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Classic Harbor Line Featured in Passport Magazine

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Woman on the bow of a boat looking with binoculars at a nature island.
“SAIL AWAY WITH
CLASSIC HARBOR LINE”
– Jeff Heilman.
Schooner Adirondack sailing in front of the Statue of Liberty

Read the full article here!

 

Classic Harbor Line is proud to be featured in the esteemed Passport Magazine. Highlighting our cruises and company history, the article emphasizes our dedication to unique, immersive experiences. From scenic architectural tours to eco-focused excursions, our programs provide a distinctive perspective of New York City’s waterways.

The article celebrates NYC’s 520 miles of waterfront, a cruising wonderland rich with history. It notes the diversity of New York Harbor, with its iconic islands, historic bridges, and flourishing marine life. Guests aboard our vessels experience these marvels in comfort and style, gaining new insights into the city.

Boats

Classic Harbor Line’s story began with Scarano Boat Building Inc., founded in Albany in 1974. John Scarano’s passion for boating led to the creation of our fleet, which now spans four locations. These elegant vessels combine period-inspired designs with modern technology for a seamless experience.

Tours

Among the programs highlighted, Passport Magazine describes our “Around Manhattan Architecture Tour.” Narrated by experts from the American Institute of Architects, this tour dives into NYC’s architectural and maritime history. Guests enjoy panoramic views aboard Manhattan II, a 1920s-inspired yacht with teak decks and glass-enclosed observatories.

The article also spotlights our eco-focused “Urban Naturalist Tour,” led by urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. Guests explore abandoned islands, seabird sanctuaries, and NYC’s ecological initiatives. These journeys reveal a side of the city often unseen, fostering a deeper appreciation of its natural and urban ecosystems.

Our inaugural “Seals, Seabirds, and Winter Wildlife Tour” also gained praise for its engaging storytelling and wildlife sightings. Basking seals, seabirds, and a breathtaking sunset create a memorable winter adventure. Passengers depart with newfound knowledge and a renewed connection to NYC’s maritime world.

Our Missions

Classic Harbor Line is committed to more than just sightseeing. Our philanthropic efforts include supporting LGBTQIA+ youth through the Hetrick-Martin Institute. Each June, we proudly host a PRIDE Sail fundraiser, flying a massive Pride flag on Adirondack III.

Passport Magazine recognizes Classic Harbor Line as a company of passion, purpose, and excellence. We’re honored to offer curated cruises that inspire, educate, and delight. Whether exploring New York, Boston, Newport, or Key West, our guests embark on voyages of discovery.

Thank You

We thank Passport Magazine for showcasing our unique contribution to NYC’s vibrant culture. Join us for an unforgettable journey on the water!

Featured on The Sherri Show!

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Sherri from the Sherri Show smiling

Sherri Fam VS. Besties in Viral Holiday Game!

Interior of yacht Manhattan II decked out in Holiday decor
Classic Harbor Line Featured on The Sherri Show!

We are thrilled to announce Classic Harbor Line was recently featured on The Sherri Show!

Our unforgettable cruise was the grand prize for the winners of the show’s festive “Holiday Express Relay” segment. Additionally, this fun and lively competition aired during the holiday season, spreading joy and excitement.

Hosted by the wonderful Sherri Shepherd, The Sherri Show is known for its vibrant energy. In fact, in the holiday relay challenge, contestants competed in a spirited race filled with holiday cheer. The winners walked away with an exclusive cruise aboard one of our classic yachts.

About the Prize

The prize included a memorable journey on the waters of New York Harbor. Guests experience stunning skyline views, a comfortable atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality on our cruises. We’re emphatically honored to have our cruise featured as a reward for such an exciting competition.

Learn More

At Classic Harbor Line, we take pride in offering unique and luxurious experiences. From sightseeing cruises to themed tours, each voyage is designed to create lasting memories. Altogether, being part of The Sherri Show gave us the chance to share our passion for excellence with a national audience.

For those who missed the segment, you can watch the fun above. We hope you’ll see why a cruise with us was the perfect prize for the winners.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking a relaxing escape, we invite you aboard. Visit our website or call us at 212.627.1825 to explore our variety of cruises and book your adventure.

Thank you to The Sherri Show for featuring Classic Harbor Line this holiday season. Congratulations to the winners, and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard soon!

