FAQs

WE HAD A FEELING YOU’D ASK THAT!

ARE YOU OPEN WHEN IT RAINS?

Rain or Shine, We’ve Got You Covered!

At North River Lobster Company, we’re committed to providing you with an exceptional experience, come rain or shine. While we typically sail regardless of weather conditions, we prioritize your safety above all else.

In the rare event of extremely heavy rain or unsafe wind conditions, causing us to cancel a sailing, rest assured we’ll promptly contact you to rebook your excursion or provide a refund.

Your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities.

RESCHEDULING & REFUNDS

To reschedule your cruise, please reach out to us via email at pier81info@nycl.com or by calling 212-630-8841. During busy periods, email is the preferred method of contact as we may not be able to answer the phone.

Please note that all ticket sales are final, and we do not offer refunds for reasons such as bad weather, tardiness, or unforeseen route modifications. Refunds are only provided in the extremely rare instance where we must cancel the cruise entirely.

If you miss your scheduled cruise, don’t worry! You’ll receive a one-time courtesy invitation to reschedule your cruise within 30 days of the original event date. Rescheduling is subject to availability and applies only to guests with daily dinner cruise tickets of equal or lesser value. Please note that this offer does not apply to specialty cruises or holiday events.

When requesting a reschedule, please include the following information in your email to pier81info@nycl.com:

  • Name:
  • Order Number:
  • Cruise Name:
  • First Desired Reschedule Date & Time:
  • Second Desired Reschedule Date & Time:

Our team will respond to your email within 24 hours to assist you with rescheduling. Please note that same-day requests are not guaranteed, so we recommend checking availability prior to your selection.

Thank you for choosing North River Lobster Company, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard soon!

DO I HAVE TO PAY TO RIDE?

Yes, anyone over 5 years old needs a Reserved Boarding Pass to get on the boat. Boarding Passes fees vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Generally speaking weekdays sails are less expensive than weekend sails. The 2 hour cruise to the Statue is always more expensive than the 1 hour cruise.

Reserved Boarding Passes are sold at the box office at Pier 81 or you can buy one here. Season Passes are also available for $45, and are only available for purchase online, not at the ticket office.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?

We welcome guests of all ages on board. Guests 5 and under are free, all other guests require the standard boarding pass to access the cruise. For safety reasons, guests 10 and under would not be allowed on the top deck.  

CAN I STAY ON THE BOAT LONGER THAN MY CRUISE TIME?

Guests are welcome to stay on board for multiple departures at the cruise manager’s discretion. Ask your server for assistance once seated. 

DO YOU ONLY OFFER SEAFOOD?

No. Though our menu is seafood and lobster-roll focused, there are plenty of non-seafood items like our burger, chicken sandwich and wings. We also have vegetarian and gluten-free items as well.

*Guests with a shellfish allergy are advised to join us on our sister cruise La Barca Cantina.  

DO I NEED RESERVATIONS?

We ONLY take reservations for groups of 15 or more. Groups of 14 or less will need a boarding pass to board. Do keep in mind seating is first come, first served. Arriving early during peak times is the best way to ensure your party can be seated together. Click here to get your boarding pass today.

ACCESSIBILITY

The main level of our vessel is accessible to all guests. The marine crew is available to assist with boarding if needed. For reference, there are approximately 15 steps from the main level to the second/third level.

PARKING

Parking is available on a first come, first served basis at Pier 83/Pier 81. Pricing starts at $40 and up depending on the time/day & the size of the vehicle.  

CAN I BOOK A PARTY ON THE BOAT?

Absolutely! Please fill out an inquiry form on groups page

WHAT’S THE DRESS CODE?

We’re casual. The dress code is informal and laid back. Think Key West or Cape Cod.

CAN I BRING MY PET ON BOARD?

Unfortunately, no. We do not allow pets on board the boat, but pets are welcome on the pier.

HOW MANY PEOPLE FIT ON THE BOAT?

Our boat, the Destiny, can comfortably accommodate 450 people, spanning our three decks.

DOES THE BOAT HAVE AN OUTDOOR DECK FOR DINING?

We have three! We have a floating rooftop and extended outdoor deck space on the first and second levels. And there’s an aft-facing balcony on the stern for folks who want to see their troubles float away behind them.

I WENT TO THE LOBSTER BOAT AND YOU WERE CLOSED. WHY?

In the spring and fall, we don’t operate as frequently as during the summer. Please check our website home page for the most up to date schedule. Also, just like other restaurants, sometimes we close for private events although this happens infrequently. If we’re closed or you missed the boat, you can visit our other restaurant boat, La Barca Cantina.

CAN WE COME JUST FOR DRINKS?

We’re a restaurant so all of our tables are for guests who are planning to dine with us. We have a bar inside which you are welcome to sit at if you’re only having drinks.