just west of Varick Street.
Subway/Bus: The 1 train’s Houston St station (one stop from Times Square) is just one block east, making the boat easy to reach by subway. Several crosstown buses also serve the area – the M8 crosstown and M21 north-south stop on West St within a block (offmetro.com). (No NYC Ferry stop is directly at Pier 40.) If arriving from midtown or Queens, take the 1 to Houston or transfer at 14th St. By PATH, the nearest station is 14th St, then a 5–10 minute walk west; MTA subways are usually faster.
Parking: Pier 40 has a 3-level covered, self-park garage spanning the whole pier (culturenow.org) (www.pier40parking.com). Rates are very reasonable for downtown Manhattan (around **$30 for up to 3 hours** and roughly **$46 for all-day parking**) (www.pier40parking.com) (www.pier40parking.com). It’s open 24/7, with attendants on site 24 hours a day (hudsonriverpark.org). Hornblower guests often park on level 3 of Pier 40 (near the entrance to Hornblower’s docking area) and take an elevator up to street level. Note that on event evenings the lot can fill up, so plan to arrive extra early if driving. Street parking in the surrounding neighborhood (West Village/Chelsea) is very limited.
Drop-off / Rideshare: Rideshare or taxi drop-offs can be made on West Street or on Houston Street just outside Pier 40’s entrance. The iconic red-lit entrance gate is hard to miss at night. For GPS use Hornblower Landing or Pier 40 (353 W St).
Walking / Biking: The Hudson River Greenway bike path runs right alongside Pier 40. Cyclists can park bikes at racks. The park’s pedestrian paths allow a pleasant walk from downtown or West Village. (For example, Pier 40 is a ~15-20 minute walk south from Chelsea Market and ~10-15 minutes north from the Christopher Street PATH station.)
Shuttles: There is no dedicated shuttle to Pier 40. If coming from further afield, the 1 train or taxi are easiest. Always allow extra time for lanes by the highway; Hudson River Park drives can back up during events.

Inside the Venue

Upon entering Hornblower’s Pier 40 offices, you’ll check in with the events staff and receive your boarding passes. For public cruises, the boarding gate usually opens about 15–30 minutes before departure. Security is minimal (bag checks are rare) but all guests in later evenings will be asked to show photo ID for alcohol purchases. Armor-clad life jackets are discreetly stored in cabins below deck (crew will brief safety procedures before sailing). The Infinity and Hybrid are climate-controlled inside, so whether it’s winter or summer the indoor decks stay comfortable; outdoor decks are open-air. Inside, expect a lively “yacht-club” party atmosphere: the main deck houses multiple cocktail tables around bar stations and a dance floor, all with panoramic windows. Restrooms are available on every level (one set each deck) and are kept clean throughout. No coat check is provided, but guests typically drape outerwear on chairs or bring small belongings in handheld bags. Dress is generally smart casual – many people dress up (cocktail attire) on dinner cruises. Food and drink work like a floating restaurant. On dinner cruises, a buffet or plated multi-course meal is included in your ticket (depending on the event), with a dessert station and coffee/tea. The multiple bars serve beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks at reasonable prices; credit cards or cash are accepted at all bars. For lighter events (evening cocktail cruise, party sail), expect an optional small “snack pack” or light hors d’oeuvres for purchase, but no full meal. Table service is performed for seated dinners; on standing room cruises you grab drinks at the bars. All Hurricane Glassware and dinnerware are provided. A friendly crew circulates throughout taking orders or refilling buffets. For connectivity, cell phone service is generally strong on the Hudson (4G/LTE is reliable on both vessels). Free Wi-Fi is not offered on board, but most passengers rely on their own data (the open decks mean little interference). Boarding staff can help guests take photos of the Statue of Liberty or skyline views from the bow. Photography and video are welcome (no government restrictions as on Atlantic cruises) – just watch out for spilled drinks during dancing! Merchandise sales are minimal – occasionally Hornblower-branded swag (coasters, hats) might be available at the bar, but in practice there is no full gift shop. For personal items, bring your own sunglasses/sunscreen in summer, a jacket for night breezes, and any motion-sickness remedy if you’re sensitive (even though waves are usually calm). Smoking is only allowed on designated outdoor deck areas; it’s prohibited below decks. Overall, the indoor vibe is a comfortable mix of restaurant, nightclub and lounge. Whether the cruise is a formal dinner or a club-party, the Infinity and Hybrid platforms feel like upscale venues with spectacular views. The crew and bouncers are attentive but not obtrusive – you can generally wander freely between decks to mingle or snap skyline shots. In brief: expect efficient boarding, flexible seating, modern restroom and bar amenities, and a moving party atmosphere once the ship casts off.

