
Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River
Traveler rating
2.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River worth booking?
Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River is a 5-hour experience in New York, United States, from $49 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 2/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 47 / 100
- Rating
- 2/5 (4)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Set sail on a festive autumn adventure with the Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise, running on Saturdays, Sundays from October 3 to October 26 Cruise along the Hudson River, surrounded by vibrant fall colors and iconic New York landmarks while enjoying live Oktoberfest music. Delight in a menu featuring traditional bratwurst paired with seasonal sides and craft beers available for purchase. Whether relaxing on the outdoor deck or in the climate-controlled cabin, this cruise offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and festive atmosphere, making it ideal for families, couples, and groups. - Scenic 5-hour cruise along the Hudson River and New York Harbor - Indulge in an Oktoberfest-inspired menu with bratwurst and sides - Enjoy live music and a variety of craft beers available for purchase - Perfect for families, couples, and groups celebrating the season
What you get
About this experience
Set sail on a festive autumn adventure with the Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise, running on Saturdays, Sundays from October 3 to October 26 Cruise along the Hudson River, surrounded by vibrant fall colors and iconic New York landmarks while enjoying live Oktoberfest music. Delight in a menu featuring traditional bratwurst paired with seasonal sides and craft beers available for purchase. Whether relaxing on the outdoor deck or in the climate-controlled cabin, this cruise offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and festive atmosphere, making it ideal for families, couples, and groups. - Scenic 5-hour cruise along the Hudson River and New York Harbor - Indulge in an Oktoberfest-inspired menu with bratwurst and sides - Enjoy live music and a variety of craft beers available for purchase - Perfect for families, couples, and groups celebrating the season
What's included
Included
- General addition on cruise
Not included
- Brunch
What you'll see and do
Statue of Liberty
Photo opp with the Statue of Liberty
Pass by without stopping
George Washington Bridge
Pass under the George Washington Bridge to enter the hudson valley.
Pass by without stopping
Hudson River Valley
Enjoy beautiful views of the Hudson River Valley.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
Meet our vessel at the docking area at Pier 36.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet our vessel at the docking area at Pier 36.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- NYC Water Cruises
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great trip
I went to this boat trip with my friend and we both enjoyed scenery and food. We had seats and table, seated with 2 other people. There was a lot of food, including sea food. The views were great and guide was telling interesting stories about nyc landmarks.
via Tripadvisor
Extremely disappointing
My tour was "Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise Autumn on the Water on the Grande Mariner" 1. Not the same boat shown in listing (not the Grand Mariner). No upper deck seating at all. Hardly any outdoor seating - just a few skinny benches. 2. Departed almost 40 minutes late. 3. Live music was a few standards by a sax & guitar duo - fine, but a lot of the music was taped, very loud, annoying Puerto Rican music. 4. "Oktoberfest" luncheon? Some tired sausages and a few onions (Potatoes? Sauerkraut? No.) but also a pasta, hard-shell tacos (?!), yellow rice, chicken wings, limp, overdressed Caesar salad, and frozen mixed vegetables, and all of it disgusting. 5. Boat cruised only as far as George Washington Bridge and turned around, so no views of the upper Hudson foliage. 6. Then, for some unfathomable reason - I suppose to make up for the late start? - a visit to the Statue of Liberty. I did not book and pay to see that. I paid to see Hudson River foliage. Complete disappointment. Operator should be ashamed.
via Tripadvisor
Skip it. A total waste of money. NOT even close to what was advertised.
We signed up for the Fall Foliage with an Oktoberfest theme and it was absolute rubbish and 100% false advertising. Nothing, and I mean nothing, in the listing was accurate, for example: • Meeting point is "slip 2" - nope, slip 8 and there was one sign on the whole dock which pointed the complete opposite direction from the slip and no other indication of where the ship would dock or sign of where to queue up • "Tour duration 4 hours" ( listed on site, 5 hours listed on Groupon) - nope, total trip was 3 hours and that includes the boarding and disembarking time • "Oktoberfest theme" with Bratwürst (and "hearty German fare") - nope, hotdogs with pickles on them and chips and fruit (which were actually quite tastily but the listing said brats and seasonal fare). and rice (yes, Germans are known for their rice) • "Live German music - nope, a jazz duo (who were actually great but I was expecting, based on the description, a German oompa band or any sort of German music) • "Colourful leaves of the Palisades" - nope, we did not even get remotely close to the Palisades which are past the George Washington Bridge; we did not even go UNDER the GW Bridge but turned around at least 500 yards before it Also, the boarding process was ridiculous. We'd be queuing for 30 minutes and the check in person could have started the process but no, he starts 5 minutes before departure and we left the pier 15 minutes after departure time. Disorganized an so many levels. Everyone was late that day, I guess. They were pulling an empty 85 inch TV box out of the main seating area, cable cords all over the top deck, food not set up, and they kept moving the emcee around because the mic was not piped throughout the vessel (the emcee was actually fab, no complaints against him). But it portrayed how frazzled the whole crew were. The crew were kind and amazing, but whoever is in charge of this show s running the ship full speed into an iceberg.
via Tripadvisor
Do not go on their Fall Foliage Tour
Do not go on this Fall Foliage Boat. The boat was an hour late and instead of us getting the full 4 hours they went slowly up the Hudson then speed back down to dock so we would be back by 2:30. There were no apologizes or updates for the tardiness. The boat did not go past the Manhattan harbor. The Oktoberfest decor we got was flags. There was not one single German beer. The food spread was a random selection of food with the only Oktoberfest items being a hard pretzel and possibly a bratwurst on a sandwich bun(O say possibly because it seemed like a hotdog). The alcohol is not included either. So would definitely not recommend this at all. I requested a refund and was told I would hear back but it’s been 2 business days, and I still haven’t got an update.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by NYC Water Cruises, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.9.
See everything NYC Water Cruises runsWhy this scores 47
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River cost?
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Prices start at $49 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.
Is Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (2/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New York?
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New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New York?
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September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New York?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River?
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Included: General addition on cruise. Not included: Brunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River?
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Meet our vessel at the docking area at Pier 36. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Fall Foliage Oktoberfest Cruise on the Hudson River?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 2.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, photo opportunities, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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