Rocks Off Concert Cruise

Rocks Off Concert Cruise is a cool way to see spectacular views of NYC, while making corny, hacky jokes like «I’m on a boat!» amongst like minded fans of a musical act. On our cruise we were aboard for the «The Sons and The Heirs» — A popular Smiths/​Morrissey cover band. We liked it so much we did it twice (2014 and 2015).
The Jewel itself is not a luxury yacht — the décor is fairly plain, but relatively clean vessel painted all white with a large area below deck with windows, bar and the band usually plays towards the front of the ship. The upper deck has a small light up dance floor (ala Saturday night Fever, but not quite) and this year has fake grass carpet along the front and side. There are plenty of chairs along the side and some outdoor furniture to sit upon in the front. There is another bar located on this level.
Watch the bartenders and what they charge you for drinks — early in the evening for we were charged $ 9 a piece for Grey Goose and Club, a half hour later he tried to charge $ 12 — a bit shady, but it’s not like you can just leave! haha Drinks are decent, but you may be better off sticking with beer.
Although it may be a bit difficult to see the band you will be able to hear the music anywhere on the boat so what I often do is just hang on the upper deck taking in those, beautiful, impressive views. Perhaps dance a little if the mood strikes. Talk with some friendly passengers. Just have a generally great time on a beautiful NYC summer night! These cruises are well worth the price of admission for a unique NYC experience.
BTW — Do you also hear «Empire State of Mind» whenever you see anything New York related or walking down her streets? Freaking Alicia Keys/​Jay Z! Get out of my head!

Rocks off is great. Organized. Fun and always a good time. The mixed drinks are very high priced but that’s to be expected. Get drunk before u get on. Sometimes they have a Buffett. I love these cruises

This was an awesome time for a 30^th birthday celebration. We saw The Jimmy Kenny Band aboard The Jewel. The tickets were relatively inexpensive: between $ 25 – 30. The drinks were on the pricier side but I just figured that’s because it’s NYC. However, the mixed drinks were STRONG but came in very small plastic cups so I felt as if I was done my drink the second I got it. The cruise was sold out and The Jewel holds 300 people but I didn’t feel like we were squished like sardines. It’s definitely best to get there early to pick your spot. It was a beautiful afternoon and the sights were spectacular. I’d love to do another cruise but at sunset or night to see the city lit up.

Came here for a RJD2 concert and had a good time overall minus the few encounters with really rude people (most likely drunk). I guess that’s unavoidable when you are in such a cramped area and on a booze cruise. Tip: Stay on the upper deck for the music (there’s really no point in being in the lower floor unless you want to get food) but go towards the back of the boat where it’s not as crowded. The closer you are to the artist, the crazier it’s going get. Plus, there is no elevation platform for the artist performing so it’s almost impossible to see them. So just do yourself a favor and go towards the back. The view from the back of the boat is just as amazing. if not, better.
This was my first time at a Rocks Off concert and I would definitely do this again. The cruise is about 3 hours. Ticket prices are very reasonable (around $ 30) — you get to listen to great music while you cruise along the beautiful east side of NYC! It’s quite breathtaking at night — all the lit up buildings, bridges and being able to see the Statue of Liberty pretty close up. I don’t think it can get better than that. Weather couldn’t of been more perfect too. Highly recommend!

Went for the ship of fools concert (wig jam), had a blast, the three hour tour was to short went by to quick. overall great time. Would totally recommend this as a great time. Plenty of bars on 2^nd ave to pre-​game before hitting the boat.

The Rocks Off Concert Cruises are a real treat. It’s like you get the best of both worlds: an awesome show and a full viewing of NYC! I feel like it’s somewhat of a secret since most people I know have never heard about it but when they do, they jump right on it. Or my friends are just not «in the know.» The only issue I personally have is that the prices for a ticket seem to have gone up quite a bit since I first started seeing bands on the boat around 6 years ago but then again, what place hasn’t increased their prices? I like all of the boats and have no preference.

