---
title: "Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40 Events | New York City, New York | Ticket Fairy"
description: "Browse upcoming and past events at Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40 in New York City, New York. Find dates, event details and tickets."
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# Events at Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40

Browse upcoming and past events at Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40 in New York City, New York. Find dates, event details and tickets.

[Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40 Website](https://hornblowernewyork.com/)

Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40 Phone: [+1 212-337-0001](tel:+12123370001)

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                [![Persephone’s Odyssey - The Spring Burlesquerade flyer](https://www.ticketfairy.com/uploaded/thumbnails/db_file_img_5631_300xauto.jpg)](https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/the-spring-burlesquerade-27apr2019)

### [Persephone’s Odyssey - The Spring Burlesquerade](https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/the-spring-burlesquerade-27apr2019)

4:00 PM, Sat, 27 Apr 2019

Community event, Private event

Apr

27

Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40

New York

###

**Important status update:** “Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40” is no longer the formal name of the marine operation at 353 West Street. Hornblower’s permit expired at the end of 2023, and New York Water Tours became Pier 40’s marine concessionaire on May 1, 2024. Older event listings may still use Hornblower or City Cruises branding, so confirm both the departure pier and vessel before purchasing tickets.

### Events and Programming

Pier 40 remains an active departure point for ticketed harbor cruises, although the experience takes place aboard a vessel rather than in a conventional performance hall. Current programming is built around sightseeing trips, dinner sailings, family cruises, private celebrations and adult social events. Depending on the producer, a sailing may feature DJs, live bands, tribute performers, dancing, buffet service, a cash bar or commentary about New York Harbor.

The documented 2021–2023 Hornblower program was strongly nightlife-oriented. Events included an underground house and techno cruise, a large sunset dinner concert, a Drake tribute party, Halloween sailings, Don Diablo’s 2022 NFT Week boat party, a whiskey-and-tequila tasting cruise and Cristian Arango’s multi-stage electronic music event. Recurring themes included all-white or all-black parties, hip-hop and R&B nights, Afrobeats, reggae, Latin music, cosplay and holiday cruises.

After the 2024 operator change, Pier 40 continued to support daytime sightseeing, dinner cruises and private charters. Documented 2025 programming included a conference dinner cruise with a buffet, wine and DJ dancing. The pier has also hosted the Blue Note Groove Cruise aboard the Cornucopia Majesty, combining live jazz, funk or related music with skyline views, and a 2026 ABBA-inspired sailing with tribute singers and a disco DJ. As of August 24, 2026, no future Blue Note sailing was listed, and research found no announced 2027 Hornblower-branded Pier 40 program.

Programming is most frequent during warm-weather weekends and around Memorial Day, Independence Day, Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Ordinary DJ cruise admission has historically started around $40–$70, with premium entry, reserved areas or food packages commonly reaching $80–$150. Dinner cruises and major holiday sailings can cost $150–$300 or more, while elaborate New Year’s Eve packages may be higher. These are useful planning ranges rather than fixed prices.

### Tickets and Booking

Buy from the event’s authorized organizer and make certain the confirmation states **Pier 40, 353 West Street**. Do not rely only on the old Hornblower venue name: the former flagship Infinity relocated its licensed operation to Pier 15, while several other vessels now embark from Pier 40. A correct ticket should identify the boat, boarding time, departure time, age requirement and package inclusions.

Popular sunset, holiday and headline-DJ sailings often use tiered pricing, with the least expensive allocation released first. Purchase early if you need a seated package, accessible position or group admission. General admission frequently means standing room rather than a reserved chair, and “VIP” may refer only to expedited boarding, a separate deck or included food. Read the package description rather than assuming nightclub-style bottle service or a private table.

Door sales should never be assumed. Boats operate to fixed manifests and cannot admit late guests after sailing. Independent street sellers near tourist areas have generated complaints about unclear pricing and unexpected upgrades, so retain an itemized confirmation showing the total charge and exact cruise.

### About Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40

Hornblower began its New York dining-cruise and charter operation at Pier 40 in 2012, following the 2011 arrival of the environmentally ambitious Hornblower Hybrid. The 210-foot Hornblower Infinity was christened beside the pier in June 2012 and became the operation’s signature floating venue. Hornblower expanded to Pier 15 in March 2014 and later marketed many cruises under City Cruises branding before leaving Pier 40 after 2023.

The former Infinity was closer to a floating convention and nightlife venue than a standard tour boat. Published configurations placed its maximum capacity between 1,000 and 1,200 guests, with up to roughly 700 seated. Features included a three-story glass atrium, Grand Ballroom, Balcony Deck, Infinity Lounge, covered and open exterior areas, bars, a large galley and a sky deck approximately 65 feet above the water.

