The Best River Cruises in New Jersey for Seniors

New Jersey is known for its Atlantic shoreline, but it also boasts some of the most spectacular rivers in the country. In fact, there are more than 240 rivers, streams, and creeks crisscrossing the state’s diverse landscape. Exploring them is as easy as hopping aboard one of the many river cruises in New Jersey. 

The waterways are ideal for easy-going pontoon boat rides, sailing, and other water activities. But it’s the river cruises in New Jersey that let you ride in style, enjoying live music, good food, and festive drinks as you take in the history and natural beauty you see along the way. Of the hundreds of waterways around the state, these 11 are considered  “top” rivers:  Hudson, Delaware, Passaic, Ramapo, Raritan, Tuckahoe, Hackensack, Manasquan, Rancocas Creek, Mullica, and Navesink. In fact, The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, one of the country’s premier senior living communities, is located on the shores of this picturesque waterway.

The Benefits of Living by Water

Anyone lucky enough to live near the water already knows the benefits of “blue space” — as it’s called — and it’s not just a gut feeling. Research has proven that proximity to water is associated with many positive measures of physical and mental well-being, including less anxiety and depression. Just being near the water has been proven to be restorative.

Residents of The Atrium at Navesink Harbor in Red Bank, New Jersey, get to enjoy this feeling every day, whether they’re fishing, boating, or just sitting in a comfy chair overlooking the water while enjoying morning coffee or happy hour with friends. There’s no end to the many ways to get close to the water, but one of the most enjoyable is to schedule an outing on one of the many river cruises in New Jersey. You’ll find options for watching the sunset, dancing, listening to live music, and more. You can also charter a boat for private parties and celebrations. Milestone anniversary or birthday, anyone? If you’re ready to cruise, here are a half dozen of our favorite river cruises in New Jersey to check out. 

Six River Cruises for Seniors in NJ

1. 1. The River Lady

The River Lady is a 150-passenger, 85-foot authentic reproduction of a paddle wheel riverboat that cruises the Toms River and Barnegat Bay. As one of the most popular river cruises in New Jersey, it operates a full schedule during the summer months, with public cruises running each week. There are sightseeing, lunch, and dinner excursions available, and the boat can be rented for private parties.

1. 2. Classic Boat Rides

Classic Boat Rides offers cruises on two boats: the Navesink Queen, a historic paddle wheel with an open-air deck, and the Mariner, a Chesapeake Bay Dead Rise wooden boat. Like many river cruises in New Jersey, the embarkation port is the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina. Several types of day cruise options (sightseeing, sunset, live music, etc.) are available for trips along local waterways.

1. 3. The River Queen

Launched from Brielle, New Jersey, The River Queen will have you floating along the calm inland waters of the Manasquan River, Point Pleasant Canal, and Barnegat Bay. Lunch, brunch, and dinner cruises are available, with special holiday outings to celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and July Fourth. But the most popular option is the 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, which offers interesting narration while you tour the beautiful landscape and homes along the Manasquan River. 

1. 4. Teal Cruises

Teal Cruises tours the protected waters of Sandy Hook Bay via its flagship vessel, The Festiva. While it does offer open cruises for the public, this operation specializes in chartered cruises for just about any type of celebration, from weddings to anniversary parties, and more. The boat has a full kitchen to provide lunches, dinners, and cocktail hour fare. Embarkation port is the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina.

1. 5. Majestic Harbor Cruises

Majestic Harbor Cruises mainly operates out of New York, but does offer one exceptional cruise launching from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, New Jersey. The Fall Boat Cruise on the Hudson River takes passengers on a 3-hour journey up the river to take in the rolling hills and stunning fall foliage while enjoying a lunch featuring penne rigate, baked tilapia, and chicken francaise.

Riverfront Living in Red Bank, New Jersey

Waterfront living is a state of mind — and we fully embrace it at The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, which offers sweeping views of its namesake river. We even have our own pontoon boat that residents use to get on the river as often as possible, enjoying sunsets, socializing, and sips of champagne. Explore everything we have to offer — including one- and two-bedroom apartments and resort-style living — and then contact us. We’d love to show you what life on the water is all about.