Fleet Peek

By The Editors
May 21, 2012 9:00 am

Fleet Week is a patriotic time for New York, with the Navy’s ships anchored proudly in our harbor, and the Navy’s seaman anchored proudly at The Distinguished Wakamba Cocktail Lounge.

Debark from the island while they’re debarking to it: take a dinner cruise aboard the Bateaux New York and get an up-close look at modern warships and historic masted sailing vessels. Tickets available now.

A glass-encased riverboat that departs from Chelsea Piers for three-hour Hudson River excursions, the Bateaux serves an elegant white-napkin dinner against the backdrop of Fleet Week’s legendary collection of Navy aircraft carriers and destroyers, Coast Guard cutters, and of course, Manhattan’s skyline.

To celebrate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, this year’s fleet also includes 17 “tall ships” — historic, tower-masted sailing vessels from Colombia, Spain, and beyond, used to train sailors and build naval discipline. They’re seen in New York only once every ten years.

As for the three-course dinner: the Bateaux’s serving dishes like lobster bisque with sherry creme fraiche, pear-seared citrus salmon, and chocolate truffle torte, all accompanied by live music throughout the cruise.

Just don’t be the guy requesting “In the Navy.”

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