Technical features included customizable LED lighting, 22 flat-screen displays and a reported 60,000-watt sound system. The yacht’s main dance floor covered approximately 1,925 square feet, while forward and aft spaces could be divided for simultaneous meetings, dinners, performances or receptions. These specifications describe the historic Hornblower Infinity, not every boat currently using Pier 40.

### Seating, Capacity and Layout

Pier 40 has no universal seating chart because the ticketed venue is the assigned boat. The current marine fleet ranges from smaller two-deck vessels to larger sightseeing boats. Public licensing records list approximate capacities of 120 for Eclipse, 218 for Manhattan II, 308 for Manhattan, 359 for Freedom, 132 for Enchanted and 149 for Oasis. Capacities and usable areas can be reduced for dining layouts, production equipment or accessible seating.

For skyline photography, choose an outdoor rail position on an upper deck and move between port and starboard as the boat turns. Lower, central areas generally provide less wind and motion. Music fans will prefer the deck containing the main stage or DJ, while diners should prioritize an explicitly reserved seat rather than relying on general admission. Rooftops provide the widest views but may have limited seating, strong wind and no step-free access.

Arrive early if location matters. Outdoor rails fill quickly after boarding, particularly near the Statue of Liberty and during fireworks. A window table is not necessarily guaranteed by a dining package, and structural columns, bars, speakers or standing guests can affect sightlines. If the event advertises multiple music floors, confirm which floors your ticket permits you to enter.

### Getting There and Parking

Pier 40 is at **353 West Street, New York, NY 10014**, where West Houston Street reaches Hudson River Park. The closest subway is the 1 train at Houston Street; allow approximately 10–15 minutes to walk west along Houston Street. The Christopher Street 1 station and Christopher Street PATH station are also walkable. The M21 bus provides the closest crosstown connection.

For taxis and rideshare vehicles, use the full 353 West Street address and tell the driver that the passenger entrance is at Pier 40 in Hudson River Park. Do not arrange a stop in a West Side Highway traffic lane. Cyclists and pedestrians can approach by the Hudson River Greenway, but cyclists should allow time to dismount around crowded boarding areas.

The pier contains a 24-hour self-parking garage. Based on published rates and Manhattan parking tax, visitors should budget approximately $35 for up to three hours, $45 for up to nine hours and $55 for up to 24 hours; a special-event rate may be around $50. Rates, oversize charges and available levels can change. Enter well before boarding because West Street traffic and garage circulation can be slow on major holidays.

### Inside the Venue

Pier 40 is primarily a processing and embarkation point. The current concession includes approximately 19,200 square feet of first-floor space for passenger processing, sales, supplies and vessel provisioning, but guests should not expect a theater lobby with extensive public lounges. Boarding may involve an outdoor line followed by a ramp or gangway, so dress for the weather even when the boat has climate-controlled cabins.

Onboard amenities vary. Larger event boats commonly have bars, dance floors, indoor seating, outdoor decks, restrooms and food-service areas. Smaller sightseeing boats may provide simpler seating and limited concessions. Buffet food, open bars, welcome drinks and merchandise are included only when stated on the ticket. A public coat check and reliable passenger Wi-Fi should not be assumed.

Security generally checks tickets and identification before boarding. Party cruises commonly require an original government-issued photo ID and enforce a 21-and-over rule. Organizers may search bags, refuse intoxicated guests and prohibit outside alcohol, weapons and illegal drugs. Once the vessel leaves, re-entry is impossible and the itinerary may be adjusted for weather, harbor traffic or safety instructions.

### Accessibility

Pier 40 lists elevators, restrooms and parking among its accessible facilities. Vessel access is less uniform: gangway steepness changes with the tide, and upper decks may be reachable only by stairs. The Cornucopia Majesty, for example, provides ramp boarding and accessible seating on its first floor, but its rooftop is not accessible. The former Infinity had an ADA-compliant restroom, although that did not make every deck step-free.

Anyone needing step-free boarding, a mobility-device space, accessible restroom or companion seating should obtain vessel-specific confirmation before purchasing. Include the size and type of mobility device in the request. Arriving early gives the crew more time to position the gangway and assist without the pressure of final boarding.

### Nearby Amenities

The closest substantial dining selection is east of West Street in Hudson Square and the West Village. Hudson, Greenwich and Washington Streets contain pizza, cafés, casual restaurants and destination bars within roughly a 10–20-minute walk. Numero 28 is a useful casual pizza option, while Via Carota and Frenchette suit a more planned meal but may require extra time or reservations.

