New York City Luxury 6-course Dinner Bus Tour

Planning a night out in New York City that combines sightseeing with fine dining sounds perfect—at least on paper. The New York City Luxury 6-course Dinner Bus Tour aims to offer just that: a scenic ride through the city’s top landmarks combined with a gourmet French dinner. But is it worth the hefty price tag of $209 per person? We’ve taken a close look at what this experience really offers, based on official details and firsthand reviews.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see NYC from the comfort of a luxury double-decker bus with a glass roof, which promises fantastic views without the hassle of navigating busy streets. The six-course French meal by Chef Sebastien Nicolleau sounds enticing for food lovers wanting something more upscale than typical tourist fare. Plus, the convenience of a mobile ticket and a 2.5-hour duration makes it an appealing option for an evening out.

However, a significant drawback emerges from reviews—namely, the risk of cancellations or limited availability, which could spoil your plans entirely. That’s an important consideration if you’re booking well in advance and rely on this experience for your NYC itinerary.

This tour might appeal most to couples or small groups seeking a romantic, hassle-free way to enjoy the city’s sights and cuisine. But, as we’ll explore, the actual experience may not align with expectations set by the promotional material.

Good To Know

• Scenic views from a glass-roof bus provide a unique perspective on NYC landmarks.
• High price point for what is largely a sightseeing journey with a gourmet meal.
• Potential for cancellations or logistical issues could affect plans.
• The dining experience is French cuisine, prepared by a professional chef, which adds a touch of elegance.
• Limited reviews suggest mixed experiences, with some travelers disappointed by cancellations.
• The tour is suitable for those seeking a luxury, stress-free evening with scenic city views and fine dining.

What Does the Tour Include?

This experience offers a 6-course dinner paired with a guided tour of New York’s most iconic sights, all from the comfort of a luxury double-decker bus. The dinner is described as seasonal French cuisine, prepared by Chef Sebastien Nicolleau, which hints at a thoughtfully curated menu. The sights you’d see include Times Square, Bryant Park, the Flatiron Building, Little Italy, Chinatown, and passing not far from Brooklyn Bridge.

The tour operates in the evening, starting at 7:15 pm from Broadway and W 58th Street, and lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. While the itinerary covers key landmarks like the Empire State Building, Wall Street, Battery Park, and the Woolworth Building, it’s important to note that the tour is primarily about viewing these sites from the bus, not getting off for detailed exploration.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What Can You Expect?

Stop at Times Square: Expect to see one of the most recognizable parts of NYC lit up at night. It’s an iconic opener, perfect for photos and soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Bryant Park and Flatiron Building: These stops offer glimpses of classic NYC architecture, framed by the glow of city lights. While you’re not guaranteed time to explore on foot, the views from the bus are still impressive.

Little Italy and Chinatown: These neighborhoods bring cultural vibrancy, and passing through them provides a visual feast of colorful storefronts and bustling streets—albeit from a moving vehicle.

Brooklyn Bridge: The bus doesn’t stop here, but passing near the bridge offers a scenic backdrop, especially at night. It’s a photo opportunity in the making, if you’re quick with your camera.

Woolworth Building, Wall Street, Battery Park: These landmarks highlight NYC’s financial and historical heart. The tour provides a broad overview, perfect for first-time visitors wanting a quick glance.

The National 9/11 Memorial, Hudson Yards, Empire State Building: As you pass these sites, you’ll get a sense of the city’s resilience and architectural grandeur. The Empire State Building, in particular, is a highlight, with its towering presence illuminated at night.

The Dining Experience: French Cuisine in the Sky?

The meal is described as a six-course affair, curated seasonally by Chef Nicolleau. While details on the menu are limited, French cuisine suggests a menu with refined flavors, possibly including classics like foie gras, escargot, or a delicate dessert. The restaurant-quality meal is a significant part of the experience—if it lives up to the promise.

However, reviews reveal some skepticism about the meal’s quality or service. Since tips and drinks are not included, travelers should budget accordingly if they wish to indulge in beverages or gratuities.

How Worthwhile Is the Price?

At over $200 per person, this tour is certainly on the pricier side for a sightseeing dinner. When we consider the value, it hinges largely on the quality of the meal, the comfort of the transport, and the views. A luxury double-decker bus with a glass roof sounds luxurious, but the true value depends heavily on the experience living up to expectations.

Given the limited reviews, with at least one reviewer sharing disappointment due to cancellation, it’s clear that the experience may not always match the high price. You might find that the cancellation the day before leaves you scrambling, especially if plans were centered around this tour.

The fact that this experience is limited to a maximum of 38 travelers suggests a more intimate, upscale vibe—yet, it also means fewer chances for last-minute bookings or adjustments.

Real Traveler Insights: What Do People Say?

One reviewer shared a frustrating experience: “Disappointed & NEVER again will trust this service”. The tour was canceled just a day before due to an issue with the bus, ruining their plans. This highlights a major risk—plans made around this experience could be compromised.

Another point to consider is that most travelers book it about 45 days in advance, which indicates high demand but also a risk of disappointment if cancellations happen. The limited feedback makes it difficult to gauge overall satisfaction, but the consistent mention of cancellations or logistical issues suggests that reliability might be an issue.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appears most suited for couples or small groups seeking a romantic, hassle-free evening with scenic views and sophisticated dining. If you’re looking for a luxurious way to see NYC without the hassle of walking or navigating, it could appeal.

However, travelers who prioritize reliable reservations or are on a tight schedule might want to proceed with caution. The risk of cancellations and the lack of detailed reviews make it a less-than-sure choice.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For a $209 price tag, this tour offers the appeal of a scenic, comfortable ride with the promise of gourmet dining and prime views of NYC landmarks. The luxury bus with a glass roof sounds ideal for those wanting to enjoy the city’s lights and architecture without the walking.

That said, the mixed reviews—mainly revolving around cancellations—are a warning sign. If you’re lucky enough to experience it without hiccups, it could be a memorable, romantic night. But if reliability is critical for your plans, you might want to explore alternative sightseeing options or private tours.

This tour delivers a stylish, scenic experience with high-end food, but the risk of last-minute cancellations and the limited independent reviews mean it’s best for travelers who are flexible, well-informed, and ready to adapt if things don’t go perfectly.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
A six-course dinner with French cuisine and a guided sightseeing tour across New York City’s top landmarks, all from a luxury bus.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Broadway and W 58th Street at 7:15 pm and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the approximately 2.5-hour experience.

Are drinks or tips included?
No, drinks and tips are not included. You should plan to budget extra if you want beverages or to tip the staff.

Is this experience suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, including service animals. However, due to its luxury nature and limited capacity, it’s best suited for those seeking a comfortable, upscale evening.

Can I cancel this booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience are non-refundable.

What should I be aware of before booking?
Cancellations or logistical issues may occur, so don’t plan other activities immediately after. Also, the experience might be affected if the bus encounters problems, as some reviews have indicated.

In summary, the New York City Luxury 6-course Dinner Bus Tour is an appealing package for those wanting a combination of scenic views and fine dining in a luxurious setting. But, with the potential for cancellations and limited review feedback, travelers should weigh the risks against the promise of elegance and comfort. If the experience goes smoothly, it could be a night to remember—if not, it might be best to keep alternative plans in mind.