The Rocks Off Concert Cruises are always a blast.

The Half Moon is way too small. Nowhere near enough space in the uncovered part of the upper deck — I was worried I was going to burn people with my cigarette. We experienced such choppy waters for more than half of the cruise that the first band nearly fell over a few times. There’s no stage (read: no elevation) for the band, so you can’t see anything unless you’re right up front. Staff were all angry bouncer types; I don’t think I got even half a smile from any of them. No mention of safety procedures or what to do in an emergency. Drinks were typically overpriced. Stay on dry land to see the bands, then take a ferry for the view.

Sweet tits! This was a hell of a good time.
A booze cruise on the E. River* done absolutely correctly — set to wonderful, melodious electronic music. Amon Tobin, to be exact, and if you do not know who the f**k that is, just throw his name into your little search engine and watch some videos.
I felt like a little kid. Confused and excited, I was. A concert, that floats? And chucks along? Weeeee!
What a better way to spend a very late Saturday night (early Sunday morning, technically) than aboard the Jewel — the second largest ship in the Rock’s Off fleet. It was an absolutely gorgeous night. Chilly, but that is what the bar is for, friends. And the music and the dancing. And the booze.
If that ships-​a-​rockin’, don’t come-​a-​… Yup. It got real weird, real quick. In the best way possible, of course.
A+ for the Rocks Off people. They organize *many* great events throughout the year. This is a professionally kick-​ass concert venue and organization. Rocks Off hosts other venues and musical wonders besides the boat cruises, but this is kind of their claim to fame. In short, they know what the hell they are doing. You are in good hands. They have provided one hell of a platform for people like myself who get stupidly happy when the words «alcohol» «miniature-​cruise-​ship» and «music» are used in the same sentence.
Bar is cash only.
This is a three hour long cruise. Don’t get kicked out, you get thrown overboard (or put into a holding cell until they dock)…so keep it chill, you crazies.
There are plenty of FAQs on the website. It provides you with all of the necessary shit you need to know.
FUCK this was fun.
*Can not be 100 percent positive that this vessel only stayed within the confines of just the river, I saw some bridges, I saw Lady Liberty (I think… it could have been your mom or girlfriend, not quite sure, the night was a bit blurry)… Yee-​haw!

Maybe it’s my fault for never carrying cash on me, but I really hate cash bars. I mean, we’re in the 21^st century, right? Doesn’t the word «cash» now equate to the word «credit?»
Besides having to borrow money from my friend, I had a good time. Being on a boat by the downtown area usually seems so cliché to me because I’m a native, but my native self and native friend had a good time.
The drinks were fine, the music was good, those who are brave enough to dance are more than welcome, but there’s one caveat I must share to those single females and males who are trying to go on this concert cruise: there are no singles but you and yourself!
The concert cruise is for couples. Maybe that’s because of their deals on tickets (2 tickets for x amount of dollars), but maybe it’s because it’s romantic. My friend and I tried to make friends, but it was slim pickin’s and we got stuck talking to some A-​OK (Read: 3-​star) people, but we didn’t rock our rocks off whatsoever.
In a couple? Well, hey, hey, now! What better place to take your baby then on this cruise!
In a group for a celebration? Come in and dominate! Be the party every single and couple wish they were in!

Ok, I was apprehensive. But, I went to No Code, the Pearl Jam boat cruise because I’m a diehard fan.
SO MUCH FUN!
There was a decent spread of food on board, which I didn’t know and had already eaten, but lots of people had it and it looked good. Upstairs you have a great view of the city and can hear the band. People were hanging out and talking. Then downstairs it was a full on concert. The band was really good, everyone I met was cool. I actually went alone since my friend got sick, but everyone was so friendly (and there for the common interest of PJ!) that I made tons of friends. The beers were sort of pricey, but honestly, what do you expect? Well worth it. Would totally do again!