Hotel options are concentrated in Hudson Square, SoHo and Greenwich Village. The Dominick and Hotel Hugo are among the closer full-service choices, while the Washington Square Hotel places visitors nearer the central Village. For a late cruise, staying east of Pier 40 simplifies the walk back and provides easier access to subway stations, taxis and all-night transportation.

Plan a full meal at least two hours before boarding. A quick drink or snack should finish 45–60 minutes before check-in because restaurant delays do not excuse a missed departure. After late sailings, rideshare service is usually more convenient at the eastern edge of the park than directly beside a congested gangway.

### What Makes Pier 40 Special

Pier 40 opened in 1962 as Holland America Line’s enormous passenger and freight terminal. Designed as a multilevel hollow square, it replaced five smaller finger piers and was among the world’s largest reinforced, prestressed-concrete structures. Its roughly 810-by-810-foot footprint extends about 800 feet into the Hudson, creating an unusually dramatic departure setting. Holland America moved away in 1974, and regular shipping activity ended during the early 1980s.

Today the structure combines excursion vessels with parking, athletic fields, community boating, environmental education and a rooftop trapeze school. More than 200,000 children and adults use its fields annually. That mixture gives Pier 40 a distinctly local character: passengers may walk past soccer practices, rowers and working waterfront activity before stepping aboard a nightlife or sightseeing cruise.

The pier is also economically important to Hudson River Park. Parking and maritime concessions generate operating income for park maintenance; Pier 40 produced more than $8 million in operating revenue in the fiscal year ending March 2022, primarily from parking. The current marine concession began with a proposed first-year base fee of approximately $845,549, plus an agreed share of revenue growth.

Its size and age create challenges. The Trust has repeatedly repaired the roof, deck, fire-suppression systems and supporting piles. In March 2026, phased structural and sprinkler work was expected to continue for approximately two more years, coordinated around boating, parking and athletic activity. Noise from entertainment vessels has also been a longstanding neighborhood concern, resulting in rules limiting amplified music near the shoreline and during boarding.

### Visitor Tips and Information

Arrive 45–60 minutes before the printed departure time, not merely before the boat sails. Bring the correct ticket, an original photo ID when required, weather-resistant layers and comfortable nonslip shoes. The Hudson feels considerably cooler and windier than nearby Village streets, particularly after sunset.

There is no single Pier 40 bag rule. Some special-event producers permit only small clear bags—one documented fireworks cruise limited them to approximately 6 by 5 inches—while other cruises use less restrictive screening. Check the rules attached to your particular sailing and avoid large backpacks or luggage.

Recent feedback consistently praises the skyline and close Statue of Liberty views, but experiences with boarding organization, sales practices, seating and holiday crowd management are mixed. Long outdoor lines and slow disembarkation have been reported at heavily attended events. The best defense is to buy directly from the authorized event source, arrive prepared for outdoor waiting and avoid booking another timed activity immediately afterward.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### Is Hornblower Cruises & Events still operating at Pier 40?

No. Hornblower’s Pier 40 marine permit expired at the end of 2023. New York Water Tours began operating the marine concession on May 1, 2024. Some archived listings, map entries and ticket pages still use Hornblower or City Cruises wording, so treat that name as historical and confirm the actual operator, vessel and departure address on your ticket.

#### Are there still cruise events departing from Pier 40?

Yes. Pier 40 continues to handle sightseeing, dinner, family, private-event and adult social cruises. Programming can include live music, DJs, dancing, tribute shows and holiday sailings. Events are vessel-based and independently scheduled, however, so Pier 40 should be understood as a departure complex rather than a single promoter with one unified calendar.

#### Where exactly do I board at Pier 40?

Go to 353 West Street at West Houston Street in Hudson River Park. Once inside the pier complex, follow the signs or event staff for the named vessel. Several boats may be processing passengers simultaneously, so do not simply join the longest line. Compare the boat name, departure time and event title with your confirmation before entering a queue.

#### What subway station is closest to Pier 40?

The Houston Street station on the 1 line is the most direct subway choice. Walk west along Houston Street until it ends at West Street and Hudson River Park. Christopher Street on the 1 line and the Christopher Street PATH station are alternatives. Allow 10–15 minutes from Houston Street and slightly longer from Christopher Street.

#### How much does parking at Pier 40 cost?

The on-site garage is open 24 hours. With published Manhattan parking tax included, approximate charges are $35 for up to three hours, $45 for up to nine hours and $55 for up to 24 hours. An event rate may be approximately $50. Prices can change, and drivers should allow extra time for traffic, payment and finding the correct boarding area.

