Classic Harbor Line is waiting to take you on relaxing cruises up the Hudson
Being a city dweller, we may not always find the time or have the opportunity to get out of the city, breathe the fresh crisp air, and take in the stunning fall colors.
If you are like us when we think about packing a day bag, renting a car, or taking a train, car service, and figuring out where to go to see the best view for fall foliage, by the time we get through all the planning conversation, were already exhausted.
What if I were to told you that you can take a quick cab to Chelsea Piers, from anywhere in the city it’s about 10 minutes, walk just a few steps to find the most luxurious yachts awaiting you, quickly whisking you away for a 2.5-hour yacht cruise up the Hudson River?
Yacht Manhattan
Sail up the Hudson River to the Grand Palisades
Well then, I’m telling you to pack a small bag with just your camera and a snack, as Classic Harbor Line is waiting to take you on relaxing cruises. Sail up the Hudson River to the Grand Palisades, where you and your guests will see sites such as:
The beautiful Upper West Side of Manhattan
The majestic George Washington Bridge & the Little Red Lighthouse
The Riverside Cathedral, Grant’s Tomb & the Cloisters
Hudson River Valley up to within view of Tappan Zee Bridge
Palisades Park – one of New York’s most dramatic geological features riverside features
Yacht Kingston
Classic Harbor Line’s Grand Palisades Fall Foliage Cruises
Motor up the Hudson River on Friday-Sunday only, until November 15. This 2.25-hour excursion is offered on Fridays with a 2:00 pm departure, and on Saturdays and Sundays with departures at 10:00 am, 10:15 am, and 1:00 pm on either Manhattan or Manhattan II.
$104/Adult when purchasing 2 or 3 tickets; $88/Adult when purchasing 4 or more tickets. Indoor climate-controlled assigned seating and outdoor seating available (Merv-rated Hepa filters installed for indoor air circulation). Hot beverages like homemade cocoa, tea, coffee, as well as fall-themed cocktails like the New York Apple with made-in-New York components of apple whiskey, apple cider, and sparkling wine are available, first-round complimentary.”
Schooner Sails travel up the Hudson River on Saturday and Sunday only until November 8. This 3.5-hour excursion has departures at 11:00 am on schooner Adirondack, their 80-foot sailboat and at 11:15 am on schooner America 2.0, their 105-foot sailboat. $88 per adult, $64 per child (Please no children under 3). Complimentary beverages included; warm coats, winter accessories, and lap blankets encouraged.
When you are sailing, the feeling and sounds of the wind, water, and the warm sunshine touching your face somehow force you ever so gently to let go. It’s my one and only place where I can just…be.
To say that sailing is one of our company’s favorite pastimes would be an understatement. We are huge fans of Classic Harbor Line, their captains, and crew.
Over the years we’ve had the great opportunity to meet and get to know the Captains of their fleet. This season we wanted to share our one-on-one interviews with some of CHL female captains
Meet Captain Kat.
Adirondack Classic Harbor Line
DTM: How did you get started in this line of work and where are you from? Capt Kat: I taught sailing on 24- 50 ft boats. I grew up in Seattle and moved to New York after college.
DTM: What brought you to CHL? Capt Kat: Adirondack has been the prettiest boat in the Harbor since 1999. One of my colleagues from teaching sailing was the full-time captain and another colleague got hired as a relief captain and asked me if I wanted to sail Adirondack too. This is back when Adirondack was the only boat CHL (before it was CHL) had in New York.I have been one of Adirondack’s captains since 2006.
DTM: What type of education or updated education are you given with CHL? Capt Kat: We do safety training once a month and have checklists and training for the crew to advance to first mates and captains.
DTM: What is your favorite thing about working for CHL in New York,
share one of your most memorable/rewarding moment? Capt Kat: New York Harbor is a beautiful and challenging place to sail.It is rewarding to feel the boat spring to life with a lovely breeze and see the joy in our guest’s faces as we sail by stunning views of NYC powered only by wind and current (when conditions allow).
DTM: Have you ever raced or sailed the ocean? Capt Kat: Yes. I like sailing places I’ve never been to before and take my vacations sailing in locations all over the world.
