1. Celestial, New York City
The first time my stepdaughter saw the New York night skyline, she whispered in awe to her mother, “Mama, it doesn’t look real!” Brushed with gold by the setting sun or outlined in majestic silhouette against a fading pink sky, the skyscraper forest of Manhattan can overwhelm even seen-it-all adults. The glass walls and ceiling of the cruise ship Celestial ensure that all guests get a good look. A jazz trio provides the soundtrack; 866/399-8439 or bateauxnewyork.com.
2. Wind and Wine Sail, Key West, Florida
Among Key West’s tremendous variety of sunset sails—aboard tall ships, modern catamarans, powerboats, even glass-bottom boats—this one stands out for its selection of fine wines, beers, cheeses, crackers, fruit, vegetables, and chocolates. The intimate trips, limited to 23 passengers, take place on the 65-foot Danger’s Prize, a re-creation of a traditional working sailboat; 305/304-7999 or dangercharters.com.
3. Alcatraz Night Tour, San Francisco, California
As day fades, the ferry departs Pier 33 headed for Alcatraz, in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Sunset supplies a suitably dramatic flourish for a fascinating tour of the brooding prison island. Visitors explore stacked rows of primitive-looking cells, then choose from several special programs on such topics as Al Capone’s time here. The return leg aboard the ferry showcases stunning nighttime views of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge; 415/981-7625 or alcatrazcruises.com.
4. Star of Honolulu, Honolulu, Hawaii
Newspaper surveys perennially name this sleek, four-deck, 1,500-passenger ship “Hawaii’s best sunset dinner cruise.” It combines myriad experiences (at various prices) on a single vessel. The four dining options top out at a seven-course, French-style meal. Entertainment varies with the dinner selection and includes hula dancing, live jazz, and a Hawaiian-theme revue. The ship meets Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards; 800/334-6191 or paradisecruises.com.
5. Sunset Concert Cruises, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
On warm summer nights, the triple-deck Spirit of LaSalle heads out into the waters of Green Bay or, weather permitting, Lake Michigan, from the picturesque Door County Peninsula. As passengers eat their buffet dinners, they glide past lighthouses and islands. Then, on the second deck, a band begins to play—jazz, perhaps, or folk music—as the disappearing sun splashes brilliant oranges and reds across the sky; 920/854-2986 or concertcruises.com.