#### How early should I arrive for a Pier 40 cruise?

Plan to reach the pier 45–60 minutes before departure, especially for holiday cruises, large concerts or accessibility assistance. Boarding often closes before the advertised sailing time so the crew can finalize the passenger manifest. A boat cannot return for late guests, and congestion at the garage, security checkpoint or gangway is generally not accepted as grounds for a refund.

#### Does general admission include a seat?

Not necessarily. Many party cruises sell standing-room general admission, with seating reserved for dining or premium packages. Even when a boat has chairs, there may not be one for every passenger on outdoor decks. Review the exact package language and assume that “admission” alone does not guarantee a table, window position or uninterrupted fireworks sightline.

#### What is the capacity of Hornblower Pier 40?

There is no current single capacity because Pier 40 serves several vessels. The former Hornblower Infinity held approximately 1,000–1,200 passengers, depending on certification and layout. Current documented Pier 40 boats range from about 120 to 359 passengers. A ticketed event may use a lower limit to accommodate dining tables, staging, equipment or accessible spaces.

#### Is Pier 40 wheelchair accessible?

The pier has elevators, restrooms and parking, but boat accessibility varies. Tide conditions can change a gangway’s angle, and upper or rooftop decks may require stairs. Some boats place accessible seating only on the first deck. Request confirmation for the specific vessel, mobility device, restroom and companion-seating arrangement before purchasing rather than relying on a general accessibility label.

#### Are Pier 40 cruises indoors or outdoors?

Most event vessels combine climate-controlled interior cabins with open-air viewing decks. This allows many cruises to operate in rain or cool weather, but boarding lines and gangways may be exposed. Outdoor decks can close temporarily during dangerous conditions. Bring layers and rain protection even if your package includes an indoor table, because the best skyline views are usually outside.

#### What happens if it rains?

Most cruises operate rain or shine and move activities into enclosed cabins when necessary. Severe weather, harbor restrictions or safety concerns can alter the route, delay departure or cancel a sailing. Ordinary rain does not normally trigger a refund. Check the cancellation terms attached to the event and do not assume that cloud cover guarantees an unobstructed fireworks or skyline view.

#### What is the age limit for Pier 40 events?

Age rules depend on the cruise. Sightseeing and some dinner or tribute sailings may admit families, while most late-night DJ, hip-hop, open-bar and holiday party cruises are strictly 21 and over. An original government-issued photo ID is commonly required. A photograph of an ID may be rejected, even when the ticket has already been paid for.

#### Is there a dress code?

There is no pier-wide dress code. Sightseeing cruises are generally casual, while dinner and nightlife events may request upscale casual, all-white, all-black, costume or “dress to impress” attire. Certain organizers prohibit athletic wear, work boots, sweatpants or hats. Comfortable nonslip footwear is advisable regardless of the theme, especially when moving between decks in wind or rain.

#### Can I bring a bag onto the boat?

Bag limits are set by each event. Some high-capacity holiday sailings impose a small clear-bag policy, while sightseeing cruises may permit ordinary handbags after inspection. Large backpacks, luggage and unlisted packages can delay or prevent boarding. Bring only essentials and check the event-specific dimensions because garage storage or a public baggage-check facility should not be assumed.

#### Can I buy food and drinks onboard?

Usually, but the format varies considerably. Some tickets include a buffet, plated meal, wine or open bar; others provide admission only and sell food and cocktails separately. Smaller sightseeing boats may have a limited snack counter. Verify dietary accommodations in advance and never assume that “dinner cruise” means a private table or that “VIP” automatically includes unlimited beverages.

#### Which deck has the best views?

An upper outdoor deck offers the broadest skyline and harbor views, especially around sunset. For a steadier, warmer experience, choose a lower indoor deck near the center of the boat and move outside for landmarks. Accessible guests should note that some rooftops have stairs only. Arrive early because rail positions fill quickly and passengers tend to change sides as the boat turns.

#### Can I leave the boat and come back?

No. Once the vessel departs, passengers remain aboard until it returns to the pier. Even during boarding, leaving after ticket scanning may create manifest or security problems. Bring medication, identification, weather layers and payment methods with you from the start. Do not leave essential belongings in a parked vehicle unless you can retrieve them before the final boarding cutoff.

#### How long should I allow after the cruise before another reservation?

Leave at least 60–90 minutes between the scheduled return and another fixed appointment. Boats may wait for harbor traffic, and unloading hundreds of passengers through one gangway can be slow. Visitors have reported particularly long disembarkation after major fireworks cruises. Subway walks, rideshare pickup and garage exits also take longer when several boats return at once.

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