On December 9th, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises  and World Yacht Dinner Cruises celebrated the festive season and lent support to two Local Non-Profits with the first annual Lighting of the Ships – which was a Family-friendly Visual Spectacular! The popular Cruise providers hosted an evening of lights and revelry for local New Yorkers at Piers 81 and 83, including two specialty cruises for Cruise provider-selected NYC non-profit organizations, each of which is committed to enhancing the lives of New Yorkers.

With this event, Circle Line and World Yacht Cruises — New York City’s premiere destinations on the Hudson River — are starting a new holiday tradition with the first ever Holidays on the Hudson: Lighting of the Ships & Boat Parade, consisting of a holiday-themed party and two specialty boat cruises. For one night only, the Hudson River was aglow with a festive parade of New York Cruise Line ships, lit with over 5,000 feet of holiday lights and led, of course, by a Rudolph the Reindeer-decorated tugboat.

Members of the public and invited guests enjoyed the inspirational, festive evening, sipped hot chocolate, took photographs with Santa Claus and enjoyed the view of the majestic, sparkling boats on the river.

Circle Line hosted a holiday party for the non-profit Room to Grow, a local organization dedicated to supporting families and enriching the lives of babies born into poverty throughout their critical first three years of development. On board, families  enjoyed food and drink donated by Circle Line’s concessions partner, Legends Hospitality, family-friendly entertainment and a visit with Santa Claus complete with gifts for all the kids. One lucky family, chosen by Room to Grow, won the opportunity to light the boat before it embarked on the fun-filled cruise.

Close by, World Yacht hosted an evening for Friends of Hudson River Park; a non-profit organization dedicated to the completion, care and enhancement of the Hudson River Park. On board World Yacht, guests enjoyed donated food and drink — including hot chocolate and festive holiday cookies — and snacks. The ship was filled with holiday cheer as live carolers accompanied the cruise. The special honors of lighting the World Yacht ship was granted to a board member of Friends of Hudson River Park and  took place simultaneously with Circle Line’s lighting – filling the entire pier area and river with a beautiful, holiday vision.

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