July 4th Dinner and Fireworks Cruise
(Macy’s Fireworks Web Page)
A Celebratory Cruise around Manhattan
Aboard The Atlantis

New York Cruises
www.newyorkcruises.com
info@newyorkcruises.com
718.646.8083

At New York Skyports Marina
(New York Skyports Marina Website)

Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
July 4, 2009

(See Photos of the Macy’s Fireworks on the Hudson River)

(See Dusk and Moonlight Photos of the July 4th Cruise aboard The Atlantis)

The Atlantis is a custom-made cruise boat, unique in every way. Its owner and Captain, Fred Ardolino, designed The Atlantis with his architect, Mike Lemole. They created a sleek, streamlined hull and state of the art interior, with plasma screens, a spacious dining area, giant goldfish tanks, a private VIP Suite, a sound-light system and wooden dance floor for parties and events, three separate decks, with the lower two enclosed for all-weather cruising, and a third level deck that’s open, with a colorful fountain. Today’s almost six-hour cruise was open to the public, as a July 4th Special, with butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, DJ-dancing, and a front row view, in the middle of the Hudson River, for Macy’s 33rd Annual Fireworks display. These fireworks, usually in the East River, returned to the Hudson River for its 400th Anniversary and the 233rd Anniversary of America.

Captain Fred Ardolino and his son, Captain Richard Ardolino, hosted hundreds (this boat can accommodate up to 325 guests) of local and international celebrants, who immediately relaxed in The Atlantis’ sumptuous ambiance. After the guests had boarded at New York Skyports Marina, The Atlantis began cruising down the East River toward New York Harbor. I met several guests, while enjoying one of the first clear, sunny Saturdays of this summer. Among those guests were a couple from St. Petersburg, whose daughter lives and works in New York, a couple from Pennsylvania, who were on a “Father’s Day gift”, and a man from Upstate New York, who was in town just to enjoy this cruise. I was also fortunate to chat on deck with Sandra Ardolino and her cousin, Danielle. As we made our way past Brooklyn, we cruised under the Williamsburg Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, and finally the Brooklyn Bridge. Soon we arrived in New York Harbor, and the Statue of Liberty.

At this point it was becoming an energetic Harbor scene, with NYC Police boats, US Coast Guard boats, decorated tugs, Staten Island Ferries, New York cruise ships, out-of-town ferry and paddle steamers, small pleasure boats, yachts, clipper ships, speed boats, and much more. Everyone was heading up the Hudson, toward Macy’s Annual Fireworks. Meanwhile, The Atlantis served an elegant buffet, with sautéed chicken cutlets, filet of sole, beef and pasta dishes, salads, and desserts. The Premium Open Bar was popular all night long. As we headed up the Hudson to about 30th Street, we had a clear view of the Empire State Building, proudly lit in red, white, and blue. I even caught a good glimpse of the New Yorker Hotel and its new red sign. Captains Fred and Richard Ardolino found the perfect spot to steady The Atlantis, to catch a direct view of the fireworks, which would be set from three huge Macy’s barges. We faced northwest, and I thought of the happy people in New Jersey who could finally enjoy their view of this annual Holiday event.

The fireworks began about 9:30 PM, and they were splendid in white, green, red, blue, gold - multi-color, multi-shape, and multi-rhythm. They exploded fast, slow, in groups, solo, and in dance motif. In fact, they were choreographed like an abstract, contemporary ballet. As The Atlantis swayed a bit and re-positioned for best views, my photos of the fireworks were not what I had hoped for. I did not use a tripod, and I was experimenting with my Fuji “fireworks setting” for the first time. Also, I was sitting in the middle of a group of guests, and next time will plan to set the camera in a steady position in a less crowded spot on the boat. Photographing fireworks, for the amateur, is a learning process and not for the perfectionists among us. During this colorful extravaganza, the Atlantis DJ’s played American marches, “New York, New York” (sung by Sinatra), and other pop patriotic songs. (During the rest of the cruise, they played a variety of dance and melodic genres, including merengue).

The cruise back down the Hudson, through the New York Harbor, and up the East River to 23rd Street and New York Skyports Marina was exquisite, as the twinkling bridge lights glowed in colorful array in the rushing river waves. Music for dancing streamed throughout the decks, beckoning to the dance floor, but the weather was so clear that most guests chose the open decks and the spectacular views. I recommend The Atlantis for your Wedding, Birthday, Anniversary, Sweet Sixteen, or Corporate Event. Captains Fred Ardolino and Richard Ardolino, plus their crew, will attend to every detail, in order that you have tremendous memories and very happy guests. Call 718.646.8083, and ask for Captain Fred Ardolino. Tell him you saw them on RobertaOnTheArts.com.


Event Description and Photos of the July 4th Atlantis Daylight Cruise

The Atlantis Welcomes Guests
at New York Skyports Marina
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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July 4 Cruise DJ's
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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View of the East River
from The Atlantis
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Captain Fred Ardolino
and His Grandson
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Guests Arrive and Relax aboard
The Atlantis for Their Cruise
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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New York Skyports Busy Marina
for July 4th Cruises
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Shrimp and Hors d'Oeuvres Are Served
by Atlantis Butlers
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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The Cruise Begins
View of the Williamsburg Bridge
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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A Happy Couple from Pennsylvania
aboard The Atlantis
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Cruising the East River
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Atlantis Guests Enjoy
the River Views
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Cruising under
the Williamsburg Bridge
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Guests Enjoy the Sunny Day
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Cruising Past Brooklyn
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Guests on the Lower Deck
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Cruising under the Brooklyn Bridge
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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A Family from St. Petersburg, Russia
aboard The Atlantis
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Passing The Statue of Liberty
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Cruising New York Harbor
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Cruising New York Harbor
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Passing the World Financial Center
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Captain Richard Ardolino
Guides The Atlantis toward the Hudson
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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NYC Police Boats Cruise the River
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Pleasure Boats Head toward the Fireworks
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Danielle and Sandra at Leisure
aboard The Atlantis
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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Captain Richard and Sandra Ardolino
Courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

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For more information, contact Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower at zlokower@bestweb.net