Captain Kat and Crew
DTM: Do you ever get bored with sailing the same route? Capt Kat: No. For me, the challenge of being under sail for as much of the trip as possible, the changing current and wind conditions, and having to get to the Statue and back in the allotted time all combine to create essentially a game of chess.It’s different every time.
DTM: What makes a good captain? Capt Kat: An awareness of the overall safety of the vessel, crew, and guests.
DTM: Is there a difference being a captain for sailing vessel vs motor yachts? Capt Kat: Not really, you have the same responsibility for the safety of the vessel and all on board.For me, the sailboat is much more fun because of the challenge of getting the boat to move with only the power of the wind and current.It’s a combination of science and art.
DTM: What’s the last thing you do on your ship before you depart for the day? Capt Kat: At the end of the day, the last thing I do is check the dock lines.
DTM: Because we are Downtown Magazine, what is your favorite place in Lower Manhattan Chelsea to the Battery to just get away and relax? Capt Kat: I love lower Manhattan. My favorite sculpture is the WTC Sphere. I loved it in its original location, bringing humanity to the tall towers.It spoke to my heart standing damaged but still strong in Battery Park. And now in Liberty Park, it still brings tears, but also a path forward.
Captain Kat Adirondack
DTM: Tips, I’m all about tips for the crew its very important to show your gratitude, they work so hard in such a short time, why is it important to tip? Capt Kat: Our crew is amazing. For me to maneuver the boat under sail, the crew must man the sails.We are sailing the boat as a team. They have an awareness of the safe operation of the vessel while also chatting with guests and serving drinks.
DTM: What’s is the best advice to give new captains when working with the public? Capt Kat: If you have joy in your job sailing the boat, chances are the guests will also enjoy sailing.
Captain Kat’s Bio Katrina van Zee, aka Captain Kat, is a captain for Classic Harbor Line, sailing in New York Harbor for over a decade. She holds a United States Coast Guard (USCG) 100-ton Master License with a sailing endorsement and is a U.S. Sailing Certified Instructor at Basic Keelboat, Cruising and Coastal Navigation levels. In the off-season she enjoys sailing in places she’s never been before; favorites include Sea of Hebrides, Baltic Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand.
Classic Harbor Line is the operating company of the Schooners Adirondack & America 2.0 and the Luxury Yachts Manhattan, Manhattan II & Kingston of Chelsea Piers. Operating sightseeing trips on New York waters since 1999, Classic Harbor Line specializes in bringing beautiful, classic-style vessels to the New York City waterways and creating special and memorable excursions.
Our Crew, including all captains, mates, chefs, and on-land representatives at Classic Harbor Line, is what makes the experience on our beautiful yachts truly magical. We have maintained a consistent history of not only operating with professional staff but also with warm and inviting hosts. You will, without a doubt, have fantastic views of the city and find the boats beautiful and comfortable, but what will surprise you and stay with you when you leave is the warm and special treatment you receive from our extraordinary team.
Highlights include Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Cruises & Sails, & Holiday Cocoa & Carols, & Holiday Jazz Cruises on NY Harbor
NY Harbor is bustling with activity all year long, including Classic Harbor Line’s line up of fall and holiday cruises aboard a warm and cozy restored vintage yacht and historic schooner. Fall and holiday excursions appeal to residents and visitors alike. American made by Scarano Boat Builders of Albany, Classic Harbor Line’s historic schooners and classic style yachts offer an elegant “four-star” experience on New York’s illustrious and vibrant harbor surrounded by the city’s beautiful skyline. Cruises depart from 62 Chelsea Piers Pier New York, NY – Call 212.627.1825
HUDSON VALLEY FALL FOLIAGE CRUISES & SAILS
Jump aboard a classic 1920’s style yacht or schooner and head north up the Hudson River to take in the beautiful fall foliage. Escape from the chaos of the city and enjoy a 2.75-hour fall foliage morning brunch cruise on luxury yacht Manhattan or hop aboard a 4-hour fall foliage sail aboard Schooner Adirondack! Brilliant fall colors adorn the Hudson Valley mid-October through mid-November. Take in the beauty of nature while viewing iconic landmarks such as the George Washington Bridge, the Cloisters, the Palisades, the Little Red Light House, and the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise aboard Yacht Manhattan Saturdays & Sundays – October 12 – November 10 from Chelsea Pier: 2.75 hours – $128 per person Features four-course brunch buffet with a complimentary bloody mary, mimosa, beer, wine or champagne. Travel northbound on the Hudson River in style aboard the Manhattan, a cozy, elegant 1920s style yacht. Admire the glorious leaves of fall through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory. Full bar available for purchase.
Fall Foliage Sail aboard Schooner Adirondack Saturdays & Sundays – October 12 – November 17 from Chelsea Pier: 3.75 hours – $84 per person Take a scenic sail up the Hudson River to the Palisades, among the most dramatic geologic features in New York City’s vicinity. Bundle up and bring your camera aboard the 80-ft Schooner Adirondack – a 1890s inspired pilot schooner! Guests are welcome to pack a picnic! Complimentary beer, wine, champagne, soda & lots of hot cocoa + options for spiking – will be served. Full bar available for purchase.
HOLIDAY CRUISES ON NY HARBOR
Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise Almost daily – November 23 – December 29th, afternoon and evening departures from Chelsea Pier, 1.5 hours – $84 per person Step inside the toasty solarium of a vintage classic yacht adorned in full holiday decor for a festive NY harbor cruise showcasing New York City lights during evening departures. Listen and sing along to classic holiday carols backed by a live band. Each guest will receive one complimentary beverage of beer, wine, champagne or delicious hot cocoa (spiked if your pleasure). Homemade cookies and treats included! Full bar available for purchase.
Holiday Jazz Cruise Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays – November 26 – December 29th, afternoon and evening departures from Chelsea Pier, 1.5 hours – $84 per person Step aboard a luxury 1920’s style yacht resplendent with full holiday decor for a romantic Holiday Jazz Cruise. Features a live jazz trio playing holiday tunes, guests enjoy holiday cookies and complimentary spiked cocoa, beer, wine or champagne. See the city lights twinkle at night plus a close pass by the Statue of Liberty! Full bar available for purchase.
The non-stop lifestyle we live as residents of Manhattan makes weekend getaways necessary. The vintage Adirondack style of The Lake Placid Lodgeis quaint, remote, and the only hotel in this prime location, which allows for ultimate relaxation. The Lodge is situated on the western shore of Lake Placid. It is made up of a central lodge, beautiful guest rooms, and cabins that sit at the water’s edge. The cabins create an at-home-feel with rustic pine beams, luxurious feather beds and spa-like bathtubs. With the stone porches, wood-burning fireplaces and breathtaking views of the Adirondack landscape visible through diamond-paned windows, you don’t even have to leave your cabin to enjoy the outdoors.
The Lodge’s high-end cuisine is crafted by chefs that are trained in England prior to sharing their culinary talents in America. Guests are amazed with statement dishes such as wild king salmon and roast magret of duck. Artisans Restaurant and Maggie’s Pub feature fresh local ingredients paired with hand-picked spirits from the lodge’s Wine Cellar. The combination of their culinary skills and presentation are worth the travel from Manhattan.
The beauty of the lodge is that there are no televisions, which may be alarming. The point of this concept is to help guests step away from the chaos of every day technology and to get in tune with nature. Most guests do not mind the lack of television, since the location of the lodge allows for outdoor activities including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, outdoor ice skating and nightly bonfires by the lake.
Spending a weekend away at The Lake Placid Lodge makes for the ultimate seclusion. Children under 12 are usually not permitted at this lodge, but exceptions are made throughout the year for special occasions and retreats. During the regular schedule with the age restriction, The Lake Placid Lodge creates a place for a romantic couple getaway or a sophisticates stay for singles and groups of friends. Conveniently located twenty minutes from the Adirondack Regional Airport, makes for an easy transition from flight to lodge.
The contemporary classical style and secluded atmosphere makes for a relaxing weekend without any interruptions, allowing you to leave your Manhattan lifestyle at home. The Lake Placid Lodge is perfect for meetings, retreats, and celebrating milestone occasions. It offers a unique location and a timeless backdrop. The Lake Placid Lodge offers an experience that combines elegance with rustic luxury.