I’m on a boat!
Cruising on the water along the east side of Manhattan island while rocking out to good music and seeing some terrific sights on a beautiful night is always a plus. Doing this for free is even better!
I received an email from Goldstar with a free offer for tickets to last night’s Rocks Off Concert Cruise. I figured it would be cheesy good fun for me and my girl to enjoy a night out, especially when she is a Journey and Bön Jovi fan and a cover band called BonJourney was performing on the boat. Yes, I am serious. This was just too funny!
The weather was absolutely perfect for this last night. The crowd was certainly mixed and was almost cartoonish. Younger rockers, older women in outfits they should not be in, middle aged people pounding down overpriced drinks, a group of older Asian ladies hanging out and eating food they snuck in, a group of loud drunk Russians dancing horribly, cougars on the prowl and mauling some of the younger guys the drunker they got, older married women acting like groupies as if this was the real band. It was a sight to behold, and made you giggle as if you were observing a really bad reality show competition. This was people watching perfection! Almost like a train-​wreck people of Wal-​Mart television show.
The boat itself, the Jewel, is set up as two floors with the band playing on the lower deck below, and the upper deck with seating and a small dance floor. Bars are on both levels, while food is served on the lower deck. Men’s and woman’s bathrooms are also down there. This is one of their smaller boats and fits around 300 people, but last night there was nowhere near that many and was nice and open without too much of a crowd problem. We stayed on the upper deck all night enjoying the sights and listening to the band over the loudspeakers. We had our own table and secured our spot for the evening when we got on board. It was just too nice out to go on the lower deck to watch a cover band play, plus it seemed really warm down there when I hit the bathroom.
Overall, the crowd was in good spirits, the band put on a decent enough show (even though the singer flubbed a few verses now and then), people were considerate when they bumped into you, and we had a great time. Between sets they pumped out tracks ranging from AC/​DC, Michael Jackson, Prince, Van Halen, etc. As expected, the mixed drinks were a bit overpriced at $ 8 for a sea breeze in a small plastic cup, but at least the bartender did a heavy pour of vodka when I bought one for Stacey. We didn’t bother with the food but I did see some wings, Ceasar salad, and pasta for purchase by the food station. Boat is clean and well maintained.
The sights as you pass under multiple lit-​up bridges at night, the glimmering lights of the city, and the majestic Statue of Liberty just make for a dramatic visual along the whole evening. It’s a terrific thing to experience at least once, and totally worth it if you can score free or highly discounted tickets to this three hour tour. Best to go with a group of friends to have fun with. Normally, tickets are in the $ 25-​$ 30 range, and is actually a cheap night out, especially for a cruise around Manhattan, but look on sites like Goldstar for the free or super cheap offers.

Drinks are a little expensive (supply and demand) because you’re on a boat. And you have to buy from them. Because you’re on a boat.
But seriously, I went with three friends and it was a great time. Def highly recommend it.

This is a great way to spend an evening. On the water, watching the sunset, and enjoying live music. Granted space can be a bit cramped and the acoustics aren’t great its still a lot of fun.
Try to get there early to grab a spot on the upper deck. That way you’ll get to enjoy the spectacular views. The bands usually don’t start until you are well under way.

so last night, I kicked off my summer vacation by going to see Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine (they do hilarious lounge music covers of pop/​rock/​metal/​TV songs) on a Rocks Off cruise.
now, the fact that this show was ON A BOAT was epic in and of itself. I would give the show itself 5 stars if I could. Richard Cheese is goddamn hilarious and always puts on a great show (I’ve seen him perform three times).
however, I will have to give the actual Rocks Off Concert Cruise 3 stars.
1) confiscation of my keychain-​attached multi-​tool by a security pat-​down because «it might be a weapon» is extremely lame in this day and age. and no, you can’t even get it after the show. thankfully, it was a cheap one, and I have a ton more, but still, I was not a happy camper.
2) concerts take place on one level. now, I was lucky enough to actually be on the same level as the band. however, the boat was packed, and as such, there were two other levels filled with people. I think I’d be kind of pissed if I didn’t get to see the actual band, but just hear them on the speaker systems on the other levels. maybe they should get a boat with a different layout?
fix these and we can be better friends. don’t get me wrong, seeing a concert while you float past the most beautiful skyline in the goddamn world at night is 287 kinds of awesome… but…yeah.