Downtown Post NYC

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Harbor seals at Swinburne Island
“Some people might be surprised at the diversity of the animals and birds that show up in New York City to spend part or all of the winter. Aboard Classic Harbor Line’s yacht, Manhattan II, you can see for yourself.”
–Terese Loeb Kreuzer. Editor, Downtown Post NYC.
Island with a bridge in the background

Read the whole article here!

We’re thrilled to share that Downtown Post NYC has spotlighted Classic Harbor Line‘s Seals, Seabirds, and Winter Wildlife Tour! Discover New York City’s vibrant winter ecosystem aboard the elegant yacht, Manhattan II. Guided by urban naturalist Gabriel Willow, this tour reveals the hidden wildlife thriving in New York Harbor. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and curious explorers, this tour promises an intimate connection with the city’s winter wildlife.

Seals first returned to New York Harbor in 2001 as the waters grew cleaner. Now, they thrive during winter months, enjoying safety and plentiful fish near the islands. Each seal consumes 10 to 18 pounds of fish daily, depending on its size.

Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting great black-backed gulls, the largest gulls in the world. Double-crested cormorants, with their distinct feathers, are common and active in the area. Rarer great cormorants also appear, making this tour a birdwatcher’s dream.

Let Classic Harbor Line guide you through a winter wonderland unlike any other.

Want to know more?

From January 5 to March 2, 2025, embark on this 2.75-hour cruise departing from Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers. Encounter Harbor Seals on Swinburne Island, a sanctuary offering safety and abundant fish. Spot great black-backed gulls and other fascinating seabirds.

Tickets include a light meal, a beverage, and heated indoor seating with outdoor deck access. Prices are $124 for adults and $86 for children (10+).

Don’t miss this unique adventure that has been featured in DowntownPostNYC.com! Book now at sail-nyc.com or call (212) 627-1825!

Festive fun on The Sherri Show!

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Sherri talk show poster
“Sherri Fam Plays Ring Around the Wreath!”
Live band and vocalist entertain couple enjoying a cocktail
Classic Harbor Line’s Holiday Cocoa and Carols Cruise Featured on The Sherri Show

Classic Harbor Line is thrilled to be part of the festive fun on The Sherri Show! Our beloved Cocoa and Carols Cruise was the featured prize in the holiday game “Ring Around the Wreath.” This exciting and lively competition brought holiday cheer to viewers and contestants alike.

The Sherri Show, hosted by the vibrant Sherri Shepherd, aired this delightful segment during the holiday season. Contestants played the game with enthusiasm, aiming to win big. Although not everyone secured the most wreaths, those receiving our cruise were certainly winners!

Our Cocoa and Carols Cruise is a cherished holiday tradition in New York City. Guests enjoy a cozy atmosphere aboard our elegantly decorated yachts, sipping cocoa and listening to carols. This festive cruise offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, adding magic to the holiday season.

The show highlighted why this experience is a perfect gift or seasonal outing. Families, friends, and couples alike adore the joyful ambiance and holiday cheer on board. We’re honored that The Sherri Show chose this cruise as a coveted prize, showcasing its value and charm.

The featured segment brought smiles and excitement to both the contestants and the audience. For those who missed it, you can watch the clip above. We’re sure you’ll agree it was a wonderful way to spread holiday spirit.

At Classic Harbor Line, we strive to create unforgettable moments on the water for all guests. Our Cocoa and Carols Cruise is just one of many unique offerings. Whether celebrating the holidays or enjoying a quiet evening, we have something special for everyone.

Thank you to The Sherri Show for featuring us and spreading holiday joy. Congratulations to all the contestants, and we can’t wait to welcome the prize winners aboard!

Abandoned Islands Sunset Cruise

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Cruising past Abandoned Islands off the right bow.

Abandoned Islands Sunset Cruise

untapped New York’s Things to do this week in NYC : June 26th- July 3rd

Guests take photos of the abandoned islands and landscape port side

untapped New York named Classic Harbor Line‘s Abandoned Islands Sunset Cruise one of the top things to do this week in NYC!

Join Classic Harbor Line for a remarkable sunset cruise exploring the hidden gems of New York City’s North and South Brother Islands. Our expert urban naturalist will guide you through the particularly fascinating history of these islands. Many now reclaimed by nature and serving as sanctuaries for shorebirds.

Indeed! Bring your binoculars for viewing stunning wildlife!

