Danielle Hallock

When someone asks me to name the wildlife in New York City, I immediately think of pigeons and rats. Maybe the occasional brazen squirrel that steals my picnic food. So when I saw a winter wildlife cruise on offer from Classic Harbor Line for $124, I paused. What wildlife? Seduced by the promise of food and drinks onboard, I proceed from Chelsea Piers onto the Manhattan II for a 2.75-hour excursion. Already, I take comfort in the heated cabin made of wood. Having boarded many cruises around the city’s harbor, from plasticky ferries to tacky wanna-be nightclubs, I have to admit this 1920s-style yacht stands out from the flock. The glass ceiling, tastefully festive decor, and timber paneling exude cozy warmth. Even the cold exterior adds to the romantic seafaring vibe, making me wish I had a pipe to moodily stare at the horizon. RECOMMENDED: Staten Island Chuck makes his Groundhog Day prediction for early spring in NYC But a complimentary round of alcohol has me feeling like a salty sailor in no time. While taking in the rare winter perspective of the skyline lined by floating chunks of ice, I hear what’s in store for us. It turns out Classic Harbor Line is tapping into a growing trend that few often think of: Animals are coming back to New York’s waters. “A lot of people don't know there are seals in New York,” says Russell Jacobs, an urban naturalist who guides the tours. Though seals are just one of a few marine mammals returning to the harbor, the big-eyed creatures steal t