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Catch autumn on the Hudson from the deck of the Emerald Princess. This 2.5-hour late lunch cruise from Peekskill to West Point pairs a generous buffet with unbeatable fall foliage views—an easy, social way to experience the Highlands’ color show.
Catch autumn on the Hudson from the deck of the Emerald Princess. This 2.5-hour late lunch cruise from Peekskill to West Point pairs a generous buffet with unbeatable fall foliage views—an easy, social way to experience the Highlands’ color show.
Book with R.M.S. Cruises
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
310 ratings
Operated by R.M.S. Cruises · Peekskill, New York
Leaf Lovers - Late Lunch Cruise 🍁 delivers a classic Hudson River autumn in a single, easy afternoon. Boarding at the Peekskill waterfront in Peekskill, New York, the Emerald Princess slips north toward West Point and the Hudson Highlands, offering open-air views of Bear Mountain, Iona Island, Constitution Island and the Military Academy grounds.
The cruise runs Sundays through November 22 with a 3:30-6:00 PM sailing and a 2.5-hour duration. Guests choose the open-air upper deck for crisp river air and close-up leaf color or the climate-controlled lower deck for panoramic windows and the late lunch buffet. The menu blends comfort and variety: fresh mesclun greens, fruit and cheese displays, mini gourmet sandwiches (turkey, ham, roast beef, eggplant & mozzarella and more), potato and macaroni salads, plus hot plates such as meatless lasagna, eggplant rollatini and assorted mini quiches. Kids and adults both find options; children ages 4 and under ride free.
What makes this trip stand out is access to Hudson River scenery that’s normally viewed from roadside overlooks. From water level you read the fall as a banded ribbon of color clinging to steep slopes of metamorphic bedrock in the Hudson Highlands - old, weathered gneiss and schist that give the valley its stark contours. You'll pass Constitution Island’s low-lying bluffs and wide reaches near West Point, where the U.S. Military Academy’s stone architecture punctuates forested ridgelines. Raptor sightings are common in autumn thermals; bring binoculars.
Practical notes: boarding begins at 3:00 PM at Peekskill's dock and free parking is usually available near the boarding site. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled; seating is limited to about 90 guests. The vessel accommodates wheelchairs on the main deck, and the operator asks guests using mobility devices to call ahead for assistance.
This cruise is social and photographic rather than a wilderness expedition—ideal for families, couples and photographers seeking dramatic late-afternoon light across tidal water and riparian woodland. It's also an accessible way to experience local landmarks like Bear Mountain and West Point without the hike. Book early for weekend dates in October and November; on clear days the river acts like a long mirror for the foliage, and the late lunch service means you watch the colors while you eat. Whether you want one last bright afternoon of fall or an easy, scenic meal on the move, the Leaf Lovers Late Lunch Cruise delivers a Hudson River perspective that sticks with you.
Reserve seats online early via the provided booking link to secure window seating on the upper deck; evenings sell out fast during peak color weeks. Dress in layers—the river chills quickly after sunset—and bring a compact tripod for low-light shots. The crew offers friendly commentary about landmarks en route.
Boarding begins at the Peekskill waterfront; arrive at least 30 minutes before the 3:30 PM departure. Free parking is usually available nearby.
Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled; space and meal are guaranteed at time of booking.
Yes — the late lunch buffet is included and runs during the northbound leg and return, featuring salads, sandwiches and hot entrees.
Yes. The Emerald Princess is wheelchair accessible on the main deck. Guests using mobility devices should contact RMS Cruises ahead of time for boarding assistance.
Yes. Children ages 5–12 have reduced fares, and children 4 & under ride free. Family-friendly menu items are available.
The vessel has climate-controlled indoor seating, so the cruise runs in most weather; check with the operator for cancellations or severe-weather notices.
R.M.S. Cruises is a Peekskill, New York-based cruise operator offering seasonal and special-event excursions on the Hudson River aboard the Emerald Princess. The company focuses on a mix of family-friendly holiday sailings, scenic brunch and sunset cruises, and special-event departures that showcase river views, historic landmarks, and local foliage. R.M.S. Cruises operates scheduled public cruises including the Polar Express Cruise with Santa, Sunset Sips Cruise, Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise, Weekend Brunch Cruise, and Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise. Each cruise departs from Peekskill and emphasizes onboard hospitality, comfortable climate-controlled spaces, and panoramic views of the Hudson River and nearby landmarks such as Bear Mountain Bridge and West Point. The Emerald Princess serves as the primary vessel for these experiences and is described in booking materials as the event platform for dining, live music, and holiday programming. R.M.S. Cruises is practical for families seeking themed holiday outings, couples looking for scenic sunset sailings, and groups wanting a catered brunch on the water. For cruises with specific inclusions, booking descriptions note items such as complimentary beverages on select sailings, made-to-order dining options on brunch departures, and children's gifts during holiday cruises. Availability, schedules, and detailed menus vary by departure and season; prospective passengers are directed to the official listing or reservation platform for current information and ticketing. R.M.S. Cruises is featured on The Adventure Collective and lists public, ticketed cruises from Peekskill, NY. Booking, pricing, and accessibility information are available on the R.M.S. Cruises listing for each scheduled departure and updates throughout the year.
Book with R.M.S. Cruises