Discover the captivating stories behind the 19th-century quarantine hospital, the former summer estate of a Yankees owner, and other intriguing mysteries of the East River islands. Sip on a glass of something bubbly while enjoying this unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Hot Tip! Keep an eye out for Black Crowned Night Herons among the ruins!

The tour, priced at $124, includes a glass of champagne and a sandwich. The cruise is timed correspondingly with sunset, providing stunning views of the city illuminated at night. This tour is offered aboard either our yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II. The Abandoned Islands Sunset Cruise is a limited engagement for the months of June, July, and August.

Read untapped new york‘s article about the Abandoned Island’s Sunset Cruise here! Looking for tickets? Book tickets here!

NYC’s Abandoned Islands

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Off bow of Manhattan, guests see an Abandoned Island in the distance

“The Forgotten History of NYC’s Abandoned Islands – and how you can see them up close”

Comprehensive map of NYC with dots indicating; N.Brother Island, Mill Rock, S. brother Island, Roosevelt Island, Belmont Island, and Chelsea Pier 62

This story by Alex Oliveira highlights our unique new cruise. The Urban Naturalist Tour: Abandoned Islands. Classic Harbor Line‘s tour explores the abandoned islands along New York City’s East River, overflowing with history and natural beauty.

The cruise runs three-hours on our beautiful 1920s-style yacht. The tour reviewed was narrated by naturalist Gabriel Willow.

During the tour, guests visit several islands including; Belmont, Roosevelt, Randall’s, Mill Rock, North, and South Brother Islands. Each of these islands have diverse histories, from being homes to baseball stars like Babe Ruth to sites of historic maritime disasters and quarantine hospitals. Therefore, this cruise offers insights into these diverse histories and highlights the wildlife sanctuaries that have now become part of the island’s new life.

The tour, priced at $124, includes a glass of champagne as well as a sandwich. The cruise is correspondingly timed to allow you and your loved ones to enjoy all there is to see at sunset. This tour provides stunning views of the city illuminated at night. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to bring binoculars for unforgettable wildlife viewing aboard our boating adventure!

Read about NYC’s Abandoned Islands in the article here!

Classic Harbor Line’s Urban Naturalist Tour

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Schooner Adirondack sailing on the Hudson River with a rainbow over the NYC Skyline

Classic Harbor Line’s Urban Naturalist Tour

“Discovering New York’s Forgotten Isles:

A Unique Cruise Experience” – Hal C Clarke

Couple gazes out the windows of interior cabin at abandoned island across the water

TJV News reports on our exciting new cruise! Read the article here.

Experience New York City like never before with Classic Harbor Line’s Urban Naturalist Tour, offering an up-close look at the forgotten islands along the East River. These islands are teeming with history, having hosted baseball stars, maritime disasters, wildlife sanctuaries, and deadly diseases.

Our tour begins at the tiny Belmont Island. Then navigates past Roosevelt and Randall’s Islands before reaching Mill Rock at the Harlem River’s mouth. Next, we venture through Hell Gate to North and South Brother Islands; home to idyllic serene shorebird sanctuaries with a storied past.

Guided by naturalist Gabriel Willow, you’ll hear captivating tales of these islands’ inhabitants, including Typhoid Mary and former Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert. Following Ruppert, he owned a summer home on South Brother Island, where Babe Ruth often practiced batting. Ruppert is known for transforming the Yankees by bringing Babe Ruth to the team and building Yankee Stadium. The mansion burned down in 1909, and the island remained largely abandoned until it was transformed into a bird sanctuary in 2007.

You’ll also learn about the eerie remains of the quarantine hospital on North Brother Island, where Typhoid Mary spent her final years. Both islands now thrive as seabird sanctuaries, however they are now untouched by human activity.

The tour continues past Mill Rock, a fortified position during the War of 1812, now a nature educational center, and Belmont Island, created during tunnel construction beneath the river. Finally, the tour coincides with the sunset. The cruise offers stunning views of the city illuminated by night, providing a beautiful contrast to the natural stillness of the river islands.

Don’t miss this unique journey through New York’s hidden historical gems.

A $124 ticket includes a glass of champagne and a sandwich, making for a perfect evening on the water. Running every Sunday through July, this three-hour cruise aboard a 1920s-style yacht promises an adventure through time.

Book your ticket today and bring binoculars to enhance your experience.