City Cruises New York
Info
Highlights
Incentives
Film Credits
Contact
Introduction to City Cruises
While City Cruises is traditionally known for hosting public dining cruises and private events, the company’s fleet of yachts are also sought-after production venues for TV and movie producers looking for flexible spaces that offer a blank canvas for capturing scenes that include iconic NYC sights as the backdrop.
About City Cruises New York
City Cruises has two easy-to-access port locations in Manhattan and one in New Jersey from where their 9 NY-based yachts can depart:
- Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers in NYC: West 23rd and 12th Avenue, NYC
- Pier 15 at the Seaport in NYC: 78 South Street, NYC
- Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken: 1500 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, NJ
Yacht Highlights
The Views
Yatch Details
Customizable Spaces
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The Views
All yachts have interior climate-controlled decks with large windows and large outer decks offering unparalleled views of iconic sights from a variety of angles, creating alluring backdrops.
While routes are completely customizable, classic iconic New York City sights seen from yacht routes along the Hudson and East Rivers include the Empire State Building, Vessel at Hudson Yards, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, Battery Park City, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, Governors Island, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Iconic New Jersey sights viewed from yacht routes are Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, the Colgate Clock and Erie Lackawanna Railroad Terminal.
Yacht Highlights
The Views
All yachts have interior climate-controlled decks with large windows and large outer decks offering unparalleled views of iconic sights from a variety of angles, creating alluring backdrops.
While routes are completely customizable, classic iconic New York City sights seen from yacht routes along the Hudson and East Rivers include the Empire State Building, Vessel at Hudson Yards, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, Battery Park City, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, Governors Island, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Iconic New Jersey sights viewed from yacht routes are Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, the Colgate Clock and Erie Lackawanna Railroad Terminal.
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Yacht Details
City Cruises yachts range in size, with capacity for 120 to 1,000 passengers. Each yacht has its own unique style — from large traditional ocean liner to smaller, more modern river boat.
- Infinity is 45’ wide x 210’ long and has a passenger capacity of 1,000
- Spirit of New York is 36’ wide x 197’ long and has a passenger capacity of 600
- Spirit of New Jersey is 33’ wide x 185’ long and has a passenger capacity of 600
- Celestial (Bateaux New York) is 37′ wide x 210’ long and has a passenger capacity of 300
- Atlantica is 34′ wide x 150 long and has a passenger capacity of 400
- Serenity is 31’ wide x 145’ long and has a passenger capacity of 425
- Sensation is 39” wide x 114’ long and has a passenger capacity of 425
- Lexington is 24′ wide x 96’ long and has a passenger capacity of 120
- Manhattan Elite is 20′ wide x 96’ long and has a passenger capacity of 120
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Yacht Details
City Cruises yachts range in size, with capacity for 120 to 1,000 passengers. Each yacht has its own unique style — from large traditional ocean liner to smaller, more modern river boat.
- Infinity is 45’ wide x 210’ long and has a passenger capacity of 1,000
- Spirit of New York is 36’ wide x 197’ long and has a passenger capacity of 600
- Spirit of New Jersey is 33’ wide x 185’ long and has a passenger capacity of 600
- Celestial (Bateaux New York) is 37′ wide x 210’ long and has a passenger capacity of 300
- Atlantica is 34′ wide x 150 long and has a passenger capacity of 400
- Serenity is 31’ wide x 145’ long and has a passenger capacity of 425
- Sensation is 39” wide x 114’ long and has a passenger capacity of 425
- Lexington is 24′ wide x 96’ long and has a passenger capacity of 120
- Manhattan Elite is 20′ wide x 96’ long and has a passenger capacity of 120
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Customizable Spaces
All yachts can be used in traditional dining, sightseeing, private party cruise set-ups. Additionally, they can be cleared out, functioning as a blank, customizable space with external furniture, lighting, sound and finishings bringing each production’s vision to fruition. Each yacht has full electricity, running water and HVAC. Yachts have a combination of polished wood flooring and carpeted interiors. Most furniture can be removed except for some built-in bar counters. An accommodating team of expert captains and deck hands are equipped to handle various set-ups and can work closely to support a film crew in all their on-site needs.
Customizable Spaces
Bozeman is a modern western town that retains its historic character, as evidenced by its attractive, bustling main street. With the Bridger Mountains to the north and the Spanish Peaks to the south, Bozeman’s urban arts, culture and dining scene is balanced by the staggering natural beauty and incredible opportunities for recreation nearby. The city’s international airport provides easy access.
Productions that have filmed here: Far and Away, Montana Story, God’s Country
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Incentives & Rebates
Navigating the world of film production, financial incentives and tax rebates plays a crucial role in bringing your vision to life while maximizing your budget. This section outlines the range of incentives, tax rebates and financial support available to filmmakers choosing this location.
NEW YORK
- Incentive Type: Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit
- Incentive Amount: 25-35% (below the line residents and non-residents), N/A (above the line residents and non-residents)
- Minimum Spend: $25,000-$1 million
- Bonus: Productions with budgets over $500,000 may receive an additional 10% tax credit on qualified labor in expenses in certain upstate N.Y. counties
- Application: Submit a completed application before principal photography and production begins within 365 days
- Sales Use Tax Relief: Yes
- Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: No
- Sunset Date: January 01, 2026
NEW JERSEY
- Incentive Type: Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
- Incentive Amount: 30-37%
- Minimum Spend: $1 million
- Bonus: 5% of qualified film production expenses incurred for services rendered and property purchased. 2% added bonus awarded for the hire of minorities and women
- Audit Requirements: Submit a tax credit verification report by a New Jersey-licensed CPA
- Application: Principal photography to begin within 180 days from the tax credit application date.
- Application fees: $500 ($1 million tax credit or less), $2,500 (tax credit in excess of $1 million)
- Sales Use Tax Relief: Yes
- Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: No
- Sunset Date: June 30, 2034
Learn More About Rebates & Incentives
Films That Call City Cruises New York Home
City Cruises New York boasts a rich history in filmmaking, providing the perfect backdrop for a diverse array of movies. Explore the titles that have transformed their spaces into a canvas for storytelling, and envision how your project could be the next to add to the legacy.
Film Credits
- CSI: Miami (CBS)
- Entourage (HBO)
- Dexter (Showtime)
- Hell’s Kitchen (Fox)
- The Bachelor (ABC)
- The Millionaire Matchmaker (Bravo)
- Arrested Development (Fox)
- Columbo (NBC)
- Baywatch (NBC)
- Date My Mom (MTV)
- For the Love of Ray J (VH1)
- The Tyra Banks Show (CW)
- Blind Date (Bravo)
- The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
- Notes from the Underbelly (ABC)
- V.I.P. (2002) with Pamela Anderson; portrayed the yacht in scenes for a high seas diamond heist
- The Meddler (2015) with Susan Sarandon and J.K. Simmons
- American Sniper (2014) directed by Clint Eastwood starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller
Unlock the Perfect Backdrop for Your Production
Berna Uras
Why Contact this Location?
Diverse Locations: From bustling cityscapes to serene landscapes, find the perfect backdrop for any scene.
Permit Assistance: Simplified process to obtain necessary filming permits, ensuring a hassle-free production.
Local Production Support: Access to a network of local professionals, from crew members to equipment rental services.
Financial Incentives: Information on tax credits, grants, and other financial benefits to maximize your budget.
Location Scouting Services: Expert scouts familiar with hidden gems and iconic sites to match your script’s needs.
Accommodation Solutions: Exclusive deals and support in arranging accommodations for cast and crew.
Cultural Insight: Insights into local culture, traditions, and language to enrich your project’s authenticity.
Transport and Logistics: Assistance with transportation and logistics for equipment and personnel.
Network of Creatives: Tap into a vibrant community of filmmakers, artists, and creatives for collaboration.