Nearby Amenities

Pier 40’s West Village location means you’re within a few blocks of dozens of downtown NYC dining and entertainment options. **Pre-show dining:** For dinner before a cruise, nearby West Village and Meatpacking restaurants cover every cuisine. A few blocks east on Greenwich/8th, you’ll find local favorites like vegetarian-elegant *Dirt Candy*, neighborhood gastropubs, and cozy Italian trattorias. To the north (Chelsea/Redding), there’s the famous *Chelsea Market* (multiple eateries) and bistros on 9th Avenue. A quick 10-minute walk will get you to “Restaurant Row” on 46th St if needed too, though closer choices abound. Many travelers recommend making a reservation if arriving two hours early (especially on weekends). **Bars & nightlife:** The surrounding area has classic NYC cocktail bars and lively pubs. Just a few blocks east is the Christopher Street nightlife (sports bars and gay clubs), or heading north on 8th Ave leads to Hell’s Kitchen’s theater-district lounges. For a drink after docking, rooftop bars like *The Top of The Standard* (at nearby High Line Hotel) or chilled-out spots like *Hudson Bar and Books* (only a few blocks away) are popular. Riverfront parkside benches by Pier 40 also become impromptu lounge spots when weather is nice. **Hotels:** If you need to stay overnight in the neighborhood, several hotels are within a mile. Affordable boutique picks include The Jane Hotel (113 Jane Street) and Pod 39 or YOTEL (a few blocks east near 10th Avenue). Higher-end options include The Standard, High Line and the Maritime Hotel (all in West Chelsea, ~10-15 minute walk). Many Manhattan visitors simply take the subway north to midtown for big-brand hotels if needed. When planning a cruise, consider staying either in the Village/Chelsea for convenience or midtown for a quick commute on the 1 train. **Arrival time:** For evening cruises, most people arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to allow for parking, security check-in, and pre-boarding drinks. (Lunch and brunch cruises can start earlier, so adjust accordingly.) Sipping a coffee or cocktail on the Pier 40 waterside plaza while waiting to board is a common pastime. **Late-night transport:** The area is well served by transit late into the night. The 1 train (Houston St) operates overnight, and taxis/Ubers are plentiful in the civically zoned West Village. If you stay late, note the last downtown-bound MTA trains (~1:00–1:30 a.m.), after which neighborhood buses (like the M21) slow down or stop. Rideshare apps are easy to use in this residential zone at night. In all, getting home after a Hornblower cruise is similar to any large city event – plan your subway or taxi in advance, and the mostly well-lit, lively neighborhood is safe even late.