I went to see the Soft Rock Renegades and the Fades. It was really fun and only 20 bux! I feel like I could pay 20 bux for just a cruise minus the music in this town. It was a lovely night, there were some fireworks from somewhere. In case the weather got bad, there was plenty of indoor space.
There was a bar (natch) and food for sale. The chicken, salad and rice combo was regretted immediately after it was ordered. overpriced. But the hot dogs were only $ 2! again, I’m pretty sure hot dogs are about that much even when they are NOT on a boat.
I’m on a boat! (at least I was.)

Had an enjoyable time despite the crappy weather Thursday night. Well, actually, it didn’t rain so can’t complain too much. The boat was nice. The Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra was awesome and the drinks were decently priced at $ 8. It was a good time and I an bet even better experience when the weather is nicer.

Hard to say… I think this boat cruise could’ve been shortened to a couple hours, but I ended up staying here for about four hours, thinking crap, I’m stranded on this boat! At least it had good views of all the bridges we floated under, the Statue of Liberty, the huge red clock, etc, etc.
$ 20 for two people, and two cocktails? Definitely worth the money. It’s two stories, and I went when the white wedding band was playing 80s music. You’ve got the classics and they were full of energy, but 4 hours on a boat gets old after a bit. There was also way too much smoking going on upstairs as you’re trying to catch the view. One guy had a cig hit him as he was looking outside from downstairs (c’mon people-​aim better when you’re tossing it into the waters). They served pasta and salad for $ 10 for those who came hungry, and of course the drinks are in tiny plastic cups, but they are made strong.
Overall-​good experience as we sailed up and around the islands, and seeing the tall buildings & glowing bridges during sunset was quite the «aww» moment.

Amazing!
I saw Less Than Jake on one of these booze cruises the other night and it was one of the best shows I have ever been to. It was like seeing one of my favorite bands at a basement show except it was on a boat. There was no stage so they played right on the floor and everyone was able to get up close and sing along and go wild. There’s also a sweet little balcony section for some gnarly stage dives.
The setting was also pretty nice because you’re able to get a beautiful view of the NYC skyline at night from the Hudson River. Just make sure you don’t look in the direction of New Jersey. What a great time! This was definitely worth the trip from Boston to NYC.
I also want to give props to the bouncers. We were definitely a rowdy crowd but they kept their cool and there were no tough guy attitudes. Thanks fellas.

Rocks Off Concert Cruise could be my favorite activity in all of New York City. For about $ 20 you get to:
1) Rock out with an on-​board concert. Recently I saw a band called Bunny England and the New Originals do live karaōke with passengers, who all happened to be unbelievable singers and performers. I don’t even know how the band can have so many songs in their repertoire — from classic rock, to punk, metal, pop, it was awesome. But my favorite excursions have been with Tragedy — an all metal tribute band to the Bee Gee’s.
Which leads me to.
2) Dance party USA. You should be dancin’ yeah! Live music + shimmying + booty shakin’ + pointing + snapping + feet moves is an obvious choice.
3) Drink reasonably priced cocktails from nice bartenders aboard.
4) See incredible views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. You are waaaay closer than the Staten Island Ferry. Snap lots of pics — you can bring cameras on board.
5) BE ON A BOAT! Never thought you’d be on a boat? You don’t have buy cereal and hope for cracker jack prizes — this **** is real! No seriously, it’s quite lovely — sea breeze blowing through you hair, hearing the waves crash, gliding through the water. If you squint you may even be able to see some stars. The boats themselves are very clean with nice bathrooms, places to sit and chat, indoor and outdoor decks.
Rocks Off is deluxe. There are two main boats — one for smaller events which boards at east 23^rd Street and FDR drive, and the larger one usually departs from 41^st Street on the west side. The schedule and tix are on their website: