Hornblower Cruises & Events Launches New York Charter Services for 2012 Bookings

Online, January 11, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Hornblower Cruises & Events announces the launch of its charter services and packages for meetings, events and weddings onboard its fleet in the New York Harbor. Hornblower Cruises & Events New York specializes in creating customized events for groups of all sizes. Events are available on Hornblower's three vessels including the new Hornblower Hybrid, America's largest commercial hybrid vessel, and the cruise line's revamped yachts, Respect and John James Audubon.

With more than 30 years as a leader in the private yacht charter industry, Hornblower is versed in all aspects of meeting and event planning - from creative planning and budget adherence to menu specifications and wine selection. Guests can rent the deck of a yacht to the entire vessel, while Hornblower's friendly staff helps select menus, beverages, decor and entertainment.

Each vessel can accommodate a wide variety of corporate, social, school and wedding events. Beyond its fuel saving capabilities, the 600-person capacity Hybrid incorporates sustainable materials throughout the design including thousands of energy efficient LED lights that are adaptable to any event color scheme. Both recently renovated vessels have on-board galleys, and the Respect, which has a capacity of 500 guests, has its own bridal salon. The Audubon can welcome up to 600 guests, and offers spectacular New York Harbor views from its sundeck.

Hornblower's diverse menus range from traditional sit-down meals to international food stations and displayed hors d'ouevres and buffets, with locally sourced ingredients used in preparation, when possible. For entertainment, guests can choose from a set of live bands or local DJs.

A sample of customizable event packages for 2012 includes:

• Corporate Events:
o Employee Appreciation Cruise, cocktail hors d'ouevres and an international food station
• Weddings:
o Ultimate Wedding, a five-hour cruise with ceremony location, open bar, cocktail and hors d'oeuvres hour, three-course seated dinner, wedding cake, entertainment and linens
o Classic Brunch Wedding, a three-hour cruise with brunch buffet, open bar, entertainment and linens
o Classic Afternoon Wedding, a three-hour cruise with lunch buffet, open bar, entertainment and linens
o Classic Evening Wedding, a five-hour cruise with open bar, three-course seated dinner, entertainment and linens
• School Events:
o Student Lunch Cruise, a two-hour cruise with a buffet and entertainment
o Ultimate Prom, a three-hour cruise with buffet, entertainment, souvenirs and decorations
o City Beat and Buffet Cruise, a three-hour cruise with buffet and entertainment
• Private Parties and Events
o Create Your Own Event, Hornblower event specialists help create the perfect event, step by step

"The vessels in our Hornblower Cruises & Events New York fleet can accommodate events of all sizes and varieties - whether it's a large event or a more intimate celebration," said Terry MacRae, CEO of Hornblower Cruises & Events. "Our vessels provide exciting new venues for events in the New York / New Jersey area with flawless service and unforgettable harbor views.

For more information on Hornblower Cruises & Events New York and its charter and public cruise offerings, call (212) 337-0001 or email [email protected].

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About Hornblower Cruises & Events
Hornblower Cruises & Events is a subsidiary of Hornblower, Inc., one of the largest charter yacht, dining cruise and eco-tour companies in the country. The company will operate America's first hydrogen hybrid commercial vessel, the Hornblower Hybrid, and will launch a multi-yacht fleet in New York City in 2012. Designed as premier venues for dinner cruises and private events, the vessels offer a variety of configurations for capacities up to 1,200 guests. For more information visit: www.hornblower.com/pressroom