What Makes This Venue Special

What sets Hornblower Pier 40 apart is its blend of historic scale, spectacular views, and ingenuity. Pier 40 itself is unique (often described as a square “doughnut” shape) because it **wraps a huge courtyard of sports fields on multiple levels** (www.amny.com) (culturenow.org). Standing on the Infinity’s bow or on the riverwalk by the pier, you see an almost surreal sight: baseball and soccer fields on top of a pier in downtown Manhattan. The pier’s brutalist concrete structure (built for ocean liners) gives it an industrial-cool character that new venues lack. Architecturally, it’s the only major venue in the area with a *floating* entertainment space – the cruise ships are literally event halls on water, so guests feel like part of the cityscape as they sail. Hornblower’s yachts contribute more “wow” factors. The Infinity yacht is famous for its modern design – 3 decks of glossy steel, an open bow deck, a star-lit sun deck, and interior dance floors. It even features blue-mosaic bar tops made from recycled glass (a conversation piece mentioned in reviews). The Hybrid yacht, on the other hand, is a showpiece of technology: it’s the world’s largest hydrogen-powered ferry, with wind turbines and solar panels, and nearly silent operation. Both boats offer *unparalleled dining experiences* – fine culinary partnerships (local artisanal menus) and free-flowing city views rarely found at indoor halls. It’s common for yachts to glide up to the Statue of Liberty at sunset, or circle near the Brooklyn Bridge, giving passengers unforgettable moments that traditional theaters can’t match. That makes Pier 40 special: it’s not just a venue at one address – it *moves* along the river, turning NYC landmarks into part of the show. Culturally, Hornblower at Pier 40 has carved out a niche. Local West Village businesses often mention Hornblower as a nightlife icon. Movie and TV scenes have even been filmed aboard these boats thanks to the skyline scenery. And for musicians or DJs, playing on a yacht has a glamorous ring. For the community, Pier 40 is beloved for both its field complexes by day and its cruise parties by night. Youth leagues, NYU students, and tourists all touch this space (literally, on the rooftop fields or figuratively on a dinner cruise). By night, audiences love the mix of big-city skyline and fresh air. Performers, in turn, often praise the friendly crowd energy and superior audio system on these boats. In short, Hornblower Pier 40 is special because it’s where New York’s industrial waterfront heritage meets metropolitan nightlife. You can see and feel why Manhattan’s skyline exists (from the water it built it from) while dining and dancing on a luxury yacht. That rare combination of **historic port building + floating event space + Hudson River vistas** gives Pier 40 a character all its own.

Visitor Tips and Information

- *Accessibility:* Pier 40 and the Hornblower boats are generally wheelchair-accessible. The parking lot and entrance have ramps or elevators to street level, and the boats use gangplanks that allow wheeled boarding (unilocal.de). (However, the Infinity’s upper decks are reached by stairs.) If you need assistance, Hornblower staff can usually provide a crew member to escort you or stow a wheelchair in a cabin. Service animals are welcome on board. Always inform Hornblower of any accessibility needs when booking, to ensure a smooth entry. - *What to bring:* Bring a printed or mobile ticket/confirmation and photo ID (especially if you’ll be buying adult beverages). A light jacket or wrap is wise even on summer evenings — the river breeze can be chilly once the boat is moving. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended (the decks can be slippery if wet). You may want sunglasses or a sun hat for daytime cruises. Cash or credit card is needed for drinks/snacks on board; bartenders accept both. You can also pack a small personal camera or phone for photos but leave bulky bags at home. Hornblower usually doesn’t have space to store large backpacks or groceries. Outside food and alcohol are strictly prohibited, so plan to purchase all food/drink onboard. - *Badges to Avoid:* Do not attempt to sail if you haven’t checked in on time. If you’re running late, call Hornblower immediately — but know that departures are prompt. Carrying prohibited items (fireworks, weapons, illegal substances) will be grounds for refusal. Prepare for basic security: handbags may be briefly inspected. Also, note that boats must follow Coast Guard rules: under-21s cannot sit at the bar or be served alcohol, and no glassware is allowed on deck. - *Crowds and lines:* On major event nights, be prepared for a line at the boarding gate. Arrive about 30–45 minutes before an evening cruise to get checked in and find your spot on the dock. Weekday cruises tend to be less crowded. Once onboard, table seating is mostly open, so early arrival can help snag a window seat. There’s usually room to mingle during the period between boarding and cast-off. - *Age restrictions:* Hornblower events vary. Family-friendly cruises (brunch or afternoon sightseeing) welcome kids, but club-style evening cruises tend to attract a 21+ crowd. Check the cruise description: if it’s labeled “adults only” or has live DJs, expect guests 18+ or 21+. Children under ~6 months old are generally not allowed (for safety and overcrowding). Most pregnant women, elderly or very young travelers might find the rocking motion uncomfortable, so plan accordingly. - *Dress code:* There is no formal dress code, but typical attire is “smart casual” to semi-formal. Many guests dress up for dinner cruises (dresses, slacks/jackets), while weekend party cruises often see jeans and smart shirts. Footwear should be secure (heels are okay on-board since the floors are solid). If in doubt, ask your ticket agent or just opt for tidy evening wear. - *Weather policy:* The boats will cruise in light rain (most decks are covered), but in severe weather the captain may delay, shorten or cancel a sail for safety. In questionable conditions, call Hornblower or check their website for cancellation notices. No refunds are usually offered for rain, but rescheduling is possible. - *Earplugs or medication:* On loud music cruises, the sound system can be very loud. Guests who are sensitive to noise may want to bring ear protection. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medicine beforehand — though the Hudson is usually calm, the river currents can rock a small drinkboat. - *Cell service and Wi-Fi:* Expect full cell coverage; you can text and stream video on board without issue. There is no dedicated public Wi-Fi, so ensure your phone data plan is active. Many people use their phones to share live pics of the Statue of Liberty or fireworks. - *Photography:* Feel free to take photos and video. Flash photography is fine since there is no formal “no photo” policy on these public cruises (unlike some theaters). Deck levels have panoramic views, so consider camera angles from the bow or upper deck. However, do watch your step while looking at your camera—stairs and rails can be awkward when edges aren’t obvious. - *Merchandise:* There is no official retail area onboard, but occasionally the bar will have branded drinkware or hats for sale. If you want Hornblower souvenirs, ask the staff or pick up a hat at the city’s tourist shops on break. - *Coat Check:* During winter months at holiday cruises, Hornblower sometimes provides a rack to hang coats inside. However, it’s not staffed, so it’s at your own risk. Busy nights you may prefer to keep jackets with you or in a seat. - *Insider Tip – Captain’s View:* If comfortable, step up to the bow for a view “over the captain’s head” onto the river. These first-deck panels let you see out to the front. The helmsman often greets passengers with a “good evening” – it’s a fun photo op. - *Insider Tip – Off-Peak Discounts:* Last-minute walk-up rates may be cheaper. Midtown lunch cruises or mid-week dinner sails often have lower prices per ticket, so consider those if your schedule is flexible. - *Insider Tip – Combined Events:* On some evenings, Hornblower partners with local promoters – e.g., wine tasting or a brewery-sponsored sail. Keep an eye on New York City event calendars; you might find a themed sail (karaoke, silent disco, Pride cruises, etc.) that matches your interests. - *Money-saving tip:* Hornblower often offers discounts on certain days of the week or for large groups. If you only want to ride (not meal), the cheapest option is usually a short daytime sightseeing cruise (around $30). For dinner cruises, consider splitting a couple versus inclusive ticket, as drinks can add up. - *Don’t miss:* If your cruise goes by the Statue of Liberty, time your own photo from the starboard side (port side of the ship). The Infinity’s navigation often swings wide, so you might get an uninterrupted skyline shot. Also, watch the crew boilermaker – New Yorkers throw a “hornblower salute” (dipping a drink) as the Statue passes. - *Common mistake:* It’s easy to underestimate the river breeze. Bring a light sweater even on summer nights – once the boat moves, it can feel much cooler. Also, if you have motion sickness, avoid heavy meals right before boarding. - *Safety:* At night, the Pier vicinity can feel quiet, but it’s a public park area. Stay in well-lit sections if walking alone. After docking, cross over by the official crosswalks at Houston/West instead of jaywalking, and watch for pedestrians (even though much of the park is pedestrian-only).

Frequently Asked Questions